Setting the pace as the leader in customized newsletters
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Setting the pace as the leader in customized newsletters
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Personal Development Articles Index The use of these articles are for our clients only. You must have permission from Sorrell Associates to use these articles in any format. We add articles to this page constantly. With over 4000 articles currently in our archive it will take some time to get them on this page. Keep checking back. Want to submit an article? Click Here PD101 Personal Development The missing link in professional training & development
o develop professionally, one must also develop personally. When people enroll in a training program, most of them ask, what’s in it for me? If you are their boss, that question may seem selfish, but actually…. Members can read this entire article by clicking here PD102
PD103 Are We Really Listening? The next time you’re in conversation with someone think about this question for a second. Many times we're simply thinking of what we're going to say next, rather than actually listening to the person with a clear mind. If you're… Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD104 The Top 10 Quotes for Living Well! Over the years many people have offered their models of the “Good Life”, and some have left quotes that nicely summarize important truths. The following are ten of my personal favorites.
PD105 DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE MISTAKES YOU MAKE By making mistakes and risking loss, a person learns things. When John Kennedy lost a bid for the Democratic vice presidential nomination in 1956 to Estes Kefauver, he didn't quit. He said, "Okay, ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here PD106 Ten ways to improve your worklife 1. Increasing your productivity. To organize your desk: · Remove everything you don't use daily. 1. Put in nearby drawers things you use every other day. 2. Put supplies you need only weekly in the supply closet. 3. File items you haven't touched in the past five days. · Keep high-priority items in plain sight. Examples: Things due today and tomorrow. · Provide an in-basket for... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD107 Study Links Negative Attitude With Coronary Problems PITTSBURGH - Having a positive outlook may help stem the risk of recurring coronary problems, according to a study released Monday. The study, which appears in the current issue of Psychosomatic Medicine, looked at nearly 300 patients who had undergone an angioplasty - a procedure in which a balloon-like device is used to relieve arterial blockage. Patients with lower measures of self-esteem, optimism and feelings of control over their lives were more likely to experience a second blockage within six months than those with better attitudes, according to the study. Our study certainly suggest that health care professionals... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD108 The Top 10 Brainjuicers to Enhance Your CreativityIn order to enhance your creativity, your body and mind should be operating at peak efficiency. Try these brainjuicers to boost your brain power. 1. Make sure you exercise. Exercise juices up the brain with nutrients in the form of glucose. The more glucose it uses, the more active the brain. It increases oxygen in the bloodstream that is delivered to the brain, releases endorphins into the bloodstream (the runner’s high) and increases nerve connections to the brain. 2. Use rhythmic activities to give your brain a chance... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD109 Seven timeless steps to build successful working relationships Here are some great foundations for creating lasting relationships in any area of business, no matter what your position is: 1. Never criticize, complain, or condemn. Be as positive and cheerful as possible. Never share negative things about your personal life in a business setting, and never criticize anything political or religious in your workplace. Appear open and easygoing. 2. Aim for acceptance. Respectfully accept others' viewpoints and... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD110 SELF-ESTEEM AT WORK Whether for yourself or others, working to enhance self-esteem is always worthwhile. Here are five ways to motivate people whose self-esteem is not high: · Set goals with a clear payoff. Provide a payoff and a reward to encourage people to work further. · Don't blame individuals for problems. Show them how to overcome external problems and help them differentiate the external issues from their own... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD111 5 STEPS FOR FASTER READING 1) Scan the table of contents and the index first if you're reading a non-fiction book. These sections will give you an overview of the material contained within. 2) Scan the titles throughout the book or article. They'll offer clues about the contents. If you're reading an article, skim the introductory and concluding paragraphs. The introductory paragraph often contains a brief synopsis of the thrust of the entire article or chapter. The... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD112 ROAD SIGNS IN LIFE On the highways of life, there are many signs that tell how far it is to the next stop, where the next turnoff is, where you're going. There are two ways to add road signs to your personal life. 1) Set goals. They become your own road signs for where you want to go and the route you want to take. 2) Give other people road signs about what you expect in the relation- ship. By sharing your expectations, you can initiate discussion and clarify both your expectations. Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD113 Giving Blood Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at Stanford Hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD114 THE MAGIC PEBBLES By John Wayne Schlatter It is the habitual thought that frames itself into our life. It affects even more than our intimate social relations do. Our confidential friends have not so much to do in shaping our lives as the thoughts which we harbor. J.W.Teal "Why do we have to learn all of this dumb stuff?" Of all the complaints and questions I have heard from my students during my years in the classroom, this was the one most frequently uttered. I would answer it by recounting the following legend: One night a group of nomads were preparing to retire for the evening when suddenly... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD115 A Lesson “One stroke at a time.” In a recent interview, Tiger Woods shared this simple formula for success. He further revealed that his habit to focus on the task at hand and not the previous stroke nor the next stroke keeps him self-disciplined. The Tiger Woods “One stroke at a time” is the brilliant example of short-term goal setting and more importantly goal accomplishment. Each stroke is a short-term goal. The obstacles are viewed from club selection, to hazards and weather conditions. Solutions appear to be instantaneously created with action steps quickly following. With the completion of each short-term goal, Tiger Woods is that much closer to completing the long-term goal of completing and hopefully winning the game. Each completed game then reverts to a short term goal allowing him to work towards his long term... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD116 IT’S ALL ABOUT ATTITUDE! The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of ATTITUDE on life. ATTITUDE, to me, is more important than education, than money, than circumstance, than failures, than success, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company…a church… a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the ATTITUDE we embrace for that day. We cannot change... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD117 Tips to make you a better listener You can become a better listener if you want. You can stop some of the main causes that affect listening before they begin. Changing your environment and approach to listening will result in better listening and better communications.
