You are more than just a brand

It’s a new year and everyone is slowly getting back into the rhythm of working life. Especially where I live in Spain as yesterday was Three Kings Day, a much bigger deal here than Christmas. And today is the first day back at school.

And with every new year come all the things that you ‘should’ do. Join a gym to lose weight, run a marathon or even update your CV to get that new job.

But as a former life and confidence coach, I highly recommend that you don’t get lost in the things that you ‘should’ do. And of course, always question anything that anyone says that you ‘should’ do. Including this post.

Why though?

The Problem With Should-ing

‘Should’ is not a bad word. It just often comes with other people’s baggage that may not have anything to do with you.

Who told you that you should lose weight? Or join a gym? Society? Magazines? A family member? A friend? If you want to, make that your goal. Make it your choice.

The problem with should-ing is that if you are not clear on why you want to achieve something, it’s likely that you won’t achieve it.

Do something that you want to do. Not because someone else says that you ‘should’. Do it for you.

And as for writing or updating your CV – you knew that was coming – there is all kinds of advice online recommending things that you should do to build your personal and professional brand and some of it is helpful, if not essential.

However, try not to get lost in all this advice.

Remember that a CV is ‘your’ document. It has to reflect you and your professional personality as well as practical things such as achievement-focused content and keywords.

You are more than just a brand. Let your CV reflect the you that you are and want to communicate to others.

That’s it for today. I’m not going to the gym now because I don’t want to. I’m off to have a coffee at my favourite coffee shop because I do want to. And strangely, knowing that already makes me feel like it’s going to be a good day!

Get in touch if you want to update your CV or your LinkedIn profile. And remember, because you want to and not because you feel that you should.

Email jncvuk@gmail.com
LinkedIn Jason Newton
Photo RAPHAEL MAKSIAN on Unsplash