If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there. ~Lewis Carroll
So you’ve got goals! Yea! That’s just great! Like I have always said, if you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up some place else. So what runs your world? Goals… of course. But be flexible.
I was reflecting on HGTV’s Joanne Gaines and hubby Chip. Joanne shared in her year in review that they had planned on going in a different direction at the beginning of 2018. Then suddenly they discovered they were pregnant! If you are a parent you know how much pregnancy changes things. You have to think about preparing for the little one coming who (though so tiny), totally changes things! Although you and I may be excellent planners, things happen. Some things throw us off course.
Similarly, my friend’s dad went to the hospital to do surgery on his foot, only to be told that he would be losing his foot! Aging parents need help. So she gave up her job and plans and went home to care for her dad. He had to learn a new way of living.
Life does throw us curved balls. So what do we do when that happens? We must catch it and adapt. That’s the only way to survive, Oh yes… cry if you must but react quickly and move on. That’s the way with our goals. We know where we are going but getting there may be different. Sometimes things go totally awry as it did for HGTV’s Joanna Gaines and my friend. But both survived.
So as you commence working on those delightful goals, I wish you the best. But make certain that you build in flexibility. It’s the only way to react quickly whether good or bad.
Sometimes it seems life throws us a curved ball. We go off course, get depressed, sad and down. But it’s at those times that we need to get back up. Step forward with confidence knowing as Oprah reminds ….There are No Mistakes. Everything is setting us up to achieve what’s rightfully destined for each of us. So Move forward. Stay strong. Go do you.
It’s the New Year and often it comes with a time of reflection. Several calls came from individuals who hold senior positions in their organizations enquiring how they could transition from one career to the next especially at their level. A few wanted to maintain the same salary level due to financial obligations. Others had children who already finished college and was therefore more flexible and willing to take a pay cut and sacrifice to make the change.
Neither is wrong. Life involves change, and change comes with things we have to give up or shift to achieve our desired goals. So here are 5 points to get you going into that transition if you too are experiencing a desire for change.
Steps To Progress
1. Carefully Consider the Reasons You want to Change Career
Making a serious decision based on a temporary situation is never good. For example… is it that you are working for a team that you are unhappy with? Is it because you are tired of what you’re doing? Or is it because you are faced with a personal situation that is affecting your job? Think seriously. Look before you leap.
2. Consider your Transferable Skills
What skills do you have that can be transferred into another occupation? Have you been in business long? Are you in an area that involves people skills such as banking, healthcare, other? Perhaps you have been in technology? Sales? Journalism? Such skills can be applied to other evolving jobs.
Are your skills outdated? You may need to upgrade. Consider getting a certification in your area of your interest.
3. Research Changes in The Wider Market
If you have been too busy with your head engrossed in your job, chances are there are tons of changes in the market. Explore. One nurse shared that she never had to search for a job before. Now it seems she has to be begging recruiters to see her. She feels useless and unworthy because no one wanted to hire her after a sickness that took her out of the industry for a while. Things happen. Chin up and keep going.
4. Update Your Profile
When was the last time you looked at your Resume? LinkedIn? Do a personal name search and see what comes up? Do you like it or do you need to make changes? Search job boards to see what new opportunites exist on for example Indeed.com, LinkedIn and more.
5. Network
Last but not least, network. You May be changing industries. If so, it might be wise to start networking with others in your intended industry. Join an associations. Groups. Attend meetings. Get to know others who eventually will be able to recommend you because they are aligned with your network.
So there you have it. Here’s hoping these five points will make a difference as you or a friend contemplate a life or career change. Need further help? Learn more in Success Strategies Book
Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
When you decide to live your dream things will happen! You will start seeing the things everywhere! Notice when you decide to lose weight, you start seeing gyms, healthy food, people jogging etc., etc.? If you have decided to extend your family and become pregnant you start seeing a mother or a father holding a child? It just happens! Benjamin Hardy shared the 31 things that happen when you decide to live your dreams . Of the 31, I liked 13. Here I share:
You will see it everywhere
You will have boundless energy fueled by purpose
You will realize all your previous fears were unfounded allowing you to embrace future fears
You will stop worrying about and anticipate the future
You will progress quickly at anything you undertake
People will enter your life to help you
You will be inclined to do things you never considered before
Nothing will seem impossible to you
You will be questioned and criticized for what you’re doing
You will be misunderstood
You will put yourself out there more
You will be genuinely happy for others
You will need more alone time for the deep work
Did any of the above resonate with you? Do share! We would love to hear!
Whew, another year! It’s like it flew by in a flash! I’m a firm believer in looking back to get ahead. In business we look back to assess our performance for the year. Often it’s even mandated. I have always maintained that we apply the same principles to our own personal life. Some don’t like to look back because they believe, they must focus on the future. If you’re driving and need to change lanes it’s important to look back then make the change. Only then will we able to know when it’s safe to do so…. or face the consequences.
