March 15, 2017 Seven Things to Think About When It Comes to . . . Common Communication Mistakes 80% of People Make.

It has been said that 80% of conflict is a communications issue. I recently had a minor conflict with a neighbor that was caused from her literal and figurative inability to hear and understand what I was saying. This morning I thought that when it comes to life in general most things that disconnect people have to do with what and how things are said. It may sound silly but we all need to brush up on key types of communications. Check out these seven questions to see how you score on professional communications.

1. How do you ask for a raise or promotion? The biggest mistake people make in not getting a raise or promotion is lacking confidence and being “mousey.” Would you want to give more money to someone who can’t look you in the eye, use a firm and clear voice and command your attention and respect? No, you wouldn’t - so why should your current boss or potential future employer.

2. How do you introduce yourself? Do you have a memorable way of meeting people? If not, you should. Tell others that you mean business with your initial conversation and your first impression. You’ll get brownie points for making social connections i.e., asking questions or using body language such as nodding your head and smiling. I introduce myself as a master problem solver.

3. How do you present information and yourself? Whether it’s an interview or a PowerPoint presentation, the best way to “communicate” your knowledge and ability is to be prepared, knowledgeable, and on time. Always communicate the W.I.F.M. factor (What’s in it for me?) and K.I.S.S. (Keep it Simple for Stupid). This is certainly not insulting anyone nor their intelligence but rather a great idiom to remind you to be clear and concise.

4. How do you deliver an apology or explanation? Chances are whatever bad news you have to deliver – it’s best to go with a sincere ‘less is more’ approach. I have seen many people talk themselves out of an apology by focusing on themselves and not the other party. If you say or do something that you wish you hadn’t – speak on and move on.
But before you do, remember that people want to be heard, so shut up and listen. Equally, learn how to find a positive spin in any negative. It softens the blow and makes people associate you with something good.

5. How do you ask others to do things? It’s not what you say by truly how you say things. Period. Tone, volume, and frequency affects others. Follow a good rule of thumb – listen twice as much as you speak.

6. How do you relate to co-workers on a personal level? Your goal is not to be the party-girl or after hours guy, but it is good to connect with select colleagues who share common interests. Find ways to strike up neutral topics such as hobbies, work background, and pop culture (minus the politics).

7. How do you express thanks and appreciation to others? Everyone achieves because of the help of others. Find ways to say more than a generic thanks to those who help you in big and small ways.
>Communicate in clear and concise ways. This week practice new ways to ask for things and express what you experience. In time, you will be a seasoned pro at minimizing a lack of communication or misunderstanding.

February 22, 2017 Living on Purpose Project Founder & CEO and Career and Communications Expert, Patrice Anderson, on the entrepreneurial gene; setting personal and professional boundaries; 90s Hip Hop; and not needing to be the smartest or most talented to succeed.

Growing up in the north-west part of Philadelphia, I was encouraged to dream big. Luckily, I was also exposed to many things and participated in many experiences that soon taught me that life is a series of choices. Some work out and many don’t go exactly as planned. I’ve done many things professionally that I am really proud of … becoming one of the youngest Director in the history of NBC … launching a successful PR and events consulting business with only $3,000 of personal savings… and representing the Jordan Brand (Michael Jordan). Truth is, I am most proud of the fact that I have tried everything that I have ever wanted to do career wise. Lucky for me – most things have worked out and even those that did not go as planned – I don’t regret.

Who was the first adult (other than your parents) who encouraged you to believe in yourself and take risks to go after what you want?

My kindergarten teacher Miss Guida always used to use the word potential around me. “Patrice, you did an excellent job at XYZ, you have so much potential, and I am sure that your next XYZ will be even better.” One day I asked her what the word meant and she said that I had a lot of great abilities and could do almost anything I wanted. I credit my first teachers and my Montessori early childhood education for helping me to be independent and self-confident at such an early age.

Early on in your career, did you ever have doubts or consider pursuing another PR niche or field?

