Making Mondays Magical

There is something magical about starting over.  Think about it.  As the world is literally changing and shifting right before our eyes, we each have the chance to press the restart button each week. The button is called Monday. This week, embrace a new way of thinking about Mondays. See it as a opportunity to forgive yourself for past mistakes and to take new risks in the future.  Create a shift in how you see the week.  Make Monday “the new Friday” and use the day to enhance, not limit, your potential for positive life and for career changes.

Here’s to Breaking Routines, Giving It Your All and Creating the Change You Seek

When it comes to our jobs (or search for a new one) – we become creatures of habit living on autopilot. One day blends into the next and the next thing you know months go by of you doing the same old thing. It’s actually during these times, when you feel most comfortable, that you need to spice things up and do something different. Great opportunities often present themselves when we are giving our all and not going through the motions.

Here are seven (7) things to inspire you to break your routine and create the change that you seek.

1.   You can’t “phone in” wowing others in person: You are not the only one who falls into routines in your career. Give your co-workers a much need change in their routine by bringing in fruit and/or coffee to the next meeting. Even if it’s just three people, it will change the mood and make the energy much more positive.

2.   Change your clothes: Today most companies and people enjoy a relaxed business casual attire at work. However, dressing a bit more formal than you would normally not only makes others take you more seriously, it causes people to think about you and wonder what you are up to.

3.   Switch up the format: If you normally present reports in memo form, change things up by compiling the information/data in a PowerPoint or chart format. Let the change inspire you to do the same for other materials and things you work on.

4.   Give others a new template to follow: Giving colleagues and clients an easier way to do their job not only helps them – it makes you a rockstar co-worker.

Think of new ways to adjust the format of documents and projects that offer something easier and takes less time to complete.

5.   Start your day by doing at least one thing in a different way: If you normally drink coffee, try green tea; if you normally take the train, walk to work. Do at least one thing differently every day to keep yourself interested and inspired.

6.   Post or send a shout out: Switch up your day or week by thanking others for something they did for you. Reach out to an old boss or friend with an “I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for doing XYZ . . . I just want you to know that I will never forget it and want to thank you again.” Not only will it brighten someone’s day, it may help you network and reconnect with someone new.

7.   Tell others what you like about them: It may seem odd to see several suggestions asking you to focus on others. That is because doing so is often the easiest way to get out of a rut. Finding ways to tell others what is positive about themselves can actually help you do the same thing for yourself.

This week take an honest look at your work or job search routine. Try to find new ways to do more than “just show up” and instead create opportunities to give things your all.

Be Present

We cannot control what happens to us.  However, we always control how we choose to respond to life and career adversities and challenges. As we continue to navigate the unknown and create the “new normal,” remember that sometimes when one door closes, another opens – and the rewards can be great.  This week we’re heading to social to take a “less is more” approach to inspiring others to be present and happy in the moment.  We hope you will join us in choosing to be happy every day.

Learning How to Recognize What You Are Great At?

We are all great at something. What’s that thing that you do better than anyone else? If you don’t know what that is or even how to get started, you are in luck.  This Summer, the Living on Purpose Project is sharing information on how to help you stand out and succeed during the COVID-19 era. 

This week is about tooting your own horn and recognizing your greatness! Here are seven (7) things to consider when determining where you excel. 

1.   Are you passionate about a group of people or a cause? Something matters to all of us - what’s that cause that you believe in? I am committed to people who want to find a way to live life doing what they love. I believe we would all be much happier – and the world a better place – if more people could spend their time and talents on what interests them.

2.   Did you take a risk that paid off? More than a decade ago, I created a course called Turning Your Passion into Your Profession. I sent the proposal to the Learning Annex, a professional development organization in NYC. When they turned down my course, I took a chance and sent it to NYU, Columbia, AND Baruch College. Even though I had zero prior teaching experience, I took a risk. Lucky I did. NYU ran the course for more than 10 years and Baruch College hired me to teach 5 courses over 5 years. Teaching then became a new part of my career. Whether you bought a one-way ticket to NYC, quit your job to travel the world, or just found a new job and no longer have to sleep on a friend’s couch – celebrate your big and small risks that paid off.

3.   Are you really good at your job? What’s the one job or aspect of your professional life that you do better than others?

I am great at motivating people to want to work with and for me, in part, because I continually let others know how much I appreciate them and value what they do. I pride myself on being a great supervisor, mentor, and coworker. What do you pride yourself on?

4.   Are you a go-getter who goes after what you want? Sometimes life is simply about trying new things. Pat yourself on the back for trying new things and pushing yourself, and others, out of your comfort zone. Next time you decide you are going to “go for it” no matter what happens – celebrate your ability to venture into something new. 

5.    Are you a great friend or coworker? Perhaps you are that person at work who makes anything seem better. There are some people who make work “work” because they are pleasant, positive, and flexible people.

6.   Do people turn to you when they need encouragement or support? You may be a great cheerleader in your personal life. That person who motivates and inspires your family, friends, and others to work towards and achieve their goals.

7.   Are you organized and able to help others organize their life and/or goals? Some people are really good at creating organization, structure, and discipline for others. Maybe you are a kick ass personal trainer or life coach. Or perhaps you are simply that friend who helps others organize, declutter, and simplify their homes, businesses or lives.

This week, identify and remind yourself of at least one thing that you do very well. Pat yourself on the back and celebrate this one thing that makes you uniquely special and one-of-a-kind.

Being True to Yourself

As your job, home life, and favorite routines are being changed and turned upside down, remind yourself that change is just around the corner. Be aware that the “perfect next move” that you seek might be found when you are guided, forced, and pushed in new directions. Whatever path you choose or are forced to follow  – be yourself.  As you navigate the twists and turns of a changing job market and work on your career advancement – be yourself.  Be bold. Be passionate. But be yourself!  And, most importantly be true to your ideas and ideals.  Happy LBGTQ Pride Month to everyone who lives their truth each and every day. This week, follow us on social media as we shout out LBGTQ Pride, the universal power of love, and being true to you!