I’m a hugger! I give hugs. A Hug has always been my mantra to business associates and colleagues. But with the Covid pandemic, not so anymore. A fist or elbow pump or shoe touch had to do. But it’s been hard for huggers and those touchy-feelers. So it’s with great news that the CDC cleared us! Yea. But now we must learn how to properly greet those we meet. Here are 3+ from what those in the news say.
Ask. Just Ask.
Ask just ask. Ask do you mind shaking my hand?
Do an air-handshake. What’s that? It means extending your hand and telling the other person you’re greeting them from a distance (smirk)
Wear a mask. If you feel the need for extra protection, forget about the mass, do what makes you feel safe.
In a place where everyone else is wearing a mask? Do it. The response… when in Rome, do as the Romans do
Yesssss we are still learning the new norm. Hope this etiquette tip that I gleaned, helps. Want to learn soft skills? Check Maxine for more. Any missing from the list above? Do share, we would love to hear.
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough
~Unknown
Travel. See the world. Party. Think about you and making you happy. That’s what they say. But think about that. Do those things bring meaning? Let’s examine this philosophy closely.
Travel. Oh to see new places and bask in the ambiance. A change of pace incites creativity and value for the things that exist. But in your haste to travel, make sure you spend time basking in the culture of another’s land. Understand the host culture. There are always do’s and don’ts. Foreign Language may be a problem. If you’re not prepared, you won’t be able to communicate. For example, once during my business travel, I ordered bacon through room service and got something totally different. Another time during an international conference a colleague wanted to order hot dog during lunch. She indicated to the server “caliente woof, woof”. Bet you didn’t know that means hot dog (well at least by her definition). As hilarious as that was, she received her correct order.
Be Happy
Be Happy. Think Only About You. Well-intentioned but life is more than you. We must collaborate in order to co-habitate. Everything we do affect those close to us–be it family, friend or foe. So think before you act.
Remember, life is about living. But live in such a way that those who interact in your space are positively affected. Definitely something to think about, and remember… only what you do for Christ will last.
The sea. The beach. The waves. It’s my safe place. I never want to leave. I sit coiled at the edge of the lazy beach chair, gazing in melancholy at the morning’s sunrise. All is still as time stops. As the sun began its heated quest, I sat pensively not wanting to leave.
Still fast asleep there’s no one in sight. Just me, as the waves batter the shore. My heart tugs as I long to rid life’s woeful work-related stress. I just want to stay to listen to nature’s quest. In quietness is where the heaven’s awake and gives me the strength to reach forward to start a new day, a new chapter, a time of serenity. I pray that I’ll listen as the spirit quietly leads, guides and directs my path.
In stillness is where I find my strength. Strengthen me lord, strengthen me. Speak and make me listen.
If you’re just thinking of the bad stuff, you’ll never see the good stuff.
Little Xavier was playing rough with his older brother. After many screams and shouts about being hurt to his brother, his mom rushed in. Then he sheepishly said that he was just playing. His mom scolded him stressing about the things that could go wrong…broken limbs, dislocated bones, bruises and more.
The What Could Go Wrong Mentality
Boys will be boys they say. But there is a place for caution. A place for the “what could go wrong” thinking. Personally, I coach about getting out of your comfort zones. Most of us just want to stay there. But in order to progress we have to move ahead, to take chances, to try new things. To get rid of the what could go wrong mentality and focus on doing something different…even if you’re afraid.
Here’s hoping you will try something newtoday. Hey, once you have done it, do share. We would love to hear.
Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it’s holy ground. There’s no greater investment.”
Stephen Covey
The concept to sharpen the saw highlights the point that when you have been going, going, and going …and you can’t seem to see any results. Acknowledge that it’s time to stop. It’s time to refresh. It’s time for a break to get the rest you need to start thinking so you can be productive again.
I was asked to speak with students who were about to graduate and take the steps as they embark on their career. In my curiosity to find out how to deal with their needs, I followed up with the enquiry to ascertain the major challenges they face as I spoke on the topic of Burst The Fear. I took the opportunity to share my own personal journey in the hopes that the graduating class would gain some inspiration of my own fears and how I countered them. Sky Dive anyone?
Here I share the top 10 challenges as gleaned and brief insights on how students and graduates can address them.
1.Lack of Money For Tuition
Lack of money is a common concern for students and graduates who wish to pursue further studies. There are many opportunities to combat this hurdle in order to move ahead . 5 include:
Applying for Scholarships
Seek Grants
Use Savings
Apply for Federal loans
Seek Private loans only as a last resort
2.Unavailable Jobs in Their Field
First of all, it is best to research the job market to ensure that you are investing the time and effort into a field that still exists. We are in an everchanging environment and some jobs have become obsolete. In other cases job titles have evolved over time. That said, ensure you look before you leap.
3.Income Levels not Enough to Meet Needs
One great thing that has happened in our changing environment is diversification. That said, job seekers can have a ‘day job’ while simultaneously working on their own to supplement their income. Hobbies anyone?
Separately, it is also very important that students live within their means. For example, if studying full-time, it makes no sense for students to sign up for off-campus housing if they are unable to afford the rent and associated bills. If studying part-time while living at home with parents, this makes things more affordable especially when studying remotely. Can’t afford something? Save towards it until you can have it or do without it until you can afford it. Again, it is very important to live within your means.
4.Uncertainty About What To Study
If you are not sure of what to study, do your research. Speak with your college Career Services. Do assessments. Make it important to check the market to understand what careers exist. Careers are everchanging and besides that you may not like the job if you tried it. So it is best to test the market. This can be done through signing up for:
Part-time jobs
Summer vacation jobs
Volunteering is an excellent way to get experience since employers do not have to worry about paying you. It’s unfortunate but it’s a real situation within the current economic climate
5.Inadequate Role Models To Emulate
It is always good to get a mentor in the area that you are interested in working. There are mentorship organizations that exist that will assist students in providing direction. In addition, your college Career Services has the necessary resources to assist your progress.
You may also find it useful to search for groups online that have discussions based on your area of interest. These exist for any employment or interest area that you can think of. All you need to do is search. Once you find the group you like, become engaged in garnering advice on the forum.
6.Eradicate The False Ideas Of Success
What is success? There are many false ideas of success that exist. Be careful what you follow. Overnight success is hard to reach and may not be lasting or it might be something conjured up by those who choose to defraud. Be very careful who you follow. Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers shared stories of what seems like overnight success in high achievers which turned out to be more than 10K hours of practice over time.
Additionally, Success is not an accident. We must create it on purpose. My research on Success detailed in book Success Strategies share steps to success for those in need of guidance. Similarly, the book titled Ditch It shares the steps for those interested in switching their miserable job that they are engaged in or ditching it for entrepreneurship if they so desire. The book provides information based on research conducted with successful leaders as they shared the commonalities that drove them to achieve success as they defined it.
So be informed. Read. