Sorting out a cupboard or your CV? The same principles apply.
When did you last think about what your CV needs to say about you, rather than what you want to say about yourself? I get that you want to tell your story, your way and I support that always, although you need to engage or WOW your audience like my Christian Louboutin mascara!
August is a month for reflection – so much better to review what’s going on in my life while the sun is shining, the pheasants are squawking, and the garden is in full (yet crispy) bloom. It’s more romantic to write about the birds singing but there’s no sign of that today above the pheasants who are out in full force in sympathy with any Sussex grouse. Yes, it’s the Glorious Twelfth although not so glorious for the local grouse.
Today I’m sad that the scorching rays of the sun have toasted the hydrangea flowers. Like me they’re consuming huge quantities of water, yet the beautiful blue blooms look quite forlorn as they try to gather some kind of summer composure.
A sobering thought for Tuesday, I’ve been reflecting on what I need in my life, rather than what I want. In the room that’s earned the name playroom, there’s a huge painted cupboard (one of Neptune’s best) full to brimming with all kinds of goodies. Cosmetics and make-up, freshly laundered bed linen, and my little life archive all rub shoulders with my Indian Block Printing sundries and some treasured stationery items.
My life archive is a stash of delicious recycled boxes (you know the ones, Jo Malone, Selfridges and more) housing relics from my childhood. Then there are the sentimental stories that accompany the nail varnish I wore on our wedding day, the miniature Teletubby Mum queued for outside Hamleys in the rain more than twenty-five years ago and lots more.
I’ve always loved good quality make-up. I know not to wear out-of-date items, although I really don’t like throwing them away either. It’s often the packaging or thinking about the generous person who gifted something to me that means it always goes back in the cupboard. Something came over me this past weekend that saw me jettison all but a few brand-new essentials. And then came the online make-up order on Sunday - ouch!
I’m unlikely to part with the limited-edition Chanel Red Lipstick and the gold eye shadow compact in a red suede case – a gorgeous gift from my husband early in our relationship. Let’s be honest how many men do you know who buy such elegant gifts? A friend bought me a showstopping Christian Louboutin mascara for my seventieth birthday last year and since the weekend it’s become my everyday ‘go to’ product. Yes, I’ve finally concluded that nothing lasts for ever and we shouldn’t keep things ‘for best.’
If you know me well, it’s likely that you’re waiting for the ‘twist’ to this tale or at least a few words of wisdom and here they are:
· Jettison unnecessary clutter from your life, your cupboards, and your CV
· Remember that some things like make-up and key words from your CV have a shelf life
· If a product or an achievement doesn’t bring you joy throw it out or delete it and try again
· In the same way that product packaging lures you in try some new words or phrases on your CV
· Try out a few new ideas, after all when it comes to CVs you write the rules!