I am a problem solver and I like what I do. So, basically, I can work for any business or any Industry. What I like and do best is solving strategic problems and coming up with ways to do something NEW that has been done 101 times before.

Of course, I looked at some of my friends and former colleagues who worked in the music industry and thought that they had the cool jobs. Instead, I took the more corporate (and perhaps in my mind) safer route than many friends who chose to do A&R, marketing and management for major labels and artists. I have a lot of respect for them and everyone who was a Hip Hop pioneer who hustled hard to make sure that Hip Hop what not a temporary genre and will remain forever!

This past Monday, February 20, 2017 the new series The Breaks premiered on VH-1. I loved the movie and am digging the series because it’s basically the soundtrack for a key stage of my life and my career.

I was privileged to know, meet and work with some of the key players who played a pivotal role in how Hip Hop evolved and grew in the 90s. Whether it was going to high school with the founders and senior editors of The Source; going to Central High School party in Philly (where Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince (a.k.a Will Smith ) DJ’d; or going to college in NYC and living in the same dorm as Adam Sandler, I’ve always found myself surrounded with artists and creative types. And, it was nice to live vicariously through other people – it allowed me to meet some of the hottest 90s DJs like (Funkmaster) Flex, Kid Capri, and Frank Ski, not to mention some of the best producers, event planners and celebrity publicists. I had amazing access and experiences. I even learned how to play pool for the first time at a music studio in LA. My teachers were members of a very large entourage of a very well know artist who had a studio session that same day.

I guess at the end of the day I was well suited for the corporate world. But I guess things can and do often come full circle. A decade later I ended up doing sports & entertainment PR.

You had a successful career managing events and PR for mega brands and high net worth individuals like Nike, Jordan Brand (Michael Jordan), AT&T, NBC, Fox and others. How and why did you go into business for yourself? And, do you think anyone can be an entrepreneur or does one need to have the entrepreneurial gene?


Launching a sports and entertainment boutique firm was out of sheer necessity. I was unemployed and needed to pay the bills. I did what I have told thousands of students over the years to never, ever do – start a business without a business plan. I luckily defied the odds. My first client was Fox Entertainment and my second was Nike.

I do think that some people are certainly born with natural abilities as a salesperson or entrepreneur, however, anyone can embrace and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset. Meaning, don’t sit down waiting for opportunities to come to you – instead stand up and create them.

I actually “pitched” my first potential client, my bus driver, Mr. Robinson when I was 9 years old. The week before a congressman’s kid has sliced open the back of his head on the aluminum siding on the school bus during some rough housing. Since it had happened shortly after pick up from school, Mr. Robinson drove the whole bus full of kids to the ER. And, he had put me “in charge" of the bus while he was gone.

Truth is, I’ve never been the oldest, smartest, most talented, biggest - but at an early age I knew how to motivate people to accomplish an end-goal. So even at nine, I was fully aware that if another accident happened again – Mr. Robinson would be out of a job. A few days later I asked him if I could promise him that I could keep everyone in their seats and that there would be no rough housing - would he pay me?

I still remember the look on his face. He agreed but with one stipulation - that I had to also sweep up the bus on Fridays. I countered by asking for a trip to Dunkin Donuts once a month that would give one donut for everyone.

I made $5 dollars a week. By age 11, I had a “real job” job that paid me by check $120 a month. And, by the time I was 13 years old I ran a very successful babysitting business that earned up to a couple of hundred in a single weekend!

What are three professional strengths that have helped you and can help others succeed?


First, I am a professional problem solver. It’s the one thing I’ve done well in every single job I have ever had. I learned that helping people understand, address, and eliminate their problems is not something that everyone can do.

Second, I am extremely persistent and am not easily intimidated by difficult people or situations – in fact, I often see them as a challenge. For example, as a child I would help my mother when she had a yard sale. One sale, when I was 7 years old, a man tried to cheat me out of money by making it seem that I had counted wrong. I didn’t back down and proceeded to add everything up by hand on a paper bag AND even got a calculator to double check my math. I have no idea why a grown man would try to cheat a child out of $3.75. But I am glad it happened because it gave me the confidence to call people out on things and stand up for myself.

