Tag Archives: optimism

Zumba! At Least I’m There

Okay, somehow I got talked into taking a Zumba dance class by my college-age very athletic niece and daughter.  So I’m a reluctant participant although there are lots of people there including several young guys who weren’t doing much better than me.  But I’m willing to give it a try although I warned the girls to not laugh at me ’cause at least I’m there.

I actually work out all the time and have for years (longer than those girls have been alive!).  I do weights, machines and strength classes so I’m pretty good at following the leader.  But this class is a step up – there are no directions from the instructor just lots of moving, bumping and grinding.  It’s the ultimate “Simon Says” game with no “says”.  But the music is great and the crowd is enthusiastic

Doing Something Different

So as I’m bobbing and weaving to the music, I’m thinking that this is good – it’s good to stretch the comfort zone and try something different.  I prefer knowing what to do when but with a little practice I probably can get a few of these steps learned.  I remind myself that encouraging ourselves to stretch and grow is critical for handling the bigger changes in our lives. We need regular practice in adapting to what’s new and perhaps a bit uncomfortable.  Ouch, just stepped on my own toe.

We Don’t Have to Be Perfect

I don’t have to have this Zumba stuff down perfectly.  I’m there with my girls and that’s good enough.  And I’m a big believer in the old saying “Showing up is 80% of success”.  We don’t have to be perfect – and we can’t be even close to perfect when we try something different.  And that’s okay.  So when these girls are collapsing on the floor with laughter, I kindly remind them that “Yes, you too will be my age someday” and  “at least I’m here”!

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Plan Ahead to Make Your Internship Worthwhile

Yes, an internship can be an excellent experience for both the college student and for the professional, one that takes on the care & feeding of this next generation. But it does take some planning and some care in ensuring that everyone gets something out of this commitment. For the students, I would recommend the following three strategies to ensure it’s a good experience for all.

First, what benefits do you think you will gain in this internship? Will it be skill development, increase of knowledge of an industry or respected references & connections? At the same time, think about what value you can bring to this company to make it worth their time to mentor/train you during your internship. What will make it worthwhile for both of you?

Second, securing an internship is just like doing a job search. You’ll get lots of practice doing that after graduation so practice now when the stakes aren’t quite so high. Learn how to target your desired industries, research opportunities, prepare your resume and then how to “sell” yourself to the hiring person. It’s a great time to practice because most professionals really like college students, especially if they have a few themselves.

Third, treat this job as seriously as if you were being paid the big bucks. Be professional each and every day. You want them to love you and invite you back. Soak up every bit of learning you can – volunteer to attend meetings, take on projects and seek out chances to shadow other people in the office. Keep smiling and building those positive relationships.

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Layoffs: The Stress of Waiting

Over the last few days, I’ve talked to several people waiting to hear about possible layoffs.  It’s the end of the fiscal year and either they will be laid off  July 1st or not.  The waiting is the hardest.  Even for the most resilient and optimistic people this suspenseful time of not knowing is very difficult.

Employment changes are always challenging.  The “What Ifs” take over and you can find yourself imagining and worrying about all kinds of scenarios.  “What if I can’t find another job?”  “What if I have to move?”  “What if I can’t pay my mortgage?”  These may be very realistic concerns and the worry can quickly escalate especially in the middle of the night.

Taking Control of the Uncontrollable

The stress of the unknown is really all about control.  When you or your spouse is facing a layoff it’s easy to feel that you have little control over your future.  And that may be true as it relates to your paid employment.  But what about the rest of your life?  You (and only you) have control over that and once you take back that control there is a ripple effect on your paid work as well.  Here are three steps to get you started.

First, what isn’t changing in your life? List out the  main areas of your life (health, family &, friends, employment, hobbies, community etc.) that you spend time and energy.  I like to use the image of the 5 Olympic Circles because they connect creating synergy between the circles. And it keeps it simple with the 5 main areas of my “whole” life.

Second, have a realistic talk with yourself.  Are these other areas really changing significantly? Sometimes yes, but many times they are staying relatively the same.  Life goes on with many of the same routines and traditions – that’s actually quite reassuring.

Third, make a Plan B and a Plan C.  Have backup plans if you are laid off.  Know your options. Get an accurate picture of your financial situation.  You may be pleasantly surprised that it’s better than you had imagined.

Taking Control is Empowering

This is a new life chapter which you can design for yourself.  In my work as a career coach, I’m seeing people take this opportunity to create new career paths that they previously never thought possible.  Yes, a forced change such as a layoff is unsettling and disruptive.  But remember, that in the midst of chaos is the opportunity for incredible growth and possibilities.  It’s exciting and the sense of taking back control is incredibly empowering.

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The Power of Optimism!

Optimism is a powerful business tool.  It is a magnet.  People gravitate toward others that project that  positive energy, spirit and belief in the future.  It is good business whether you own your own company, work in collaboration with others or are employed by someone else.  Adopting an optimistic outlook (yes, you can learn it) makes all the difference in your personal power, influence and future business success. 

What is Optimism?

“Optimism is the ability to look at the brighter side of life and to maintain a positive attitude even in the face of adversity”.  Bar-On 2002  Optimistic people have hope.  They are energetic and self-motivated because they perceive difficult situations as:

  • temporary with an end in sight
  • as not being their fault (bigger than just them)
  • that they have control in how they respond (a choice)

Teaching Yourself to Be Optimistic

So how do you learn to be optimistic?  Yes, we first learn optimism from those adult figures in our early childhood but as the years go by we can also teach ourselves to be more optimistic.  We do this by shifting how we think, speak and act.  It takes self-awareness and daily practice.

Here are five ways to bring more optimism into your life.

  • Think Differently (practice realistic abundance thinking not scarcity thinking)
  • Speak Differently (use words and ideas that expand not restrict your perceptions)
  • Act Differently (step into possibilities, act “As If”)
  • Develop an “Optimistic Network” (actively seek out others that boost your energy)
  • Sleep & Laugh More (physical & emotional self-care)

The ROI of Optimism

Is it worth the effort?  My answer is yes!  Try it and see.  On the business side, optimistic people are like magnets.  Others gravitate to them – they want to do business with them.  Optimistic people expect to be successful and their positive attitude and energy attract opportunities. 

On the personal side, optimistic people are physically and emotionally healthier, have significantly more positive relationships with family and friends, are well-connected to their communities and generally enjoy and appreciate their daily lives.  They live in abundance not scarcity. 

So be that person that others seek out – there is no down side only multiple benefits for you!

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Learning Gives You a Lift!

I look forward to every Wednesday afternoon.  This is a time for me – for me to focus on my own professional learning through advanced training with Susan Whitcomb’s Career Coach Academy.  Several years ago I completed my original certification (CCMC) with the Academy and now I’m back for the “refresh & renew” four month course.  And I’m enjoying it so much more now!

Adding Value to My Clients

Each week I learn something new that I can bring immediately to my coaching clients.  I’m refreshing my treasure chest of career coaching tools, strategies and techniques which greatly adds to the value I bring my clients. And since I’ve had my coaching business for almost ten years now, I have a wealth of experience that I can draw on as well.  I’m staying on the cutting edge so my clients can stay on the cutting edge. 

Gives Me a Lift

On-going learning has always been a key part of growing my coaching business.  Although continuing education credits (CEUs) are required for my various certifications that’s not why I make learning a priority.  I’ve always attended professional conferences, courses & workshops and networking events because I get a wonderful psychological boost from the energy of ideas in the room.  But it is a significant financial investment . . .  is it worth it?  Yes!  Learning is like the icing on the cake.  Don’t miss the opportunity to be enriched and to enrich others by making these investments.

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