March 27, 2017 Living on Purpose Project Question of the Week: Where do nice guys and gals really finish?

We’ve been told that nice people finish last, but is that really true? Here are seven things to make sure you are attracting good business karma. Each will help you prove that being kind and nice not only makes you a good human being but also gives you a huge leg up in your career and life.

1. Express gratitude: Give credit when it is due. In fact, give credit, even when it isn’t. People need to be acknowledged and doing so will make you look good, and them feel great about themselves. Praising others for their contributions is step #1 in becoming a great supervisor and leader.

2. Make time to be kind and thoughtful: Give a compliment. It might give someone a badly needed lift. As adults, we spend most of our time there. So why use some of those minutes to boost a co-worker’s spirits. Making your co-workers feel more positive about themselves will make them feel the same way when they are not at work.

3. Be optimistic: The can do-spirit is the fuel that makes things go. Nobody wants to work with or be a Debbie or Daryl Downer! Be the team member who gives the needed pep talk, offers fresh ideas, and encourages others no matter what.

4. Ha Ha: We don’t work in a bubble, but rather with real people dealing with real life. Aging and sick parents, money problems, strained relationships and much, much more. Share a funny story with someone who is dealing with something difficult. A good laugh can be great medicine and a great way to forge a genuine bond and friendship.

5. Watch your mouth: Resolve to stop shooting from the lip. Words can hurt more than any physical weapon. And, never forget that the words you have to eat can be very hard to digest. Choose your words wisely and always show others respect, especially when you disagree.

6. Apologize when you realize you are wrong: Remember, apologies never diminish who you are – they elevate it. Show others by example that you can admit your mistakes and be better because of them.

7. Encourage a beginner to try something new and take a risk: Nothing ventured nothing gained is not just a saying but a “major key” and fact of life. Someone once encouraged you, so pay it forward by helping someone looking to break into your industry. Regardless of level, you can and should always work as a connector who helps others network and partner to achieve common goals.

Even if nice guys and gals do “finish” last it’s far better to follow the golden rule – do to others, as you would have them do to you. “Nice” is not and will never be a four-letter word. Today pick one of these ‘acts of niceness’ and be that person who makes someone else’s week!

February 15, 2017 Ask Patrice about . . . what should I do when it looks like my supervisor or company are planning to fire me?

Unfortunately, we have all had jobs that were great but we’ve also had several that sucked. If the writing on the wall says there is a strong chance that you and/or your position are on the chopping block, here are seven things to protect you and create leverage in your departure.

1. Connect with human resources, labor relations, and your employee “handbook.” Learn your rights (i.e., does the government agency allow all permanent employees to have up to a year before they can be let go). It’s always good to know starting every job if you can be fired “at will.” All companies are different but most can simply let you go whenever they want to. Understand your review process and if you have had previous positive evaluations of your performance; present a good argument as to why you believe it has changed.

2. Understand the politics: It could be as simple as your VP wants to hire her former colleague and friend to have your job – because that’s her friend. If it’s a personality issue, chances are it will never be resolved in your favor (especially if the conflict is with senior staffers). So dust off your “C.Y.A.” (Cover Your Ass) file that you should have started the moment you got hired. Every “great job” email and “thanks for the help” Post It, (and a copy) of anything positive that internal and external clients have said about you. It’s not too late; ask a current client and others to write a letter about your most recent successful project or general letter of reference. After you have the positive feedback, create a one page summary of your major accomplishments.

3. Document everything: In addition to your CYA file, you need to keep a DAILY log of all communications and connections with others. Did your SVP cancel your review meeting for the 5th time? Are you excluded from meetings? Anything and everything needs to be recorded.

4. Understand the other issues: Unfortunately even in 2017 people are still discriminated against because of their race, age, sexual orientation, gender, religion and much more. If you have solid evidence that this is much more than someone simply not “liking you.” Consult with an employment lawyer to help you better understand your legal options, but most likely to help negotiate your exit with the most money in your pocket. For example, let’s say you’ve worked at a job for the past two years and it’s simply not working out with your new SVP. An employment attorney may be able to guide you to help request and negotiate that the company will pay one week for every year and to NOT contest unemployment.

