This post could almost be called a rant. I am observing some things and I don’t like what I see. So, I’ve decided to talk about 9 things that if you haven’t been doing them you should start doing now!
1.) Dress Nicely and Groom Yourself-I do not understand why people are in the habit of wearing pajamas outside the home, not bathing, not combing their hair, washing their clothes, or ironing. How can you feel good about yourself when you don’t take time to groom yourself? I realize that I live in Colorado and that it’s a fairly casual state, but I’ve observed this lack of grooming every where that I go. Honestly, it’s a lack of self-love, pride, and eventually will affect the way you think about yourself. Once you stop paying attention to how you present yourself you will begin to feel badly about yourself. It’s not a big leap. Here are some rhymes that I’ve worked on to get you in the right frame of mind.
- If you’re dirty, there’s no flirty
- If you’re smelly, scrub your belly
- If you don’t smell sweet, then it’s your feet
- Washing is so much fun, washing is done after you run!
- The tub is your friend. Being clean will make you grin 🙂
- Brush your teeth, scrub your neck, if you don’t clean yourself-what that HECK??!!
If you’re still feel unsure about this. Please watch this video from my future friend Reza from the Shahs of Sunset. He says it best.
2.) Cook-Sorry but, everyone needs to know how to cook. I’m not talking putting a meal in the microwave. I’m talking taking the time to learn how to cook 3 good breakfasts, 3-5 good lunches, and 4-6 dinners. Also, I want you to learn how to make some snacks. Like no cook power bars. Why do I think you should learn how to cook? Because people are way too detached from where food comes from and haven’t developed their palates.
Cooking for me  is a way to show love through the chemistry of combining ingredients that compliment each other. Cooking if done right, is a voyage of discovery. Push yourself to taste new flavors, textures, and food traditions. I am an eater of: kimchi, tripe, vegan meals, good cheese, mole, preserved lemon, and more. Each meal however simple, is how I show myself and others love. I love food. No bland colors on my plate.
Go and learn to cook. Get rid of your microwave, go to the farmer’s market. Understand where your food is sourced. Grow some vegetables or herbs in a pot. Don’t let our industrial food complex take away your love of well prepared, simple food. You may even save some money in the process, or lose some weight.
3.) Write Well Crafted (Business/Personal) Emails!!!-Use salutations, punctuation, spelling. I am continuously amazed at how people email me at work and via my blog. I get emails that look like this:
Hi,
I have a question. I am working on a project you might be interested in.
Thanks,
J.
Ok, Â this isn’t as bad as I have gotten. But, in this example I don’t know who is writing me, it’s a little too familiar for a person who hasn’t met me. I also don’t like it when people aren’t clear about the organization that they are connected to.
At work I’ve received numerous emails from job applicants who write the following:
Michelle,
I am so excited about the job that was posted. could you tell me more about it? my friend jen who used to work with you told me about it!
Thanks,
Suzie Johansson
First, you don’t know me. It’s Ms. Jackson-like from that song by Outkast. Why isn’t anything capitalized? Why would you throw Jen under the bus with the sh$tty email? Especially when Jen was a Rock Star?
People, learn how to communicate with people via the internet. There is a written business language even via email. If you are having difficulties getting interviews, or people aren’t getting back to you look at how you’re communicating with people via the internet. Get a book, look at an E-how video.
It matters.
4.) Win with grace-I have been lucky enough to win sometimes during my life. In moments like those don’t gloat. It’s tacky. Be dignified in your wins because someone around you may be dealing with some loses.
5.) Lose with dignity-I’ve lost a lot. I try to lose in a way that is dignified. Don’t whine. No one wants to listen to whining (says a person who has whined before). Life is a series of ups and downs. You learn just as much during a loss as you do when you win. Figure out what you were supposed to learn and go with it.
