Sunday, May 31, 2020

Favorite Friday Chicken List Is Out Now Put Away The Honey-Do List!

Favorite Friday Chicken List Is Out â€" Now Put Away The Honey-Do List! By March of 2007 I had gotten an idea of this so-called chicken list, which still scares me, and had been consumed by the idea of wasting time in a job search.  Heres a post I wrote in March of 2007 about making sure your honey-do list doesnt take time away from what you should be doing in a job search: Last week I encouraged you to get your Chicken List out and make that call the call that has been scaring you. That encouragement does not transfer over to your  Honey-Do list. A job search is more than a full-time job. You almost have to create the wheel, and reach deep inside yourself to do stuff you havent had to do for a long time (create a resume, create elevator pitches, etc.). Its hard to change your mindset from sell my companys product to sell myself. And then on top of all of this, you are the one that has to execute the strategy! Its a HUGE job! So why do you think that you can knock things off the honey-do list? I know, you are now working from home. And you have time. And you need a break from the job search. I know you have a hole in the wall. I know your toilet needs some work. I know you should really paint, or weed, or change wallpaper, or shampoo the carpets so you can have a better work environment. But none of those things are really going to get you closer to getting your next job. Or next client. So put the Honey-Do list away until the weekend. Pretend that your new job (that is, the job of finding a job) has you tied up from early in the morning until dinner time and stop fooling yourself that doing honey-dos right now is a good use of your time. It isnt. Disclaimer: Im not trying to be sexist, or offensive. This post is not intended just for those in a job search. You know you have some kind of list that distracts you from doing important stuff. If you dont have a honey, I bet you still have your own to do list. Same thing. And finally, this is not a ticket to not do anything that needs to be done. Im just saying that there are some things that are not as high a priority as working on your job search (or career management, or small business development, or your job even if you are underemployed!). Reading that post now makes me wince a little.  That is some harsh advice.  You can tell where my mind was at.  The message is important.  You can see Deb Dibs insightful comment here. Leave your own comment below. Favorite Friday Chicken List Is Out â€" Now Put Away The Honey-Do List! By March of 2007 I had gotten an idea of this so-called chicken list, which still scares me, and had been consumed by the idea of wasting time in a job search.  Heres a post I wrote in March of 2007 about making sure your honey-do list doesnt take time away from what you should be doing in a job search: Last week I encouraged you to get your Chicken List out and make that call the call that has been scaring you. That encouragement does not transfer over to your  Honey-Do list. A job search is more than a full-time job. You almost have to create the wheel, and reach deep inside yourself to do stuff you havent had to do for a long time (create a resume, create elevator pitches, etc.). Its hard to change your mindset from sell my companys product to sell myself. And then on top of all of this, you are the one that has to execute the strategy! Its a HUGE job! So why do you think that you can knock things off the honey-do list? I know, you are now working from home. And you have time. And you need a break from the job search. I know you have a hole in the wall. I know your toilet needs some work. I know you should really paint, or weed, or change wallpaper, or shampoo the carpets so you can have a better work environment. But none of those things are really going to get you closer to getting your next job. Or next client. So put the Honey-Do list away until the weekend. Pretend that your new job (that is, the job of finding a job) has you tied up from early in the morning until dinner time and stop fooling yourself that doing honey-dos right now is a good use of your time. It isnt. Disclaimer: Im not trying to be sexist, or offensive. This post is not intended just for those in a job search. You know you have some kind of list that distracts you from doing important stuff. If you dont have a honey, I bet you still have your own to do list. Same thing. And finally, this is not a ticket to not do anything that needs to be done. Im just saying that there are some things that are not as high a priority as working on your job search (or career management, or small business development, or your job even if you are underemployed!). Reading that post now makes me wince a little.  That is some harsh advice.  You can tell where my mind was at.  The message is important.  You can see Deb Dibs insightful comment here. Leave your own comment below. Favorite Friday Chicken List Is Out â€" Now Put Away The Honey-Do List! By March of 2007 I had gotten an idea of this so-called chicken list, which still scares me, and had been consumed by the idea of wasting time in a job search.  Heres a post I wrote in March of 2007 about making sure your honey-do list doesnt take time away from what you should be doing in a job search: Last week I encouraged you to get your Chicken List out and make that call the call that has been scaring you. That encouragement does not transfer over to your  Honey-Do list. A job search is more than a full-time job. You almost have to create the wheel, and reach deep inside yourself to do stuff you havent had to do for a long time (create a resume, create elevator pitches, etc.). Its hard to change your mindset from sell my companys product to sell myself. And then on top of all of this, you are the one that has to execute the strategy! Its a HUGE job! So why do you think that you can knock things off the honey-do list? I know, you are now working from home. And you have time. And you need a break from the job search. I know you have a hole in the wall. I know your toilet needs some work. I know you should really paint, or weed, or change wallpaper, or shampoo the carpets so you can have a better work environment. But none of those things are really going to get you closer to getting your next job. Or next client. So put the Honey-Do list away until the weekend. Pretend that your new job (that is, the job of finding a job) has you tied up from early in the morning until dinner time and stop fooling yourself that doing honey-dos right now is a good use of your time. It isnt. Disclaimer: Im not trying to be sexist, or offensive. This post is not intended just for those in a job search. You know you have some kind of list that distracts you from doing important stuff. If you dont have a honey, I bet you still have your own to do list. Same thing. And finally, this is not a ticket to not do anything that needs to be done. Im just saying that there are some things that are not as high a priority as working on your job search (or career management, or small business development, or your job even if you are underemployed!). Reading that post now makes me wince a little.  That is some harsh advice.  You can tell where my mind was at.  The message is important.  You can see Deb Dibs insightful comment here. Leave your own comment below.

