Dress For The Job You Want

"Dress for the job you want, not the one you have."

In 2014, I began heavily pursuing my dream career of writing and singing songs. 

Around the same time, I also gained and continued to gain a lot of weight. In the summer of 2015, I doubted myself and I doubted my career. I didn't want to be in pictures, nonetheless on stage in front of people. 

So in August of 2015, I decided that if I wanted my dream job, I needed to dress for it every day. I needed to clothe myself in confidence. To me, that meant drastic changes to my physical & emotional health.

Let me make one thing very clear: you don't have to be thin to be a musician. Some would argue that a little extra cushion is even beneficial for your chops. But you absolutely, positively have to have confidence in yourself. 

For me, my physical appearance was holding me back, and I saw that as something I could control. How I felt and how I chose to treat my body was completely up to me. I could either feel sorry for myself, or I could make a change. I chose the latter.

I had to cut out unhealthy food. I had to eat less. I had to work out regularly. I had to remove myself from social situations that were gateways to unhealthy choices. I lost touch with many friends because I realized I wasn't becoming the best version of myself when I was around them.

I got my own apartment. I bought a new piano where I practice every night. I developed closer friendships with fewer people. I attempt to listen more than I speak (this is very much a work in progress). I got a couple pets. I started going to a church that closely aligns with my beliefs. I stopped feeling guilty about my struggle with anxiety, and I asked for help; I'm on medication that centers me and helps me be more rational. I view food as fuel and I cut out junk thoughts and poor relationships. I started dating someone who challenges me in the best ways possible.  I got two simultaneous gym memberships. 

I lost 50 pounds, and I gained confidence, clarity, and spiritual freedom.

I have a long ways to go personally and professionally, but I'm happy with the progress I've made.

I didn't get thin; I got healthy. And as long as I'm making deliberate choices to improve myself daily, I consider myself dressed for the job I want.