I’m dressed! Are you?
To be real honest, I’m just dressed for my morning walk right now, but as soon as I get home from that I will get dressed for the day. Most days I work in my home office and don’t go anywhere at all. So why get dressed, you might ask. Isn’t one of the benefits of working from home that you can type in your pjs just as well as you can your khakis? Well, maybe…
But for me I’ve found that if I really want to get anything done, and if I want to do it with any degree of excellence, I need to get dressed. I’m all for the occasional pj day, but for the most part I shower, put on a pair of nice jeans, shorts or cropped pants and a nice shirt, squirt on some perfume (so my dogs think I smell sweet!), apply my make-up, and put on my jewelry. That way when I sit down to my computer to write I feel all professional and such! You think I’m crazy, but it makes a difference.
Before I started doing so much “work” during the day – writing, mentoring, and such – and was just taking care of preschoolers and cleaning toilets (I still clean the toilets, by the way), I still got dressed. I found it just made a difference in the way I related to my kids, how I scheduled my day, what I accomplished in my home, and how I viewed myself. I may not have gone as far as to put on make-up before noon, but I tried to make sure I had the cheerios out of my hair and my shirt on right side out. It just made me feel better about myself and the work I had to do that day (more on that later).
I’m writing this post today for a couple of reasons. First of all, I found this nifty little challenge at Like a Warm Cup of Coffee. Sarah Mae is challenging all of us stay-at-home mom types to get dressed, for pete’s sake…and for our husband’s sake, our kids’ sake, and our sake. I’m all with her on that.
But I’m also writing this post because I just really believe in the benefits of being intentional about your day. If I’m not careful I can just drift through my day with no aim or purpose and end up on the back side of no where with absolutely nothing to show for it. I don’t have the kind of job with a lot of built in structure, but I need to impose a little structure on myself if I want my day to amount to anything.
I know a lot of my readers are either stay-at-home moms with preschoolers, moms whose kids have gone on to school but they still work in the home, work-from-home women with home-based businesses, homeschooling moms, retired folks, or full-time students. We’re all home alone a lot and the temptation is to just let things go, things like our hair, our clothes, our time, that last load of laundry in the dryer. But when I do that I end up with a “let go” kind of attitude instead of a “get up and go” one. And before I know it the day has gotten up and gone and I’ve been left behind.
Sometimes, as a woman who doesn’t get up and go to a full-time job each morning where I punch a clock, report to a supervisor, complete a set agenda, and receive a paycheck, I struggle with feeling like what I do is even worthy of calling “work.” I have no one to validate that I’ve put in my time, no one to evaluate my work, no one to sing my praises when I’ve turned a profit, and no one to glare at me when I try to leave work early. It’s easy for me to drift into thinking that what I do doesn’t really matter, so I how look (and smell) doesn’t either. But when I take the time to get dressed for my day, I send my silly brain the message that what I do does indeed matter, that Someone is indeed watching me and evaluating my work, and that I’d better get busy and turn a profit – whether that profit is laundered clothes, cooked meals, well-loved and cared for children, a speaking gig, or a check for a published article.
Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.” And Romans 12:11 reminds us not to lag behind in diligence, but to be fervent in spirit, using our time to serve the Lord. I don’t mean to sound legalistic or works-oriented, but God puts a premium on hard work, an industrious spirit, steady labor, and diligence. He gives us each day as a gift and we are to use that day to accomplish the work He has given us. And even if my work is in or through or from my home, that work is valuable and worthy of my best efforts. In fact, many would say work done in the home is the most valuable of all, but that’s a topic for another day.
So hey, if you had already mapped out this day as a stay-in-my-pjs-and-take-a-break day, go for it. We all need one of those occasionally. But if you have work to do and you’re wanting to accomplish something today, then get dressed for pete’s sake … or your sake. Act like someone who has a job to do, even if that job is folding clothes and vacuuming or running after toddlers. And at the end of the day you’ll be able to look back on your day and know that you accomplished the work God had planned for you. And I’ll bet you did the job just a little bit better because you had some pants on… heels and pearls are optional.
