Tis the season to reflect on the past and look forward to creating and finding different opportunities in every area of your life. The Living on Purpose Project wishes you a new year of exploring new challenges, paths, and journeys that open unexpected possibilities. We wish you a safe and exciting holiday season spent creating new memories with your loved ones. Here’s to dreaming brighter dreams and Live. Love. Do. ® in 2022.
The Best Month to Spring Clean Your Life, Career and Business is December. Yes, December!
Although the holidays and 2022 are around the corner, we thought it would be a great week to do some off-season personal and professional spring cleaning. It’s time to dust off and update that resume and spruce up your work/life balance with a December “Spring” cleaning. What better time than the end of the year to start anew before the new year?
Follow us on social this week for tips and inspiration to clean out your closet, desk drawer, and mystery corner/closet (everyone has one 😊) before the end of 2021. Think of what can do over the next (7) seven days to help make time and room to streamline your remote/office wardrobe. A few hours can help you create quick and easy outfits that are also professional and comfortable to wear each day.
Simply put -- cleaning out the old belongings and habits makes space for the new. And, it’s that space that creates new opportunities with positive people, places, and things to take place.
Here’s to ending the last month of the year with a little less mental and physical clutter. Remember small changes can lead to positive shifts and opportunities to help you get to that next level.
Breaking into a new field when you lack “experience
Regardless of industry, everyone needs to first identify and then communicate a consistent and distinct professional brand. Often, all you need is just a simple phrase or even a couple of words that can effectively communicate who you are and what you do (i.e., your brand). Let’s say you’ve worked for a few years in corporate communications, and you are making a segway into TV production or journalism – your brand may be as a “brand storyteller.” Or perhaps you work in IT or Project Management helping organize processes or correct other people’s problems, so your brand is an “organizer of chaos” or the “fixer.”
Once you have clearly defined the essence of your brand and its core attributes, now you must find (or most likely create) untraditional ways to promote yourself. Your first step is to draft (or hire someone) to develop a professional biography.
A bio is one of the best marketing tools for anyone involved in career exploration or seeking to advance to the next level of career readiness. It allows you to transcend the confines of titles and put the focus on what really matters (the experience itself) and not when it occurred. For example, you may have worked in sales 10 years ago for five years. That information sticks out like a “you really don’t have experience in this field” type of resume. But the bio lets you tell your whole “story” and enables you to pick the characters, roles, and scenes that relate to what you want to do now and moving forward.
Tune in next week for our easy-to-follow plan to create the perfect professional bio to help you get from “here” to “there.”
Successful Tips to Write Anything Well
One of the questions we get asked most is, “do you have any tips for how to write a great letter, business plan, or work document?” This week we are sharing some of our best tips on how you can approach and succeed in effectively writing a clear, concise, and compelling document. Following these simple suggestions can help you step up your writing game with limited effort.
1. 5W’s and an H: There is no question that someone could ask that can’t be answered by who, what, where, when, why, and how. Proactively covering these tenants of journalism is a great way to approach writing a pitch letter, one-page project summary, or even website content. It’s best to start with “what.” For example, first, explain what your product or service is or does. Then use simple questions/headings to introduce each point: Who you designed your product or service for (i.e., your target audience)? . . . When you’re open for business? . . . Where you can find our product/service?. . . and How much does your product/service cost? Then wrap things up by clearly explaining why your product is unique and better than the competition (i.e., your point of differentiation).
2. Write from your heart, edit from your head: One of the biggest problems people make when writing is to include too much information. A great way to combat this is to write the first draft from your “heart” -- meaning jot down all of your thoughts, ideas, and key points down on paper. If possible, let it sit overnight and then come back to “edit from your head” by ensuring that what you have written covers the 5W’s in a concise way.
3. Don’t bury the lead: Start any written (or verbal communication) with a direct, clear statement that accurately summarizes the primary point of what you want to say.
4. If you want to be a better writer, become an avid reader: I learned this from one of my first supervisors – Steve Foley. Steve taught me volumes about being a great writer. He also always used to tell me, “If you want to be a better writer, be a better reader.” I soon learned that reading everything, especially newspapers, was a great way to write better press releases and business communications. Reading taught me to incorporate certain phrasing or sentence structures and to always figure out how to start and end any piece.
5. Avoid jargon, industry lingo, and “corporate speak:” Avoid words that disconnect you from your reader/audience. Every “community,” including companies and organizations, has its own slang and language. Having your own language is great to help you connect internally, but generally people outside of your environment have no idea what you’re talking about.
