Reach Those Goals in 2022

If you created goals for 2022, write and post them where you will see them daily. Goals that are out of sight are also out of mind, making them inactive. Keeping track of your progress toward goals will help you attain them. Make sure to personalize your goals—you are the only one who can achieve them. Do not reply on others to fulfill your goals. For example, your goal can be to write a novel and submit it to a traditional publisher, but it cannot be to have the traditional publisher publish the novel. That would be relying on someone else to fulfill your goal, something on which you cannot depend. In addition, make sure your goals are ones that you want for yourself, and no one is forcing the goal on you. To increase your chances of reaching your goals, do the following: • Rank your goals in order of importance to you. • Focus your energy on attaining your goals and fully commit to reaching them. • Develop a step-by-step plan for reaching your goals. If you are not sure what steps to take, seek help from others and/or emulate people who have attained such a goal. • Visualize reaching your goals. Many athletes and successful people “see” themselves becoming winners. • Reward yourself when you reach a goal. What goals will you set for yourself? More on creating an action plan in the next blog.

Polish That Resume - Meet Employer Needs

With the current unemployment rate, now might be a good time to dust off the resume and re-circulate it. Whether you are looking for a new job or hoping to snag a better one, you need to be able to bring value to the company in order to be considered for an interview. Take a good look at your skills.  Where do your strengths lie?  What training and experience do you have to offer?  Should you consider obtaining more education or training? Think about your employment history.  Have you included all tasks you have completed that bring out your best talents and abilities?  Did you receive any special recognition or awards?  Were you promoted?  How was your attendance and punctuality?  Were you a team player?  Can you work with little or no supervision? Match yourself to the job.  What is the company you are applying to looking for in a job candidate?  Do your attributes align with the company's needs?  Does your resume reflect how you can be an asset to the company? Concentrate your search where your skills match the employer's needs. Where will you begin your job search?

Focus on Those Goals

I have blogged extensively on goals and goal setting. We can set all the goals we want, but if we do not do something to achieve them, they become worthless. One of the main ways of attaining goals is to focus on their outcome. By focusing, we can see where we want to go and what we need to do to get there. Here are some tips on achieving focus:

· Minimize external distractions as much as possible
· Turn off negative thoughts—recite positive, motivational affirmations
· Find successful role models and imitate them
· Commit, commit, commit—do whatever it takes to reach a goal
· Schedule time to work on your goals—discipline yourself
· Keep up the forward momentum
· Take risks
· Face challenges and setbacks head-on
· Change your approach if it doesn’t work
· Visualize success
· Create a poster board of what your success will look like 

What can you do today to focus on your goals?

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?

It’s a Stressful Time—Take Care

During these unsettling times, it is important to take care of yourself and your loved ones as best you can.

·         Take care not to let little aggravations overshadow what’s truly important.
·         Take care to count the things that are going right in your life rather than those going wrong.
·         Take care not to take on too much, especially with all the extra time extended during this crisis. Don’t wait until you feel yourself getting stressed or are overwhelmed before you take a break.
·         Take care to enjoy the interruption in the same old routine by doing something you enjoy like reading, meditating, baking cookies, enjoying family time, and the like.
·         Take care to use extra patience since people are under more pressure and stress at this vulnerable time. Kind words often work wonders in trying situations.
·         Take care of old negative business—mend relationships, forgive grudges, forget about unattained goals, and forgive yourself for personal failings.

What are you doing to take care of yourself?

Hold Yourself Accountable in the Workplace

Your boss and your company will hold you accountable for your workplace behavior and accomplishments. Go one better and hold yourself accountable.

• Perform your tasks to the best of your ability, completing them in a timely manner.
• Maintain a positive attitude daily.
• Adhere to a strict code of personal behavior.
• Keep skills up to date and learn new ones as required.
• Become an expert in your field.
• Use good judgment.
• Speak kindly and tactfully.

Taking responsibility for your actions and words will preserve your value to the boss and company. How will you hold yourself accountable?

Career Advancement

To advance in your career, demonstrate your value to your employer and those around you. Be highly visible and take charge of situations when warranted. Continuously challenge yourself and members of your team. Act like management material by following these guidelines:

• Take advantage of every available opportunity to learn and grow.
• Establish behaviors that stand out positively in the minds of supervisors.
• Develop excellent critical thinking skills.
• Be a self-directed worker who performs duties with proficiency.
• Act professionally at all times and display integrity and ethical behavior.
• Take on extra responsibilities and help others.
• Become an expert in your field.
• Participate in lifelong learning to keep your expertise up to date.

Take a long, hard look at your personal qualities and adjust your strategies to align yourself closer to the way management-level people behave. With an inner drive and a determination to achieve, you can position yourself to rise to a higher level. What steps will you take to advance in your career?

Give Employers What They Want

In keeping with the theme of getting a job, let's take a look at what employers want. Employers want to hire dependable, enthusiastic people who will give a full day's work. Here are some tips to convince an employer you are the right person for the job:

• Maintain a record of dependability and good attendance at your current job.
• Be able to convey your assets and accomplishments within a few minutes.
• Match your skills to the employer's needs.
• Research the company and be prepared to discuss your findings during the interview.
• Demonstrate your willingness to try new things.
• Practice time management and organizational skills.
• Maintain a positive attitude and demonstrate your willingness to get along with others.
• If you working in a multi-generational workplace, mention your ability to get along with people of all ages.
• Take an active part in your self-development through training and updating skills.
• Join a professional organization in your field.

