I was 19 when I got my first ‘real’, professional, job. I was waitressing tables up until that point but really desired to be in an office environment, be super organised and run the front desk of a company.
I was jobless for about 3 months until a lady took a chance on me.
She was a friend of a friend who I heard was hiring a receptionist and I contacted her, just about begging for an interview.
I had zero experience as a receptionist but what I did have was the desire to be there, to show up, to give it my all and learn quickly. I held my breath as I walked out of the interview office, wondering how I went. I started driving home when I had to pull over for a call - it was the manager - she said “you’ve got the job”!
I was sooo excited but then as soon as I got home, panic set in.
“What do I wear? How do I do my hair? Oh no, I need to update my makeup!!”
All I wanted was to walk in like Donna. You know the TV series Suits?
When Donna steps into the building she has this confident strut, her head held high, a gorgeous dress, blow-dried hair and beautiful makeup that suits her features - she knows she looks good and is ready to get *beep* done.
My first day was not like that.
It was more like hitting snooze to get heaps of sleep after staying up watching...well, Suits….
Then, groaning at the chore of doing my makeup and stuffing some bread in the toaster before running out the door. I didn’t strut, I was borderline running into the entrance of the building to make sure I got there on time and patting out the crinkles in my blouse as I approached the front desk.
I soooo did not live up to my expectations of strutting in with confidence and showing them what I am capable of, letting them know that they made the right decision to hire me.
Did I mention this was a Health Club? Yeah, so the managers and sales assistants etc. had offices in the big gym and I was at the fancy front desk. Literally, the first face everyone saw as they walked in.
I would also watch everyone come and go and there was the final turning point one afternoon after I noticed the change in women’s body language, smile and confidence depending on how they were presented. Some looked put-together and left with confidence. Some (like me) running out the door with a skirt and their runners still on, hair in a bun, left with scatteredness. She so did not look ready to get *beep* done, but, ready for bed haha I could relate so hard but really didn't want that to be my reality.
I knew I had a choice. This isn't luck. This is a choice in how we show up, how we present and look after ourselves.
I decided who I wanted to be. I was ambitious with a lot of personal goals and I knew to even scratch the surface, I had to show up ready to tackle the day and have fun doing it.
I wanted to show up as my best, most confident self and step into my true potential.
Below I will share what I did to make a change and ever since 2015, I can say with certainty, that how I get ready in the morning does matter.
How I show up, matters.
It impacts my day, my goal, my joy and my confidence. Which is what matters.