Is Playing It Safe Preventing Yourself from the Great Life and Career that You Want?

This week we’re taking a look at the things that may prevent us from being able to Live. Love. Do ®. Here are (7) seven questions to ask yourself to discover if you are preventing yourself from creating positive change in your life and career. 

1.    Do you daydream about changing your career – but remain stuck in the thought process? Dreams are where things begin, not where they end. Follow through on your dreams by writing (5) five specific plans/steps and things that you can do to make your next idea more than just a thought - but a reality.

2.    Are you always appearing in the dress rehearsal instead of starring in the actual performance? If you’re pursuing multiple degrees, constantly taking new courses, or doing things to learn new skills but NEVER putting this learning to use – you may be stuck in a dress rehearsal mentality. Change your perspective by doing at least three (3) three things to practice your new skills and knowledge. 

3.    Do you rely heavily on other people’s opinions and input when doing something new?  Whether you are considering planning a vacation or thinking about changing your hair color or style — stop looking to others to make your decision. Get input and feedback, however, look inward to find that perfect next step.  Next time you’re thinking about trying something new, gather the information and then take action. 

4.    When things go wrong, who is the first person on your list of who is responsible – someone else? There are times when things simply happen to us and are not our fault. However, 80% of the time we find ourselves in negative situations simply because we made wrong choices or bad decisions (or failed to make any decision at all). Next time you find yourself wondering why something is the way it is – challenge yourself to by making a list of (3) three things that you would do differently next time.

5.    Do you hold onto jobs, positions, and things longer than you should?  The saying, “the devil you know is better than the one you don’t” is often said by people who are afraid to take risks. Routine and comfort are riskier than you realize and because they breed complacency. And, complacency can breed resentment and unhappiness. Continue the opportunities and relationships that help you to grow (even in little ways) and expand your experience and network.

6.    Do you look to other people for a roadmap on how to live your life? Learn from the experiences and mistakes of others but create your own path to living the life you want. Next time you are tempted to make a life choice based solely on how it worked out for someone else – STOP! Remind yourself that no two people travel the same life path and make a decision that is right for you.

7.    Do you say you don’t have the time or money to make career and life changes yet find yourself spending time and money on things that really don’t matter or that help you achieve your goals? It’s tempting to say that you can be a cheerleader for others but not for yourself.  When in fact, the real reason you focus on others may be because you are afraid to take risks and make changes for yourself. Refusing to embrace a change is something that can keep you professionally stuck for years.

What Do You Do When You Need A Break . . .But Can’t Afford the Time or Money to Go Away?

This week we’re sharing an Ask Patrice . . .“My weekends are simply not enough time off. I need more personal time to focus just on me. What is an easy thing that I can do to recharge and reboot?”

The best and most simple answer is to take a mental health day to check out from work or life for a day and recharge. Here are 7 humorous and important reasons why you most desperately need a mental health day this week or sometime soon.

1. Sunday-itis: The non-medical term for that sick feeling in your stomach you feel every Sunday when you remember Monday (and work) are both less than 24 hours away.

2. You're can't afford the vaca you deserve: Half the office is gone or getting ready to take off this summer. Don't you deserve one tiny-weenie stay-ca day?

3. Potential unruly hair day: You lost your umbrella and today's forecast calls for clouds and heavy rain. Enough said!

4. You're hearing voices: Your boss and co-workers' voices have driven you so crazy that nails on a chalkboard would be better than listening to them.

5. You really don't like your job: Do you dislike most of your co-workers? Do you like the job you have? You need to spend your mental health days with people you actually like.

6. You NEVER call in sick: 80% of your co-workers seem to call in sick every day – they owe you just once!

7. You deserve a break: Embrace this McDonald’s slogan and give yourself a much-needed break

7 Ways to Create Big Wins When It Comes to Career Advancement and Office Politics

Here are (7) seven easy ways to successfully navigate office politics while boosting your career advancement and readiness at the same. Most tips are things that you already know or have learned the hard way.