PD118 Tips Of The Month "Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them - work, family, health, friends and spirit, and you're keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls - family, health, friends and spirit are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged, or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life." Brian Dyson - CEO - Coca Cola Enterprises Bolster your leadership by visiting the... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD119 What is Your Dignity Worth? Someone you may consider unimportant or irrelevant could turn out to be the opposite and any hasty or rude correspondences, via letter, email, or in person could ruin your future with these people. We know a Sales Executive who was running late for a business meeting. The traffic was bad, and to make matters worse there was a car in front of him weaving in and out of the lanes and blocking this Sales Exec’s path. This annoyed him so much that when he drew near the other car, he let down his window and let forth a tirade of abuse, finishing off with a one finger salute as he drove off. Imagine his embarrassment... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD120 The Power Of Concentration Concentration is one of the most important keys to success. If we tirelessly apply our physical and mental energies to one problem, we will meet with great success. So how can we improve our powers of concentration? Golf champion Arnold Palmer believes that concentration demands good self-knowledge. He explains, "The secret of concentration is the secret of self-discovery. You reach inside yourself to discover your personal resources, and what it takes to match them to the challenge." People who have difficulty concentrating on their jobs often blame others. Brendan Francis argues, "Other people's interruptions of your work are relatively insignificant compared with the countless times you interrupt yourself." Research shows that with improved concentration comes an increased flow of productive ideas. TV producer Norman Lear told Selling Power that there is an infinite flow of creativity we can all tap into, providing we concentrate without forcing the flow. If we are too preoccupied or self-centered, the flow will stop. If we forget ourselves in the task, the creative flow will increase. The success-oriented mind is like a magnifying glass that focuses the rays of the sun in one concentrated spot. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (pronounced Chick-SENT-me-hi), professor of human development at the University of Chicago, once described how superachievers concentrate to reach "the zone" of total absorption. He said that... Members can read this entire article by clicking here PD121 - being re-written
PD122 Do you have the Monday morning blues? Maybe it’s the way you dream--or sleep “The body’s internal ‘clock’ runs on a 25-hour day, which can become inconvenient, since the earth runs on a 24-hour day. This inconsistency normally goes unnoticed. But the misalignment catches up with many people on weekends, when their ‘social schedules’ play havoc with their normal sleeping patterns. Nothing is more crucial to surviving Mondays than keeping the body clock on track on weekends. “According to Wilse Webb, a University of Florida psychologist and sleep expert, the natural 25-hour clock makes it easier to stay up later than normal. But if people stay up late on Friday night, sleeping late on Saturday, then stay up later on Saturday night, sleeping until mid-morning on Sunday, they’ll wake up with jet lag on Monday. “The cure? ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD123 Attitude Paves An Upward Career Path
very situation is different and no one can predict what a person will need to do in order to succeed, but here are some observations about the kinds of attitudes that can help people be more successful: 1. Competition can be motivating: While many people use competition as an excuse for not doing something, those who really want to win see competition as an opportunity, and they’re willing to do the tough work necessary to win. 2. Learn to deal with your fears: Fear is one of the greatest deterrents to taking risks. People worry so much about failing that their fear paralyzes them, draining the energy they might otherwise be using in more productive ways. Fear also puts imaginary difficulties in our paths, creating problems even when we haven’t experienced any. And fear spreads because the people around us sense when we are fearful of something. One of the best ways to overcome fear is to... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD124 Word Count: 532 “Press On” “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved, and will always solve, the problems of the human race.” Calvin Coolidge “Press on” is a powerful and necessary mental attitude. It is the attitude that is found permeating through every successful person and organization. As a country, we pressed on after 9/11. As a world leader, we knew it was necessary, although it did not change the intensity of the horror, the sadness, or the trauma the events caused. Our country has overcome many obstacles throughout our history. We have accomplished a successful lifestyle by pressing forward through all types of adversity in order to protect the life and the freedoms we enjoy. Martin Luther King, like many historical heroes, continued to do what was necessary in order to share the power of his vision, no matter what amount of ignorance or violence stood in his way. The NASA program exists today because the... Members can read this entire article by clicking here PD125 Tips to help you improve your writing skills
