Set Goals to Achieve Success

Whether you are searching for a job or hoping to advance in your current position, set goals. To increase your success, make sure your goals are:

·         Specific – What exactly do you want to achieve? Be as precise as possible when stating your goal.
·         Measurable – How will you know when you have reached your goal?
·         Achievable – Is it possible for you to reach this goal? Your goal must be attainable, or you will set yourself up for failure.
·         Realistic – Can you reasonably achieve your goal? Assess your skills, abilities, and circumstances. Be honest with yourself.
·         Timely – What is the specific date by which you hope to attain your goal? Set a time limit.

Once you establish your goals, keep in mind they are not set in stone. Goals should be reviewed and tweaked as needed. Sometimes we outgrow the goal and need to set a new one.

What goals are you setting for yourself?

Motivate Yourself for the Job Search

People searching for employment must keep themselves motivated throughout the job search. It's sometimes hard to get or remain motivated in the face of rejections.

Here are a few motivational tips to help:

• Determine what you want. What type of job? What industry? What location? What tasks? Be specific rather than saying, "I'll take anything."
• Visualize being in your dream job. See yourself going to work, sitting at your work space, performing tasks you love.
• Prepare yourself for employment. Update your skills if necessary. Take an inexpensive or free class at a reputable school or agency if necessary.
• Prepare a modern resume. Get help if necessary.
• Practice interviewing with a friend, all the while visualizing that you are interviewing with the company of your dreams.
• Get up everyday and do something to move yourself closer to getting a job. Inertia causes boredom and depression.
• Find a mentor to help in your job search.
• If you still have a hard time motivating yourself, find a cheerleader who will cheer you on and keep you motivated.

Take action every day even if it is a small step. It’s by taking those daily steps that you can reach your goal of getting a job.

What action will you take today?

Where Does the Time Go?

With fall coming, it's a good time to take stock of where our time goes and how we can make the most of it. Soon we will be facing another holiday season and all the time crunches that come with it.

Take stock of your activities to be sure you are spending sufficient time in all the important areas of your life--work, family, spiritual, and extracurricular activities

• Establish priorities and eliminate things that do not add value to your life
• Meditate
• Exercise
• Devote time to your hobby or favorite activity
• Start a gratitude journal and write in it every day
• Read a few good books
• Listen to uplifting music
• Take it one day at a time

Do yourself a favor and take time to enjoy life.

Where do you spend your precious time?

Time to Assess Your Career

The last month of the year is here—a good time to reflect on how our careers have progressed throughout the year. Through evaluations your boss and your company will hold you accountable for your workplace behavior and accomplishments. Be proactive and access your own behavior and accomplishments. Ask yourself if you have:

• Performed your tasks to the best of your ability, completing them efficiently and in a timely manner
• Done your fair share or more
• Maintained a positive attitude daily
• Encouraged and mentored coworkers
• Adhered to a strict code of positive personal behavior
• Kept skills up to date and learned new ones to increase personal performance
• Become an expert in your field
• Used good judgment
• Spoken kindly and tactfully

Assessing your career and taking personal responsibility for your actions and words will preserve your value to the boss and company.

Time to Assess Career Accomplishments

As we begin the ending month of the year, it is a time to reflect on how our careers have progressed throughout the year. Your boss and your company will hold you accountable for your workplace behavior and accomplishments. Go one better and hold yourself accountable. Ask yourself if you have:

• Performed your tasks to the best of your ability, completing them in a timely manner


• Maintained a positive attitude daily


• Adhered to a strict code of personal behavior


• Kept skills up to date and learn new ones as required


• Became an expert in your field


• Used good judgment


• Spoke kindly and tactfully

Taking responsibility for your actions and words will preserve your value to the boss and company.

Career Resolutions

Christmas with all its hustle and bustle is over. This weekend we will celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another. What a great time to make those resolutions! This blog will be devoted to career resolutions. If you are looking to start a new career, implement some of the following strategies in to your job search to increase your chances of success:

• Develop a positive attitude
• Assess your personal characteristics and your skills
• Let your enthusiasm show during every interview
• Make a good impression with your resume, cover letter, and interviewing skills
• Learn about the company you are applying to and be ready to discuss that knowledge during the interview
• Dress for success during the interview
• Choose references carefully
• Keep up with the latest technology
• Utilize online employment sites by posting your resume
• Joined LinkedIn and create a professional profile
• Join online job boards and participate
• Network with everyone you know and everyone you meet
• Join a professional association and attend meetings regularly

Treat your job search like a job. Put the necessary time into your search.