Thursday, May 28, 2020

How to Create a Resume For Freelance Writing

How to Create a Resume For Freelance WritingIf you are looking to become a freelance writer, then you will want to learn how to create a resume for freelance writing. It can be hard to write for a company, so it helps to have a resume to show the companies that hire you. When you know how to do this, you will have an easier time when it comes to finding a job.The first thing you will need to do is create a professional resume. This will have to be a resume that can stand out in the crowd. A well written resume will make all of the difference when you are applying for jobs.When you are writing your resume, you will need to focus on skills that you have that are relevant to the position you are applying for. You will also need to focus on skills that can be used in the job. You will also need to make sure that the skills you have on your resume are up to date and what will be required for the job.You will need to make sure that you have the skills needed for a resume for freelance writ ing before you even start writing one. Do not start off trying to do something you do not know how to do. This can slow you down and you may not be able to write your resume for freelance writing in the first place. If you can write for a friend, do so and continue to learn as you go.Another thing that you will want to remember when you are looking to create a resume for freelance writing is that you need to keep it simple. Do not make it so long that it is hard to read. You do not want to do anything that will make it hard for them to get to the information they need on your resume. You will find that once you get past this stage of your writing, the rest of the process is easy.One thing you should be very careful about when you are looking to create a resume for freelance writing is to make sure that the information you are writing on your resume is accurate. As with any other type of writing, you want to make sure that what you are writing is right. You do not want to try to hide information that is not true and leave yourself open to any type of accusation.Remember that when you are looking to create a resume for freelance writing, you will need to use many different types of skills. You will need to know how to write clearly and concisely. You will also need to know how to read a resume very well and make sure that the information is accurate.Once you have a resume ready, you will want to start looking for jobs. The best way to find a job is by networking and then going on your own. You can try looking online for jobs or calling companies yourself.