Regardless of where you are on your career plan – this sage and timeless advice and can be very helpful. Each tip reminds anyone of the importance of the details of your work interactions and relationships. This week try at least 3 suggestions or create and share some tips of your own.

1. Butter up to the boss: Believe it or not, the same strategy that worked for the teacher's pet in grade school can work wonders for you in the office. First, create ways to be helpful and make your boss' job easier.

2. Be generous giving genuine compliments to your boss and anyone who is well connected internally AND externally: Deal out positive feedback and compliments and document the ones that you receive. For example, ask your client or customer who just told you how much they love your work and could not have pulled it off without you to kindly put their praise in writing. Then ask them to send the email or letter to your boss and boss' boss.

3. Create a relationship of trust and respect with your client or supervisor: Extend one-on-one positive feedback and comments via emails and conversations. However, do it only occasionally in meetings or large groups.

4. Perfect the phrase "that's a really good idea/question/point." Don't overdo it because people of any age can tell if you're talking BS and simply telling others what they want to hear.

5. Avoid stepping on toes: Often the best way to succeed at work is to avoid negative attention like encroaching on someone's position or area of responsibility. For example, something as simple as setting up a meeting with a senior leader in another department or location, without first asking and then CC'ing your counterpart who also works directly with that individual, can make your colleague feel threatened or even so sad as to "come for you" moving forward.

6. Don't tell people everything that you are thinking: Whether it's sharing your reasons why someone's idea WON'T work in a staff meeting or telling others that this is your first time working on a particular type of project – STOP! Stop sharing all of your thoughts with others in the workplace.

7. Be very selective about who you confide in and associate with: Find ways to word and communicate even negative feedback or comments in a positive light.

Do good things come to those who wait or hustle? (The answer might surprise you)

Recently, I was debating with patience and waiting versus hustling and creating what we want. The big question that emerged from this little conversation is, “do good things come to those who wait or to those who hustle?”

The truth is, success often comes after lots of hard work and waiting. However, waiting is a key part of the question. More specifically, it’s about what you do with the time that creates traction and ultimately new opportunities.

This week we’re three (3) sharing some unconventional advice on how to hustle to achieve results.

Rule #1: embrace change: Many people can work very, very hard. However, if they don’t embrace change, the work will simply help them do more of what they already do vs. directing their efforts and energy towards attaining that next level.

Rule # 2 disciplined repetition: This week, we’re sharing three rules for hustling strategically. Change your mentality to see hustling NOT as only doing those extraordinary efforts, but rather by knowing that real hustling is about repetition, repetition, repetition.

Rule #3 never be complacent: Today, remind yourself that those who successfully hustle believe complacency and mediocrity build monuments of nothing. Push yourself continually to ensure that complacency never sets in.

This week, take time today to deviate from your personal and work norms. Remind yourself that if you aren’t feeling uncomfortable or doing something outside the box, then you are not really growing (or hustling). Although you might not have the things, life, or job that you love – keep on working for what you really want, and desire and so both your waiting and working will pay off in big ways.

Happiness is a Gift and a Skill That Starts with a Choice

Here’s to fun, laughter, and finding ways to Live. Love. Do ®. This week we’re heading to social to share inspirational quotes about the choice to be happy. Yes, the choice. By making small choices to do what you enjoy, you develop the ability to cultivate happiness in your everyday life.

If you want your life to BE more enjoyable, YOU have to add more happiness to the mix. Take time every day to do something that always makes you smile and feel a greater sense of peace and happiness. And, if you don’t remember or know where to start, try something that you have always wanted to try but never did.

Life is short. Spend time every day doing what you enjoy in order to develop the practice of making more time for the things you love.

What do you choose to do today? Remember it’s about progress, not perfection.

