Who's home do you live in?

It doesn't matter if you own your home or if your renting, but who's home is it? If you look around, what do you see? We get used to seeing our home every day and we don't see it the same way a stranger would, so here's something to try. Get a mirror, preferably larger than a pocket mirror but small enough for you to carry with you. Now take a look at your place through the mirror. What do you see?
Does your home reflect who you are? Does it reflect who you used to be or who you want to be?
If you see things that you never use, get rid of them. If you see things that are broken, get rid of them. If you see things that are ugly and cheap, hide them (or get rid of them).
I am not selling you feng shui, but make sure you home is making you feel not only safe and relaxed but also confident about yourself and your goals, what ever your goals are.
Now, don't go spending money on latest trends or new appliances, but instead make the most of what you already have. Get rid of stuff that is holding you back or reminding you from the times when you had even less money that now. Sell the stuff for some cash or if you still need them, keep them hidden. Don't forget to dust, wash and polish. Anything looks better sparkling, shiny and clean.
Isn't it easier to believe to be succesfull when you're reminded of your achievements instead of been stuck with memories of your hard times?
If you need to buy something for your home, go for the quality if you can afford it. If you can't without been set back with your goals, then don't. And never ever take your credit card to IKEA with you..

Dress for success

I was just recently watching one of these very popular reality shows. The season was just starting and each team was asked to vote for a leader based barely on their appearance. They didn't even know each others names yet. No suprise that both teams voted for the strongest and smartest looking man to be their leader.
Think about it. If someone who doesn't know you would be describing you, what would they say? How would they evaluate you? How would you want them to perceive you? If you want to you can ask your family and friends, but remember that they already know you pretty well, so they look at you differently than someone who meets you for the first time.
So think about what you are saying by your appearance, clothing and manners.
I definately think that you should spend a good deal of money to buy quality shoes and quality clothing. Not only to look smart but to feel confident! Buy a pair of good quality timeless shoes that go with almost anything and you never have to be aware of you achy feet or shabby shoes in an important meeting and you can focus on what is really important. The same goes for a couple of smart suits (or other clothing, if you're working on another industry), socks, jewellery, watch and most importantly underwear!
Also get a low haircut that is easy to maintain, short or long, it's up to you, but keep it so that it doesn't steal the attention even if grows out a little and if there's a rainy day and no umbrella..
Ask yourself do you feel like the person you want to be? Do others see you as you would want them to see you? A good quality basic wardrope can make a world of difference to your confidence and your appearance, but go with it as you can afford it. The first suit and a pair of shoes you should buy no matter what. Buy them with your first salary or even use your credit card if you must, but the rest you should save for first! Buying good quality clothing is definately an investment on your self and your career, but you never ever invest on high interest credit such as credit cards or other loans as such!