This week, we’re taking a “less is more” approach to career advice and highlighting great quotes and words of wisdom inspired by the movie “Jerry Maguire” starring Tom Cruise and Renee Zellweger. As you push forward on your grind this week, remember your worth as you navigate new opportunities. Create and strengthen relationships while you wait for the phone to ring. Hold on strong to your belief that you can find that job or career that “completes” you. Dream big and tell yourself daily that you want and deserve something better.
Improving Your Sleep Hygiene to Find Professional Success
Fall is the perfect time to focus on your sleeping habits and make some small but important changes. When it comes to sleep, just one tiny adjustment can drastically improve your mindset and overall “sleep health.” Believe it or not – there is a correlation between how much sleep you get and how many goals you successfully accomplish. Here are seven (7) ways to refocus your sleep health - and in turn give a surprise boost to your motivation and energy.
1. After you get home, change into your PJs or your comfy clothes: The mere act of taking off your “work” clothes and putting on new ones sends a signal to your brain to relax and unwind. Ancient cultures and civilizations have long used robes for their comfort, convenience, and ease of wear. Studies show that it is an ideal way to start your unwinding process before bedtime.
2. Change your sheets at least once a week: If you can’t remember the last time you changed your sheets, you may be among the 40% of people who have the bad habit of changing their sheets monthly. Microbiologist Laura Bowater recommends washing your bed sheets every seven days (or at least every two weeks). Doing so will eliminate your exposure to bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens that can make you sick. This week, remind yourself that fresh linens can actually make you feel more productive, happier, and healthier.
3. Only drink small sips of water if you’re thirsty in the middle of the night: It’s natural for many people to awaken thirsty in the middle of the night, however, it’s not a good habit to drink anything other than water. Avoiding sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants will smooth your transition back to sleep.
4. Wear socks to bed: According to the National Sleep Foundation, warming your feet before you go to bed helps give your brain a clear signal that it’s time to go to sleep. Wearing socks also increases blood flow and helps maintain core body temperature, which helps you sleep more soundly and comfortably.
5. Avoid blue light two hours before bedtime: The light that is emitted from your phone, I-Pad, and laptop can inhibit your body’s natural melatonin production. Stop looking at your devices, especially your phone, an hour or two before bed and let your natural melatonin lull you to sleep.
6. Go to sleep at the same time every night: Doing so not only improves your sleep health but also helps create a positive circadian rhythm. A balanced circadian rhythm can contribute to better eating habits, digestion, and even increase energy levels throughout the day.
7. Explore homeopathic and traditional OTC remedies: If you have problems getting at least seven hours of sleep each night, look into a range of resources such as over the counter and homeopathic remedies, talking to your doctor or seeing a specialist. Doing so might be just the thing to cure your bad sleep habits and chronic sleep problems.
Sleep may be the wonder cure for what ails you – and in turn may be holding you back from starting new projects and accomplishing key goals. This week try one of these sleep health success tips and you may soon experience greater physical, athletic, and cognitive performance.
Is Procrastination Calling Your Name?
As summer comes to an end, you might find yourself struggling with procrastination. You may want and need to take a temporary break. If so, take it. Then make a concerted effort to resist the temptation to put off key plans and goals. This week we are heading to social media to share inspirational quotes and images to help you crush procrastination with hope and positive vibes.
Success Tips for Pursing and Changing Careers in the “New Normal”
Sometimes a change in mindset can help you get from where you are to where you want to be. Whether you want to pursue a new career interest or path, you must be flexible and confident about your professional skills and talents. Here are (7) seven tips to help you accentuate what you uniquely bring to the table and hopefully advance or even change careers.
Tip 1 –Ask anyone and everyone you know or have worked with to put their positive praise about you and your work in recommendation letters. Share them with potential employers and clients.
Tip 2 – Get experience in the field you want to work; work for free for 6 months or more. For example, if you want to start or transition into marketing, find and create opportunities for you to work in that field. Be creative in figuring out ways to freelance for family and friends.
Tip 3 – Think and believe “I can” and “I will.” Push away “I can’t” and “I won’t.” What we say to ourselves matters.
Tip 4 – Use your age and/or experience with technology to your advantage. In today’s marketplace, Millennials (and even Gen Xers) are expected to be skilled and even experts in social media.
Tip 5 – Create a powerful professional LinkedIn page. Make sure you have an appropriate/professional photo and key information on your relevant skills and accomplishments. This will help to attract potential employers.
Tip 6 – Act as if you already have the job that you want. Whether it’s the way you dress, carry yourself or even describe what you do, make sure you fake it till you make it.
Tip 7 – Be aggressive, persistent, and creative in your networking and job search activities. Do things to stand out. For example, enclose a letter of recommendation with a job application.
