By Joan Endicott
What does “success” look like to you? If you see someone and think, “They look successful!” What does that mean and how do you define that? Some people have the mistaken notion that fame and fortune are the keys to feeling successful. These same people consider certain pop stars successful. Yet, the public watches as these “stars” struggle to find real meaning and value in life. They make millions of dollars (e.g. Justin Bieber – $130 million) and still try to meet legitimate needs in illegitimate ways; proving once again that our net-worth has zero to do with our self-worth.

So let’s dial it back a bit. What do employers want when looking for a successful employee? How do they define it? In talking with business associates at the Department of Labor and job placement agencies, I’m amazed (as they are) to hear how some show up for job interviews or to go out to a temp job. For some, “Casual Friday” would be a huge improvement on their professional dress.

For this reason, it’s no surprise when these same people complain about their lack of business or life opportunities; it appears to others that they put little, if any, thought into how they choose to represent themselves in business or life. They show up to interviews, meetings, networking events and business opportunities looking like an unmade bed — as if they could care less. When in reality, these individuals may care a great deal, but have lacked quality, caring, and constructive feedback for them to know what and how to put their best foot forward.

The purpose and intention of my “Show Up Successful!” series is not to debate the good, bad and the ugly of how wrong it is to judge people based on appearance — which I believe. Instead, its purpose is to simply offer practical tips and tools to help you be your best, most authentic self, allowing you to take full advantage of opportunities just waiting for you if you simply knew the value of something as simple as showing up wearing polished shoes rather than tennis shoes! A wise person once said “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

I appreciate the definition legendary Coach John Wooden offered: “Success to me is peace of mind, attained only through self-satisfaction and knowing you made the effort to do the best that you are capable.”

Award-winning speaker, author and “giant-slayer” coach Joan Endicott works with individuals and organizations to improve performance, productivity and profit in business and life. Visit her business Facebook:facebook.com/pages/Joan-Endicott, website: JoanEndicott.com or call 453-8056.

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