5. Strategize with professional mentors and contacts that might have knowledge and expertise of both the process and the key players: Truth is you may not want to or be able to pay a retainer and hire an attorney, but you can tap into the “intellectual property” of others. Cast a wide net and ask others for advice and even perhaps how they navigated the same or a similar situation.

6. Circle back with HR: Present all positive evaluations, feedback and input. Communicate your desire to explore potential ways that you can part ways from your employer. Unemployment benefits, extended healthcare or company paid benefits, outplacement services (i.e., help with resume and recruiters).

7. Walk Away: If you have tried all that you could with or without the advice of legal counsel, and you’ve gotten the best severance package you can get, take it and move on. At some point your happiness and freedom to find a new job that you love is worth so much more. As you leave, work on developing the story you will tell to other professional contacts and potential employers.

It sucks to be fired even from a job that you hate. Even if you only have a couple of years of experience, you still may be able to get more than a “thank you and good luck to you.” Brush up on your negotiation and networking skills and assemble a dream team to help assist you with a graceful “positive” exit.

January 25, 2017 Seven Things to Think About When It Comes to . . . Being the Hero in Your Own Life Story.

Since childhood you’ve heard at least one story about superheroes and their special powers. But has anyone ever taught you how to become your own superhero who saves the day in your career and life. Well, Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat Pray Love may have actually cracked the code. Here are seven ways to become your own heroic figure.

1. Answer the call: “If you want to be the hero of the story - you kinda gotta answer the call.” – Elizabeth Gilbert

2. Hold a mirror to your flaws: Seeing yourself clearly is the second step to becoming a hero. Heroes know who they are and what makes them special. Focus on the special powers you have and work on cultivating them.

3. Prepare yourself for peril: The only constant in life is change and challenges. Become a person who thinks three steps ahead, always has a plan “B” and will be prepared to successfully deal with adversity. Remember, it’s not IF difficult obstacles come along; it’s how you’ll respond WHEN they do.

4. Ride the wave: Superheroes know how to deal with a variety of situations but mostly they simply know how to ride the wave. In an opportunity, ride the wave/go with the flow and when the wave and movement and beautiful views end - so should you. But luckily you’ll have (or quickly create) a plan – to find and then ride another wave.

5. Take responsibility: Growth is about owning a part/role in any situation. Are you deathly afraid of speaking in front of others? Are you intimidated that others are better writers or simply smarter than you are? Own your shortcomings and learn how you can prevent something bad from happening again by being honest with yourself and others.

6. Never waste your suffering: Be empowered to use your mistakes and “failures.” However, there is no need to beat yourself up. When you can share your experiences and lessons with others to turn your misery into meaning.

7. Face fear: Facing your biggest fears head on – frees you. Heroes demonstrate courage – moving forward despite fear. Attack what scares you most and stop running from it. If you want to break into marketing, send out an updated resume that shows your pro bono consulting projects

Heroes help us in many ways, but becoming your own hero makes you qualified to not always have to rely on others to live and manifest a highly successful career. This week follow these simple steps to use a mirror to see your flaws and yourself clearly; bring you to your own attention; and tear down your walls.

January 18, 2017 ASK PATRICE . . . When It Comes to Negotiating a Higher Salary, Even with Less Than 5-7 Years of Experience.

Each month we are going to feature a question from a Living on Purpose Project (LOPP) fan or follower and provide “straight no chaser” career advice from our CEO and Founder, Patrice Anderson. If you have a career-related question you’d like to ask, please comment on social media or directly email us atlivingonpurposeproject@gmail.com

“I have almost five years of experience, and less than two in my desired field. I have been offered a position at a mid-size company doing what I like but the salary is the same as my current position at a larger firm. How can I negotiate a higher salary?”

