Laughter, lights and learning
What have you learned about yourself this year? I’ve learned that writing is extremely relaxing, as well as enjoyable. Thanks to everyone who’s liked, commented or messaged me about my articles and stories this year. My writing style has always been reasonably upbeat, although when writing for corporate clients, I’ve needed to adapt my style to fit with different corporate cultures. Writing stories for my blog and articles for other sites has given me more of a free reign to express myself with a sense of fun and positivity. It’s good to smile and it’s good to giggle. Laughter even improves our immune systems – what’s not to like about that?
Then I had the bright idea to write, How to be the Best Candidate You Know How to be, Every Single Time. Like all budding writers, I’ve had good and bad days, although the bones of my idea are in place. Usefulness and readability (at least until it’s a podcast) are my watchwords. To counteract the less good days, I’ve managed a couple of children’s stories for my granddaughters. I’m no Roald Dahl or Beatrix Potter although the stories have kept me out of trouble and make me laugh. I’ll let you know about the granddaughters’ feedback after Christmas. That’ll be an eye opener!
I’ve also learned that I’m happy enough in my own skin and with my own thoughts, just so long as there’s something else to challenge me. It’s taken me most of this year to arrive at this conclusion. And maybe that’s because I’ve had the time (most of this year) to think about it. I’m the first person to admit that I’d rather help someone else, than spend time on myself. I’d prefer to help a friend with their business challenges than my own, because for them, I’m completely objective.
But for 2021 I’m taking myself on as the challenge. Instead of the usual (silent) list of new year’s resolutions, which usually includes something about not eating or drinking alcohol to excess, being more active and less wasteful of food and possessions, I’m going public with just one that I intend to see through to the end. Put simply, I’m going to be me and live my best life. I’m planning to take as many people on the same journey as want to join me. But be warned you’ll need some fairy lights!
This has been a tough year and it hasn’t turned out well for so many, although I’m hoping that we can all continue to support each other in our careers and through friendship. Key to this is positivity and being kind to each other. Yet many of my individual clients are still waiting far too long to hear about interview outcomes. So, “me being me”, means I’ll still be flying the recruitment revolution flag and working at getting as many employers as I can to treat their candidates with respect. “Me being me” also means that I’ll still be working with job seekers to rebuild their confidence and help them to stay positive. That’s where the fairy lights can help – they add a magical dimension. And it’s that time of year, right?
It’s time to grab that mug of hot chocolate and pile on the marshmallows, and it’s time to find a comfy chair then switch on the TV to watch your favourite festive movie. And just before you nod off, consider the following questions:
What have you learned about yourself this year?
What one new year’s resolution will you put on your list?
If you had a magic wand, what one thing would you change about your job search?
How can you make that happen?
What help do you need?
And then, remember to dance around the kitchen, like there’s nobody watching and then let’s chat about how I can help you.