Lastly, I think extremely well on my feet and am a highly creative person who always has AN idea and can quickly come up with a possible solution to ANY problem, situation or need.

What is something that someone told you NOT to do that you actually ended up doing and served you well?

Growing up, people have often told me that I talk too much. I still talk a lot and don’t think it’s a coincidence that I have made a great living in communications.

Throughout my life, many people have also told me that I watch too much TV. I have always loved television, the shows, the scripts, the commercials, the whole nine yards. I literally grew up watching Sesame Street and have been watching TV ever since.

It’s funny but perhaps one of the most redeeming qualities of “reality” TV is that people can learn “how to” do almost anything by watching others. I am a visual and kinetic learner and therefore I learn by seeing and doing. Watching tons of TV has helped me immensely in my career in doing things like writing ads, especially commercials, creating PR campaigns, better understanding Pop culture and much more.

What do you accredit your professional success to?

I always have an idea and a plan (even if it’s mental). I try to make sure that plan is at least two steps ahead of where I am trying to go. That way I’m poised to pounce on an opportunity as soon as it presents itself. As I say to my students, in marketing (and in life) you don’t always have to be best, sometimes it’s merely about who is first. First to see the need, first to focus on an untapped target audience or first to come to market.

Everyone needs a plan to make their dreams come true – it’s called marketing. However, there are many people who, if they won a thousand dollars for life would not know what to do with the money. I don’t have that problem (laughter).

Although I am the type of person to do first and then tell others after I’ve done it, I have several plans that I could easily put into action at any moment. In addition to always creating and tweaking my plan, I talk, think and work very fast. That plus my strong organizational and time management skills often allow me execute the same project/job faster, better and more creatively than someone else.

What is one piece of unconventional wisdom that you learned from someone else?

In my first job out of college, I was charged with scheduling a Wall Street Journal interview with a senior level IBM client. I made a huge mistake and gave the reporter the wrong location (in the pre-cell phone world). As we sat there waiting for the reporter who never showed, my supervisor stayed cool under pressure and gracefully handled the situation and the very frustrated client. Thinking quickly on my feet, I ran back to the office and was able to save the media opportunity (and possibly my job) by rescheduling a phone interview for first thing the next day.

My supervisor never yelled or chewed me out for the mistake because it was “spilt milk” and I had found a way to clean it up. She knew I learned my lesson and would never make the same mistake. That day she taught me that if you are the person “in charge” always remain professional and cool, calm and collected. And, to never forget the devil is in the details!

About Patrice Anderson: Patrice Anderson is passionate about helping people discover and do what they love. A professor, PR and marketing consultant, and career transition expert, Anderson has spent the past 20 years helping individuals, as well as some of the country’s largest organizations including Fox Entertainment, Nike/The Jordan Brand, AT&T, NBC, Alcatel-Lucent, The United States Marine Corps and Burger King, create their vision, shape their brand, and execute their goals.

In 2015, Anderson founded The Living on Purpose Project ® blog and online community to help people navigate career choices and changes in order to live with more passion and purpose. She oversees a wide range of initiatives that provide practical career, employment and business advice, as well as courses and resources to help others achieve personal, professional and organizational goals.

Anderson serves as a motivational speaker and lecturer at New York University, Hunter College, and professional organizations, as well as a broadcast media consultant. She is a graduate of New York University’s Stern School of Business and holds degrees from NYU in marketing and liberal arts. Currently, Anderson is working on her first book, The Living on Purpose Project ®.

Follow Patrice and the Living on Purpose Project on Twitter @pathtopurpose; on Instagram at #pathtopurpose; on Facebook at Living on Purpose Project; and on the web at .