Sunday, May 24, 2020

HOW TO Not Ruin Your Personal Brand at Holiday Parties - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

HOW TO Not Ruin Your Personal Brand at Holiday Parties - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career With the holidays approaching fast, it’s about that time when you’ll receive an invite to the office holiday party. Although they’re supposed to be about fun and celebration, it’s no wonder many people dread attending. One misstep can make you the talk of the office for months to come. Rules of thumb to attend an office party If you do decide to attend the office party (and you shouldâ€"what a great opportunity to network and get to know your peers better!), follow these rules of thumb: Arrive on time. It’s disrespectful to show up late, even around the holidays. There is often a schedule of events set up to start at the time indicated on the invitation. It will certainly be noticed if you’re walking in an hour or two late not a good impression to make with your co-workers and superiors. Choose your date wisely. If you’re allowed to bring a +1, make sure it’s someone who will behave appropriately and mesh well with other attendees. Dress appropriately. If the invitation indicates a theme or dress code, adhere to it. If not, choose something that is still office-appropriate. Don’t wear anything too casual, low-cut or risqué. Women: Five Holiday Fashion Mistakes Men: Wardrobe Essentials for Formal or Semi-Formal Occasions Converse with a variety of people. A holiday party is your chance to talk with people you don’t normally get to see in a typical day   and a good way to get to know people outside of the “work environment.” Talk with co-workers, your boss, their guests, etc. Keep the subjects light and avoid gossiping about co-workers or delving into heavy topics like religion or politics. Be sure to thank whoever planned the celebration before you leave. Keep drinks to a minimum. Although parties are supposed to be more casual and fun, don’t go overboard by drinking too much. It’s unprofessional and you’ll likely end up saying something you didn’t mean. It’s also a good way to ruin your chances of moving up professionally. If possible, stick to nonalcoholic drinks or have one or two cocktails throughout the entire night. Know when to leave. While it’s great to spend quality time with co-workers, don’t overstay your welcome at the office holiday party. Pay attention to the time frame set up on the invitation. You don’t want to be the last one hanging around when they’re trying to tear down the event, as it’s awkward for event planners to have to tell you to leave. Author: Heather R. Huhman is a career expert and founder president of Come Recommended, a career and workplace education and consulting firm specializing in young professionals. She is also the author of #ENTRYLEVELtweet: Taking Your Career from Classroom to Cubicle (2010), national entry-level careers columnist for Examiner.com and blogs about career advice at HeatherHuhman.com.

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Prepare Yourself to Ask Better Phase Two Questions - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Prepare Yourself to Ask Better Phase Two Questions - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career If you have ever watched the White House briefings you may have noticed the reporters always have a follow on question at the ready. Of course this is to be expected as they are professionals in the reporting business. You should take a page from their playbook and also be ready with that follow on question.  But first it is critical that  you think hard about your  first question. By doing so you will be able to prepare yourself to deliver the  Phase Two second question. Phase One is important. That’s the first question. Phase Two is (perhaps) more important. You should  be ready for the second phase of the conversation. Being ready means thinking hard about the Phase One question because it will lead into a rock solid Phase Two question. The point of this post is to help you think harder about Phase One questions so that you can ask better Phase Two questions. There is a reason for this. I promise. Of course, as  you may have noticed in  those White House briefings the reporters are not always given the opportunity to ask that second question. Which is why it is important to make sure you get your best question asked up front. Phase Two Preparation Before getting to Phase Two you need to make sure your Phase One question is the best it can be. Yes, ask the question. Always ask the question. But first  Think. Think. Think. Be prepared to think through the question you want to ask. You want to make sure you are not asking something obvious  â€" which by implication is something you may have been able to think through and come up with an answer before asking it out loud. You want to make sure you are making the Phase One question succinct enough to get the response you are seeking. And, of course, you want to be thinking about what your follow on question or action will be. As you get more proficient at asking the Phase One first questions you will find that your Phase Two second question becomes a very efficient tool for reinforcing the points you were seeing in question one. Beyond Asking the Question Anyone can ask a question. But, the best question askers always have a follow up question or action. Just like those White House reporters you should KNOW WHY you  are you asking the initial question. And, you should also know why you are asking the second (and perhaps third, fourth and fifth) questions. You may not be allowed to ask every question you want, but you should be prepared just in case you are given the opportunity. You should be prepared for what comes next. Most questions will be answered … eventually. You should  think about how you will respond to each possibility. No matter what that possibility might be. Be Prepared for the Yes, No and Maybe Whether you are asking someone to help you with a project at work, to be a mentor or for something else. You should be ready for at least one of the following three answers AND you should know what you are going to do next (Phase One and Phase Two). What if they say Yes? What if they say No? What if they say I need to think about it? What will you say? This is why you need to know what your next question or at least your response will be. A Yes is Fine. A No is Fine. A Maybe is not. I have a general rule of thumb I have used for many years. It was especially helpful when I worked at Microsoft. It was that a Yes is fine, a No is fine, but a Maybe is not. Maybe doesn’t move the conversation forward. Maybe is a cop-out and a delaying tactic. By the way…  I am completely OK with a No response. It lets me know where I stand. And, if needed I can dig into a no response. It’s much harder to dig into a Maybe response. Be Ready for Action Sometimes a Phase Two follow up question is not  required but a next step for a plan of action is. For example, let’s say you are asking someone to be your mentor. If they say yes. Great! Now what? You should have a plan of action. Be ready for action… no matter what the response might be. Business Questions should NOT be Interrogations Or at least they shouldn’t be. There are specific roles for interrogatory questions. When asking for something it’s always a good idea to have a plan of action built into your question. This is not to say you are trying to manipulate people with your questions. Of course, everyone has an angle and most people have a job to do. This does not mean your questions should seek to manipulate the person you are asking. If your questions start to slide into this mode of questioning several things will happen. People will avoid you and they will respond to your line of questioning in ways that will not elicit the responses you are seeking. Hopefully you will notice this behavior yourself and if you are lucky you’ll have a few friends that are willing to tell you (in a nice way) to cut it out. Phasing it All In Being prepared by thinking for at least a few moments about your Phase One question is critical. That first question may be the only one you get. At a minimum that phase one first question sets the tone and the pace of your line of thinking and to your level or preparedness. To be truly prepared you will know what you want for the Phase Two second question too. When you think through your questions and the possible responses along with what you might want to ask as a follow up you will feel more at ease. When the first question flows off your tongue you will know that you are ready. Note: I put the point about not being an interrogator in there because no one likes that. Leave those kinds of questions for the prosecuting attorneys. Being prepared with insightful and well thought out questions is a trait that will help everyone Stand Out in their Career. When done consistently people will take notice and seek you out for your ability to get to the root of the issue. As your ability to ask better questions… both Phase One and Phase Two… grow your ability to think more critically will also continue to develop. You will be able to  focus on the challenge at hand and move onto other aspects where your increased ability to ask great questions can be put to good use.  By doing this  you will also be able to make the tough decisions on where to spend your time and effort to grow your career. Which makes you that much more in demand. Practice makes perfect. The more you practice your Phase One questions the better you’ll be at coming up with great Phase Two questions. So, my first question to you is… What will you do to prepare yourself to ask better questions? And, my Phase Two question is… When will you get started?