PD126 Word Count: 137 Breaking the Habit
ant to stop that habit of overeating, smoking, drinking...? Every time you find yourself about to engage in the behavior you are trying to control, jot down in a notebook or journal that you carry with you, the time of day, situation, your mood and any other influencing factors. Begin to notice patterns and triggers of what starts the behavior for you. If you find that you have a cigarette after dinner with your coffee, perhaps the coffee and lingering at the table contribute to this behavior. To break the habit, leave the table immediately. Forget the coffee. Go brush your teeth and use some mouthwash. Stop triggering the cigarette and replace you're after dinner behavior with something else. Awareness of the behavioral triggers is a way to begin to break a habit. Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD127 Word Count: 874 “11 Principles to YOUR Success” “Success is…the continual achievement of your own predetermined goals, stabilized by balance and purified by belief.”
n real life, many people get stuck in a professional or personal position where goals are defined for them. The result is frustration where no one feels fulfilled and the goals often are never reached. However, sometimes developing a successful business does not come easily or within the time frame that is initially envisioned. This is not only frustrating, but often creates self-doubts. Our research shows that the two key factors to a successful business are the commitment to a plan and the persistence to follow through with the plan. There are a set of principles, however, that if applied, will pay rich dividends towards your personal and professional success. These eleven principles will give you some additional direction in creating a balanced, successful life. As you continue to read, challenge yourself to identify which principles if implemented will take your business and life to the next level. Success, accomplishment, and life balance is right around the corner if you chose to do something about it – so - carpi diem – seize the moment!
1. Earn trust by giving it. We live a cynical world and it is becoming commonplace for people to want to see “it” before they believe “it”. Trust in the business world is critical and you can build trust by being a person of your word and encouraging people to trust you by trusting them. 2. Take responsibility for your actions. Do what you say you are going to do! Admit it when you are wrong and take corrective action immediately. Make sure your actions are consistent with you values, and remember actions will always speak louder than words. 3. Get the facts before... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD128 Word Count: 223 Ten Tips For Successful Networking: 1. Take a look at your present positive and meaningful relationships. Is there more you can give? 2. If you want to get to know someone, ask a mutual acquaintance for an introduction. Friends can't read your mind; communicate how they can help you. 3. Make healthy connections by avoiding toxic personalities. They drain you and prohibit you from making the right kind of connections. 4. Practice patience with yourself and others. 5. Make a new connection each day. Plenty of opportunities can present themselves daily if you are open to them. 6. Be quick to... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD129 Word Count: 198 The Fence There was a little boy with a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him to hammer a nail in the back fence every time he lost control. The first day the boy drove 37 nails into the fence. Then it gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive the nails into the fence. Finally, the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all. His father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father led his son to the fence. “You have done well, but... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD130 Word Count: 865 Your Personal & Professional Growth Research has shown that after all else, productivity can be dramatically affected by attitude, and success is certainly a function of productivity. Your attitudes toward yourself and others are major factors in your success. They will either stimulate or stifle your creativity, your progress, and your success. Understanding how attitudes affect the behavior of others improves your ability to more effectively deal with them. Attitudes Attitudes are habits of thought. Most of your basic attitudes were developed very early in life. The earliest understandable conditioning- physical touch, plays a critical role in your attitudes about people, love, physical safety and how you feel about yourself and others. As you grow, the conditioning process becomes verbal and you begin hearing all the “truisms” that have a powerful impact on your present attitudes. All too often, the majority of conditioning many people hear is negative. Adages like, “Children should be seen and