Who Do You Want to Be Today?
A (good) few years ago, I used to relieve the boredom of bar chat with strangers by telling them I was a backing dancer for Take That.
The truth – that I was an HR Manager for a shipping company – was far less glamorous, and I decided I wanted people’s eyes to light up, rather than glaze over, when I told them about myself.
(This type of conversational entertainment runs in my family. On my wedding day, people kept mentioning the fascinating chats they’d been having with “that lovely ice sculptor”. I was mystified, until I found out that my cousin had decided to swap his job at HM Customs & Excise for something more dramatic.
He’d even accepted an invitation from my batty new auntie-in-law to travel to her home in India and sculpt her likeness in ice).
All these years later, what strikes me the most about my Take That story is that I wasn’t embarrassed about telling it.
Instead, I enjoyed making up ‘insider’ tales about us backstage crew feeling like one big, happy family. I liked talking about how Gary Barlow would insist on bowlfuls of peanut M&Ms with all the brown ones picked out, or how Mark Owen’s stage outfits had all been sourced from kids’ clothes shops (it was my job to cut the labels out, so he wouldn’t realise and throw a diva fit).
As I told them, these tales felt viscerally real; as though I was living them every day. I suppose that’s the power of storytelling. Along with everybody else, you get to convince yourself of something extraordinary.
The American writer David Sedaris once explained that he wanted to see how it felt to do a more ‘worthwhile’ job, so when new people asked what he did, he told them he was a doctor.
He revelled in their compliments. His stories about a doctor’s life became more and more detailed and intricate. Then, he boarded a plane on which another passenger was having a heart attack, and he found himself unthinkingly responding to the call-out for medical help.
The reason I’m mentioning all this now is… what if we were to start imagining ourselves as the people we really wanted to be, and then we used those powerful stories and images to propel ourselves towards it?
Back then, it would have been out of the question for me to tell anybody that I was a writer, even though I’d wanted to be one for as long as I could remember.
The very idea of that would have been core-shakingly terrifying. What if the person I was speaking to laughed in my face, or they simply didn’t believe me?
(Funny how I didn’t mind telling them I was a backing dancer for Take That, eh?)
When I started the process of changing my career from HR to writing, one of the tasks I was given was to actually visualise myself as a writer.
I had to think about all the things that might happen on a ‘day in the life’ of my scribbling career. What I might say, and how I might feel when I talked about that day to someone else, and it had been filled with work I genuinely loved.
This was a hellish task at first. My becoming a writer was so important, but it felt impossible. It seemed cruel to try and imagine that I was already successful, when there was surely no hope of my beautiful scenario ever coming true.
But as it turns out, there’s something a bit magical about whispering a story into your mind’s ear.
Although I don’t credit that moment as the sole reason why I finally became a writer, I do credit it with instilling a quiet kind of confidence in myself…that maybe, one day, I could make it happen.
Four years later, here I am.
So, if you’re stuck or unhappy with who you are now, maybe it’s time to ask yourself: who would you like to be?
Maybe you could try getting comfortable with telling stories about that person. Even if you’re only telling them to yourself.
(Though I do have to say, there’s nothing quite like telling someone else what you’ve always wanted to be, then have them believe you like it’s just another everyday fact. Seriously, try it).
As for me, I’m still planning that autobiography about the Take That years. I warn you now, it’s going to be pretty explosive.
Related Articles
Why ‘Explain Your Obvious’ is the Secret of Persuasive Writing
Explaining what’s blatantly obvious to you, could turn out to be advertising gold.
Read moreLacking In Experience? Here’s Why You Should Apply For That Job Anyway
A creative approach could work wonders for your career.
Read moreLife in the Time of Coronavirus
There’s something reassuring about businesses carrying on as ‘normally’ as they can...
Read more
The Persian Flaw (Or, Why We Don’t Have to Be Perfect When We Write)
Don't let spelling and grammar fears stop you from writing.