Crafting Your Career Lifestyle for 2030

One thing the COVID-19 era has taught us is that we can work very effectively and efficiently from almost any place in the world. However, it has also revealed many MUSTs for workers, including greater flexibility of schedule, less time spent commuting, and more opportunity to work for yourself.

Today is the perfect time to set up a new career lifestyle and the one you want to have in the next decade. The truth is, your employment and career can match lifestyle facts and that it is not only OK but also preferred that you not following a traditional approach.

Here are (7) seven ways YOU can beat the odds and overcome things you lack to help you get hired, explore the entrepreneurial spirit in order to advance in your career lifestyle to fit your needs. Working for yourself is not a goal for everyone. However, it might be the ideal way to create a life and career that you love.

1. Get to know the right people: If you’re just starting out or looking to make a career switch, your main goal is to create a wide network of professional connections with decision-makers. Your network will ultimately impact your network and success as a freelancer, entrepreneur, or small business owner.

2. Accept failure is completely normal: Everyone fails at something, but it’s how you respond to failure that matters and what you do with that information. The more you embrace that all things will not go as planned – the more you can quickly adapt and succeed working for yourself and others.

3. Doing the best at this moment: Often people think when planning for the future that the real work will take place at some future point in time. However, what will prepare you for 2030 and beyond is about putting your best efforts to plan and strategize for the future.

4. Learn to multitask and work on multiple projects simultaneously: Prepare yourself for working on multiple things at once. One key to success in any career – especially one that offers greater freedom and flexibility in your work life – requires you to become masterful in maximizing your time and working (or Zooming) from anywhere.

5. Apply to twice as many jobs as other candidates: Finding new positions or opportunities is a numbers game. However, so is finding new business as a self-employed person.

6. Position yourself to compete with others who may get opportunities solely because of their age and appearance: Whether we like it or not, as we age, the potential for us NOT to fit into the traditional workplace increases. Working for yourself even in a small capability better prepares you for pivoting to work as a freelancer or entrepreneur to fill in the gaps or help sustain you during a layoff or extended period of unemployment.

7. Take steps to ensure you’re prepared for the opportunity when it appears: This seems like a simple task, but maybe, I believe, one of the greatest reasons DO NOT succeed. They are not prepared with a camera-ready resume or to meet with a prospective employer or client. Interviewing is a great way to prepare for success in your career. So go on interviews for jobs even if you’re not very interested in the position or company. Interviewing is a skill you must practice.

Do you get what you deserve or do get what you go after?

If your life and career are not what you want them to be – perhaps you need to make an immediate change. Stop asking, waiting, and hoping, and start doing, taking, and making. Of course, life is not easy, and you will not succeed in everything that you try. However, the key thing is to give it your best and see what happens.

The process to change starts by believing in yourself - even and especially when that “self” is a work in progress. Believe in what you can do helps drive believing in what you can be. And, if you need a little help along the way, simply lean on those people in your life who support and believe in you – until your own confidence kicks in.

Take time to celebrate, share and expand your uniqueness. When you know exactly what you do (better than anyone else), you will be perfectly prepared to promote it to others.

Follow us all week on social for some great advice from some famous dads on doing the one thing that you cannot fail at – being yourself.

Recognizing (7) Seven Key Skills That You May Be Great At

We are all great at something. What’s that thing that you do better than anyone else? This week is about tooting your own horn and recognizing the many things that you are great at doing. In case you need some help in getting started - 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 the 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.   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.

6.   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.

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.

If You Think Having Too Many Jobs on Your Resume is a Bad Thing? – Think Again

Millennials have our collective career expectations in a big way. Generation Y single-handedly has made it more acceptable, and perhaps even desired, to stay with an employer for a brief tenure. Having more jobs means that you are a risk-taker and risk-takers with an entrepreneurial spirit make great employees. Gen Z is also shaking things up and changing the rules when it comes to how people view one’s professional experience.