6. Write to express and not impress: You goal in writing anything is not to use big words to impress others with your expansive vocabulary or how much you know, but rather to find the right words and tone to connect and engage with your audience.
7. Write for a 5th Grader: It has been said that the New York Times is written for someone who has a fifth grade education. This is a good thing to keep in mind for writing anything well. Simple sentences always work.
As the holidays and the season of spending are upon us, we are heading to social this week with several suggestions to help improve your finances. We are sharing advice to help you avoid some of the biggest work-related money mistakes. Follow us all week for tips to help save money and find new ways to ensure you are sufficiently compensated for your professional skills and experience.
The Living on Purpose Project wishes you, your family, and friends a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Crush Procrastination with One Small Step
With 2021 coming to an end, it’s the perfect time to take out that “to do” list and do one thing or things that you’ve been procrastinating. This week we’re sharing social inspiration to help you get back on track and resume your path towards your goals.
Remind yourself that it’s never too late to make a change. Join our Living on Purpose Project Challenge – by taking (1) one small step every day towards accomplishing that NEXT task, project, or goal. Dreams never take a day off so neither should you. However, it’s up to you to breathe new life into your dreams (a little each day) by directly facing what you put off. In time, you will gain momentum and know what it’s like to not just go after your dreams but also achieve them.
Creating Your Professional Brand
Shape your future dreams and plans by sharing your past accomplishments and experiences.
This week take a trip down your own “yellow brick road” of work memories. Reflect on the projects and professional achievements that make your expertise unique. Differentiate yourself from your colleagues and competitors with a distinct professional brand that highlights your (3) three greatest work strengths. With the right positioning, your NEXT move and opportunity may be just around the corner. Strive this week to be fearless in claiming, shaping, and communicating who you are and what you can do.
Moving Forward Despite Being Knocked Down
This week is about boosting yourself when you feel like life, career, and/or your business challenges are knocking you down. Here are (3) three easy steps to create real and lasting change in your headspace and your career advancement pace.
Step (1): Think of ways to toot your own horn and recognize the many things that you are great at doing. This is an effective way to build your self-confidence while simultaneously finding ways to market your unique strengths and skills.
Step (2): Take at least 30 minutes a week to brainstorm ways to start new habits, break ruts, and simply try a new way after a setback. Remember a change in habits produces different results.
Step (3): Create NEW and BOLD goals. Set (3) three monthly goals while trying new things. Pat yourself on the back when you push yourself out of your comfort zone. Finally, be patient and kind to yourself through the process of change. In time, you will discover new ways to Live. Love. Do. ®
Career Success from Failure and Things That Don’t Go as Planned
Looking for nontraditional ways to succeed in your professional/work life? Follow us on social this week as we share 10 of our best suggestions and advice on learning from things that don’t go as planned.
Team with others who have opposite skills and talents. It will enable you to divide and conquer.
It’s not what you have done, but rather what we learn from our experiences that matters.
Expecting that things won’t always work out prepares you to better respond when things don’t go as planned.
Everyone faces challenges; don’t be surprised when problems occur.
Fail often if you’re lucky! It teaches, empowers, and prepares you for something better.
Set goals and refuse to take “no” personally.
Success is not final, and failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.
Perseverance and patience help you discover what is waiting for you down the road if you are brave enough to work towards it.
Define and commit to what you want, then figure out the rest as you go.
Do things that lack immediate gratification or financial reward but are directly related to professional dreams and desires.
Your ability to succeed in life and your career depends on your ability to overcome challenges, problems, disappointments, and failure. Accepting and growing from things that don’t go as planned is not easy, but it is an essential part of achieving success. This week take the first step along your #pathtopurpose and find new ways to Live. Love. Do. ®
Create Quick Change in Your Career Advancement
We all need help to make moves and advance to the next level. However, we don’t always raise our hand and ask for it. This week we’re sharing easy ways to create quick change in your professional life. We encourage you to switch things up this week. Pick up your phone and text or call a friend or colleague to request your help you with a specific task. Take little steps towards the change you hope to make.
Follow us on social all week for ways to make career moves and improve the ways you Live. Love. Do. ® We hope our inspiring quotes, transforming ideas, and successful but simple tips to create positive change in a short time.
DEAR PATRICE: How do I negotiate future discounts and compensation when I didn’t receive the services and/or products that you’ve paid for?