not heard,” and “Don’t go where you’re not wanted,” are frequently meant to help us develop social graces. Others like “Don’t talk to strangers” are intended for safety and security. Still others like “Don’t bite off more than you can chew” are intended to keep us from failing or getting hurt. Unfortunately, the results of repeated exposures to these adages are frequently negative attitudes about the worth of what we have to say and a propensity not to talk to people. The conditioning continues as we begin our educational process where we hear for years, “Don’t talk in class.” It’s no wonder that when we are asked to give an oral report in front of the entire class, it is a very frightening and frequently negative experience! It may also help explain why public speaking ranks among the top fears of adults. Our daily lives are impacted immensely by the attitudes we developed when we were young. Your attitudes are a result of the events you have experienced thus far. These attitudes determine your concepts of everything. Among... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD131 Word Count: 268 Is fear holding you back? What is it that you really want to do with your life? If you already know the answer to this question then you are ahead of 99 out of 100 people in the world. If you do know the answer to this question, then what is holding you back? The most likely answer to this question is fear—specifically fear of failure. Fear of failure can keep people from doing the tasks needed to accomplish their lifelong dreams. People paralyzed by fear hesitate, and when they hesitate, they prolong the period of time where they think in a manner that is not constructive. Just think, if you go ahead and do that task you’ve been putting off for so long, then you will be free to move on and do the next constructive move. What is it that you are putting off doing? Is it a really difficult task to accomplish, or is it relatively easy but your mind is throwing up unnecessary and fear provoking obstacles? What people need to do is make up their minds that they are going to do a thing, and then they need to make up their minds that nothing is going to stop them. The fear of failure has stopped many very capable people from achieving their highest levels of success. · Don’t let your... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD132 Word Count: 567 The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work… I was driving down a local highway the other day and a noticed a company’s marquee that displayed a quote that really struck a cord with me. “The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work.” My immediate reaction was “wow”…is that statement profound or what… We currently live in a society that has a prevailing attitude that success, financial reward, sometimes even happiness should be given to us automatically by just being part of that society – that those things are somehow owed to us. This thought process is also rampant in businesses and organizations today. People often believe that by existing within an organization, they deserve financial rewards, benefits and company privileges. The attitude that financial reward, prosperity and happiness are earned through a process of hard work, dedication and constant goal achieving seems to be fading away more and more rapidly. The issues that you face as a business owner or as an entrepreneur are very different. None of those corporate luxuries exist for you. It is your company and unless you do what is necessary to build your company, (unless you do what is necessary to grow your company) there will be no financial rewards, benefits, or privileges to be taken advantage of by anyone or given to anyone. However, before any measure of success can be achieved, three things are required. There needs to be a well-defined plan, specific action steps to accomplish that plan that are measurable, and the personal determination and desire to make it happen.
PD133 Word Count: 224 Sound Intelligent, Powerful, Polished, Articulate, and Confident Do you want to sound intelligent, powerful, polished, articulate and confident? Of course you do! Voice coach Carol Fleming, Ph.D. gave us some great insights based on her years of study and working with thousands of clients. TO SOUND MORE INTELLIGENT: Speak just a bit slower to allow yourself to select your most appropriate vocabulary and to give the impression of thoughtfulness. TO SOUND MORE POWERFUL: Use short, simple declarative sentences. You say what you mean and you mean what you say. Cut out any useless connectors, adjectives and adverbs, especially superlatives. TO SOUND MORE... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD134 Word Count: 197 How To Remember A Name Do you have trouble remembering names after you meet people? If you do, you might want to try the following techniques to aid your memory. 1. Focus. You want to send a positive message to the person you’re meeting. Pay attention to your pose. Are you leaning in, letting the person know that this moment is important to you and that he or she has your undivided attention? 2. Ask. Repeat the name back to the person you’re meeting. Ask if you’ve got it right. This makes... Members can read this entire article by clicking here PD135 Word Count: 188 “Maintaining A Positive Attitude In The Workplace!”