Regardless of your generation, here are three (3) things that your resume might be saying about you without you even knowing it:

1. Numerous jobs mean that you are a risk-taker: Gone are the days when you work for one employer for 30 years and then retire. Many companies no longer expect their employees to stay in a job for a decade or even five years. In fact, having a job listed on your resume that you only held for one year could be an asset – because it shows your ability to welcome change, adapt easily, and try something new. Remember, today, it is perfectly acceptable to share with a potential employer that you “always wanted to work for a start-up but soon found that such a fluid environment wasn’t a great fit for me.”

2. Traditional job titles make you look dated and out of touch: In today’s job market, everyone is focused on digital technology. However, did you know that the mere fact of having a digital term in your job title can help improve your chances of getting hired? If you are a Communications Coordinator, it’s better to call yourself a Digital Promotions and Marketing Specialist instead. Of course, if you were an intern, you can’t take on the title of CEO. However, you can and should tweak your title a bit to help the resume reader better understand and appreciate your position and role.

3. Not including “extra-curricular” hobbies and interests can make you appear as one dimensional: Your ability to share your personal interests and passions is welcome in today’s HR culture. Many progressive and traditional employers want to hire people who are multi-dimensional and are active in their communities, give back to charitable causes, and demonstrate their creativity on social media. Don’t wait until you start working at a new job to start sharing qualities and experiences that make you shine and stand out from the competition.

This week take time to tweak your resume to help ensure that it communicates and expresses who you are in the best possible light. Making these and other small but important changes can mean the difference between being a prospective applicant and a qualified employee.

The Best One Liner Career Advice Quotes That I’ve Ever Heard.

Hope you are still celebrating the official start of Summer! Since it’s a short week - here are seven (7) “brief but bold” quotes that can help you set and celebrate your personal goals.

1.     You get what you work for, not what you wish for: Intentions are great, but they are not actions. Dreaming gives you a goal to work towards. Success happens when you are doing the things you dream about.

2.     Say it, forget it - write it, regret it: When it comes to what we do and say – you should always be measured. It is generally best (especially when you are frustrated) to verbalize your thoughts but not put them on social, online, and IRL writing where it lives forever.

3.     Don’t solve a permanent problem with a temporary solution: Sometimes, we must do whatever it takes to survive. Even though it may be tempting to take a “quick fix,” – you should approach every decision by considering how it fits into your long-term plan.

4.     Life is a game, so learn how to play it: There are “rules” to everything, including life. However, part of life is learning when to follow the traditional rules and when to make your own. Ask friendly, encouraging mentors to share their most important rules for business, life, and career.

5.     Everybody does a better job when they do what they love: Enough said.

6.     If you don’t have a cheerleader – be your own: We all need encouragement and someone who believes in us. If you have at least one person that has your back – anything is possible.  

7.     Ask questions of others, challenge authority, and the status quo, but never second guess yourself: Some people are their own worst enemy. Paralysis by analysis can prevent you from the very thing that you say you want. Nothing is guaranteed – but once you make a decision, stand by it. If it doesn’t work out, no worries, just make another decision.

This week find a new favorite quote and take it to heart. Or select one of these to guide your thoughts for every day of the week. Whatever you do this week, embrace a new idea or perspective.

Secret Success to Saving Tips to Pocket Hundreds this Summer

These days everyone can use some extra cash. This week we are heading to our social platforms to share some great tips for saving money. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for tips and secrets that can help you save hundreds this summer and more than $1,000 this year.

We’re asked insiders to reveal easy tricks that can significantly cut your expenses, whether it’s saving hundreds each year by simply changing your cellular plan to navigating discounts and free offers for streaming services or secret hotel deals.

We hope our advice will help you save money, reduce expenses and get better control of your finances. Most importantly, we hope to empower you to proactively ask others for discounts and free savings that you are passing up – simply because you didn’t ask for them.

Is Confidence Holding You Back from Making That Next Move?