Negotiating is something I am lucky to have learned, literally from some of the best in the business. Here are secrets to asking for a higher salary and other forms of compensation. Following them will take your negotiation skills from shaky to successful in no time:

1. Wear your poker face: Letting others know what you’re thinking is the kiss of death when it comes to any negotiation. So don’t do it. Play it cool, and act as if you have MANY options and have done this before. Even if this is your first job offer in 2 years or you don’t have a clue about negotiation – act as if.

2. Six degrees of separation: Gather as much intelligence on the key players as you can. Who are the decision makers? How long have they been with the organization?
Know their successes and weaknesses, as well as who they have worked and gone to school with. Effective name dropping is effective. Create and start to cultivate a connection through shared associates and experiences. Your ultimate goal is to motivate them to believing that you are the candidate they MUST have.

3. Charm to disarm: My grandmother always told me – “you catch more bees with honey than you do with _ _ _ _.” Be pleasant and honest. People will know when you are overdoing it – so start with basic niceties like their appearance or a good point they made. Then move up to say and show the appropriate amount of deference and your respect. You can kill any deal simply by rude behavior and poor business etiquette

4. Demonstrate and prove others are being paid more: Talk in a non-threatening way about how the position you are considering is extremely similar or exact to another in the company/field/industry. A position that is paid at a higher salary. Something like “the positon you describe sounds more like (INSERT ONE LEVEL HIGHER) and detail all that you are being expected to do. Pay note to supervising even an intern. If it’s an assistant positon say it sounds like a “coordinator.” If they call it a manager say it sounds like a senior manager or director.

Your goal is to point to other people doing the same job for more money. If you need to build a better case – highlight that you know the previous person to hold that position had fewer responsibilities. And, to seal the deal offer to take on another project, area or department to clearly demonstrate the significant increase in job responsibilities – and to give them leeway to adjust the salary.

5. Highlight your negatives: After explaining your sincere interest and aptitude to do the job at hand – mention the “down side” for you. Will your commute time/expense double? Are you leaving a more well-known or prestigious brand or company? Share as they say, the “facts.”

Then remind them of what impressed them about you in the interview or prior meeting and share three (3) strong industry and/or career accomplishments. Reinforce this “negative” message with your desire to be a part of their team.

6. Ask rhetorical questions: People are more likely to be flexible and concede when they don’t feel confronted. Making your comments (and even reservations) into rhetorical questions is a great way to prevent things from going “left” (at best) or contentious (at worst).

Saying something like, “I really want the positon but I wish that there was some way I could not have the added expense of commuting?” or “The position is great but it really sounds much like an Account Executive, not a Coordinator, which I know has a much higher salary?

7. Be direct about the extras: Depending on the company, you should ask about signing bonus, performance based stock options, assistance with relocation or moving costs, and increased transportation. These pay outs may not come in lump sum, one-time payment but – money is money.

Everything in life is negotiable and everything in life requires some form of negotiation. Stop limiting your career options by lacking knowledge and experience in negotiating with people at all levels.

This week start by practicing some of these tips, reading more about the topic, and enlisting a friend to role-play the part of your future employer.

DJ Khaled - All I Do Is Win Feat. Ludacris, Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg & T-Pain from DAYO HAREWOOD on Vimeo.

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!

December 14, 2016 Seven Things to Think About When It Come to . . . "Betting on Yourself"

A few weeks ago I found some great career advice in the form of a poem. It spoke about how to be a “winner,” but also redefined “winning” as - doing things that most people won’t and don’t do. A loser as being someone who never tries. It’s time to start to learn from every experience you have and every person you encounter.

Here are seven things that you can do this week to create a pathway of winning and succeeding in the game called life.

1. A winner makes commitments … a loser makes promises My advice - share what you are “going to do” only after you’ve started doing it.

2. Winners are not afraid to be wrong … losers have a compulsive need to be right … Thrive on this rule in your professional life. It’s GOOD to fail - it teaches you what not to do again. Period.

3. A winner believes that we make our own luck, either through what we do or what we fail to do … Truth is, nobody controls all things or all people. You “win” in this game called LIFE by simply being in the game.

