Now is a great time to conduct a six month checkup of your image. We are half way through the year, play the role of the “doctor” and analyze your image.  
 

The checkup begins by reviewing the goals you set forth to accomplish in 2008. The goals may have included going back to school to finish your degree, obtain an advanced degree, or improve your skills; drop some of those extra pounds, start an exercise program, take up a hobby, grow out your hair…the list could go on and on.
 

Answer the question of “How are you doing?” Be specific and answer the when, why, and how for each goal. Be honest with your assessments. If you are not where you want to be, why not and what must be done to get you back on track? If you are on track, pat yourself on the back, you deserve it!
 

Study your personal vision and mission statements and make sure they are still meaningful. If you do not have personal statements, now is the time to develop them. Also recite your 30 second commercial to see if it still represents you, who you are and what you do in life. Assess the reactions from people with whom you interact and make adjustments if necessary. As we know, your 30 second commercial is always an evolving process as we are always changing as we journey through life.
 

Next, take a snapshot of you dressed in your daily attire to go to your work. Maybe take a series of them over a two week period. Study them to see if you are projecting the image you want. Remember it is up to you to manage the impressions you make. Write down what you see as positive or professional and what you see as negative image aspects. Study your answers and state 2-3 ways that you will continue or enhance the positive aspects and the same for the negative aspects you listed. Make any adjustments and implement them for several weeks, then take snapshots of you again and check them for improvements. Reward yourself for any successes noted by treating yourself to a new piece of clothing, your favorite lunch or dinner, a book, CD or DVD.
 

Okay, doc, how did do with your check up? Please share the experience with us; we would love to hear about it.
 

Enjoy the weekend and by the way, there will be no blogs in July as I am traveling out of state each weekend to speak at conferences or conduct client projects. Enjoy July and I will be back Friday August 1^st. 
 

Nyda