Blessings to you, my friends. Don’t forget today’s comments still count toward the prizes I’m offering for my 100th blog party! And by the way, that is exactly what this has felt like to me – a big party where we’ve all mingling and getting to know one another. It’s been a treat and you’ve delighted me with your presence. Thank you for coming!
I totally agree with you…and also disagree. For me…the attention-challenged housekeeper… I purposefully do *not* get dressed for the first part of my day because…it keeps me from drifting into thoughts like,"I think I'll check-out the nearby flea market or that really cute garden shop in my neighborhood." I make myself finish my daily chores (laundry, clutter, beds, blogs, emails, bible study, planning my to-do list, and any housecleaning chores). The reward for me when I work hard is getting dressed,etc. Dividing my day into sections with rewards for completion helps me to move through my day with purpose.And I cross off my list with a *bold* black Sharpie…love it when the list has lots of black lines at the end!
P.S. I still hope I win…but I am enjoying your blog…so I'll stick around after the giveaway is over. 🙂
Still posting as anonymous *sigh*; I'll figure it out later!
I was so encouraged by your post today and could not agree with you more!!! I am a follower of Fly Lady (google her if you don't know here) and she always recommends #1 – get dressed! As a homeschooling mother of four it is so tempting to let my appearance slide. But the thougth occurred to me one day that the kids probably like to look at me more if I look better. Plus I love my husband to pieces and want to look nice for him. Oh yeah – for me, too! I absolutely get way more done if I am dressed. This has held true for the "baby", too! (well, she's almost two now, so not a baby, but always THE baby). It's so nice when a friend calls to say "let's meet at the park" and I can say, "be there in 15 minutes!", rather than an hour!
Love your blog – am on day #2 of following it!
Amanda Garner, in NC!
Kay, you have hit the nail on the head!!! I could not agree with you any more strongly. When I first started working from home, I stayed in my workout clothes or my PJs (on the days I was lazy) and my productivity went down to about 20%. And that starts a snowball effect – low productivity, no sense of accomplishment, look haggard – pretty soon it is taking a toll on your self-esteem.
My friends in California made fun of me for my 2 shower days, but it makes me feel good to take care of myself. When you look good, you feel good and vice-versa! Having been in the fitness industry for over 20 years, I saw that the individuals that did it to feel their best usually ended up looking their best, as well. However, the reverse was rarely true. individuals that came in to obtain a certain look or look a certain way for somebody else rarely achieved their goals.
Taking care of yourself and loving yourself – filling your own cup – allows you the physical, mental and spiritual strength to be there for your family, friends and others. And it may seem small, but getting dressed is a big part of that :-o)
Thanks for the reminder! xo
I really needed to hear this today! I just began working from home when we moved to AZ in January and am trying to balance being at home while working and actually feeling like I'm putting as much work at home as I would in the office. I have noticed that when I get up in the morning, put makeup on, fix my hair and get "dressed" I really do feel so much better about myself and probably actually get more accomplished during the day. I'm sure my husband and kids appreciate me getting "dressed" also! I'm not in PJs right now, but am in "comfy" clothes. I'll definitely be "getting dressed" after my morning walk! As always, thanks so much!
Christa 🙂
Even if I am sick, I feel the need to get dressed for the day. Not only do I look better, it makes me feel better…even if I only go as far as the couch! Thanks for the inspiration. I for one need it.
In the past I have struggle with this…I really like my PJ day and sometimes feel "what a waste of money to put on makeup only for my family"….but what kind of attitude is that?! My family is WORTH it!!
I too am a FlyLady fan…and she is a stickler about getting dressed down to your shoes for the day first thing! You never know when someone's going to knock on your door….SURPRISE!! 🙂
So, I am pleased to say that as I read this morning's blog, I AM dressed…no shoes yet, but I'll get there! LOL
Thanks Kay! I so needed to hear this. I've heard it before, but we all tend to slack off if we don't get some needed reminders. I've got a busy 7 weeks ahead of me preparing our things for either storage or shipment to Korea in addition to doing all of my other motherly, nurse, and homemaker duties. And I'm having to do this alone since my darling hubby has already had to depart. Sigh… But remembering to get dressed (to the shoes) everyday and get my nose to the grindstone I will get it all done!
