Here in the Southern U.S, we’re approaching the dog days of summer, with temperatures topping out in the mid to upper 90’s, Fahrenheit.  Now I’m facing a challenge I confront about this time every year: how to continue to dress appropriately in a professional office when I just want to wear shorts and tanks!  This is further complicated by the fact that offices in the heat of summer usually put their air conditioning units into overdrive, and since I’m naturally a cold-natured person, I tend to go from burning up outside to freezing inside.  So how to dress to accomodate these temp extremes?

My answer: layers.  I always keep handy a jacket, cardigan, shawl or other top layer of clothing.  I choose something in a neutral color that I can be sure is going to complement most of my summer career wardrobe.  This piece never leaves the office, so I can always be assured I’ll have something to wrap up in should the A/C feel particularly arctic one day. 

What are your tips for staying professional and comfortable (and don’t forget stylish!) while working through seasonal extremes?

What do you believe in?  I don’t mean to ask which religion you ascribe to, or whether or not you believe in the supernatural.  I’m talking about the core, basic principles that drive and motivate the decisions you make in your daily life.  For many, this is a difficult question to answer, but when we stop to really examine our beliefs, they can provide revelatory clarity for how we define our dreams and goals.

First and foremost, I believe in treating others with the same respect, kindness, courtesy and compassion that I would want them to treat me with if our roles were reversed.  It’s amazing how far a smile, or a small gesture that brightens someone’s day, can get you.  This really holds true in the business world, where first impressions can mean the difference between a sale and a “No, thanks.”  In the case of disagreements, I try to remember that others are just as entitled to their opinions as I am to mine, so I believe in giving everyone the chance to speak their mind.

Secondly, I believe in putting 100% effort into each and every job I am assigned– whether or not I’ll be getting credit for it or I know if anyone is looking.  If I’m not satisfied with the work I’ve done, then how can I in good faith expect my boss or co-workers to be happy with it?  If I can’t fully commit to a task, then I would rather defer it to someone else who can.

I’m interested to hear what beliefs you ascribe to that guide you in your professional career.  Were these instilled in you at an early age, or have they developed as the result of experience throughout your life? 

You might find some inspiration at ThisIBelieve.org.