f you want to remain or become a positive force in the workplace, you need a strategy. Follow the suggestions below to get yourself on your way: s Ask three people you consider positive forces how they maintain their attitudes. s Survey your use of language, and change it when necessary. This includes inner talk and outer talk. Change your negative words and thoughts into positive ones. s Surround yourself with as many positive people as possible. s Appreciate yourself. Accept yourself for who you are, not who you ought to be. s Don’t worry about something that... Members can read this entire article by clicking here PD136 Word Count: 499 How To Maintain A Positive Attitude Many sales professionals know that a positive attitude is a key element, perhaps the most important element, to success in sales. Even though they know this, most sales professionals find it extraordinarily difficult to maintain a positive attitude all day, every day. The reason? Most likely because they believe that their attitude is the result of external circumstances rather than something that is within their control. Here are some tips to help you stay positive: 1. Create a new definition for yourself of "external circumstances." You might think that hitting a few red lights on the way to an important meeting with a prospect could be seen as "bad luck" and put you in a bad mood. Definitely not a mood you want to convey to your next potential client! However, if you... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD137 Word Count: 334 Learn to say No Being positive doesn't mean taking on every assignment presented to you. In many professional situations you or your staff might do yourselves a favor by learning to say "no": to a sale, to a speaking engagement, to an invitation to participate in a work project. But how can you decide which offers to turn down? Look at these four criteria: 1. The assignment doesn't fit your goals. Examine your career priorities and personal goals. Will this bring you closer to achieving them, or will it just take up valuable time without contributing to your progress? If the task doesn't hold any value to you, then you probably won't want to do your best work on it, and nobody will truly benefit. 2. You're not the best person for the job. Your boss may want you to spearhead a project requiring lots of technological expertise. You can handle the low-level technical details of your current job just fine, but others in your department are better suited to high-tech assignments. Pointing the boss to your coworkers will score you points for honesty and build goodwill with the boss. 3. You can't deliver. Be honest--can you really... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD138 Word Count: 93 Skills What skills do you already possess and which new ones will you need to learn and develop? An exercise to help you identify your present skills and the new ones you need to develop is as follows: 1. If you could buy 10% of the earnings or productivity of another person, what qualities and skills would you look at to make your decisions? 2. Make 2 lists-one of qualities and one for skills. 3. Then... Members can read this entire article by clicking here PD-139 & MOT117 Word Count: 116 Steps to a Happier Life
Ø Think and Act Happy. You will create that state of mind for yourself and inspire it in others Ø Take Control. Make effective changes in your life Ø Set Goals that urge you forward, yet are still realistic Ø Engage Your Skills. Seek activities that use your abilities Ø Be Hea... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD140 Word Count: 182
Gaining Focus - A Simple Exercise Do you ever feel like you have so much going on that you can't focus on what needs to get done? Does it seem like, no matter what you do, the stress and anxiety rules the moment with no relief in sight? Well, here is a simple exercise* that you might find useful. You may need to practice it several times to get the desired effect, but remember practice makes perfect! Objective: To collect your attention. Instructions: Take a walk and ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD141 & TR111 Word Count: 371 Stuck for an idea? Tap your creativity
ruly creative ideas often seem very simple - once somebody has thought of them. But how do you get a truly creative idea? Here are some ways to generate your creativity: þ Put the problem into words. Clearly defining a problem is probably nine-tenths of its solution. Putting the problem into work is a discipline that clearly engages and focuses your left brain to find a creative solution. What are the problems? What are the conflicting demands? What, exactly, is the barrier that is keeping you from doing what you want to do? þ Write it down, and tell someone important to you. Don’t keep the problem floating around in your own brain. When you write, or when you tell the problem to another person, the words are encoded in your left brain in a logical, linear fashion.
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PD142 Word Count: 316 10 Reasons why you should consider getting a Business Coach 1. Improve Results A business coach helps you find new ways to make improvements in your business and life. You define what you want to accomplish and your coach guides to its achievement. 2. Time The coach will help you discover ways to leverage your most limited asset which is time. As the saying goes “Time is money.” 3. New Perspective A business coach helps you ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD143 Word Count: 178 Maintaining a positive attitude in the workplace If you want to remain or become a positive force in the workplace, you need a strategy. Follow the suggestions below to get yourself on your way: Ask three people you consider positive forces how they maintain their attitudes. Survey your use of language, and change it when necessary. This includes inner talk and outer talk. Change your negative words and thoughts into positive ones. Surround yourself with as ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD144 Word Count: 215 What You Are Is As Important As What You Do: Honesty, Ethics, Parenting
f you aren't honest with the rest of the world, how can you hope to be honest with yourself? Honesty isn't what you say you believe, it's what you model, encourage, reward and let happen every day. Come with me for a moment to Oklahoma. One of my friends, proud father Bobby Lewis, was taking his two little boys to play miniature golf. "It's three bucks for you," the attendant drawled, "and three bucks for any kid who's older than six. They get in free if they're six or younger." Bobby said, "Well, ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD145 Word Count: 501 Holiday Eating Tips Emailed by a friend (Thanks, Ellen) I hate certain aspects of this time of year. Not for its crass commercialism and forced frivolity, but because it's the season when the food police come out with their wagging fingers and annual tips on how to get through the holidays without gaining 10 pounds. Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD146 Word Count: 522 Anger and Your CareerHave you ever had one of those days at work where you hit your boiling point? When all you want to do is scream? Everyone reaches it at some time during their career. How you handle it though is imperative. The last reaction you want to have to an agitating event at work is one that is thoughtless and potentially career-destructing. What is Anger?It is a reaction to a real or perceived threat. Our natural response to this emotion is rage. Physiologically, our heart rate speeds up. We may feel our cheeks become flushed and jaws clench. Some of us respond to the feeling of anger by slamming doors, confronting the person who we perceive to have caused our anger, or in this age of speedy computer technology, firing off an angry email. Those who easily fly off the handle are usually aware of this tendency and should take steps to react differently to adverse situations. Why Control Your Anger?At the least, anger can cause hurt feelings. It can also ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD147 Word Count: 733 Steps to Avoiding a Ground Hog Day Job Do you have a Ground Hog Day job? This is the type of job that offers the same day-to-day tasks, seeing the same chair, the same stack of papers, day after day and year after year with little opportunity for change. Last month I wrote about how to breakout of the Ground Hog Day job and begin creating your own ideal career path. This month I’ll detail some essential steps that will help you avoid falling into another Ground Hog Day job. Step one: Realize that you are in a Ground Hog Day job. To help with this decision re-read last month’s article. I am aware that some people are content with doing the same type of task day in and day out and that’s fine. However, if you are ready to make a change and want to push past your limitations and see where you can really take your career, then keep reading. Step two: Describe what your ideal job is. Write out what it is that you want to do differently than what you are currently doing. By writing out your thoughts, it will help you formulate where you are and where you want to go. Next, compare what you have written to your current resume. Before you start scanning the job boards ask yourself these questions:
Step three: Identify your limitations. Limitations can include preferring to live in a small community where there are few opportunities, having “golden handcuffs” where the benefits in your current job are just too good to give up or needing an advanced degree to go further. Questions you should ask yourself ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD148 Word Count: 372 Motivated to Action Have you ever had a time in your life when you just couldn't get motivated? You knew what you wanted to do, you had the desire, but you just couldn't get motivated to take the first step. When your get-up-and-go has gone and you find it difficult to get motivated to take action, consider this -- you may be going about it all wrong. Experts in the field of human motivation tell us that instead of waiting until we are motivated to take action, we need to reverse the process and take action to get motivated. Nothing makes us feel enthusiastic like acting enthusiastic. Nothing inspires creativity like getting started on a new project. Nothing gives us the energy to move ahead like taking that first step, and then another. Your emotions take their clues from your actions, not the other way around. Many lack motivation because of fear: fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of too much success, The truth ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD149 & B177 Word Count: 235 I would like to say I never procrastinate, but that’s not true. Sometimes people think procrastination is a time management problem; truth is you cannot manage time. You have 24 hours each day. To make the most of your days, and eliminate the stress of procrastination, think about managing your choices. Managing choices is a Character Management issue. Character comes from saying what you will do (honesty) and doing what you say (integrity). This is true whether it is something you say to others or a goal or commitment you “say” to yourself. Are you a person who keeps promises? Many people are better about keeping ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
C112 & PD150 Word Count: 321
Investing in Others as a MentorAre you ready, willing and able to mentor others? Are you emotionally and psychologically prepared to invest time and effort in helping another person? Do you have the time, skills and freedom to devote yourself to another person? If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, and you are ready to make a commitment, you may be ready to begin mentoring others. To mentor is to change a life, if only in small ways. It can be applied to a variety of people, situations and purposes. Mentoring can range from an impromptu, off-the-cuff intervention to an intense long-term relationship. More and more businesses and government organizations use mentoring as a tool for organizational growth and development, not just for career development. Mentoring is quickly becoming a valuable tool in preparing an organization for competitive challenges and succession planning. However, be ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here PD151 FAVORITE STRESS REDUCTION TECHNIQUES· Get at least 30 minutes of brisk exercise most days of the week – more if you are feeling stressed. · Don’t procrastinate. Whatever you want to do tomorrow, do it today. Whatever you want to do today, do it now. · Do “unpleasant” tasks early in the day. · Every day, find personal time for solitude/meditation/prayer. · Learn to say “no”. · Carry reading material for waiting in lines. · Remind