I’ve been asked many times, and in many different ways, where does my or anyone’s confidence come from? The truth is, I don’t know. But I do know all things being equal – ability, opportunity, and support – confidence often determines who succeeds and who sinks.  

Confidence is not to be mistaken with arrogance.  What I am proposing here is that confident people simply know and are excited about the great things that make them unique.  

Here are a few questions to test your confidence

1.   What are the skills (no matter how random) or the talents and abilities that you bring to every situation?

2.   Do you know your professional and personal self-worth? (I know many talented, bright, energetic people who don’t know their professional or personal self-worth because they lack true self-confidence).

3.   What makes you special, i.e., what is your point of differentiation)? (If you don’t know – don’t expect others to know if you can’t name it and highlight it if you can’t.)

4.   Do you listen to people who genuinely compliment you on your strengths and contributions and take it in?

5.   What one thing are you really good at and bring that “thing” to others?

"The things we are good at are the things we tend to do." In themselves, they are not huge but have huge “potential value” for others. Start today by exploring and ultimately being clear about one thing you do well and can bring to any table with confidence.  

Doing Something NEW to Get Hired in a New Field

Continuing our conversation about changing careers and breaking into a new industry, here are some great specific but simple ideas to keep you focused on creating new opportunities. 

1.    Act as if: I’ve said this before, but it’s really worth repeating. The first step to making any kind of career or lifestyle change is believing you can. Transitioning careers or landing your first consulting project happens for those who have convinced themselves that they can do it. Many people say they are confident in themselves and their abilities - but crumble when their confidence is tested.  Don’t be one of them.

2.    Find a mentor: Working with those who can provide a career blueprint or map - can mean the difference between success and “failure.” Cultivate relationships with people who can help you brand and position your particular “set of skills” to help you build upon your background and experience. Reach out to former bosses, colleagues, and even peers to help you better navigate, creating your side hustle.

3.    Be nimble: Some opportunities only knock once. And, most never appear wrapped in a pretty package with a giant bow. Real-life chances to create change require you to know them when you see them. They also require you to be able to step up and act at a moment’s notice. When you see something that can help you create an experience that you can put on a resume and/or leverage to get another job or opportunity – grab it.

4.    Reverse the process: Instead of waiting for your ship to come in – jump in and start swimming. If someone asks if you can do XYZ, the first thing you should do is say “yes.” Your next step is to quickly find someone who has already done what you want to do and “borrow” their process. 

5.    Look the part: If you want to create social media content for others, first make sure that you have developed beautiful Instagram and social media pages for yourself.  Never forget that your previous accomplishments and even your personal appearance show people who you are and what you can do.  Make sure that what you “display” always looks and acts the part.  

6.    Make sure you have the basics: The most important tools to doing something you’ve never done before are a great LinkedIn profile and professional bio.  Both can help position you as someone who already does whatever is required by the position.

7.    Just start doing: If you want to be a television producer, start producing YouTube videos for friends and family members. If you want to be a bridal photographer – start volunteering to work for free at friends’ weddings. Even if you are not the main or “paid” photographer – being able to include work samples in that niche is priceless when it comes to your career change.

There is no question that you will be called to do something that you have never done in order to be what you’ve never been. This week, start slow and find ways to work for little or nothing. Then start building on one experience after the next.

Creating a Professional Bio to Make a Career Transition

A professional bio can be a game-changer when it comes to making a successful career transition.  Unlike a resume that works to help you get another job in your current field or industry, your bio’s purpose is to help position you for a new job, role or consulting opportunity.

Here are the best tips to developing a bio that will help you get to where you want to be:

1. Define your purpose. Before getting down to the actual writing, outline three things that you could see yourself doing, such as writing, graphic design, and copywriting.  Remember, if you don’t know where you want to be, you won’t know how to position your experience to get you there.