This week, we’re sharing on social a favorite “Dear Patrice” that highlights (3) three pointers to help you stand up for yourself when a business or brand doesn’t deliver or meet your expectation. Here are a few great suggestions to help ensure that someone makes things right.
Tip 1 - Start with the facts and your strongest evidence. If your service provider was hired and paid to provide (3) three hours of services but only provided (2) two hours, you should first be compensated for that missing hour. Be sure to express that good customer service starts with receiving what was purchased/outlined in a contract/agreement.
Tip 2 – Ask for current and future discounts and free services -- and be specific. Businesses have a much greater ability to offer deeper discounts on future services. For example, when your AC is not working properly in your room or rental car - ask a front desk supervisor/rental car manager to take make a 25% adjustment to the current bill but also ask for a 50% discount for a future stay.
Tip 3 – Keep your cool. Many people make the mistake of thinking that they must raise their voice, make threats or yell to have someone take their complaint seriously. The opposite is true. Be firm but pleasant. State the facts and clearly explain how you want them to make up for the mistake/problem. And, if possible, try to find ways to acknowledge and appreciate staff who apologize, acknowledge the wrong, and made efforts to make things right.
Simple Ways to Optimistically Outshine Others
Whether you’re looking for a new job or hoping to advance in the one you have, everyone could use tips to help them stand out. We’re sharing our seven simple but stellar suggestions to help you become that person everyone wants to work with, and that individual is needed in every field. Taking just 10 minutes every day to bring positivity to any situation will, in turn, help others to also see you in a very positive light.
Here are some of our best tips to ensure that others will always want and need to work with you.
Tip 1 – Be optimistic: the can-do attitude is the fuel that makes things go. Every project or client needs a person who believes they can get the job done.
Tip 2 – Give credit to others: Find time to publicly thank others for their contributions.
Tip 3 – Make your boss look great: Take small steps every week to help your co-worker, supervisor, or manager.
Tip 4 – Walk tall, smile more: Showing a positive vibe is contagious and can rub off on others.
Tip 5 – Spread positive vibes: Encourage others to take a risk and adopt a ‘nothing ventured-nothing gained’ attitude.
Tip 6 – Be a cheerleader: Everyone can use a cheerleader to support and encourage them.
Tip 7 – Be impeccable with your word: Don’t make a promise that you can’t keep. Be the person who always keeps their word with big and small promises.
Realize Your Gifts By Recognizing Your Skills And Perfecting The Things That You Do Well
We all have a special talent or gift. Some spend a lifetime searching to find it while others seem to stumble upon it early in life. Wherever you may be on the spectrum – there is one thing that you do better than anyone. The question is, “Do you know what your special gift is?”
Here are seven (7) questions to help uncover what makes you professionally stand out:
1. Do others compliment you on what you write, say, or create? For me, it's writing a darn good letter. However, others may receive praise for applying make-up, designing a signature cocktail, or taking amazing photographs. Listen to the compliments that you receive and proactively ask others to share your favorite “creations.”
2. Are you able to help people see the positive in any situation, or perhaps do you have a way with words? Knowing how to successfully communicate (and help others do the same) can be a huge work asset if you know how to leverage this essential skill in the right way.
3. What role do you play on the professional/work "team?" Are you the ball boy/girl who helps the team by doing a simple but important task? Or are you the coach who creates the starting lineup? Truth is that every member on the team is important and necessary to the group effort. Know your "lane" and where you excel – and find ways to perfect what you do well.
4. How do you encourage others to work or perform? Your ability to stretch people to try new things and accomplish shared goals may be a very key skill that others can’t live without.
5. Are a creator, inspirer, healer or protector? Now think how these core skills and interests can help lead you to your professional calling or even purpose.
6. Do you think and speak quickly on your feet, or do you tend to listen and/or act more than you speak? People in almost every industry need help in communicating with others. Find a niche and sell your skills.
7. What do you believe in? Look at the people, places and things that you are passionate about and explore ways that they can help drive your career.
Seven Questions to Help Transform Your Dreams into Your Professional Reality
This week we’ve received several emails and questions from people struggling to transform their positive thoughts into action. Many people shared that they believe that they are doing their best but are still not getting results. In our effort to support everyone to Live. Love. Do. ® to the fullest -- we want to share seven questions to help ensure that you are doing everything possible to successfully advance in your work, career, and business. Although we recently shared this information, we thought it bears repeating. Remember, from time to time we all need a reminder and inspiration to create the change we seek.