Seven Things to Think About When It Comes To . . . Old School Professional Skills to Rock in 2017

Now that the New Year is in full swing here are seven “must have’s” to turn a new career leaf in 2017.

1. Fill in the blank: Whatever your current or desired field is, be you need to have expertise in a specific segment.

If you do social media: are you a strategy person or skilled at identifying and engaging influencers? It’s not just about working in one industry or field, but rather about becoming an expert at something that others value and need.

2. Writing: Over the past 20 years I have found that many people struggle with business writing. The trick is to keep your communications concise, using simple sentences and explain the only 5 questions that anyone ever wants to know: WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN AND WHY. Go online or sign up for a class, but work on making sure that you are comfortable with writing your ideas efficiently and effectively.

3. Negotiation: Check our “archives” to see what we recently posted about this critical skill and how to develop it. http://livingonpurposeproject.com/post/156036582629/january-18-2017-ask-patrice-when-it-comes

4. Salesmanship: There is a saying that salespeople are born, not made. However, we can all become more skilled at selling people on our ideas, vision and even ourselves by using some marketing 101 tactics and strategies – always remember to educate and not sell, and that even people who are looking to buy don’t want to feel a hard sell.

5. Perseverance: 80% of most things you attempt will not turn out exactly or even close to what you had planned - it’s called life. The sooner you embrace this fact the better life becomes. At many points in your career you MUST be willing to work longer, harder, better. Period. If not, step side and make way for those of us willing, ready and able to do the work at hand.

6. Humor: Everyone thinks they are funny - only a few are right. Of course, you think you have a great sense of humor but how can you test it out? Fine tune your ability to use wit and humor to really connect with and even disarm others. Remember humor is about being makings smart observations about people and life. If you need some ideas to put together your 10-minute comedy set, check out two of my favorite comedians – the late George Carlin and Chris Rock.

7. Keep your word: Following through on what you say allows you to always demonstrate (a practice) this core skill. The secret is to under promise and over deliver and make your personal and professional goal to be a person of your word. At the end of the day, people hire, partner with, and seek out those who are consistent and reliable. Work on your time management and keep yourself organized and soon you will find this is second nature.

Successful people have the necessary skills and mindset for success. Anyone can do it, once you know which skills and abilities will enable you to consistently be a rainmaker. This week, take a few minutes to access your current skills and set goals for making them sharper and savvier.

October 26, 2016 Seven Things to Think About When It Comes to . . . Ways Mind/Body Balance Can Help You Succeed (And Why It's Not B.S!)

You’re young and healthy and would never believe that stress can be slowing you down and blocking you from the job of your dreams. Mind/Body Balance isn’t hippie, new age stuff, but a proven method to help you make a successful professional transition and sustain an effective long-term life and career. It’s not too late to join our #LOPP30daychallenge, try some of these suggestions today.

1. You’re not sick you’re thirsty: Water for Health, for Healing for Life: You’re Not Sick You’re Thirsty by F. Batmanghelidj, MD is an interesting book with a basic premise – that water is the free “miracle” solution to the many things that ail you. Your body is comprised of about 65 percent water, which is needed for a number of physiological processes and biochemical reactions, including: blood circulation; metabolism; regulation of body temperature; waste removal and detoxification. Once your body has lost between one to two percent of its total water content, it will signal its needs by making you feel thirsty. However, by the time your thirst mechanism actually kicks in, you’re already in the early stages of dehydration, so you don’t want to ignore the initial sensations of thirst. In addition, hunger and sugar cravings, in particular, can also be a sign that your body is crying for water, so when you feel hungry, drink a glass of water first.

Doctors and nutritionists suggest that adults drink eight, 8-ounce glasses a day, but recent studies show the ideal amount varies from person to person. Water is also a natural preventative medicine and could also be an effective defense to address depression, headaches, obesity, and numerous other conditions and diseases that are related to persistent dehydration. If you don’t like the “taste” of water – get over it. Flavor your water with not just lemon and lime, but add mint, strawberries or even cucumber slices to your pitcher or water bottle. Regardless of how much water you currently drink, challenge yourself to drink two more glasses a day this week until you build up a healthy habit of eight to ten glasses every day.

2. Creating a daily practice: Practice, routines, and patterns are not only the way we learn how to do things, they are proven and speedy gateways to a successful life. Scheduling things at a certain time every day provides structure and discipline that indirectly creates effective time management. Starting the day by reading an inspirational message or taking 5 minutes of silence can not only offer a great motivation to kick start things it can also begin a pattern of accomplishment and ultimately success. Browse through a book of motivational quotes and/or stories or download one of many “quote of the day” apps. Let the daily topics guide you to find new energy and zest for life each and every day. Sure, things will happen and some days you’ll face challenges. Putting positivity in motion to not only counter negativity but also attract more positive energy and people throughout the day.

3. Create and embrace a personal and work mantra: No matter your industry or the stage of your career everyone needs a mantra to guide and remind you to stay positive in the face of adversity. Mantras are single words, phrases, or rhetorical questions that offer personal meaning and inspiration during tough life and career times. “Believe,” “don’t sweat the small stuff,” or “it has to be someone, why not me?” are more than just words when used the right way. Develop your own or borrow a favorite mantra from some of our Living on Purpose Project interviewees like, “fake it till you make it,” or “it’s all good.” My personal mental work/career go-to mantra is “if you’re not doing something every day to get what you want, how bad do you really want it?” This is not just about saying “warm and fuzzy” words to make you feel good at the moment but rather a proven long-term technique for creating positive change and accomplishments. If you don’t believe me, ask the countless famous athletes, business people, and entrepreneurs who use it every day! Find or develop three possible work mantras to try out this week when your boss or co-worker tries your patience or when you need a little boost to hang in there until change happens.

4. Practice power breathing to relieve stress and anxiety: Anxiety affects 40 million adults in the United States 18 and over, or 18 % of the population – according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. In addition, it’s not uncommon for people who experience anxiety to also experience depression or vice versa. The truth is, almost everyone experiences one or the other at some point in life – often triggered by stressful life events like losing a loved one or job, or dealing with chronic money problems. However, if you feel anxious and nervous much of the time, seek advice from an expert and try to adopt daily activities, such as taking deep breaths, power breathing, and yoga. Everyone gets even a little nervous before an interview or at a networking event, today read this Forbes article about these simple things that can have surprising results

5. Take a deep stretch and try yoga: Yoga is perhaps one of the best mind/body exercises to achieve mental and career balance. It stretches both your muscles and your mind simultaneously. Stretching is essential to circulation but is also a great way to jumpstart your day. Ever notice how dogs stretch every single time they get up. It’s an instinct and “trick” that many animals do that humans should learn. Take a class or simply try some exercises like the sun salutation (which you can find on YouTube) at home. Perhaps in time you’ll join people like Russell Simmons who credit it as a key to success in career and life. Today check out this article where Russell explains what yoga is all about and schedule a time to do a least one yoga class or routine (at home) before the end of the month

6. Introduce your mind to meditation: The first time I tried meditating more than 20 years ago, I hated it. It was nearly impossible for me to clear my mind, to literally think about “nothing.” I tried guided meditation, read books, took classes and even studied transcendental meditation for a while – yet I felt like a meditation “failure” and soon “dropped out.” A few years later, one day out of the blue I tried it again. However this time, I simply took away the “label” of calling it meditation and had a “breakthrough.”

When I stopped focusing on trying to “meditate” and started simply trying to quiet my mind for 5 minutes at a time I could do it. Soon I was able to add a second, and then third, 5-minute session and eventually could do 30 minutes a day. Take time to clear your negative and “busy” thoughts and replace them with deep breaths and positive ideas.

