Post a New You

by Rob Otte

I was visiting with someone the other day and discussing his picture on a social media website. It was a great photo. Big smile. Casual. Lots of energy. A great picture.

He said he wasn’t sure about it. He was thinking about getting a more “professional” photo to use. He was uncertain about what picture to use on the site.

I suggested that he think about why he’s on that site. “What’s your purpose?” I asked.

He hadn’t given that much thought and struggled articulating his objective.

We talked about the benefits of getting clear about his purpose, what he wants to accomplish with his virtual presence and then working back from there to choose a picture that supports that purpose.

That makes sense, right? Tailor your approach to suit your objective.

I offered that as his life unfolds, his purpose will likely evolve and he’ll develop some new objectives with his virtual presence. New objectives may require new approaches, and a new approach may very well demand a new photo. Okay, so post a new picture that supports that new mission. Easy enough.

It dawned on me that a person can “upload” a new actual self in a similar way as they do with their virtual self.

Granted, it’s a lot tougher in real life to develop a new version of you. Much more than making a few clicks. It’s still doable.

What version of you do you want for your life? How do you want to show up?

Well, what’s your purpose? What do you want to achieve?

Start with your purpose and work backwards to help you know what to do today, this week and this year.

Ask yourself:

• Am I showing up today in a way that supports where I want to go?

• Am I willing to make the necessary changes that will take me there?

• Do I know what those changes are? If not, how can I learn? Who do I trust to ask for help? Am I brave enough to do that?

When you get clear about what you want, you can choose how to be.

You can post a new you.

© 2014 Rob Otte

Rob Otte is a teacher, speaker, writer and coach. He is the Director of Corporate Training and Development for Roehl Transport, Inc. in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Roehl Transport is a freight transportation and logistics company employing 2,500 people. You may contact Rob at otte.rob@gmail.com.

Thoughts for the week:

The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do. –Bill Phillips

If it’s important enough you’ll find a way, if it isn’t you’ll find an excuse. –Unknown

Never be afraid to laugh at yourself, after all you may be missing out on the joke of the century. – Joan Rivers (we will miss you)

I love asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up… cause you know… I’m still looking for ideas. –Unknown

If you want something in your life you’ve never had, you’ll have to do something you’ve never done.

–JD Houston

Ask yourself if what you’re doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow.

– Unknown

May you always do what you are afraid to do. –Ralph Waldo Emerson

Looking forward to our next conversation-

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