For me I believe it’s important to look back to give thanks. To look back to see what worked and what didn’t. If we don’t look back we won’t know where we excelled or where we need to improve. So, here I share a few of my major points in 2018.
South Florida Writers Of Color Recognition
I love to write and was thrilled to be recognized by the South Florida Writers of Color for my writings. If I can help someone through my writings, then my purpose is served.
Two New Books Released
101+ Empowering Quotes For New Entrepreneurs
Do you know why some people succeed while others don’t? It’s simple. They never give up. Successful people press on when the going gets tough and they become discouraged. Why Motivational Quotes for New Entrepreneurs? Because Motivation is the key to Success. With over 25 Million Americans starting or running new businesses, entrepreneurship has become incredibly attractive, yet extremely difficult to sustain. Even with the traits of fearlessness, risk-taking, passion, resilience, and creativity, difficulties arise, and Entrepreneurs need to keep going. That’s where a boost of inspiration comes in. So, get this little book of Motivation. Offer it as a Corporate or personal Gift and sow seeds of encouragement today.
GreenLight
GreenLight is a book of inspiration which we get step by step as we walk along the way. We cannot get green lights before we are on the road. At the lights, we are told what to do. When we get to life’s intersections whether it’s decision-making, career, business, or relationships, we find out what to do. In this book of Prayers, you will find: •Inspirational Short Stories and Exhortations to Uplift You •Prayers for Difficult Journeys •Devotions to Boost Your Prayer Life. So get your copy today
Pride in Other’s Publishing Achievement
I am pleased to have collaborated with others on their own publishing journey. Be intentional and Get a copy of these books for your own personal needs on Amazon.
Coming Soon
The Reggae Music Journey
The Reggae Music Journey which tells of the Iconic Patricia Chin’s contribution to the Globalization of Reggae Music.
I Speak. You Read.
Poetic words by Charmaine Allwood-Hanson
Community And Industry Work
Serving in Industry and the community is always a pleasure. Tons of hard work, but the results are satisfying.
Hospitality and Human Resource Association of Broward County, Florida (HHRABC)
30 Under 30 Millennials, Washington DC
It’s always a pleasure to serve as chief judge for the annual Ignite Caribbean’s 30 Under 30 Millenials making waves globally.
Book Signings and Interviews
Book signings and interviews remained a big part of my theme in 2018. Giving thanks for partnerships throughout South Florida’s libraries, Museums, and events. Deeper exploration continues in the New Year.
Jamaica’s Minister of Education, Senator the Hon Ruel ReidThe Iconic & Hilarious Oliver SamuelsThe Best of the Best! Artist, Singer and Song-Writer Beres Hammond
Interviews
Helping others develop and achieve their best potential through career and new entrepreneurship is a passion. Listen to this interview on How To Evaluate Your Career… done with Kerry-Ann of Carryon Friends.
Dreams Come Through
Trip To Paris
As always the year was filled with travels but my greatest personal memory was the surprise trip from my oldest of a Weekend in Paris. All the way to Paris for a weekend? I questioned. But it sure was a memorable event that has left me with the notion that our dreams can come sometimes in ways we think not.
The Journey Begins
The greatest joy a parent can have is seeing their child accomplish their own dreams. Congrats to my youngest on achieving her BSc Forensic Studies and Criminal Justice. Mom’s real proud.
Cheers to you!
Finally, looking back on the past 12 months, the memories made and the goals tackled, I am truly thankful. I now look forward to the future and the expectations ahead. Can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Here’s to you and your family as we wish you health, peace, and hope that all will be well in 2019, and beyond!
How about you? What was your favorite experience in 2018? Do share. We would love to hear!
It’s that time of the year again when we pause to reflect on the past and create plans for the future. CNN’s Katherine Vassell shared The 7 Signs That You Have Outgrown Your Job I like 5. Here I share:
There’s no room for growth
You don’t feel satisfied
You aren’t getting new opportunities to learn
You don’t align with the company core values
Your salary hasn’t budged
You become a work daydreamer
You watch the clock
Pause. Reflect. Do any of the above resonate? Do share. We would love to hear. Need help to make that move? Let’s connect.
Ever wondered how even the thought of the beach makes you feel relaxed? I reflect on a holiday when my family and I spent some time in the islands with a getaway at the beach enjoying the beautiful sunrise and sunset while avoiding the thought of the icy snow. It was a relaxing feeling that I wished could be brought to many during the Christmas snowy season.
I pondered more and decided to reflect on the reasons the beach is an answered prayer. Here I share 4 benefits as gleaned from Christina Heiser.