You don’t have to become a Zen master to tap into the power of meditation and release it’s calming, and stress relieving benefits. This week take 5 minutes to lie flat on the floor without any light or sound, and simply close your eyes and breathe. As random thoughts come into your mind, like a negative comment someone recently said, little questions such as what you’re going to have for dinner, or major issues like how you’re going to pay rent - acknowledge the thought then “push” it away. When a thought comes, simply take a breath, re-focus and try again. It doesn’t matter if these thoughts happen two or twenty times in 5 minutes; remember it is about progress and not perfection.

7. Visualize success: Many successful people talk about how they envisioned their success before they achieved it. I recently saw an interview of Taylor Swift a year after her first album became a mega hit. Someone asked her if fame and success was as she “imagined it” would be and she replied “yes, even better.” Who knows if she would say the same thing today? The point is that perhaps part of the reason why she (and others) achieved success is because she actually took time to “see” it happen. Positive visualization has been taught by everyone from religious leaders to coaches, and has been an incredible tool for millions of people throughout the world. Take time to “day dream” about the way your life will be when, not if, change happens. The next time you believe you won’t be able to do something, simply take 7 minutes to first visualize that it has already happened. Then say to yourself (over and over) that it WILL happen. Start with simple, less emotional things like making your bus or train. Instead of saying, “oh shoot I’m going to miss the train,” create a quick visual in your mind of arriving to the station in the nick of time and taking a seat as the train or bus leaves. Then as you hustle and travel to get there, keep repeating to yourself “I WILL make the train, I WILL make the train, I WILL make the train.” And, 80 % of the time you WILL make it!

Some argue that success is more about mental focus, your “head game” and perseverance, and less about talent and opportunity. Your mind/body skills are just as important as other abilities and skills related to succeeding in your industry or career. Think about this. If you go on an interview feeling anxious or depressed, or thinking or visualizing “I’m unqualified and won’t get the job” – I guarantee you won’t get the job! But with a positive attitude you have a real chance. Today, ask yourself if even you would hire yourself based on the way you think and your mental approach to things right now? If the answer is no, try some of these ideas and activities to change that answer and become the person that anyone would hire in a heartbeat.

September 7, 2016 Seven Things to Think About When It Comes to . . . Questions to Ask Yourself to Help You Discover your Purpose.

We all have a purpose. Yet only less than 20% of us discover it and live it. Now that Summer has ended and you’re getting back to your grind and routine, here are seven simple questions that might offer the “aha!” moment you’ve been looking for to find or create your next career move.

1. What types of relationships drive you? A good place to start when thinking about what you were born to do begins not at looking at yourself, but at who or what you like working with. Are you someone who is motivated by groups or do you like working alone? Are you energized by working with kids or animals or a place where you don’t have to interact with anyone at all? Clarity regarding who you like working with and where you thrive can help you uncover your purpose.

2. When do you feel in your element and get that feeling that this is what I was born to do? There some things that come to us so naturally it’s like second nature. For natural leaders, no one ever had to tell them how to motivate and lead people they just knew. What have you always done naturally? Are you most comfortable when you cheer others on or are when you are given a problem to fix?

3. Where does your satisfaction and success intersect? There are things we like doing and then there are areas where we excel. For most people our “purpose” relates to where these two arenas meet. You may love doing something, but it may be something that you don’t do well. Do what you love and find ways to practice and increase your level of skill. Sometimes that extra focus and practice makes all the difference. For example, Michael Jordan was cut from the Junior Varsity basketball team, but practice and dedication helped him became one the best players of all time. However, there are things that, despite our dedication, are simply not something thing that we excel at doing. If that’s the case, we then should explore other pursuits. Remember that even Michael Jordan never became a phenom at baseball.

4. What motivates you to get out of bed? Some people are driven by the chance to help others while other individuals are motivated by solving problems? Are you drawn to learning new things or are you inspired by developing expertise in one area? Know what motivates you, and why?

5. What are your talents that you are willing to invest in? Where do you spend your time and money? Chances are the things you choose to invest your financial and other resources doing is something that you are really passionate about.