Read moreGSOH Required: How to Write an (Effective) Online Dating Profile
"...it’s detail that will make you stand out, and most people aren’t mind readers."
Read moreWho Do You Want to Be Today?
This is a story about a career transformation. And Take That.
Read moreWant to Write Like A Human? Mine Your Inner Monologue
"You can’t be on somebody’s side, if you don’t know what they think or how they feel".
Read moreBlogging, and the Importance of Bodacious Self-Expression
...they were learning how to express their true feelings in words, and the results were honest, uplifting, and totally magnetic.
Read moreHow to Learn from People Who Aren’t Like You
No matter how scary it seems, learning from difference will benefit you much, much more than the comfy mediocrity that similarity brings.
Read moreSecret Sauce to Give Your Blog Posts Added Spice
"If you want to grab readers’ attention, you have to start with the heart."
Read more
How I Got Better At Public Speaking
My journey from terrified mumbler to casual speaker, in easy-to-follow steps.
Read moreHow to Transform Your Blog Into a Book
If you have trouble motivating yourself to write that next blog post, whisper a little reminder: this could be a book one day.
Read more
Does Your Website Need a Copy Refresh? (Mine Did)
Revamping your web copy will give your business the gift of reconnection.
Read moreHow to Plan Your Career Change CV (Hint: Be Selfish!)
"If you really want to change your career, you have to be determined, and you have to be selfish."
Read moreWriting to Sell? Weird Words and Crazy Phrases To Avoid
This is a blog post unlike any other.
Read moreThe Trials and Tribulations of the Freelance Holiday
As a freelance writer, taking a break is always a challenge. But I push on through the guilt, and here's why.
Read moreHow to Write a Review (That's Actually Useful)
Reviews get read, because people assume they might be useful. Don't disappoint them!
Read moreThe Magic of Kismet Marketing
Has your marketing strategy got room for some unexpected magic?
Read more
SEO Copywriting (and Other Ways to Make Your Business Sound Boring)
Don't write for search engines, write for people.
Read moreAre you too modest to write a book?
If you've always wanted to write a book, but were put off by the people who already have - help is at hand!
Read moreOK, so you got a six-figure business. That don't impress me much
Where's the value in empty business gurus?
Read more
So, what do you do? How (not) to introduce yourself at networking events
Do you rely on a rehearsed networking pitch?
Read more
Is your business preaching to the converted?
How to sell your amazing ideas to a brand-new audience.
Read moreThe foolproof formula for blogging success
How regular blogging will boost your business - as if by magic!
Read moreTop profile clichés – are you guilty?
Are you an easy-going enabler of success who thrives in a fast-paced environment?
Read moreSocial media bragging - yay or nay?
How to get away with bragging...without bragging about it.
Read moreThe Art of the Written Compliment
If you're too embarrassed to give (or receive!) compliments, writing it all down can work wonders
Read moreLooking for a way to beat the January blues? Start with a letter
It's Universal Letter Writing Week - how will you celebrate?
Read moreKick-start your writing in 2019 (with a little help from me!)
I’ve gathered together some of my most-read blog posts, tips and tools to help you get writing.
Read moreStuck in a career rut? Get someone else to write your CV – and thrive!
"The right person will help you come across as yourself, but in a prouder, more polished, 'look what I’ve achieved' kind of way"
Read moreStraight from the heart: how to write irresistible words
When you give people a piece of yourself, you will naturally engage them.
Read moreHow to give good interview (whatever side of the desk you’re on!)
Simple tips to help you breeze through any interview scenario.
Read moreHow to choose the right coach or training course – at the right time
"If you like someone, you might be tempted to look for excuses to work with them, even if their particular skills aren’t what you need."
Read moreBeware of the flowers: why customers don't care about your business
Focus on telling interesting business stories that reflect your ideal customers’ lives back to them.
Read moreIf you can’t take criticism, don’t be a writer!*
You can always learn from other people's insights - good or bad
Read moreFinding your freelancing tribe: be uncompromising (and don’t be too nice!)
My advice to freelancers: never lose sight of what freelancing is all about!
Read moreWhen it comes to recruitment, manners cost nothing
Recruitment moves so fast, and so stressfully, that I think we forget how it feels to be treated like we matter.
Read moreRamp up your summer content to reap winter rewards
Keep your summer content fresh and updated to be remembered all year long.
Read moreWhy a degree doesn't equal real-world competence
Sometimes, just putting the work in is enough.
Read more
Freelance reflections in the snow
Just like building the perfect snowman, carving out your freelance identity can be tough!
Read moreLone wolf or team worker - which is best?
How to write interesting content for any business (even yours)
Got a book or blog to write? Beat the block and get it done!
November means #NaNoWriMo - so whatever you're working on, it's time to get it done!
Read moreHow will I sound like me, when you're doing the writing?
Ironically, it's when you're writing about yourself that you will sound least like you. Hiring a writer to do it for you can bring a whole host of benefits.
Read moreWhy storytelling is your secret weapon in business (and how to do it properly)
Learn how to live happily ever after through the power of storytelling
Read moreWhy being old is great for business
Age aint nothing but a number, right? Wrong - here's how getting older can be great for business.
Read moreWhy you definitely shouldn't write a book in a weekend!
Writing books is big business - or at least it can be, if you get it right. For starters, this means not rushing the process!
Read moreTry this simple formula to create a killer profile headline!
Headlines are always difficult to write, so here's an easy way to craft something original for your personal and professional profiles.
Read moreWhat do successful entrepreneurs and guests on the Jeremy Kyle Show have in common?
There's a lot of vague career advice out there, so if you're looking for insight that goes beyond "be yourself and follow your passion" you may have to leap before you look!
Read moreRead this before you publish you're next blog post!
Do you edit your work before you publish it?
Read moreHow to beat those pre-presentation jitters
Standing up and presenting to a group of people is something that strikes fear into the hearts of even the most confident people - so if you're an introvert like me, it can really be the stuff of nightmares! Here's how I tackle my nerves head-on, with some careful preparation and relatable content.
Read moreCreate a schedule you can stick to (it's not as hard as you think!)
Creating a schedule can be a difficult task, especially when you're planning for work you're not being paid for - or that nobody is expecting! Here's how to get started on crafting a time plan that will work for you.
Read moreHome truths for aspiring remote workers
Remote working is on the increase - so here's some advice on how to work it well!
Read moreFor that special person who has everything, give the gift of words
If you know someone who already has everything, give them something truly unique - special words.
Read moreNo job for life? How a tailored approach to job-hopping can win your next career move
Did you know that so-called 'job-hopping' can be an asset to your career search? Whether you prefer stability or excitement in your career, planning your next move is all about packaging your skills and making the right kind of approach.
Read moreWhy it's sometimes OK to turn down freelance work
Going freelance doesn't mean you have to accept every piece of work that comes your way. Being discerning with your time and effort will help you reap the rewards of being your own boss...and you'll get to work with some great people too!
Read moreHow to write your first CV
Writing a CV is tough enough when you've got years of experience under your belt, but when you're just leaving education it often feels like you haven't got anything to shout about. Here's how to write a first CV that will stand out from all those bland lists of education dates and shop jobs!
Read moreRead this before you write your next recruitment ad!
Writing a recruitment ad is often a rushed activity, with the words used ones you've read many times before ("dynamic" anyone?) Here's how the Banks children managed to recruit their ideal candidate - Mary Poppins! - by using clear and creative words that stood out.
Read more‘CV Greatest Hits’ Countdown – 10 ultimate CV tips to prepare you for the Great 2017 Job Hunt!
'Greatest Hits' countdowns are rife at this time of year - so now, here's one featuring the best CV advice. This list will give you the ultimate steer if you're looking to get your CV on track for the new year job hunt. Wishing you a very happy 2017!
Read moreGive yourself a special Christmas gift...a happy working life in 2017!
If you're stuck in a job you don't particularly like, mindlessly searching job boards for something else, it can be hard to dredge up any enthusiasm to make a change. But that little bit of rest time between Christmas and a brand new year beginning is perfect for considering exactly what you want, and how to take the very first step towards making 2017 your happy work year!
Read moreHow to write your life story
With a new year on the horizon, why not make a resolution to tell your life story? Committing your personal tales to paper can be a rich and rewarding experience for you to write and others to read...for generations to come. Here's how to get started.
Read moreWriting to get what you want at work!
Have you ever thought that making a few tweaks to your working life would help make living it much easier? Harness the power of well-chosen words to state your case and win better work-life balance in the process.
Read moreHow to pinpoint useful e-information for your business…without going crazy in the crowd!
Are you often left with the feeling that you don't quite know enough about all the online tools you can use to promote your business? How about website analytics...shouldn't you be checking them every five minutes just like the experts say? Relax - here's how to take advantage of all the advice available online, by defining exactly what YOU want to know.
Read moreFitting in ‘me’ projects – five panic-free time management tips for the professionally overwhelmed
Is time getting the better of you? With a growing business, several passion projects on the go, books to read and friends I'd quite like to see, I was starting to feel overwhelmed...until I decided to take a closer look at planning my time more effectively. Here's how you can do the same.
Read moreUse your sense of style to build trust and win business!
Looking for ways to sound consistent and authentic in your written communications? Here are a few tried, tested and original ways to do just that.
Read moreGhost stories…how shadowy script can light up your life and work
BOO! Like a ripe pumpkin Hallowe'en has rolled around yet again, so what better time to extol the benefits of ghostwriting, definitely not just the province of bargain-bin bound celebrities.
Read more"I'm a Quiet Revolutionary..." she whispered
I'm very proud indeed to be featured as this week's 'Quiet Revolutionary' - a celebration of all things introverted.
Read moreHow I escaped the corporate cage and set myself firmly on the ‘write’ career path!
An encounter with a corporate headhunter made me question my career - why was I still doing something I didn't love? Here's how I formulated my corporate escape plan and found a career I truly enjoy.
Read moreSTOP! Attention-grabbing writing – made easy
Everybody's busy these days - far too busy to read all the words that come their way. Get the right people to read YOURS by honing in on your ideal audience and creating compelling copy that will get them hooked.
Read morePersonal copywriting - attract a new boss AND a new relationship with the perfect profile!
Are your online profiles a bit lacklustre? Don't waste a perfect opportunity to speak directly to the boss or partner of your dreams - use the power of personal copywriting to describe what makes you, you - and get ready to reap the rewards!
Read moreGoing it alone - surviving self-employment
Going it alone, releasing yourself from the shackles of a traditional nine-to-five, is exhilarating. It's also incredibly scary! To celebrate my first quarter-year in business, here are some of the most important lessons I've learned from the front line.
Read moreBlogging - not just for hipsters and sicksters*
Regular blog posts - especially if you run a business - can drastically increase your following, as well as helping you beat the competition by describing how you do things your way. Read on for a few more great reasons why you should join the blogging revolution!
Read moreMaking meaningful business connections…in writing
Speaking up in networking groups used to bring me out in a cold sweat. So I sought out the people I really wanted to talk to and introduced myself in the way I'm best at - in writing.
Read moreSpecial Deliveries - writing fabulous letters
Getting the tone of a letter right - especially when you're writing to someone you don't know - can be difficult. No matter whom you're writing to, here's how to get started on a letter that's relevant, informative and authentic.
Read moreBeyond the online dating profile - using the power of words to find a perfect match
Writing an online dating profile that reveals the real 'you' takes time and courage - but that special person will appreciate the effort. Read on for a few tips to get you started.
Read more
