Create The Good

“It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.” ~~Leonardo da Vinci~~


This has been a tough year for a lot of people. Between the aftermath of Irene, the earthquake, the floods… the unemployment, the economy, the debt… it’s hard for me to sit here and tell you that everything happens for a reason.

Personally, I have to hold on to the notion that there’s a greater plan, and that I can’t possibly begin to understand that plan, but that’s not the practical advice that “you can use today” that I’ve become known for.

What if, instead, we look for ways to make something good happen from every situation?

Irene, like many of the recent weather issues, created a need for communities to come together in a way I have not witnessed in a while. Families helping one another, even those they don’t know; municipalities offering free services to entire towns in some instances; it has made room for the possibility of everyone actually working as a team moving towards a common goal.

I had a client tell me yesterday that his recent unemployment has given him the time he has not made in a while to take care of himself and get a few things off of his to-do list. He’s been to the doctor, fixed a few things, did some preventative maintenance… and in light of the recent weather, some of this may have saved his house…

I had another client tell me that her (more long-term) unemployment has given her the opportunity to volunteer. As she tries to stay busy and be useful (as well as keep the gaps off of her résumé) she has been working hard in her town to increase the amount of food in the local food pantry and raise awareness about the hunger issues very close to home.

Even in my own family, since the recent passing of my grandmother, my Dad is spending much more time with his father, and creating happiness in his life he hasn’t seen in the last few years. It’s been awesome to hear joy in my grandfather’s voice again, despite the loss of his partner and wife of 68 years!

On Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, total strangers are reaching across the globe to help others in need. From encouragement and support to resume writing and career help, to fundraising for little-known but highly valuable causes… the world is getting smaller in these times…

I’m not going to pretend that this will always be easy. It will not. I can’t tell you that I always find a silver lining the first time I look. I don’t. But I know that there is one, or at least the chance to create one.

I challenge us all to find a way to make something good happen every day, in every situation, no matter how difficult.

Today I will spread positive energy served with a smile everywhere I go. What will you do today?

Motivation: We all have it in us.

“They are the weakest, however strong, who have no faith in themselves or their own powers.” ~~Christian Bovee

Even when we know things work for us, we don’t always do them. Even though we know there are certain behaviors, actions, activities, rituals and practices that make us feel energized, whole, accomplished, happy… we don’t always remember or take the time to participate in them. Even when we have the tools… we don’t always use them. We’re an interesting species, us human beings.

I had a rough morning yesterday. It seems, in all honesty, that I’ve been a bit off balance for the last few weeks. I’ve been fine; happily working, feeling good about my accomplishments, enjoying my family… just a bit off. But yesterday morning I was particularly unbalanced, and frankly, it was uncharacteristic. So, I decided to take action. (Sometimes us human beings need a swift kick in the pants to take action!) I did some research (read: a quick look through an old notebook) and remembered a meditation I have had great success with in the past, so I took some steps to be prepare for the attitude adjustment I so desperately needed. Thankfully, I already had a fantastic “power breakfast” planned with two colleagues and friends, and that got me off on the right foot. I came back to my office, worked for the rest of the day knowing that it was all going to be better soon. I went to the store and bought a few things that in my past have helped me achieve the most out of the meditation I was planning – a green candle and some new Tigers Eye tumbled stones (that’s a whole other post!) – and just before dinner I found 30 minutes of quiet time. I lit the candle, meditated, did some visualization, and BOY! It was nice! I then had a relaxing evening, and went to sleep knowing that things were changing.

And, change they did! I woke up this morning 40 minutes before my alarm, and I feel great! So, instead of asking myself what took me so long (which believe me, I started to do!) I am grateful that I have the tools I need to get out of my own way and re-energize, motivate and achieve!

And, I ask you – what can you today to get back on track?

Goals Don’t Operate in Isolation

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” ~~Larry Elder~~

During a recent strategy session for a new business venture something wonderful occurred to me. Well, really several things were brought to my attention that made this “occurrence” sort of hit me in the head! Goals don’t operate in isolation!

Let’s assume for example’s sake that you have a desired outcome about something. You care enough about how this something is going to play out, so you write down your desired outcome. It becomes a goal. Achieving the goal should bring reward. Not achieving the goal will likely bring consequences. There likely exist some obstacles to achieving that goal, or you would have done it already. You need to identify at least those obstacles that you can see or predict. Then you need to determine several possible solutions to overcoming those obstacles. Once you actually identify both the obstacles and possible solutions, the obstacles themselves won’t seem so “obstacle-like.” Then you can take it even further. You can develop actual steps, tasks, to-do’s, whatever you want to call them that will help you reach the solutions, which will ultimately help you achieve your goals, get your desired outcomes and reap the rewards!

Goals are not the end. They are a means to an end. And, while that may seem obvious to you, breaking it down like this has really helped me to feel good about the choices I make about on what to focus and on which steps to take first in order to reach the end.

Where Priority Meets Focus

“I think in terms of the day's resolutions, not the years'.” ~~Henry Moore~~

It’s not always easy to determine priorities. Sometimes you need to make tough decisions about what you’re NOT going to do. I was part of an interesting conversation recently about planning and focus that centered on people being prepared for the wrong thing or planning for something that never ended up happening. These were being presented as negative; as people wasting time or effort. I agreed to an extent at the time, but then I started to think about when it had happened to me. I’ve certainly had times that I prepared for something diligently that never came to pass. I’ve certainly experienced focusing a lot of energy and effort on what turned out to be less important than other things on which I could have focused. But each of those things helps make up who I am, what I know, and how I go into my next action. While I certainly could have been better served doing something else, I don’t believe that time was wasted. I believe there is a reason for everything even when we don’t know or see what that reason is.

On the other hand, when you make those tough decisions, when you examine your goals carefully and plan specific action steps to achieve those goals, and then focus intently on those action steps, you are certain to succeed. When you can focus on the positive and not allow self-doubt or negativity creep in; when you can focus on the priorities and not let yourself get sidetracked; when you can focus on what you’re doing right now and not on what you need to do later, you’ve got a winning combination.

On what will you choose to focus today?

Goals: A Path to Fulfillment

“The more intensely we feel about an idea or a goal, the more assuredly the idea, buried deep in our subconscious, will direct us along the path to its fulfillment.” ~~Earl Nightingale~~

I just completed the first module of a telecoaching / training program called “Aligned Thinking” given by Dr. Jim Steffen.* It’s a multi-session, weekly call that is said to help participants align EVERY action to the things they really want from life and from work. The first module is about setting a personal mission statement, and as I’ve started my work on the module, I’ve come to realize that while I have great goals, personally and professionally, I’ve never really thought about how they complement one another. I’m interested in seeing how this all plays out and am curious about whether or not I will change my work habits as a result of my personal goals. I think I’ve done a great job of creating a work/life balance, and the exercise of writing down my personal goals, just like I have with my professional goals, should prove to be very empowering. It’s an interesting process, and as I go through it, I’m likely to share more…

Have you spent time thinking about how your personal goals affect your professional goals or your work habits? Have you taken the time to write down your personal goals, as well as your professional ones? Are all (and yes, I mean ALL) of your actions aligned with those goals? This is somewhat new for me… and I am excited about the possibilities.

*For information on Aligned Thinking or Steffen, Steffen & Associates, please visit: http://www.ssainternational.com/

Focus: A Path of Discovery

“To the question of your life you are the answer, and to the problems of your life you are the solution.” ~~Joe Cordare~~

Focusing on the negative in our lives is not useful. We know that. Focusing on the solutions to the challenges in our lives is not always easy, especially when we’re not sure what the solutions are. And, discovering the solutions may be a long process…

I was inspired by someone along that path of discovery yesterday… He’s looking for a new opportunity, but hasn’t had to look in a very long time. Knowing the landscape is a bit different than the last time he was looking, he felt lost. Taking the adage that you can’t know how to get there if you don’t know where you’re going into account, he felt even more confused. What he told me he started doing and the reason for his call to me is more than worth sharing.