yourself that Babe Ruth struck out 1,300 times. · Count your blessings. · Do only ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here PD152 Word Count: 179 Before You Speak, Ask Yourself Before you speak, ask yourself, is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, does it improve on the silence? SAI BABA Before you speak, ask yourself, will what I say cause damage to a relationship with people important to me? Which is more important to me; to say what I want to say, or to continue a positive relationship? Before you speak, ask yourself, will what I’m going to say be considered a criticism? If so, shouldn’t I wait until a more suitable time and place? Shouldn’t I say it in private? Before you speak, ask yourself, will what I plan to say bring sunshine to a dim place? Or will it bring darkness? Will it open a window of opportunity for someone or some idea? Or will it close a door in someone’s face? Will it create or kill? Communication has consequences. You may say, “I take it back.” But you really ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here C117 & PD153 Word Count: 660 Embracing Change and Managing a Smooth Transition By Alison Sfreddo
veryone of us at one time or another has had a moment in our careers (or our lives for that matter) when we have asked ourselves the uncomfortable question, “How much longer can I continue to do what I am doing”. It is an uncomfortable question as it begins the process of moving out of our current comfort zone to a place in our lives that appears to be of great uncertainty. Change of any kind or at any level can be a daunting process, but a necessary one for personal and professional growth and development. Although it is often times easier to just “stay put”, it is far more rewarding to move forward. Dr. William Bridges, author of Managing Change and Transition, outlines the change process by illustrating the three phases of change as well as what to expect from these phases and what is needed to successfully move through them: Phase 1: The first phase of change is what Bridges’ calls “ending”. This is basically the recognition that the time has come for us to move on. It is the process of letting go of old patterns and habits before embracing the future. Phase 2: The second phase of the process is that “transition zone”. People ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD154 Word Count: 1200
Counteroffer – The Road to Ruin Reprinted from an article in the Wall Street Journal by R. Gaines Baty. You've been approached by another company and offered a position with growth potential and a moderate increase in compensation. You've analyzed and agonized over the decision to leave a good (or bad) job for what could be a better one, and have accepted (or decided to accept) the offer. However, upon resigning, your current boss asks you to stay. This appeal is known as a counteroffer or buyback. In recent years, counteroffers have practically become the norm. "It's almost like a part of the accepted divorce proceedings, and allows the boss to save face with his boss," explains one departing Texas-based executive of a major airline. "And it sometimes has to take its course." While buyback offers can be tempting, take care not to fall into the trap or be blindsided to your own detriment. Career changes are tough enough as it is, and anxieties about leaving a comfortable job, friends and location and having to reprove yourself again in an unknown opportunity can cloud the best of logic. Though the new position is a little scary doesn't mean it's not a positive move. Because buyback gestures can create confusion and buyer's remorse, you should understand what's being cast upon you. Counteroffers are typically made in conjunction with some form of flattery. For example: You're too valuable, and we need you. You can't desert the team/your friends and leave them hanging. We were just about to give you a promotion/raise, and it was confidential until now. What did they offer, why are you leaving, and what do you need to stay? Why would you want to work for that company? The President/CEO wants to meet with you before you make your final decision. Counters usually take the form of ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD155 Word Count: 318 Confusion - Time to Refocus Our world seems confused right now! Should we move forward or stay right where we are? Who knows the answers? Confusion is an opportunity to stop and refocus. It is a warning signal our mind sends us saying "HELP! Do something different!" So what does our brain want and how can we refocus? Here are 7 steps to assist this process. 1. STOP - The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. So STOP the insanity! 2. WRITE - Put all the scrambled thoughts onto paper. Would you rather be swept up in the churn of the tornado or safely watch the event from the next town? By writing your thoughts, you remove yourself from the "churn" and can look at the confusion from a safe distance. 3. IDENTIFY - Now you can safely look at your thoughts and begin to identify categories that are creating the confusion. Often it is not as undaunting a list as we think it is when we stop the "churn". 4. RATE - Take each area and rate it based on your ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD156 Word Count: 441
Highlight Your Successes Appreciate Your Past Accomplishments – Create a Great New Year These first few months of the year are filled with good wishes. We “wish” ourselves and each other the best of the New Year, but we can improve on just wishing. We can actively create it to become our best year in a long time. One way we can accelerate our New Year’s success is to tap into the powerful theory of “Appreciative Inquiry” (or AI as it is often called). A short explanation of this theory is that “you get MORE of whatever you PAY ATTENTION TO.” Through reflecting on what has proven to be effective and successful in your life and work, you build on the best parts to create more of what you most value. Are you ready to give yourself a personalized gift and start the New Year from a powerful stance? Then take time to pave the way to a successful future by appreciating your past accomplishments. Complete the exercise below and you will begin the process of actively creating your successes in the New Year. Fill in your own unique responses to the following questions, inspired by a new book, Appreciative Coaching – A Positive Process for Change by authors Sara Orem, Jacqueline Binkert, Ann Clancy (Publisher: Jossey-Bass Business and Management 2007): 1. Describe your three greatest accomplishments in your life/work from last year: · _____________________________________ · _____________________________________ · _____________________________________