6. What’s your reoccurring topic of conversation? We all are passionate about certain causes and ideas, what are yours? I am deeply dedicated to empowering others to explore and live their passions and purpose. I also strongly believe in all people, especially women, becoming financially educated and independent.

And, I believe that all children need to be encouraged and supported to become the people who they were born to be. No matter where I am and who I meet, my conversations (even with strangers) tend to focus on one of these topics.

7. What do you do when you don’t know what to do? When you feel stuck, in a rut, or confused about which path to take, what is your “go to” move? I often turn to yoga, prayer and meditation, find ways to connect with nature, and talk to friends and family about my current feelings. Knowing the positive people and things that you turn to for answers can be a huge step in starting the process of change.

Making a career change begins with asking yourself big questions. This week, pick just one of these seven questions to help you gain clarity about not just what you love, but why you love it. Questions can empower you to create a new way of thinking, which in turn can help change what you do and perhaps even reveal that “thing” that you were born to do.

August 17, 2016 Seven Things to Think About When It Comes to . . . Knowing You are Not Alone in Wanting a Job You Love and That Gives You Purpose.

When I was in my late 20s, I started asking myself what I really wanted to “be when I grew up.” I hoped and believed that I was not the only person to feel that way, so I started reading books, taking classes and making up exercises. Eventually I created a course to help others who were wondering the same thing. At the time I didn’t have any “real” teaching experience, was unemployed and had no idea exactly how I was going to do this. So I just tried anything I could think of. I called people I knew and asked for contacts and ideas, researched what to include in my course proposal. I then made “cold calls” and sent my proposal to NYU, Columbia University, and The Learning Annex – in less than 7 months that “proposal” became a successful seminar, called “How to Turn Your Passion into Your Profession,” which I taught at NYU for more than a decade!

If you are feeling frustrated in your current job or profession you are not alone. Throughout our lives, we all have periods where we seek more from our work. So as you wonder what “that thing” is that you were born to do (and be) - here are seven things to inspire you to do to create change and to remind you that you not the only one to feel this way.

1. Unhappiness on the job affects 25% of the American work force according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Happiness is a choice not a circumstance. Challenge yourself to find three things that you look forward to every day even if one is the coffee guy who always greats you with a smile or remembers your name.

[] 2. 25% of people view their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives says the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Develop routine ways like exercise, meditation, or even deep breathing to relieve stress you experience in and outside of work.

3. The book The Power of Uniqueness reveals that 70% of people are neither motivated nor competent to perform the basics of their job. Alter the parts of your job that you can change. For example, if you normally return calls at the end of day when you’re tired and mentally checked out - return them on the morning when you’re fresh and have more energy.

4. 43% percent of employees feel anger toward their employers often or very often as a result of being overworked according to the New York Families and Work Institute. Find constructive ways to discuss your workload and how it’s affecting you with your boss.
However, when you bring up the topic, first take time to think of what he/she might be able to do to rectify the situation. Remember, it’s easy to complain about what doesn’t work but far more effective to offer a possible solution to every problem you bring to the table.

5. 70% of us dread Monday’s and dream of Fridays. No one wants the weekend to end but there is a big difference between dread and disappointment. If you dread your job - start doing just one thing every day to work toward getting a new one.

6. According to a recent Gallop poll only 13% of the American workforce are emotionally invested in helping their organization improve/achieve its goals. You spend at least160 hours a month working; shouldn’t it be related to something you believe in or that interests you.

7. Most people - 80% according to a Deloitte shift index survey - “hate” or are dissatisfied with their jobs. Know what you’re great at and work toward doing it. Remember, if you don’t have a passion there are plenty of people who will hire you to work toward theirs.

Many people don’t like their current job but only a few muster the courage to change careers. This week make the decision to drop the “grin and bear it” attitude and embrace an “I can find or create my dream job” point of view. Try just one thing a day … make a call, connect with a former boss on LinkedIn or talk to a mentor or therapist. One slight mind shift and one simple action can help you become one of the 20% of people who find love and purpose in what they do.