“A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him or her.” ~David Brinkley
Have you heard the expression “when it rains, it pours”? Well, it came from somewhere! I’m not sure the actual origin, but I have to tell you there is truth in it! I continue to hear, “I haven’t had an interview in months and next week I have four!” Or, “I’ve been out of work for a year with little activity, and all of a sudden there are 6 positions I’m working on!” Or even,”I hadn’t found anyone worth dating in months, and now I’ve got people crawling out of the woodwork!” And, just in the last two days, I myself have gotten 3 new job orders! You have to be able to roll with the punches, ramp up quickly, and take what comes with grace. Sometimes, as we know, what comes is not what we want. Other times, what comes is more than we ever anticipated. Are you ready to take what comes?
Today, I wish you all the success you can handle! Happy Friday!
“Put your future in good hands - your own.” ~Author Unknown
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thursday: Goals
“If you want to make your dreams come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up.” ~J.M. Power
Wake up! Turn it on! Set the goal, and go after it! Do whatever it takes. Get creative! Try something new; something different. Maybe you join an accountability group; maybe you try Twitter for the first time (or second time). Maybe you get out there and start talking to people and asking for referrals and advice. Maybe you offer advice and resources. Waking up the sleeping giant may be exactly what needs to happen. Light that fire!
“Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.“ ~Arnold H. Glasow
Oh – and if you do decide to give Twitter a shot, follow me @HireEffect! See you there!
Wake up! Turn it on! Set the goal, and go after it! Do whatever it takes. Get creative! Try something new; something different. Maybe you join an accountability group; maybe you try Twitter for the first time (or second time). Maybe you get out there and start talking to people and asking for referrals and advice. Maybe you offer advice and resources. Waking up the sleeping giant may be exactly what needs to happen. Light that fire!
“Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.“ ~Arnold H. Glasow
Oh – and if you do decide to give Twitter a shot, follow me @HireEffect! See you there!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wednesday: Positive Attitude
“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.” ~Edmund Hillary
First, let me just say that it’s really good to be back. I’ve missed this. I know that I have written in the past about allowing myself the freedom of not feeling guilty when I don’t post… but sometimes I feel guilty when I don’t post.
So, in addition to the “attitude” theme, this post will also be about forgiveness. Forgiving yourself may be the first, and possibly the most important step in maintaining a positive attitude. If you blame yourself for things that have happened in the past, or *blame* period, then you can’t effectively maintain the positive attitude. When you *choose* your attitude, you’re not making a temporary choice. You can’t *choose* to be a non-smoker, and then smoke again. You can’t *choose* to be ethical and practice integrity, and then not. It’s one thing to have set backs. We all do. It’s another thing to wallow in those setbacks. So, today, I challenge you to forgive yourself. It’s ok. It was in the past. Now pick up the pieces and go do what you have to do!
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
First, let me just say that it’s really good to be back. I’ve missed this. I know that I have written in the past about allowing myself the freedom of not feeling guilty when I don’t post… but sometimes I feel guilty when I don’t post.
So, in addition to the “attitude” theme, this post will also be about forgiveness. Forgiving yourself may be the first, and possibly the most important step in maintaining a positive attitude. If you blame yourself for things that have happened in the past, or *blame* period, then you can’t effectively maintain the positive attitude. When you *choose* your attitude, you’re not making a temporary choice. You can’t *choose* to be a non-smoker, and then smoke again. You can’t *choose* to be ethical and practice integrity, and then not. It’s one thing to have set backs. We all do. It’s another thing to wallow in those setbacks. So, today, I challenge you to forgive yourself. It’s ok. It was in the past. Now pick up the pieces and go do what you have to do!
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Friday, January 22, 2010
Friday: Motivation - Happy Birthday to me!
"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." ~Author Unknown
And, what better day to do so than on my birthday!
Happy Friday everyone!!!
And, what better day to do so than on my birthday!
Happy Friday everyone!!!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Wednesday: Positive Attitude
“Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out.“ ~Art Linkletter
It’s all about your attitude! We’re all superheroes! We all have the power to choose our own attitudes and choose how we look at things. It’s that old glass half full thing… but it’s not all about being an optimist or a pessimist. It’s also about choosing how we see our reality. The reality is the glass is only partially filled with liquid. We can choose to be happy that the liquid is water, or we can choose to be aggravated and blame the person who filled it for not filling it with milk. How will you choose to view your reality? And, will you choose to make the best of it?