Sunday, May 17, 2020

Business School Resume Writing Tips For New Graduates

Business School Resume Writing Tips For New GraduatesBusiness school graduates know that there are many tips and suggestions for their resumes. Most people go to school in order to learn, but at the same time it is very possible to utilize a piece of resume writing software to ensure that your resume stands out from the crowd. This is a very important aspect of resume writing in particular, as it is very easy to make mistakes that will cause your resume to be thrown into the garbage can.Most business school graduates come into their positions having completed internships in order to get their foot in the door. The internships are a vital part of being successful in the field, because a successful applicant gets all of the experience they need by working for someone else for a little while. The potential employer is able to see how the person will perform in their new position, and whether or not they will be able to perform well. The fact that you did not attend school beforehand is not going to hurt your application or job opportunity, because it is extremely difficult to obtain this kind of experience without having gone to school.Business school graduates should not let their grades at school stop them from applying for an entry-level position, because you do not want to show up for a job interview as a lazy person who has a good GPA. It is possible to have a wonderful college degree and a poor work ethic, so it is important to realize this and not be too hard on yourself. If you have a degree, then you should use it for what it was intended for: preparing you for life.Business school graduates also know that they should not take the grades they receive in high school personally. There is always room for improvement, so long as you do not try to put all of the blame on the person who gave you the grade. It is always better to find a way to fix the problem rather than try to minimize the effect that it has on your resume.Business school graduates also know th at they should not be ashamed of their ambitions and dreams. These things can seem strange at first, but once you become a person of substance, you will come to appreciate them. You do not need to brag about your successes when you are applying for a job, but you do need to understand the importance of working towards these goals in order to get the job.Business school graduates also know that they should do some soul searching before they apply for a job. The only reason you are applying for a job is because you want to learn more about the industry you want to work in, and not because you want to grab the job. Most companies will not hire someone they think is applying for the job simply because they are applying for the job.Business school graduates also know that they should not appear desperate when applying for a job. People do not like to be caught on camera during an interview, so it is best to avoid the subject entirely. You need to look confident and professional when appl ying for a job, and a steady hand and good eye are also a great help.These are just a few tips that business school graduates should remember. Business graduates should not take a piece of resume writing software for granted, as it can greatly help them get the best possible results with their resumes. Good business school graduates should get started on their resumes immediately, but they should also be prepared to give a little bit of extra effort as well.