4. Winners do it NOW! … Losers procrastinate Time management is a skill that either you have or quickly need to develop. Delaying gratification sucks but you have to do it. Live in rushed chaos, ultimately, get you nowhere.

5. A winner knows that the secret to winning is to be who you are and become who you were meant to be. . . A loser thinks he can win by “fitting in” Shakespeare may have nailed this one best “to thine own self be true.” Do what you love and the rest will fall into place. Live. Love. Do!

6. Winners know that it may be difficult but it’s always possible … losers say it may be possible, but it’s too difficult. Life is difficult, and in different ways, tough for everyone. Losers never try or follow through with anything. You are and will always be a winner when you simply try. Then reach out in some way and tell yourself “good job” for trying.”

7. A winner is not afraid to lose. A loser is secretly afraid of winning. Fear of success is more real than you think. What and where do you self-sabotage? STOP IT, for at least one week. You can and will rise to the opportunity. Remember you can do more than you imagine when you’re doing what you love.

Grow and evolve professionally by knowing you won’t always win on the first or even tenth try. Eventually you’ll find your niche and be on your way to being the best you that you can be. This week pick one of the above seven goals and refocus your mind on the things that anyone can do – JUST TRY!

December 7, 2016 Seven Things to Think About When It Comes to . . . Inspirational Quotes to Get You Off Your _ _ _ _ and Create Some Real Changes Before the End of The Year!

Think of this as a wise, trusted friend passing you a “note” in 8th grade that you’ll want to read, digest, share and discuss with others. Here are seven non-traditional quotes that can literally change your life.

1. Life is not a dress rehearsal: We don’t control how long we have. But we each have 24 hours each day to make the most of whatever experiences and abilities that we do have.

2. Experiences prepare us to live more fully and make informed choices: Living with different people, places, customs and traditions creates confidence. The more diverse experiences we have the more we experience the “more” that life has to offer.

3. Advice is what you ask when you already know the answer but WISH it were different: Instincts are our mental muscles that we must stretch and continually use to guide us to make our own decisions and not react in fear or out of insecurity.

4. Life is a series of choices. You make a choice, and if things don’t work out, you simply make another choice: Living this way means you can never really fail. Make your own choices and live your own dreams!

5. Everyone struggles with something: Face whatever it is square in the face and turn your misery into meaning. Use your “something” to empower yourself and others.

6. Walk. Breathe. Repeat.: I recently heard Robyn Roberts say these three simple words that she used to say to herself as she battled cancer, not once, but twice. Crappy stuff happens to us all - so when it does find something that will encourage you to pick yourself up and keep moving.

7. Live. Love. Do. Don’t think it needs explanation, but live, loving what you do and doing what you love.

The holidays are around the corner and with them comes stress and issues (our own and others). During this last month of 2016, embrace one new way of thinking and you will certainly change your experiences, your circumstances, and your career.

November 23, 2016 Seven Things to Think About When It Comes to . . . The Biggest Work-Related Money Mistakes People Make

As we enter the season of spending, socializing with family and friends, and giving thanks and gifts, we often feel a huge drain on our bank accounts. However, personal finances are not the only ways that people develop money problems. This week we are looking at seven of the biggest money problems people face in their professional lives. Avoiding these common pitfalls can actually free extra cash for you to use this holiday season

1. Failing to negotiate your starting salary or a salary increase when you accept a new position or promotion: The best time to talk about increasing your salary is before you start a new job. However, many people fail to optimize this opportunity to get the extra money they deserve. Even if you’ve been unemployed for a while or are desperate to get any kind of work there are a few things that you should do before you accept the new position. 1. Brush up on your negotiating skills to secure an extra few thousand dollars. 2. Justify the increase by explaining the expenses associated with moving to a new city or increased transportation costs. 3. Explain that the longer hours/travel associated with your new gig will require you to quit your part-time job and/or give up a consulting job. 4. Prepare a great argument by doing your research, including checking out the Living on Purpose Project archives for our August 6, 2016 post on how to ask for a raise or promotion!