6.) Network-It’s important to constantly meet new people. Your relationships with your friends will change, grow, expand, or fade. Your business relationships will also change, grow, expand, or fade. You want to make sure that you keep pushing yourself to go out and meet people. Sometimes it’s hard. Keep trying. Go to Meetups, join a league, ask how your barista is doing. Engage with people.
The world is a small place. Go out and meet people. By the way, if you think they’re a creeper-they are. Shut that down quickly.
7.) Budget-A budget is how you develop a personal relationship with your money. Take the time to think about your money. You spend a lot of time working to earn money. Why aren’t you spending time working on your money? Â Learn the ins and outs of what you are doing. Challenge yourself. If you’re in a family situation have everyone work together.
Since I’ve started budgeting actively, I find this tool to be a fascinating insight into…me! I’ve discovered an insatiable love of romance novels, travel, and good food. I love fitness, and buying Papryus cards. My budget showed me facts about what I did when I was feeling: sad, happy, joyous, pensive, or bored. A budget is a window, don’t be afraid to look through it.
8.) Side Hustle-One of the most important things that I’ve learned how to do is to side hustle. What is side hustling? Basically, learning how to put yourself out there and discover money making opportunities. Then, you would use that money to pay off debt, save, or have some fun. Â By learning how to side hustle I’ve empowered myself. I trust that I will be able to make money if I put my mind to it. I am an opportunity seeking machine.
9.) Learn how to let things go-I admit that this is the skill I work on the most. Sometimes it’s just best to let go of: disappointment, frustration, and all of the other emotions that prematurely age a person. Letting go can be a very freeing process. Do you have something that you’re upset about? Write it down, tear up the paper and let it go. Be forward thinking.
What is on your list of skills that you believe will change someone’s life?
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Love it. Such basic skills yet many seem to be lost now. I’m scared to think what life will be like when my kids are adults.
You know every time I see you on social media or anywhere now I am going to think of the Outkast song!
Hehe! I love that song. Honestly Kylie I think that things like social norms function on a pendulum. We are at the far end of the wrong side and I think it will begin to swing back because people are getting sick of some of these behaviors (or lack thereof). Our kids will be ok! If people can self-correct after the 60s we can do that now.
agree! although now that I’m working from home, my new rule is “SHOWER BEFORE NOON” … I’m successful… so far!
Love it! I will probably stick to a schedule or else I’ll lose focus 🙂
Awesome stuff. Now that I’m firmly mid 20s I’m realising that I need to get out of the mindset that I’m always the junior one, I do have value to add and I need to think about how to grow myself, and to have confidence in myself.
I have the pleasure of working with people of varying ages. I would not be able to do my job without the wisdom of some, the fearlessness of others, and the dedication of a few. I’ve learned that all people in the office I have something to contribute and to be open to those contributions.
BAHAHAHA, I LOVE THIS!!!!
I once had a roommate from Italy. Within the first month of her being here, I took her to Wal-Mart at 11pm one night to pick up some random last minute things and while we were waiting in line, she said “So do people actually sleep in the pajamas they are wearing here? Isn’t that unsanitary??”
And the business emails.. I couldn’t agree more. You sound SO ignorant when you send emails wit bad grammur n stupeed questionz,
I’ve lived in Europe and the only place where I’ve seen people wear clothes that even vaguely resemble p.j.s outside of the home is England. I actually worry about people’s mental health when they do that. How good can you feel when you walk around in your pajamas, unbathed, and with your hair uncombed? Then, you wear the pajamas you wore outside of your house-in your bed. That’s gross. Also, I’m sick of the stupid emails. You’re emailing me for something address me with some respect and courtesy. Anyone who doesn’t I don’t deal with professionally. I admit that I judge them and think they aren’t professional.
Great list – I agree with them all. I’m currently working on my networking skills. They aren’t 100% yet, because I always get nervous.
I get nervous sometimes too. I didn’t used to! I’m working on it. Once I’m in the “flow” then I’m pretty good at connecting with new people.