It’s all about your attitude! We’re all superheroes! We all have the power to choose our own attitudes and choose how we look at things. It’s that old glass half full thing… but it’s not all about being an optimist or a pessimist. It’s also about choosing how we see our reality. The reality is the glass is only partially filled with liquid. We can choose to be happy that the liquid is water, or we can choose to be aggravated and blame the person who filled it for not filling it with milk. How will you choose to view your reality? And, will you choose to make the best of it?
Friday, January 15, 2010
Friday: Motivation, but slightly off topic
"Life is not about the moments we breathe, but the moments that take our breath away." ~Author Unknown
There is nothing more motivating than the birth of a child.
Happy Birthday ACK. I wish you and your parents all the love in the world!
There is nothing more motivating than the birth of a child.
Happy Birthday ACK. I wish you and your parents all the love in the world!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Thursday: Goals
“Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.” ~Tony Robbins
Funny thing about goals… you have to be prepared to change them; especially the short term ones. I had a great plan for this morning. I knew exactly what my post was going to be about. But now, we’ll have to wait until next week for that pearl of wisdom. Instead, I will write about this:
I got an interesting email in response to a recent post. The email questioned my suggestion about setting “achievable” short term goals. This person found it best to set goals just outside predicted “achievability”. He found that if he set a goal he could reach, once it was reached, he unconsciously stopped working so hard. He coasted for the rest of the year… Whereas if he set a goal he could not practically reach, he would push himself all year, and while he never reached his goal, was never unhappy with the result… An interesting perspective… And, if it works for you, well then by all means, use it!
Goals can motivate people in many different ways. Whether the goal is a quota for the year, a growth plan for a business, or even a simple TO DO list, the purpose of the goal is to motivate… not give you an excuse to slack off. Yes, you should celebrate when you reach a goal. I still think that’s important. But then change your goal, or add a new one… Keep Going! Imagine how much more you can do!
Funny thing about goals… you have to be prepared to change them; especially the short term ones. I had a great plan for this morning. I knew exactly what my post was going to be about. But now, we’ll have to wait until next week for that pearl of wisdom. Instead, I will write about this:
I got an interesting email in response to a recent post. The email questioned my suggestion about setting “achievable” short term goals. This person found it best to set goals just outside predicted “achievability”. He found that if he set a goal he could reach, once it was reached, he unconsciously stopped working so hard. He coasted for the rest of the year… Whereas if he set a goal he could not practically reach, he would push himself all year, and while he never reached his goal, was never unhappy with the result… An interesting perspective… And, if it works for you, well then by all means, use it!
Goals can motivate people in many different ways. Whether the goal is a quota for the year, a growth plan for a business, or even a simple TO DO list, the purpose of the goal is to motivate… not give you an excuse to slack off. Yes, you should celebrate when you reach a goal. I still think that’s important. But then change your goal, or add a new one… Keep Going! Imagine how much more you can do!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Wednesday: Positive Attitude
“Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.” ~Ralph Marston
I was watching an old episode of Battlestar Gallactica last night and heard a great quote form Apollo regarding Starbuck flying “with attitude”, and it got me thinking…. success is really an attitude. It’s all in how you define it. Is success about money? About happiness? About fame? About infamy? It really depends. Maybe it’s a little bit of all of that. But, the reality is that success is what you think it is. It’s what you believe it to be. So, today, I choose to be successful. How about you?
I was watching an old episode of Battlestar Gallactica last night and heard a great quote form Apollo regarding Starbuck flying “with attitude”, and it got me thinking…. success is really an attitude. It’s all in how you define it. Is success about money? About happiness? About fame? About infamy? It really depends. Maybe it’s a little bit of all of that. But, the reality is that success is what you think it is. It’s what you believe it to be. So, today, I choose to be successful. How about you?
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Tuesday: Focus
“The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do.” ~Sarah Ban Breathnach, Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, 1996
Continuing with the visualization tips… Focusing on the dream, physically staring at, thinking of, and dwelling on “it” (the picture, the offer letter, the job description, the check, or whatever the “it” is) is a huge help for me when engaging in creative visualization. Clearing my mind of other thoughts becomes easier when I can actually focus on an object.
Yesterday I prepared an offer letter from one of my clients to one of my candidates complete with salary info, an outline of the compensation package, and a start date. Today I will focus on making this offer letter their reality!
What will you focus on today?