The Blue Color
The color blue is associated with feelings of calm and peace while staring at the ocean puts us into a mild meditative state that enhances creativity. The perfect place for me as I write. The book My Safe Place serves as evidence
2. The Sound’s Ebb and Flow
The quiet sounds that the waves, emit slows us down and causes us to relax and feel more engaged.
3. The Smell
The beach scent and the ocean breeze causes us to relax into a sooth state as we breathe in the fresh air.
4.The Sand’s Touch
Touching the sand creates a warm and fuzzy feeling which leads us to quiet relaxation.
So there we have it. Next time you want a quick getaway, make it the beach. Go listen to the sound, the smell, the touch and bask in immense relaxation that only the quiet waters provide. While there, reflect on the year past and create plans for the future.
What Advice Would You Give To Someone About Life In Their 30’s? That was the question posed in a social media question. Followers quickly chimed in. Here I share excerpts:
Prepare to want to be in bed by 9pm on Friday, plus lots more wisdom and wine.
30s are awesome because you settle into self-love and you stop caring what everyone else thinks
Live your best life. Do you!
Think positive thoughts. Find reasons to smile throughout the day. Travel often.
30’s are so good! The happiest decade! Wish I was still there.
Stay strong. Stay positive. You will be greater than you already are and more important be confident. Know and believe that you are amazing and keep believing in yourself.
30 is the age at which you reclaim yourself.
Inspire. Empower. Spread joy.
Learn patience and forgiveness
Put on your dance shoes and shake it all decade. Flats will be calling in your 40s.
Life is just beginning. The best is yet to come.
Become your goal. Success is yours for the taking. Go for it even if you’re afraid. Take the first step
Prepare for an urgent need to change almost everything about your life; how you work; who you work for, what you will and won’t put up with from others.
Love hard and live hard. But be cautious
Embrace your authentic self. Pray for wisdom. Be happy and thankful for every opportunity. Know your self-worth. Invest in your future and serve others.Remain humble. Love, laugh and live.
No is a complete sentence
Take it one day at a time
Stay close to your mother and father
30s are fantastic; 40s even better; and 50s so far – the best yet. You truly are as old as you believe you are.
Moisturize and drink a gallon of water everyday
Always listen to your inner voice and remember you are a champion
There you have it! A few excerpts. Anything missing that you would like to add? Do share. We would love to hear!
I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy.” ― Khalil Gibran
It’s the season of giving! If you’re like me I just love to give! Thoughtful gifts not only makes the receiver happy, but it also warms my heart.
A colleague from the No Stress Workplace shared a simple list of things to do to be financially aware during the most stressful time of the year … the holidays! Here I share the 8 tips:
1.Make a List and Check it Twice
Have a family planning meeting on what gifts to give where you can cut back and create a budget together
2.It’s the Thought that counts
Be creative and give meaningful gifts such as baked goods, a framed photo or make a gift card for a night of baby or dog sitting.
3.No Gift Rule
Instead of giving gifts save the money towards a family vacation
4.Stick to your list, without exception
Don’t get lured into store super sales
5.Leave Your credit cards at home
Use only cash
6.Stay on Track
Use a notebook or free app like mint.com to keep track of your spending
7.Cut Expenses
Stop dining out until after the holidays or bring your own coffee rather than stopping at Starbucks.
8.It’s the Little Things
Find ways to save, clip coupons, compare prices, utilize free shipping and plan ahead.
As we reflect on these 8 gift ideas, I’ll also encourage you to give the gift that lasts a lifetime. Books on Success, personal development and coaching last beyond the holidays. Consider such meaning when you go on the hunt.
So does any of the ideas listed stand out that you could adopt? Any you can add? Do share! We would love to hear!
Don’t Waste Time Trying to Please People. -Stephen King.
Wanting to do their best work, new writers are naturally anxious. They ask questions. They probe. They Gorge. They sweat. It’s hoped they sweat while writing and not about how to start. Stephen King in his memoir titled “On Writing” stressed don’t waste time trying to please people. Indeed this is applicable in many situations as individuals attempt to develop their own Identity.
In a public authors forum, the question was asked “What does it take to be a good writer?” Writers chimed in. Here I share a few of their responses.
Writers…On Writing
Read a lot. Write, write a lot
Patience and Perseverance
Finding the connection between your soul and your writing hand. It will require a number of disciplines like grammar, voice, tense and genre. But the key is opening your spirit to the process…
Success. We all strive for it. In talking to a group of new college grads as they contemplate the next steps in life, their dreams and goals differed. Common was the the ideal job, home ownership, beautiful car, marriage, and family to name a few.
But though Success means different things to different people, here are 7 determinants involved in the pursuit of success:
