Find a Mentor to Ensure Career Success

Finding the right person to be your mentor can significantly increase your chances of career success. If possible, find a mentor who is willing to teach you what you need to know to reach your goal(s). This mentor should be someone who has the character traits you admire and who is in a position you aspire to attain or who is doing what you hope to do. He or she should give you straightforward information and honest, positive critiques. You don’t want someone who says, “Yes, you are wonderful,” without providing proper guidance and criticism that will mold you into the person you hope to be.

How do you find a mentor?

·        Network, network, network. You have to put yourself out there and ask for help. Most people are willing to support others.

·        Join relevant groups and seek out the successful members.

·        Observe people in the workplace. Who would be the best person from which to learn?

·        Take a class, get a tutor, or hire a coach.

Your mentor should be an expert in the area in which you want to learn. In addition, he/she should be able to teach; that is, get information across in an easy-to-understand way. Some people are experts in their fields, but they cannot convey information to others clearly.

Modeling successful people who have achieved what you want provides a readymade road map to reach your goals.

Who will you choose for your mentor?

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?

Happy Fall, All

The last week of summer is winding down. Autumn begins Monday, bringing with it Fall Fix-Up season. It’s also a great time to fix-up things in our lives such as these:

• Personal relationships
• Workplace relationships
• Time management issues
• Home and office organization issues
• Careers
• Eating and exercise habits
• Social habits
• Online presence

You can find tips for time management, organization, workplace relationships, and career help in my former blog posts and on my website www.carolsilvis.com.

Where will you begin?

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?

NEVER STOP LEARNING

As the saying goes, we should never stop learning. This weekend I will be attending the 30th Annual Pennwriters Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. Pennwriters is a group of hundreds of writers, mostly from Pennsylvania, but also from other parts of the country. The conference, held once a year, is an event to remember. Agents and editors from New York and other areas as well as speakers from several states will present 40 workshops and participate in critique sessions and panel discussions. I hope to get my creativity boosted and my enthusiasm for my writing bolstered. I have belonged to the group for over twenty years, serving as President, Vice President, Author’s Advocate, and Conference Coordinator. I feel there is always something to learn and continue to update myself through these conferences and others.

Take time to learn something new and keep the mind fresh and creative. Build on a skill or hobby you already have or gain a completely new outlook by learning a different language, taking up an additional hobby, refreshing or learning a new skill, reading something original—the possibilities are endless.

In the meantime, keep learning.

Carol

Enjoy the Holiday Season

The holiday season is once again upon us. It seems to come around more quickly each year. Perhaps that is a clue our lives are too busy. This holiday season, take time to enjoy the companionship of family and friends. Children grow up and move away, parents and other loved ones pass on. Don't chance looking back one day with regret for not having enjoyed the precious moments life offers.

Take time to enjoy the holiday season. Merry Christmas and other seasons greetings to all.

DEVELOP A PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT

A personal mission statement serves as a guide to keep your life on track. A personal mission statement provides an opportunity for you to align your goals with your core beliefs and values and focus on what you want to accomplish. The best mission statements are a brief three or four sentences long. 

Develop a personal mission statement through self-assessment and planning. Answer the following questions to determine your core beliefs, values, and goals:

·        Who do you want to become?

·        What do you wish to accomplish in life and why? (Consider all areas of your life such as family, work, spirituality, community, hobbies, etc.).

·        What have you accomplished so far? Consider all areas of your life.

·        What do you stand for; what values are important to you?

·        What character traits do you consider important?

·        What do you treasure most in life?

·        How do you want to be remembered?

·        How can you make your life and the lives of others better?

·        What actions can you take that will have the most positive affect on your life?

Example personal mission statement: To live each day to the fullest and appreciate and enjoy the blessings I have been given. To use my talents and skills to better my life and that of my family. To treat others with respect. To never stop learning.

What will your personal mission statement say about you?