Continuing with the visualization tips… Focusing on the dream, physically staring at, thinking of, and dwelling on “it” (the picture, the offer letter, the job description, the check, or whatever the “it” is) is a huge help for me when engaging in creative visualization. Clearing my mind of other thoughts becomes easier when I can actually focus on an object.
Yesterday I prepared an offer letter from one of my clients to one of my candidates complete with salary info, an outline of the compensation package, and a start date. Today I will focus on making this offer letter their reality!
What will you focus on today?
Monday, January 11, 2010
Monday: Preparation
"Execution is the ability to mesh strategy with reality, align people with goals, and achieve the promised results." ~ Larry Bossidy
Preparation and planning are the first steps to successful execution. Visualization is one of the most powerful forms of preparation I can think of. I’m not sure if it helps because you’re putting the thoughts out into the ether… or if it just helps you get your mind in the right place… and I’m not sure I actually care why it works. I just know it does. I reminded myself last night as I was preparing for this week, that I really need to get back into this. It’s time. Some tools I use to assist me through visualizing my future are pictures (actual cut out of photos of me sitting behind some giant mahogany desk that I cut out from a magazine, photos of me cut out and placed on pictures of big stages with projector screens behind me, like the stage on which you might see Bill Gates or Tony Robbins standing); checks made out to my business for large placement fees, articles or press releases I draft that tell of my huge successes, photos of the 14 room inn on Nantucket where I plan to “retire” some day…etc. These take time to prepare, but you can really have fun with it.
Where do you see yourself?
Preparation and planning are the first steps to successful execution. Visualization is one of the most powerful forms of preparation I can think of. I’m not sure if it helps because you’re putting the thoughts out into the ether… or if it just helps you get your mind in the right place… and I’m not sure I actually care why it works. I just know it does. I reminded myself last night as I was preparing for this week, that I really need to get back into this. It’s time. Some tools I use to assist me through visualizing my future are pictures (actual cut out of photos of me sitting behind some giant mahogany desk that I cut out from a magazine, photos of me cut out and placed on pictures of big stages with projector screens behind me, like the stage on which you might see Bill Gates or Tony Robbins standing); checks made out to my business for large placement fees, articles or press releases I draft that tell of my huge successes, photos of the 14 room inn on Nantucket where I plan to “retire” some day…etc. These take time to prepare, but you can really have fun with it.
Where do you see yourself?
Friday, January 8, 2010
Friday: Motivation
I am a guest blogger on 'Cruiter Talk's Carnival 2010. Here is the link to today's post.
http://www.cruitertalk.com/2010/01/08/5-steps-to-success-in-2010-for-jobseekers-and-more/
Happy Friday!!
http://www.cruitertalk.com/2010/01/08/5-steps-to-success-in-2010-for-jobseekers-and-more/
Happy Friday!!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Thursday: Goals
“You must have long-range goals to keep you from being frustrated by short-range failures.” ~Charles C. Noble
Very true words… and I believe the opposite to also be true. You must have short term goals, readily achievable, to help you celebrate the small successes and help keep you motivated. Setting realistic and reasonable expectations for what you can accomplish today, this week, this month, or this year is a surefire way to keep you on track. Setting up your long-term plan for the next five, ten, or twenty years is a surefire way to keep you running on that track.
Where do you see yourself headed? Do you have a plan to get there?
Very true words… and I believe the opposite to also be true. You must have short term goals, readily achievable, to help you celebrate the small successes and help keep you motivated. Setting realistic and reasonable expectations for what you can accomplish today, this week, this month, or this year is a surefire way to keep you on track. Setting up your long-term plan for the next five, ten, or twenty years is a surefire way to keep you running on that track.
Where do you see yourself headed? Do you have a plan to get there?
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Wednesday: Positive Attitude
“It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not.” ~Author Unknown
It really is all in how you look at it. I’ve prepared. I’m focused. Now I need to believe. I know who I am. I know what I’m capable of. As I said when I made resolution #4 (http://hireeffect.blogspot.com/2009/12/thursday-goals_24.html) I just need to get out of my own way. Have you thought about what your subconscious is preventing you from doing or achieving? Is it possible that after feeling beaten down or taken advantage of for so long that you now believe you can’t or you aren’t worth it? Do you think you’re “not” a VIP? Do you believe you’re “not” the right fit for that perfect job? Have you lost your confidence? Here is where I think visualization is the most helpful. As long as you are the best YOU you can possibly be, YOU ARE A VIP! You just have to believe it. I’ve written in the past about the concept of “fake it ‘til you make it”. Think you are, and you shall be!