2. Give yourself a title. People remember what others call you.  Define your niche or specialty with a creative title. For example, I know a financial advisor who calls herself a “financial behaviorist” to bring attention to her expertise in helping clients stop negative financial behaviors, patterns, and perspectives.  

3. Fill in the gaps. Don’t let a “gap year” or gaps in your resume or career stop you from positioning yourself as current and relevant. Now that “consulting” has become the code for long-term unemployment, try to fill the gaps with volunteer activities, pro-bono work, or even traditional/continuing education or professional development seminars, workshops, or training.

4. Tell a story. This is your opportunity to do what your resume can’t – tell your complete story. Blend professional, unpaid experiences, and personal experiences (even those 10 years ago) to help position your current knowledge and expertise in a niche, field, or industry.                      

5. Once is enough. Experience is experience, even if you were not paid for it or only did it once. If it’s relevant, keep it. Focus the reader’s attention on the experience itself and not your title or when it occurred. Show how your expertise and skills are not only transferrable but are the core prerequisites to be successful in your field or industry.

6. Start general. Get specific. Clearly state what field(s) you want to work in. Share what makes you unique, i.e., your professional brand. Think of your bio as an inverted pyramid. Start with the most important general information about your professional experience (10 years working experience in hospitality, customer service, and digital marketing). Include well-known organizations and brands that you’ve worked for. Finish it off with bio your education and social media contact where people can learn more.

7. Find a creative format that plays to who you are and your industry. Once you’ve finalized the content, don’t forget the “box” in which you’ll package yourself. At a minimum, incorporate a professional photo or create your own personal logo to differentiate you from the competition. Hire a graphic designer friend to format your bio or perhaps create a creative timeline of career highlights.

This week take a few hours to outline your new professional bio.  Start small with your intro/first paragraph, and add more detailed info over time.  A bio may be just the thing you need to start, restart or even change careers and create new opportunities to advance your career advancement and readiness.

Not being defined by short-term or temporary roles and positions

Faking it until you make it is something that almost everyone must do on their road to success. However, learning how to keep a positive state of mind through it all can be tough.  Here is our best advice to help you navigate the career bumps and turns on the path from “here” to “where you want to be.”  

1.   You are greater than the role you play: You have the power to change your “role” by changing how other people see you.  Find ways to highlight your previous experience (even in another field) and knowledge.  You may be new to graphic design, but you might have extensive experience in drawing and art history. 

2.   Your work does not equal your worth: When making career transitions, you may find that you are overqualified (and often underpaid) for the first few roles. Remind yourself that you are worth so much more than your current title/position and that this is NOT  permanent.  

3.   You have infinite potential: The biggest thing keeping you from your dreams is you NOT believing that it’s possible.  You have to believe in your potential, “fake it till you make it,” and never forget you have infinite potential.  

4.   Look past those who do not treat you with the professionalism and respect you deserve: We all have had to work with mean girls or guys that are jerks.  Remember, negative people have a purpose – to teach you – what NOT to do to others.

5.   Your title is what they call you at work – it is not who you are in life:  A title is a very subjective thing. Whether they call you a banker, vet tech, teacher, or even convict – NEVER let others’ labels define you.

6.   You are better than your worst past mistake:  In theory, you should live life with few or no regrets.  However, we all have made mistakes and done things that we would certainly do differently. Remember your past does NOT dictate your life in the future.

7.   You are not going to do what you currently do forever: Nothing lasts forever unless you want them to.  The great thing about life, career, business, and more is you make a choice (give it all that you’ve got), and when that choice no longer works out – you make another choice.

You are more than the assistant manager, development officer, recently unemployed “person.”  You are not just the roles you live or the work you currently do. This week remind yourself of one of these “maxims” – creative goals/ideas.  