1. Do you daydream about changing your career – but remain stuck in the thought process? Here is the simple but effective trick. Break the cycle by taking time EVERY DAY to write down five (5) 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? Before you start your next venture, career shift/change, or return to school, make a WEEKLY list of at least three (3) things that you already know/have learned and can put into practice.
3. Do you rely heavily on other people’s opinions and input when doing something new? Next time you’re thinking about trying something new, gather the information and then take action - without having others weigh in or walk you through the process.
4. When things go wrong who is the first person on your list who is responsible – someone else? If you find yourself wondering why something is the way it is – challenge yourself to by taking a hard look at the role that you had to play.
5. Do you hold onto people, places, and things longer than you should? If you really want to change your life and career – start by changing yourself followed by the people, places, and things in it.
6. Do you look to other people for a roadmap on how to live your life? Are you 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? Embracing a new lifestyle is not an option. Change the way you think about creating the life you desire by asking yourself this – “If I’m not 100% actively involved in getting what I want – how bad do I actually want it.”
This week to ask yourself one of these (or another) question every day in hopes of uncovering a new path and new way to make your biggest and brightest dreams comes true.
Dare to be Different
If someone asked you to name three (3) things that make you unique, could you? This week we’re celebrating those who dare to be different and embrace their individuality in what they Live. Love. Do. ® Perhaps you always see life and any situation as “half full,” or you have an effortless way of knowing exactly what to do or what to say. Whatever it is that makes you different from everyone else on the planet – celebrate it.
Start today by recognizing at least one thing that makes you, you! Once you uncover what makes you, you – find ways to embrace your individual diversity in your life and career. The truth is, your individual difference can also be one of your greatest superpowers. Embrace what makes you successful, able to connect with others, and capable of doing things that others cannot. Doing so can (in time) be a career game-changer and bring you closer to your work and life goals. For example, simply knowing your individual strengths (and weaknesses) can help you better prepare for and sell yourself at an interview, business pitch, or RFP presentation.
Believe in what makes you special and perfect it. Focusing on your individuality will help improve your career advancement. Celebrate your unique, individual, colorful beauty and just keep dreaming and daring to be different.
It’s Never Too Late to Change or Pursue a Dream
The world is full of billions of hopes and dreams. Many are the dreams of people who work for years on an elaborate path to acquire the things that they need, want, and hope for in life. However, there are millions of people including those at the start or mid-point of their career who already feel like it’s too late for one of their great dreams/goals. Are you one of them?
This week we’re asking you to stop, reflect and select at least one dream that you need to breathe new life into. What is that special place that you always wanted to see? Is there a class or group that you want to join? If possible, really challenge yourself and pick a career dream that expired simply because you gave up hope of it ever happening.
Sadly, some major dreams are deferred and will most likely remain that way. However, there are thousands of dreams and plans that are not only possible but attainable. You simply need to embrace the idea that dreams can come true in parts and in smaller pieces. The fact is that your photography may never debut in a gallery in Soho in NYC. However, that does not mean that you can’t create a digital marketplace on Redbubble or a free website/platform where you can display and sell your art.
This week we’re heading to social to share inspiration and ideas to help you dust off a long-lost dream that you want to make a part of your present reality. Believe in what gives you joy.
And remind yourself that people and dreams don’t get too old – no matter what others say. Like life, they simply adjust, adapt, and happen at unexpected times and in unforeseen ways. It’s never too late to Live. Love. Do. ®
Why I Should Give Thanks for Failures and Things That Don’t Go as Planned?
We all have failed at something. Everyone can point to things in their lives that simply did not go as they had planned or hoped. In a sense, that is life and one of many things we all have in common. Truth is, there are challenges in life, career, relationships, and business even for billionaires. Just ask Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott (Bezos) or Bill and Melinda Gates.
So the question is not if you will face “failures” but rather how will you navigate them and learn from the experience?
This week we’re heading to social to share ideas of embracing all of life’s experiences (the good, bad, and ugly). As you create new and better ways to Live. Love. Do ®, remember that our mistakes and even failures can teach us what NOT to repeat and what paths to take in the future.
Here’s to having gratitude for life’s failures and the willingness to learn from them. In fact, ask yourself, what failures were you glad took place? Then give yourself a break and remind yourself that everyone’s life turns out exactly as they had planned. And, sometimes it is failure that pushes us towards something bigger and brighter. So take bigger risks, follow more of your passions try. Try bigger and fail bigger!
Could Friends Be Your Greatest Professional Asset?
When you think of the assets that can help you advance your career readiness --do you include your friends? You should. This week we’re heading to social to share motivational posts and images that celebrate friendship as a professional tool. As you think of ways to improve your professional options and choices, ensure that you tap into support from your close friends. The truth is employees who have best friends at work report significantly high levels of health and stress management. This week we encourage you to focus on your friends at home and at work. Think of at least one thing that you can plan to do this week to celebrate and/or recognize and thank your close friends for enriching your life.
You are Not Alone in Wanting a Job You Love and That Gives You Purpose
Many people don't like their current job, but only a few muster the courage to change careers. This week we encourage you to make the decision to drop the "grin and bear it" attitude and embrace an “I can find or create my dream job” point of view. Try just one thing a day. Make a call, connect with a former boss on LinkedIn or talk to a mentor or therapist. One slight mind shift and one simple action can help you become one of the 20% of people who find love and purpose in what they do.
As you wonder what “that thing” is that you were born to do (and be) - here are seven things to inspire you to do to create change and to remind you that you are not the only one to feel this way.
1. Unhappiness on the job affects 25% of the American workforce, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Happiness is a choice, not a circumstance. Challenge yourself to find three things that you look forward to every day even if one is the coffee guy who always greets you with a smile or remembers your name.
2. 25% of people view their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives says the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Develop routine ways like exercise, meditation, or even deep breathing to relieve stress you experience in and outside of work.
3. The book The Power of Uniqueness reveals that 70% of people are neither motivated nor competent to perform the basics of their job. Alter the parts of your job that you can change. For example, if you normally return calls at the end of the day when you're tired and mentally checked out - return them in the morning when you’re fresh and have more energy.
4. 43% percent of employees feel anger toward their employers often or very often as a result of being overworked according to the New York Families and Work Institute. Find constructive ways to discuss your workload and how it's affecting you with your boss.
However, when you bring up the topic, first take time to think of what he/she might be able to do to rectify the situation. Remember, it’s easy to complain about what doesn't work, but far more effective to offer a possible solution to every problem you bring to the table.
5. 70% of us dread Mondays and dream of Fridays. No one wants the weekend to end, but there is a big difference between dread and disappointment. If you dread your job - start doing just one thing every day to work toward getting a new one.
6. According to a recent Gallop poll only 13% of the American workforce are emotionally invested in helping their organization improve/achieve its goals. You spend at least 160 hours a month working; shouldn't it be related to something you believe in or that interests you.
7. Most people - 80% according to a Deloitte shift index survey - "hate" or are dissatisfied with their jobs. Know what you’re great at and work toward doing it. Remember, if you don't have a passion, there are plenty of people who will hire you to work toward theirs.
(5) Five Secret Tips and Tricks to Creating Personal and Professional Positivity
Every now and then we all need some good. Simply, we want positive and new things to happen to us at home and at work. This week we are heading to social to share suggestions and advice for creating small shifts and making tiny changes in hopes of creating a positivity “ripple” that will continue in all aspects of your life. Here are (5) five secret tips.
1. View Things That Don’t Go as Planned as “Life” and Not as a “Failure”
One thing that is essential to making changes in what you Live. Love. Do. ® is to embrace the fact that everything that we try will not work. Tip: Erase the word failure from your vocabulary.
2. Dream the Impossible Dream
You need to believe that anything is possible. Yes, there are many things in your personal and professional life that will simply not happen because you dream. However, thinking about specific goals that you want to one day achieve is the necessary ingredient for positive shifts and changes. Tip: Think of one thing you would like to have, do, or be 10 years from now. Then think, plan, work, and dream about it for at least 5 minutes every day for the next decade.
3. Explore and Find Your Purpose
The goal is to get paid for doing some things that you are great at, the world needs, and that you enjoy. Finding your purpose involves passion, mission, profession, and vocation. Tip: Volunteer for (1) one cause, charity, or organization that you believe in.
4. Do What You Love
As the saying goes, do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. Your goal is to find at least an hour a day doing what you love and enjoy. Tip: Do what brings you joy, peace, and a sense of accomplishment one hour every day.
5. Don’t Worry . . . Be Happy
Happiness is a choice – sometimes a difficult one – but it is always a choice. Find ways to choose peace and happiness above pettiness and hurtful sarcasm. Tip: The next time you deal with conflict, a difference of opinion, or an interpersonal problem, choose to be happy as you navigate the difficult situation. Try something every day to create positive change one step, and one day at a time.
This week try one or all five tips and find ways to incorporate them into your daily life and routine. Celebrate small changes and tiny shifts as they happen to help motivate you to continue.