Thursday, May 14, 2020

14 educational podcasts guaranteed to make you sound smarter - Debut

14 educational podcasts guaranteed to make you sound smarter - Debut Ah, podcasts. The ultimate busy commute saviour, the perfect remedy for a difficult work day. We know shifting your earbuds away from the latest Drake choon is a hard ask. But once you go podcast, trust us, you wont go back. 1. Radiolab Why this podcast?  This remarkable podcast hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich markets itself as a show about curiosity. If youve ever wanted to expand your mind to topics youve never even thought about, this is it. Website:  www.radiolab.org Highlighted Episode:  Colors  is an episode special because it tackles something so visual purely through the medium of audio storytelling. Seriously impressive. 2. Freakonomics Radio Why this podcast?  The book found on most pre-degree reading list is infinitely more digestible as a podcast. Plus, they cover some seriously mind-blowing stuff about human behaviour, helping you understand the people around you. Website:  www.npr.org/podcasts/452538045/freakonomics-radio Highlighted Episode:  How Did The Belt Win? tackles a quizzical question why do we put up with belts, probably the worst part of your wardrobe? 3. TED Radio Hour Why this podcast?  Not all of us can make the epic TED events that take place all around the world.  This podcast rounds talks up by theme,  so you can listen to multiple different people from different countries. Talk about global inspiration. Website:  www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/ Highlighted Episode:  Their episode Success  tackles a really hot topic in three very different ways. It doesnt hurt that theyve brought in the big guns like philosopher Alain de Botton and speaker Tony Robbins to hammer those points home. 4. Startup Podcast Why this podcast?  Host Alex Blumberg started this podcast as an exercise in extreme transparency. Here he details how he built his company, Gimlet Media, from the ground up.  Readers, if youve ever considered starting your own business, you  need  to listen to this. Website:  https://gimletmedia.com/show/startup/ Highlighted Episode:  Diversification of Worry tackles Gimlet Medias growing pains, and man, they are painful. 5. Science VS Why this podcast?  Bubbly truth-seeker Wendy Zukerman tackles science myths like nobodys business. In a world where truth can sometimes be relative, she sets things straight. The perfect podcasts to inform you during heated dinner party arguments. Website:  https://gimletmedia.com/show/science-vs/ Highlighted Episode:  Their twopart special on Gun Control is really something, and offers food for thought on a really touchy subject. 6. Memory Palace Why this podcast?  The Memory Palace is a gorgeous podcasts, taking bitesized, micro chunks out of history to create self-contained podcast stories. If youve ever wanted to be the person with all the cool anecdotes, this podcast is the one for you. Website:  thememorypalace.us/ Highlighted Episode:  White Horse is the one episode that apparently continually brings listeners to tears. So be warned, grab some Kleenex before plugging yourselves in. 7. The Allusionist Why this podcast?  As Hamlet once said, words, words words. This podcasts obsession with linguistics will do well to improve your vocabulary. Time to chuck away your word-of-the-day calendar, cos this is the good stuff. Website:  www.theallusionist.org/ Highlighted Episode:  The Allusionists careful examination of the word Pride is a wonderful celebration of LGBT+ issues. 8. Planet Money Why this podcast?  A whip-smart podcast that aims to make talking about the economy  interesting. An ambitious task, but it nails it again and again and again. Website:  www.npr.org/sections/money/ Highlighted Episode:  A little bit of a cheat, but The Giant Pool of Money, the This American Life episode that actually led to the creation of Plant Money, is an unmissable explanation of the 2008 financial crisis. 9. Invisibilia Why this podcast?  Because since this is a podcast about things that are generally unseen, it tackles some truly fascinating and offbeat topics. Despite being rooted in science, some of the episodes are truly moving Website:  www.npr.org/podcasts/510307/invisibilia Highlighted Episode:  How to Become Batman is a remarkable tale about a blind man who (wait for it) can actually see. 10. Revisionist History Why this podcast?  You may have heard of Malcolm Gladwell. Hes the writer of such tomes as  Blink and  David and Goliath,  and can be found on inspirational reading lists everywhere. This is his podcast, so expect your mind to be blown. Website:  revisionisthistory.com/ Highlighted Episode: Food Fight is an episode that asks you to consider the economic differences between two American colleges. Can cafeteria food really explain the rich/poor gap in higher education? Only one way to find out. 11. Reply All Why this podcast?  Reply All is extraordinary. It turns internet and geek culture into human interest stories youll be truly invested in. Website:  https://gimletmedia.com/show/reply-all/ Highlighted Episode:  Their On the Inside saga has one of the Reply All producers Sruthi Pinnamaneni investigate the potential wrongful imprisonment of a man in maximum security prison. The ending just chilling. 12. Hidden Brain Why this podcast?  If youre at all interested in psychology and human behaviour, this podcast will crank your people-watching skills up a couple notches. Website:  www.npr.org/series/423302056/hidden-brain Highlighted Episode:  Perhaps apt considering the US Presidential Election is around the corner, Why The First Name On The Ballot Often Wins explores this common phenomenon to find some real answers. 13.  Surprisingly Awesome Why this podcast?  Ever tried to get your friends into something they think is really boring? Thats exactly what this podcast tries to do. Spoiler: they succeed. Website:  https://gimletmedia.com/show/surprisingly-awesome/ Highlighted Episode: Concrete. A topic so seemingly dull I yawned just thinking about it, but this episode is a classic lesson in persuasion you cant miss. 14. 99% Invisible Why this podcast?  Anyone at all interested in design should be listening to this podcast. Like Invisibilia, host Roman Mars attempts to uncover the things we dont always notice. Website:  http://99percentinvisible.org/ Highlighted Episode:  Milk Carton Kids weaves a narrative around the missing children ads that appeared on milk cartons in the 1980s in America. Something so simple is revealed to have some deep-rooted social and historical meaning, opening our eyes to  see more than whats just in front of us.   Download the Debut app and you could totally grab yourself a summer internship  way before anyone else. Connect with Debut on Facebook and Twitter