5 things about me… hmmm.
1. I'm moving to Korea after school is out.
2. I never, ever, thought I'd give up my career as a nurse to be a stay at home mom, but now I wouldn't trade it for the world and wonder what excuse I'm going to come up with to stay home even after both kids are in school…
3. I love moving and exploring new places.
4. I hate moving because I've met so many fabulous people here (but I know I will meet new fabulous people)
5. I swam competitively for 10+ years and miss it dearly, hope to have time to get back to it in Korea.
Love your blog, and no matter the distance will continue to follow. You are and inspiration and seeing how your kids turned out encourages me because I know it IS possible to raise Godly children in this world.
School goes so much better when we're in clothes. We are all more awake and ready to go, plus if I get called to do something, I'm ready to go. I think I've only let us be in PJ's one days in all of our 15 years of homeschool.
Thanks for a great blog Kay!
Deb
Hi Kay,
Your post today rang very true for me today, too. I'm currently not working outside the home, except for the occasional Army Reserve duty. Most days, I am at home reading and writing papers for graduate school, working out, and taking care of my husband and our home. The days that I do not shower and get dressed have definitely been the least productive for me. The days that I work out, shower and get dressed, I seem to have more energy and enthusiasm for the day. Thanks for reminding me of how important "self-care" is! 🙂
Oh Kay…your timing is perfect. Since Keric left, I have been squandering my morning routine for extra minutes of sleep. But, I'm tired all day and not accomplishing anything. Your post was just the motivation I need to get back on track and do what needs to get done.
Okay, girlie…did you write this post after seeing the cartoon on my blog?! lol
I work part-time. So, I do get dressed for the day during the week. Actually, I get dressed for the day on the weekends, too. I don't feel completely dressed until I have my sneakers on, either. I lace them up tightly. It seems to wake me up, and also helps me to think more clearly. Perhaps it's forcing more blood into my brain??? 😉
Great post!
I thought this post was so fun and totally spot on! I am a different woman/mom/wife when I get dressed in the morning. My Mother always combed her hair and put on fresh lipstick before my Dad would get home from work. She is a great example for me to follow…and it works my hubby usually notices. 🙂 Thanks for the reminder!
I am totally with you on the getting dressed thing. Make-up is a different story. I just don't wear makeup that often nowadays. But I always "feel" better when I am at least wearing decent clothes (nothing dry-clean only of course with three little ones). Great thoughts 🙂
It is amazing how much more energy I have and how many more things I accomplish if I trade my slippers for tennis shoes…
wow. Thank you so much for posting this. It hit me in a very real way.
Hey you look great in your work clothes at your job! Thanks for the encouragement to "get up and get at it."
I think it does make a diffence…after hangout at the pool in the summer I try to look nice when MArk comes home.
I'm a FlyLady drop out (heard of it?). Part of the FlyLady morning routine is to dress to the shoes mostly for the same reasons you just talked about.
I'm afraid like my other FlyLady routines this one has fallen by the wayside. I need to get back on track.
I totally agree, I am so much more productive when I get up and dressed. Thanks for stopping by my blog. We did live in Roswell, and I taught in Douglas County at Annette Winn. I loved teaching there! Alas, ministry moved us, too. We are in SC now–back in the country. My husband jumped over here to you, too after reading your comment and loved your post from yesterday! I just love your blog…..your writing just makes me feel happy (must be that GA bond).
OMG, that is such an awesome post. In college they always said you could tell the students who lived on campus vs the ones who didn't. The ones who did always came to class in pj's and those who didn't actually had to get up and get dressed. I made it a point never to show up in pj's. I did one time and it was just the pj shirt and I threw a shirt on over it because I didn't want people to see what I slept in but I was running late. I've also heard if you have a phone interview, to dress up and be prepared, that way you are more professional. People have argued with me about wearing what's comfortable to be more relaxed but I still believe Dress UP!
I completely agree. I thought I was weird for thinking that the days I got dressed and put on make-up actually made me feel better and be more productive….I'm glad I'm not crazy! 🙂