Push yourself to the top of the competition by showing the employer you are the right person to hire. What steps will you take?

Develop an Action Plan to Achieve Career Goals

Develop an action plan to reach your goals by listing several steps you can take to move yourself closer to those goals.  Make your plan easy to implement, and use a viable timeline. Periodically, check your plan to determine if it needs to be adjusted or if it is working for you.

Using the example goal of joining Toastmasters in order to improve communication skills, here is an sample action plan: 

• Within the next two days, check local listings or search online to find the nearest Toastmasters’ group.
• Contact the group by the end of the week and express an interest in joining.
• Attend the next available Toastmasters’ meeting.
• Network with at least two group members at the first meeting.
• Learn speaking tips and techniques from members.
• Become an active participant in the group and continue networking with group members.
• Implement changes in presentations according to information obtained at meetings and from constructive criticism following personal speeches

Develop a similar action plan for each of the goals you want to achieve. Follow through by completing the action plan steps you have listed.

What goals are you working toward?

Keep the Stress out of Thanksgiving--Be Grateful

Thanksgiving will be here in a couple of weeks. It's a good time to remember to take care of ourselves and keep stress to a minimum. Here are some stress-reducing tips:

• Be grateful for what you have. At the beginning of each day, reflect on your blessings and the people who complete your life.
• Don't let little aggravations overshadow the important ones.
• Count the things that are going right in your life, not those going wrong.
• Take a break when you feel yourself getting stressed. Don't wait until you are overwhelmed.
• Keep close to family and friends during this and other holidays.
• Burn a candle with one of the wonderful stress-reducing fragrances like lavender or vanilla.
• Take a mini vacation in your mind.
• Enjoy yourself.

Remember Thanksgiving is about being thankful. What are you giving thanks for 

FALL INTO GOOD HABITS

Fall brings many changes—from weather to leaf color. It seems a fine time to make changes in our lives as well. Here are a few positive changes that may make this fall a special season:

• Embrace change, rather than resist it. Oftentimes what we perceive as a negative change turns out to be the best thing that happened to us.
• Concentrate on what is important in your life. Establish priorities and stick with them.
• Write a personal mission statement for your life.
• Tell a loved one how special he or she is to you.
• Write in a daily gratitude journal.
• Help others.
• Let go of anger and resentment.
• De-junk and de-clutter the areas of your life that need it.
• Make time for exercise and eat healthy.
• Balance your checkbook and your budget.
• Listen to others—truly listen.
• Have fun on a regular basis

What positive changes will you make?

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?

ELIMINATE PROCRASTINATION

The only way to stop procrastination is to take action. Begin by figuring out why you procrastinate. Some common reasons people procrastinate and ways to remedy the situations are listed below:

·         No clear idea of what to do. If you are not sure what to do, ask yourself how you can find out what action you should take. For instance, has someone else performed the task? Can you ask that person for guidance? Are there directions for performing the task that you can access? Can you research an answer? Can you brainstorm with others or have someone train you?

·         The size of the task is overwhelming. Break tasks into manageable pieces and take small bits of action. Work on one part of the task at a time. Whenever you have a spare few minutes, do something that brings you closer to your goal of completing the task. If possible, delegate portions of the task or else have someone work with you.

·         No clear priorities. Decide what you want to accomplish. Write down your goals. Create a to-do list and prioritize it. Create a plan of action complete with the steps you can take to perform each task. Ask for guidance when needed.

·         Too much to do. Get organized and learn to manage your time well. Forget about pleasing everyone; learn to say no. Align your to-do-list tasks with your priorities. Concentrate on the most important work first. Combine like tasks. Eliminate unnecessary tasks. Attempt less. Avoid perfectionism. Know when you are in over your head, and ask for help when you need it.

·         Distractions. Eliminate as many distractions as you can by closing your door, turning off the radio or television, regulating the temperature, getting comfortable, and the like. Temporarily turn off the phone, email alerts, and social media sites. Avoid situations where you will be tempted to socialize whenever you do not have the time to spare. When people drop by to talk, tactfully tell them you have to complete your tasks and will talk with them during break. Discourage socializing by continuing to work and not making eye contact or engaging in the conversation. Stand up when someone comes into your office, or else meet visitors outside your office. Be unavailable.

·         Indecision. Do your research; get the facts. Brainstorm ideas. Consult others if necessary. Weigh the risks and consequences of possible decisions. Implement the decision. Learn from any negative consequences of your decision. Re-evaluate the decision and change what needs to be changed.

Spring Forward in Your Career

Winter is ending. I can honestly say I am happy to see spring coming. Many people get the urge at this time of year to do spring cleaning and clear out the old clutter. Now might be a good time to do some professional spring cleaning, too, and get your career in shape for spring. It seems a good time to reflect on ways we can grow and spring forward in the workplace.

Consider the following tips:

• Sit down with your supervisor and discuss ways you can become more of an asset to your company.
• Ask for feedback on your performance; do not take criticism personally, but rather use it to grow professionally.
• Think about ways you can positively set yourself apart from coworkers by performing your tasks more efficiently and offering positive solutions to problems.
• Be professional at all times.
• Update your skills; develop a professional development plan.
• Look for ways you can add value to your company by saving money or time or by increasing profits or productivity.
• Keep up with industry news and developments in your field.
• Take a class or attend a seminar.
• Find ways to get along with everyone in the office, including those hard-to-deal-with coworkers.
• Strive for perfect attendance and punctuality.
• Display a positive attitude.

Spring is a great time to refresh your career.