Saturday, May 9, 2020

Test Your Adaptability

Test Your Adaptability I crave some stability in my life. Ill admit, I enjoy routine tasks (sometimes).   However, in our world today, should I admit this?   How many routine tasks are left? How many havent been outsourced or automated? During the transition of job search, it is common and normal to feel like things are spiraling out of control.   It tests our core ways of thinking and being. So, I present this assessment to help you identify areas you may want to look at as you move forward in your job search and career.   Because you know, as well as I, that nothing is as sure as change!   Lets start working on our Gumby-like abilities! FYI:                       5=Always 4=Frequently 3=Sometimes 2=Seldom 1=Never Self Awareness I can articulate my special abilities, talents and skills. 5 4 3 2 1 I know what I have to do to regain my confidence when I temporarily lose it. 5 4 3 2 1 I have a strong sense of self-esteem and generally feel good about myself. 5 4 3 2 1 I can identify and communicate my weaknesses and the ways that I work with or around them. 5 4 3 2 1 I have a vision for my life that gives it meaning and purpose. 5 4 3 2 1 I know what is important to me and use this knowledge in making decisions. 5 4 3 2 1 Professional and Personal Management I take responsibility for managing my career. 5 1 3 2 1 I can see how my career fits into the bigger picture of my life plans. 5 4 3 2 1 I have a personal financial plan which I evaluate regularly based on my current situation. 5 4 3 2 1 I have contingency plans, a second option if my first doesn’t work out. 5 4 3 2 1 I assess my strengths and weaknesses, outline ways to grow, and establish short and long range goals for my career. 5 4 3 2 1 I can market myself effectively, both inside and outside my organization. 5 4 3 2 1 Problem Solving and Decision Making I have emerged stronger and have learned personal strategies to deal with change because of the changes in my life. 5 4 3 2 1 I can organize my surroundings and prioritize tasks, even in stressful times. 5 4 3 2 1 I can find and mobilize necessary resources in a crisis or new situation. 5 4 3 2 1 I can usually think of several alternatives to solving a problem. 5 4 3 2 1 When experiencing stress in one area of life, I can contain it within that area. 5 4 3 2 1 Attitude I believe that I always have options and choices, even in difficult situations. 5 4 3 2 1 I generally approach life as an optimist. 5 4 3 2 1 I have a sense of humor. I can find things to laugh about even in dark times. 5 4 3 2 1 I understand there is growth in new experiences and enjoy learning from them. 5 4 3 2 1 I expect life to have ups and downs and not always go as I would like it to. 5 4 3 2 1 I don’t spend time worrying about things that are out of my control. 5 4 3 2 1 Knowledge of Competencies I would describe myself as a continuous learner. 5 4 3 2 1 I regularly spend time keeping my knowledge and skills current. 5 4 3 2 1 I know the skills that will be required in my profession in the next several years. 5 4 3 2 1 I know what others in my organization expect of me. 5 4 3 2 1 I know how my current skills are viewed by my boss, peers and organization. 5 4 3 2 1 I know which behaviors and attitudes are rewarded in my organization. 5 4 3 2 1 Do you want to share this with someone?   Heres a link to the ADAPTABILITY RESILIENCY ASSESSMENT FOR POST. As you look at your overall score, a higher number is better.   In other words, a high number indicates youve developed your resiliency and will probably be best able to cope with the volatile change well continue to face. 125-145 Youve got seriously bendable abilities! 100-124   Youll do OK in Yoga, but need to work on yourself 75-99   So, touching your toes is also hard?   Start increasing your range of motion today! Anything loweryou need serious help.   Call a doctor! If your score is low than youd like, take a look at the questions youve ranked yourself lower than 4.   Obviously, those are the areas you want to work on developing. Also pay attention to what category you may have scored lower in.   This may be an overall area for you to work on.