2. What about each of these accomplishments was most valuable to you? · _____________________________________ · _____________________________________ · _____________________________________
3. How was ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD157 & H167 Word Count: 159 Resume Reflection With the beginning of the year upon us, it is a good time to update your resume. This doesn't mean that you should run off and look for a new job, however, you should reflect on your achievements for the year. Now is the time to reflect on the new areas you tackled and how you stood out in your job. Write these accomplishments down now while they are still fresh in your mind. If possible, quantify technical accomplishments by some objective measure for example approximate dollars saved or approximate liability exposure avoided in dollars. What did you ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD158 & H168 Word Count: 593 THE RESUME The resume is the one document that can change your life forever. The resume will either allow you to go forward with a new career opportunity or prevent you from doing so. Therefore making this document standout and presenting a clear picture of your background is in your best interest. There are many different formats you can follow to put together a resume, but the one I promote is aimed at offering the reader a quick overview of what it is you do and how you stand out from your competition. Below is a sample template for putting together a resume regardless of where you are in your career. Keep in mind that the resume is your main entry into the door when opportunity knocks. Resume Template 1. Your resume should include the following elements in this order: a. A heading highlighting your overall skills in bullet point format. The heading replaces the ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD159 Word Count: 219
Top 7 Facts about Taking Early Distributions from Retirement Plans If you took an early distribution from your retirement plan, here are some things you need to know: 1. Payments you receive from your Individual Retirement Arrangement before you reach age 59 ½ are generally considered early or premature distributions. 2. Early distributions are usually subject to an additional 10 percent tax. 3. Early distributions must also be reported to the IRS. 4. Distributions you rollover to another IRA or qualified retirement plan are not subject to the additional 10 percent tax. You must complete the rollover within 60 days after the day you received the distribution. 5. The amount you ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD160 Word Count: 529
Opt for Optimism While many of you may be scratching your heads as to the merit of this salutation amidst the current economic climate, the often overlooked mind-set of optimism can have a very real effect on how we view others and situations and most notably – how others perceive us. And this perception more often than not translates into both happiness and success in your personal relationships and professional careers. Optimism is not only a philosophy – but a lifestyle. Those who see the best in situations and in people are those who tend to receive the best out of every situation and the most out of their relationships with others. Living optimistically can melt away worry and open new doors of opportunity as well as provide personal and professional satisfaction. By committing to a positive frame of mind, others will soon take notice and perceive you as successful and secure. These are key attributes of those who are ready to take on the next level of advancement. The following are just a few considerations to keep you on the proactive side of positive thinking: Renew your Outlook. Optimism is not only a thought process – but a way of life. You can either choose to believe you are hopeful and living in abundance or you can live with compounded worry and hopelessness. It is very easy to fall into the fear trap, but it is far more satisfying to see the joy in the beautiful things that surround you in everyday life. Start a ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD161 Word Count: 542
Attitudes Are Contagious…Is Yours Worth Catching? Attitude development is at the core of achieving successful, desired results and outcomes. The way you feel about yourself and others plays a crucial role into your personal and professional lives. In attitude development, we tend to always want to rush through the process. You cannot do this. You have to take it one step at a time if you are going to truly change your attitude. Attitude development is an important and difficult task- but not impossibility. And remember; it’s up to you…only! Here are a few tips on how to begin to develop a great attitude: 1. Don’t Stress- This may be the hardest step of all in attitude development. Our level of stress can control what we feel about ourselves and how we judge others. It is very hard at times to control your levels of stress. You can decrease your stress levels by looking at every situation logically. There is always a logical explanation to all the stressful things that are plaguing your life. Take a moment to look at the area around you in times of stress and slip into a calm and relaxed feeling. With practice, you can be stress free…almost! 2. Grow some skin- Not literally. Grow some skin refers to not taking colleagues comments personally. People are going to name call or joke with you. You need to be the better person and shake it off. Ignore the comments that are more often than not, jokes, and you will be better off. It is hard to “turn the other cheek”, but it is more important that if you ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B198 Word Count: 270
Just Say “No” to Make Space for a More Important “Yes” Today, you are bombarded with demands for your time. How are you handling the choices? To what are you saying “No” and “Yes?” Do you still have the thought at the end of the day that “nothing got done?” Here is a practice to increase your sense of professional accomplishment.
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