Getting Over Being Fired or Experiencing a Huge Career Loss or Setback

Sometimes life and career simply don’t work out as we had hoped. Regardless of our desire or effort, there are times in life (that, for some reason) we don’t get the job or new opportunity.  This week we are sharing our best advice for dealing with real-life career problems and setbacks. Our hope is that at least one (1) tip will be a new, simple idea to create a big breakthrough. A breakthrough that will help you dust yourself off, think big, dream bigger, and believe in yourself along the way.

Tip #1 You can’t plan for tomorrow until you stop thinking about yesterday. 

Although you can’t re-write history, you can become a new person with a new goal.  Sometimes the thing you were born to do changes.  And your mindset needs to change with it.  Former athletes can become extraordinary coaches when they focus on their love for the game.

Tip #2 You can’t put your tears behind you until you’ve wept them.

There may be ‘no crying in baseball,’ but there is always lots of crying and disappointment in life and career. Give yourself permission to be disappointed and upset for a week or two.  Then, wipe your tears and disappointment away and move on one day at a time.

Tip # 3 You can choose to be stuck and bitter or free and happy.

Bitterness happens when you ignore or try to avoid feeling pain and disappointment. Refocus your frustration by asking what did I learn?  What will I do differently next time? And, what is the “upside” of things NOT working out ask planned? Remember, optimism creates opportunities.

Tip # 4 You don’t have to turn your back on what was happy about your past.

The best way to move on to a bigger and brighter work opportunity is to embrace the good parts of what was taken away.  Knowing exactly what you like about your former position or career will help you recognize it when you see it in a new position.

Tip # 5 You have to grieve what didn’t happen in order to create what can.

Grieving is a personal process that each person goes through in their own time and in their own way. Equally, it’s an essential step to reflect on what ‘was’ in order to create what can be. If you don’t grieve, you can’t unlock your ability to move forward in time and create a brighter future.

Tip #6 You can be angry at your current life, or you can use that energy to create your future.

You may not like your current job or life, for that matter, but getting upset with your present situation is kind of like biting the hand that feeds you. The truth is, your current job or work situation may not be glamorous, but it helps pay your bills and sustain your lifestyle. Focus your energy not on what can’t change but on networking with those in your field and exploring new ways to find new opportunities.

Tip #7 You can change your present circumstances slowly, piece by piece, until you get things turned around. 

Change often happens slowly over time and not all at once. The best thing that you can do is to embrace a ‘slow and steady wins the race’ mentality and work like crazy towards the career and life you deserve. Watch out for jumping ‘out of the frying pan and into the fire.’  Sometimes a career or personal rebound leads us to attract something that is worse than what we just experienced.

This week try just one change in how you think about the past in order to create a bigger and brighter future.

Feeling Stressed and Knowing Something’s Gotta Give

We've all been there - stressed and stretched in every direction and daunted by the thought of adding one more thing to our already overflowing plate. Although you may not be sure exactly what needs to be done differently (or how to do it) – you are certain that something has got to change.  Here are seven things to help you beat stress by shifting your perspective and time to support the priorities that really matter.

1.    Develop a calming start to each day:  Before your morning workout, take 10 minutes to sit in silence, meditate, or read something inspirational.  If you start your day stressed, rushed, and filled with anxiety, the rest of your day will most likely be the same. So why not start things on an upbeat note to increase the likelihood that your day will be both productive and positive.

 2.   Delegate life and work to-dos:  Whether it's telling your roommate, spouse, or partner to clean the apartment (for a change) or asking the intern to help with something you’d normally do, ask or require others to step up and take on added responsibility.

3.   Replace boring with interesting: It’s hard to feel stressed out when you are intrigued by something compelling to read, think about, and discuss with others. Taking a few minutes each week to participate in an engaging activity will reduce feelings of monotony and give you more mental and physical energy to accomplish your responsibilities and goals.

 4. Face your weaknesses straight on: Create a plan to address and overcome things that are not your strong suit. Specifically, focus on one thing (we all have one) that always takes you off track or causes you to lose focus. Simply having a plan of action to help you stay motivated when you might otherwise stray off course can help reduce procrastination, writer’s block, or “paralysis by analysis” and thereby make you much more productive.