Friday, May 8, 2020

Get More Energy With These 9 Easy Tricks - Career Advice Blog for Millennials

Get More Energy With These 9 Easy Tricks - Career Advice Blog for Millennials Life can be draining, and other times it can be a breeze. Sometimes you go through a phase where you feel like you can do anything and accomplish whatever goals you set for yourself, but sometimes its a struggle to just get out of bed in the morning. When you find yourself needing more energy, what do you do if you want to skip the unhealthy energy drinks? Try changing up your lifestyle. Here are nine simple ways you can change or improve your daily life so you naturally have more energy. Youll be ready to tackle whatever life throws at you, all while feeling better and more confident about yourself. 1. Get More Sleep Rule number one for having more energy: always get enough sleep. Just like the phone you plug in every night, your body has to recharge. If you dont get enough sleep, youll wake up feeling groggy and wont be able to function as well as you usually could. Figure out how much sleep you should get by trying a sleep calculator, so you can wake up refreshed and ready to go. 2. Create A Morning Ritual Part of the reason its so hard to wake up in the morning is because you dread having to get ready for work. Instead, create a morning ritual that you can look forward to, or add something new to the one you already have thatll help get you going. Whether you sing in the shower or take a run before work, you can find a way to put some pep in your step. 3. Focus on the Positive Remembering the goodness in your life can give you an extra boost of energy. When you start to feel tired during the day, take a deep breath and think about what you have to be thankful for in that moment. This can help you reflect on where youre going and what you want to do with your life, and you can turn that motivation into energy. 4. Do Something Fun Sometimes Life can be stressful, especially as you get older. You have more responsibilities to take care of with time, and that stress can be draining. Take a break from your hectic routine to give yourself a reason to smile. Having fun has been proven to provide you with more energy. Go for a hike or eat out for dinner. Whatever you think is fun, spend a few minutes each day enjoying that activity. Your energy will increase and so will your overall happiness. 5. Tell People No One of the biggest reasons people feel exhausted is because they do too much. That happens because people cant say no to extra tasks or jobs. If youre one of those people who could work yourself into the ground without realizing it, force yourself to say no to things. Allow for free time in your schedule to rest and re-energize. 6. Watch What You Eat Everyone has experienced it at some pointâ€"you eat too much unhealthy food and feel sluggish and sick. The reverse will happen if you focus on eating foods that are good for you. Feel like your schedule prevents you from snacking on fruits and veggies? Eating better is possible even on the tightest schedule. Plan out what youll eat for meals and only bring healthy snacks to work to reduce temptation. 7. Schedule Things Out Some people have the kinds of jobs where they actually cant say no to things that are assigned to them. Thats doesnt mean you have to wear yourself out every day. Take control of your schedule so you can spend your time wisely. Schedule your most stressful events apart from each other so you can work on less challenging things in-between. This will allow you to have time to breathe while still accomplishing the tasks at hand. 8. Take Some Breaks Another option for those with a busy schedule is to take breaks when you can. What your break looks like is up to you. Whether you choose to walk down the hall or go outside for some fresh air, leaving your workspace for even a few minutes is guaranteed to improve your focus. Being energized will help you work even harder at what you must accomplish, so dont forget to take at least two breaks throughout the day. 9. Focus On The Present Getting sidetracked is easy to do, but every distraction takes energy away from what you want to focus on. You work hard at what you have in front of you but also devote mental energy to worrying about the outcome, the near future and even how what youre doing now affects the distant future. Instead, choose to focus on the present. Youll be able to use your energy wisely by using little bits at a time. Despite how you may feel, increasing your energy levels isnt impossible. Even for the workaholic, there are plenty of ways you can stop yawning away at your desk. Try changing up your routine to give your system a shock or make an effort to eat healthier. Talk to your friends to see if they have any secrets to staying awake and alert throughout the day. At the end of it all, you cant just try one option and give up. Not every trick is going to work for everyone, so prepare yourself for trying multiple strategies to raise your energy levels. Do you have any favorite ways to wake yourself up during the day? Tell us your secrets in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more great ways you can improve your life, both at work and at home. Get everything you need to build a career you love by signing up for the newsletter.