2. Not understanding that the only way you will ever be paid what you deserve/are worth is by working for yourself: Stop giving 110% and expecting to be paid what you’re worth. Truth is, people who have great wealth and bank accounts usually work for themselves. You might not be ready, willing or able to launch your own business, however, start exploring ways that you can also work as a paid consultant/freelancer to even out your salary deficit.

3. Trying to keeping up with the Kardashians: Don’t feel pressured to have to keep up with colleagues. Dress, hang out, and eat lunch, where you can afford to do so. Even in your professional life, find ways to live within your means such as buying a suit or dress from a high-end consignment store, bringing lunch at least three times week, and doing what you can to pay down your student loans.

4. Giving the milk away for free: Although this saying often applies to something else, it also relates to your work life. If you’re a consultant who has been asked to develop a proposal – only give a high level overview. When I first started working as a consultant, I developed a 10-page proposal that virtually gave the prospective client both the strategy and the detailed tactics to execute the project.) When I followed up a week later, I was told that, “I’m going to go in another direction and would no longer need my services.” Instantly I realized that I had given away the milk for free, and that he had never planned on hiring me. If someone asks for a comprehensive proposal or plan, charge them for it.

5. Not putting everything in writing: Whether you are working for or with a family member, or involved in a six figure venture or pro-bono project, outline your working arrangement in writing. I have seen many people of all ages and stages of their career not sign contracts or agreements, “because they were family or a close friend and I trusted them.” You can trust people but what you should trust even more is a contract or piece of paper that spells out how and when you’ll be compensated. Download a general contract from the Internet and make sure that you include major contingencies such as the client canceling the job or project. For example, I once worked on an event that the client canceled seven weeks into the project. Luckily, I had a clause in my contract that stated the client still had to pay me a certain amount per hour for all of the time I worked up until that point.

6. Lacking a clear focus about money, success, and youth: Defining success by how much money you make is a slippery slope to unhappiness. Sure you should work towards goals, but you need to first remind yourself that youth fades and there will always be someone who has/makes more money than you. Build your financial goals on talent and things that truly matter and have personal meaning. Letting a dollar figure represent your happiness or success is a sure way to fail.

7. Not knowing when to “fold ‘em:” Statistics show that regardless of industry, a majority of new businesses don’t make a profit in the first five years, and almost half go out of business in less than three years. Since almost every small business owner invests personal savings into their business, you may lose more than just your business when your venture fails. If your business is clearly sinking with no way of saving it, don’t let your pride cloud your business judgement. Filing a business bankruptcy can sometimes prevent vendors, subcontractors, and creditors from seizing your current assets.

Money doesn’t make you happy but it sure gives you better choices, and not having money can make you miserable. Be aware of how you approach and manage money not just in your personal life but when it comes to your professional affairs. This week take a look at how you can prevent making these and similar career-related money mistakes.

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.

October 1, 2016 The Living on Purpose Career Readiness Challenge . . . 30 Days of Activities, 4 Surprising Posts, 1 Great Sidebar Post on Creating (and not waiting) for Opportunities and 1 Compelling Conversation.

It’s October 1, summer’s over and it’s back to your daily grind. You have exactly 93 days to either start off 2017 with a new job that you love or head into the New Year doing the same old thing. What will you choose? We hope that you are ready, willing and able to make a change and will join us on October 5 when we’ll launch the first Living On Purpose Project 30-Day Career Readiness Challenge. Whether you are looking to change industries, move up in your current career/position; or are planning to switch things up in the near future - this monthly event will help you break the cycle and take concrete steps towards your dream job.

Each week will focus on non-traditional ways to advance your level of career readiness, as well as daily activities that you can do (most in 7 minutes or less) to help practice and master a core key skill. Here’s a sneak peek of what we have planned:

October 5: Seven Surprising Ways to Get LinkedIn to Work for You
Two people join LinkedIn every second. Here are seven surprising ways that people are using LinkedIn as an interactive tool to find job leads, get the attention of recruiters and hiring managers and effectively promote themselves professionally.

