living on purpose

December 28, 2016 Seven Things to Think About When It Comes To  . . . Great Career Advice From a Dog.


I read a great quote about dogs that said that dogs are the only animal on the planet that love you more than they love themselves. Thought that was very powerful. Here are seven amazing professional lessons that my dog taught me about working with others.



1. Body language: 80% of most communication is actually non-verbal. So when in doubt “read” others to see if they are a threat to you. Observe everything – eye contact, stance, types of questions they ask (or lack thereof).

2. Solid business relationships are based on trust, loyalty, and respect: Associate with those who you can build, grind and hustle together.

3. Maintain clear boundaries and expectations give to others: Enough said!

4. Dog fights are ugly and intense but sometimes required: Some things are worth fighting for such as integrity, your professional worth, respect and what is rightfully yours. When your friends, family or your character is attacked turn fight with your words and actions.

5. Trust your instincts: Know when a person or situation seeks to harm or take advantage of you. You know when something does not look kosher, go the other way. Watch those showboating, lying or those saying things that just don’t add up. Hone your instincts by trusting that when you feel someone or something is not right in your gut – you’re probably right.

6. All dogs are different: Remember that everyone has a story that is deeper than the person who you see. Build relationships slowly and over time unpeel the layers of each person you encounter.

7. Learn new tricks: Despite your age or experience you can always hone and learn new ways to do things. Keep an open mind and you’ll find that there is something to be happy about daily. Share that happiness with others.


I have owned a dog since I was 7 years old and believe dogs will always be a part of my life. This week appreciate and reflect on the roles animals have played in teaching you some “human” life lessons. Or if you are not an animal person, try to appreciate and learn from them in other ways. Happy New Year!

I know what I love, and even what I do well—now what?

We each do one thing better than anyone else on the planet.  We often stumble onto that thing through trial and error, sheer accident or simple necessity, but we’re all an expert at something.  Chances are your thing has something to do with the fact that you’re a creator, inspirer, healer or protector, or a combination of the two.  But more than likely, you’re wondering, “I know what I like, and even where I excel, but how do I combine the two to create a successful life doing what I love?” Of course, there is no one straight path to follow, but these three simple strategies can help you take that next step in uncovering the answers to your question.   

  1. Stop trying to fit in someone else’s box—create your own darn box and “sell it”. Show someone an untapped need, and how you, and only you, can fill it. For more than a decade, I had helped hundreds of friends, colleagues and even strangers find new jobs, get into PR, and change industries and careers—not to mention changing my own career path numerous times.  My “aha” moment was realizing these experiences were promotable skills, that coupled with my background in communications, could enable me to market myself as a “teacher” to anyone navigating personal and professional transitions.
     
  2. Capitalize on who you are.  Chances are, if you were the hall monitor in grade school, we probably weren’t the best of friends.  However, I might hire you in a heartbeat to be my compliance officer/consultant. Know what makes you you, and embrace it. The story is that I started talking at 10 months old and … never stopped. I am a communicator, and at the heart of it, I am an inspirer and creator, sharing what I have learned (from some of the best) about marketing and branding to benefit others. Ask yourself who you are, and work it.
     
  3. Take stock in all ALL of your LIFE experiences (paid work, volunteering, hobbies, and especially favors and how you “give yourself” to friends and family).  What’s the common denominator of what you love AND do well?  For me, it was inspiring others to think from new perspectives.  Even though I was clueless at first about how to use this information, I was also excited because at least I knew where to “dig.”  I soon realized in what direction I had to head toward to discover my greatest passion and purpose – it had something to do with using communications to inspire others.

Thoughts of the Week:

  • The more positions you’ve had that you didn’t like, the more you’ll learn
  • Knowing who you aren’t is the first step to determining who you are
  • Don’t be too quick to say you’ll never do something again – you’ll only limit yourself more

Welcome to the Living on Purpose Project

As children we crave structure and discipline. As adults, we need meaning and purpose. But no one tells us how to do it, in part because no two paths are the same. However, two things are universal amongst people of all ages and in various stages of life and success: (1) everyone wants practical ideas to create bigger, brighter next steps, and (2) people who learn to build upon personal lessons and experiences (whether it’s their own or through others’) can generally better navigate their pursuit of happiness, success and purpose.

Sharing our collective unconventional wisdom about life and careers is a simple thing that we all can do. Telling people not just what we do in life, but also why and how we do it, can be the little thing that makes a huge difference in the choices and courses someone makes and follows. Because perhaps what may really make that difference in the road less traveled is connecting with someone who has traveled a similar road before you, and knowing that you’re not alone.

Writing the Living on Purpose Project – a blog and book about finding purpose and doing what you love – is a natural extension of my 15-year work as a marketing and career transition Adjunct Professor, and a perpetual student and teacher of life. The Living on Purpose Project is part of my path to purpose. What’s yours?

Living on Purpose Project ™ – Living Life with Exclamation ™