It really is all in how you look at it. I’ve prepared. I’m focused. Now I need to believe. I know who I am. I know what I’m capable of. As I said when I made resolution #4 (http://hireeffect.blogspot.com/2009/12/thursday-goals_24.html) I just need to get out of my own way. Have you thought about what your subconscious is preventing you from doing or achieving? Is it possible that after feeling beaten down or taken advantage of for so long that you now believe you can’t or you aren’t worth it? Do you think you’re “not” a VIP? Do you believe you’re “not” the right fit for that perfect job? Have you lost your confidence? Here is where I think visualization is the most helpful. As long as you are the best YOU you can possibly be, YOU ARE A VIP! You just have to believe it. I’ve written in the past about the concept of “fake it ‘til you make it”. Think you are, and you shall be!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Tuesday: Focus
“The difference between try and triumph is a little umph.” ~Author Unknown
I have set up my space physically to limit distractions. I spent some time over the holiday/vacation and organized my office, my desk, even my email. To prepare mentally I need to focus. I know this. I’ve written about the importance of focus for months now. But again, I’m getting back to basics. I’m building the foundation for my 2010 plan. Focus is required if I am to achieve success. Focus on the tasks at hand; focus on getting work done; focus on my affirmations; focus on my goals… Today I will focus on the umph!
An affirmation for today: I have the passion and the power to succeed!
What will you focus on today?
I have set up my space physically to limit distractions. I spent some time over the holiday/vacation and organized my office, my desk, even my email. To prepare mentally I need to focus. I know this. I’ve written about the importance of focus for months now. But again, I’m getting back to basics. I’m building the foundation for my 2010 plan. Focus is required if I am to achieve success. Focus on the tasks at hand; focus on getting work done; focus on my affirmations; focus on my goals… Today I will focus on the umph!
An affirmation for today: I have the passion and the power to succeed!
What will you focus on today?
Monday, January 4, 2010
Monday: Preparation
“Seek freedom and become captive of your desires. Seek discipline and find your liberty.” ~Frank Herbert, Dune Chronicles
On this, the first Monday of 2010, I am reminded to go back to basics. I am inspired once again by my preschooler, who before he unrolls his Aqua Doodle mat, he cleans up all the toys form the middle of the floor, asks for the water that he knows he will need for the “pen”, and finds the shapes that he plans to trace and sets them up beside him. He actually prepares his space to play with all the tools necessary to engage before he even sets out the mat. Not bad for 3 ½. While planning is certainly a part of preparation, when I first started this blog, and quoting about preparedness, it was really about setting up a work space, both mentally and physically.
As a coach I encounter so many who just don’t have an appropriate place to work. And, job hunting is working! So it is imperative that you have a distraction-free work zone that encourages positive energy and helps you stay motivated, and has all the tools you can possibly use right at your fingertips. If you don’t have that space at home, may I suggest going to the library?
Wherever you go, wherever the space, make sure it is set up such that you can truly focus (which is my tie in for tomorrow!), that it is well organized, and that you have minimized the possibility of being interrupted. Preparation is the first key to unlocking success.
“Dig the well before you are thirsty.” ~Chinese Proverb
On this, the first Monday of 2010, I am reminded to go back to basics. I am inspired once again by my preschooler, who before he unrolls his Aqua Doodle mat, he cleans up all the toys form the middle of the floor, asks for the water that he knows he will need for the “pen”, and finds the shapes that he plans to trace and sets them up beside him. He actually prepares his space to play with all the tools necessary to engage before he even sets out the mat. Not bad for 3 ½. While planning is certainly a part of preparation, when I first started this blog, and quoting about preparedness, it was really about setting up a work space, both mentally and physically.
As a coach I encounter so many who just don’t have an appropriate place to work. And, job hunting is working! So it is imperative that you have a distraction-free work zone that encourages positive energy and helps you stay motivated, and has all the tools you can possibly use right at your fingertips. If you don’t have that space at home, may I suggest going to the library?
Wherever you go, wherever the space, make sure it is set up such that you can truly focus (which is my tie in for tomorrow!), that it is well organized, and that you have minimized the possibility of being interrupted. Preparation is the first key to unlocking success.
“Dig the well before you are thirsty.” ~Chinese Proverb
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