October 12: Compelling Conversation with Rachel Piatczyc
Who says that you have to pick just one job or career that you love? This month we’re talking to Rachel Piatczyc who shares her secrets to creating a multi-faceted career. We’re also offering a sidebar post on October 16 about three ways to create and not wait for opportunities.

October 19: Seven Things You Never Imagined Could Help Get You Hired in a Hurry
Tired of sending your resume out with no response? Are you finding that all the traditional ways to find a new job are not working? We’re spilling the tea on seven surprising things that can help you land a job quickly.

October 26: Seven Ways Mind/Body Balance Can Help You Succeed (And Why It’s Not B.S!)
You’re young and healthy and might 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.

September 21, 2016 Seven Things to Think About When It Comes to . . . Making Professional Friends.

When we are young we have many opportunities to meet and make friends. Going to school, joining a sports team or simply hanging out at the playground – offers us chances to connect with new people. Yet the older we get the harder it seems to make new friends. Whatever age you may be, we all need work friends to support us and help us navigate our careers. In fact, the older we get the more we need to surround ourselves with a strong support network. Here are seven ways to cultivate those relationships and reasons why we need them.

1. A Work BFF: Your best friend shares your interests and is that one person you can confide in no matter what. However, if your “bestie” works in a different field or industry they may not always be the ideal person to turn to when it comes to navigating your career. Take time to cultivate a close relationship with a peer at your workplace. It’s not just a good idea but a necessary asset to succeed at work. Having a work BFF offers a trusted confidant who understands exactly what challenges you may face, as well as someone who can help you best address and overcome them.

2. An Industry Insider: No matter what industry you work in, it’s really important to befriend someone at a different company who knows a lot of people in your field. Industry insiders offer a unique perspective and can be invaluable when it comes to finding and exploring new professional opportunities.

3. The Worker-Bee: Everyone needs people in “high” places to help them succeed, but we also need work friendships with people inside our organization who help us get things done. Pick up a coffee for the receptionist, treat the group admin to lunch, write a personal thank you note to the intern, or buy a $5 Starbucks for the “guys” in the mail room. Continue to cultivate these friendships over time. Years ago I worked with an admin who is now a senior vice president and executive producer at a major TV network! These friends will not only help ensure your package makes the last Fed-Ex pick up, but can also be unexpectedly invaluable sources of information. Often people treat the worker-bees as “invisible” and unknowingly spill the “tea” (i.e. company gossip) in front of them. The bottom line is you should treat everyone you encounter with respect, especially people who are often ignored and forgotten.

4. The Dear Abby: Years ago people wrote to a woman named Ann Landers who had a syndicated newspaper column called Dear Abby when they needed advice on how to deal with a certain problems and situations. Today, you need a professional friend who you can turn to for advice and ideas on how to deal with difficult people, places and things. Find a person who you admire and respect who you can turn to when you face work challenges.

5. A Kindred Spirit: Take advantage of the company office party or a committee project to meet colleagues who work in other departments or divisions. Follow up with people who you “click” with by sending a “nice to meet you email” or ask them out for lunch or coffee. Whether you share a similar sense of humor or style, create a professional friendship with like-minded co-workers in other areas of the company, especially those areas you might want to work in one day.

6. The Common Interest: Where you live, how you dress or where you went to college has nothing to do with who you are personally or professionally but using this information may be a great way to make new friends at work. If you notice a co-worker in the elevator holding a tote bag from your college alma mater or that you recognize from the neighborhood, reach out and introduce yourself. Shared interests can be a great foundation for professional friendships.

7. The Gatekeeper: Every office has a senior leader but every workplace has a gatekeeper who provides access to this top boss. Make an effort to “play nice” with the gatekeeper as he or she has the boss’ ear and the ability to make your life at work a smooth or rough process.

In life, we can all get by with a little help from our friends. The same is true when it comes to our careers. This week think about ways to enhance and expand your work and professional friendships. Remember, people are much more likely to recommend friends for promotions and new opportunities at other organizations - than people they don’t know.