5.   Find hope: When you feel overwhelmed, you are less likely to see the good of anything. Simply finding one thing every day to be optimistic about can not only change your outlook but also actually make the things you do have seem even better. Never forget that optimism is a major key to success in life, career, and almost any endeavor.

6.   Get out of town:  Taking a short train or bus ride to new surroundings can give you a much-needed boost to recharge and re-boot your batteries and energy. A change of scenery doesn’t cost a lot of time or money but can do wonders when it comes to relieving stress and gaining clarity about what really matters and how to prioritize better the time you do have.

7.   Create a financial action plan:  Money problems are one of the leading causes of stress, and they often take time to get resolved.  However, taking one or two steps towards turning a positive financial page can make you feel less stressed and more in control. Start by re-reading last week’s Living on Purpose Project Post on reducing your expenses and commit to putting just one thing into practice. 

Sometimes we need to de-stress and discover new energy to do the things we both want and have to do. Life will never be stress-free, but the more you can embrace healthy ways to eliminate feelings of boredom, anxiety, and uncertainty, the better you will feel.  And, the better you feel, the more you’re likely to put yourself out there, embrace new challenges, and uncover new opportunities.

Looking for and Finding Inspiration in Unusual Places

Here are seven (7) unconventional words of advice.  Remember that your life and career can change on a dime – in your favor. A thank you note, phone call, or a simple outreach can help create a major positive shift in your work life. Sometimes big change comes from little adjustments we make along the way to success.

1.    At any moment, you can do something small to put a big opportunity into motion down the road.  

2.    Career success comes from cultivating professional and personal relationships. People want to work with people they know and like.

3.    There are rich people, there are wealthy people, and there are people who are rich because of how they have created, navigated, and shared their life experiences. Everyone, including you, can be one, two, or hopefully all three. 

4.    Never underestimate the value of business and social etiquette (if you don’t know it – learn it quickly.) Always remember, please and thank you are words that have tremendous power.

5.    Celebrities and accomplished professionals, in many ways, are not like everyday people. However, every human being needs to hear that others are proud of who they are, as well as what they do. 

6.    Seize every moment to network and learn from people, especially those who you may never see again. I met many people and business associates who have impacted my career.

7.    Always bring your host a gift or small token of your appreciation. I brought Gloria Steinem a book of poetry and even bravely gave her an original work of my own. I also sent Carole Black one darn nice thank you note for inviting me and providing such a great networking opportunity.

Find inspiration to tackle a new venture by first simply reflecting on something you’ve previously done that worked out better than you imagined, then take your first step toward doing this new thing. This week take a moment to reflect on these lessons learned and consider who you could send a “personal note” that might directly or indirectly help you experience something great?

Think Like an Entrepreneur

Whether you work for a multinational corporation or are a struggling self-employed business owner – we all can achieve success and be more successful when we think like an entrepreneur. 

What does it mean to think like an entrepreneur? Perhaps it means different things for different people. I define it as (1) embracing every opportunity to the fullest in hopes of generating more opportunities down the road; (2) wearing many hats, doing every part of the business, as you figure out the “how” along the way; and (3) being a visionary and seeing “opportunity” (i.e., an unmet or untapped need) when everyone else sees “nothing.”

Follow us this week on social for my advice to create more business and career opportunities. Embracing not just a positive mentality but also an entrepreneurial one may help you actually create the career advancement or transition that you seek. Remember, dreams don’t expire.  However, your will (and/or willingness) to follow and pursue your dreams doesn’t last forever.  

Embrace Failure and New Paths to Create Lasting Career, Life, and Business Change

This week we’re heading to social to share some advice on failure, embracing change, and expanding your experience and reach. This week do three (3) simple changes to help jumpstart your Spring 2021 and Summer into something bigger and brighter.