Intuitively, he did a sort of self-assessment. He took some quiet time and really thought about the things that he was good at. Then he took some more time and thought about the things that he enjoyed doing. And then he looked at where those two lists “met” on the paper. He took the short list and talked about it with his wife and a few friends, and got some external validation about his new proposed path. Then he reached out to me to help him turn that path into an action plan.

I, of course, asked him if he had read Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi the book I wrote about on Monday 3/7, http://hireeffect.blogspot.com/2011/03/preparation-its-just-necessary.html and he had not. I suggested it to him, and told him about the internal review; a self-assessment to figure out where your passion and abilities intersect. I told him that he should be very proud of himself for taking that step, and told him I would happily help him gain focus around the solutions he had just created for himself.

It was so great to have a conversation with someone who, without complaining about his lot in life, was taking action. I found this inspirational. I hope you do too.

“Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.” ~Henry David Thoreau

Motivation: Are you an egg?

“Remember, people will judge you by your actions, not your intentions. You may have a heart of gold - but so does a hard-boiled egg.” ~~Author Unknown~~

What do I intend to do today? That’s a very different question, I think, than what *will* I do today? Intentions are important, and they certainly guide me through planning, but what really matters is the action I take. Intending to take action doesn’t cut it. Get up! Get moving! Get Going! Get It Done! The energy I get from taking action is incredibly motivating and drives me to do even more. So, yes, I am motivated by my intentions, but they can also be de-motivating… One of the things I’m learning through participation in my accountability group is that I over-plan my day. I *intend* to do too much, and when I don’t get it done, I feel like I’ve let myself down. My new intention then, is to be more realistic in knowing what I can accomplish in a day, or in a week. We’ll see how that works out… Either way, I am taking action, both in getting things done today, and in adjusting my behavior! Do your actions match your intentions?

Motivation

“Really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great.” ~~Mark Twain~~

I guess it’s kind of obvious that different people are motivated in different ways, by different things. While deadlines may motivate one person, they may completely overwhelm someone else. While some find affirmations helpful, others believe they’re nonsense. People spend a lot of time figuring out what motivates them, or, at least I hope they do… One thing seems to be true, however, across the board. Momentum breeds motivation. For even the most negative, unmotivated person, staying motivated in the heat of the moment is easy. I find that once I get going, and those proverbial juices start flowing, there’s no stopping me! When you can multiply that energy it becomes even more powerful. When you bring likeminded people together to work towards a common goal, it’s virtually impossible NOT to be motivated. Brainstorming becomes fun. Planning becomes exciting. Things get done! Whether it’s in a networking group or a one-on-one meeting with someone inside your sphere of influence, find and tap into that energy. Surround yourself with great people and take action!

Motivation: On being held accountable

“Sometimes the only way you can take a really good look at yourself is through somebody else's eyes.” ~From the television show Scrubs

Can someone please tell me if Mercury is in retrograde? Seriously! I’ve spoken to 4 people in the last two days who are just so sad and feeling so alone. Stress takes its toll! It affects your health, your family, your life. Whether you’re in a job you can’t stand, or you don’t have one at all; the feelings you’re experiencing can be overwhelming. I remember those feelings all too well. And if there is one pearl of wisdom that I can share from that experience, it is this: You are not alone. There are people around you who can and will help you. We will listen, we will advise, we will motivate, and we will hold you accountable. (And, yes, that’s a GOOD thing!) If you could only see yourself through someone else’s eyes! You would see that you are capable; you do have the power inside you that you need to succeed. You can change your circumstances, and with some support and guidance, you will make things better for yourself. And, you don’t have to do it alone!

I went to my first new accountability group meeting yesterday. Three of us who are in similar places in our careers met to share our goals and “to-do” lists. We discussed some strategies which may help us get to where we want to be. We will talk (or meet) weekly and hold one another accountable. We will make sure that each of us does what they say they were going to do. We will offer suggestions, provide support and direction, and keep one another focused on the “right” stuff. I already feel more productive!

I’ve written in the past about the importance of this kind of support, and I think for a career campaign, it really makes sense! When you’re looking for a job, you are basically self-employed. You set your own rules and you set your own timeline. The only person you hurt when you don’t do what you said you were going to is you! When your self-imposed deadlines go whooshing by, the only person who suffers the consequences is you! So, you continue to spiral down. You continue to feel guilty. You may even begin to even feel sorry for yourself… and the only person who can make it better???? You guessed it. YOU!

What if instead you had people holding you to those deadlines? What if you had a group of people relying on you to get things accomplished? What if those people held you accountable? Wouldn’t you be more likely to take action and get things done? And imagine how much better you will feel when those people are actually helping you pull yourself up, offering words of encouragement, and giving you ideas that you may not have come up with on your own! It’s always easier to give someone else good advice, isn’t it? And, the very act of helping someone else might just help you help yourself!

Preparation

“Success will never be a big step in the future, success is a small step taken just now.” ~Jonatan Mårtensson~

It’s the first “work day” of 2011 I took the last few weeks “off”, literally. I took advantage of the down time and prepared myself mentally for the year that lies ahead. I feel as if I am ready for anything. I relieved myself of disappointment from unfulfilled expectations. I absolved myself from leftover guilt caused by not always doing what I said I was going to do. I meditated. I relaxed. I spent a lot of time thinking about what this year will bring. I believe this is going to be an amazing year…one filled with things by which to be amazed. It’s not just me… friends of mine have stated they also believe that this will be a year of great change. And, I for one, am very excited about that change. I’m not yet sure what it will look like; I do not even pretend to predict the future… but I have a plan.

I spent a lot of time physically preparing as well. I stretched a lot. I rested a lot. I laughed a lot. I also feel as if my physical space (my home office) is almost perfect. All I need now is a fresh coat of paint on the walls, and I am good to go. I love that my space is 100% conducive to accomplishment. It’s a “power” office complete with a desk fit for the CEO, a white board filled with roadmaps to success, a fountain, scented reed diffusers, “tokens of gratitude”, inspirational artwork made by my son, and of course, quotes everywhere to help me stay on track. There is a door I can close when I need to really focus, and speakers to play whatever music suits the mood. (Thanks Pandora!)

I am ready. And, I am excited by the possibilities. If you’re not feeling prepared for 2011, there’s still time! It’s never too late to take action!

“I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on man unless they act.” ~G.K. Chesterton~

Happy New Year! I wish you all great things in 2011 and beyond!

Preparation

“If your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt.” ~~Henry J. Kaiser~~

PREPARE: transitive and intransitive verb make something ready: TO TAKE THE NECESSARY ACTION to put something into a state where it is fit for use or action, or for a particular event or purpose Synonyms: get ready, arrange, organize, plan, set up, practice, put in order*

I’m taking action! It’s Columbus Day. Public schools around here are closed, as are many businesses. Thankfully, my son’s daycare is open. I have decided to use today as an “administrative” day; a day to prepare for not only the week ahead, but the rest of the year. Today is a day to get organized (again), to plan, and to adjust previous plans. Lately I’ve been thinking that if I spent half as much time preparing my work trajectory as I have my upcoming Halloween Party, I’d be a very wealthy woman! So, today’s the day! Decisions will be made, coaches will be consulted, and my advisory board will be addressed. It’s a new day at HireEffect!

How else can YOU prepare?

*Content above provided by: http://www.bing.com/Dictionary/search?q=define+prepare&FORM=DTPDIA&qpvt=Synonyms+for+Prepare Encarta® World English Dictionary [North American Edition] © & (P) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

Attitude and Action

“Action is the antidote to despair.” ~~Joan Baez~~

Taking action, stay positive. Procrastinate, stress. Hmmmmm… Seems like an obvious choice. GO GET ‘EM! I'm off to work!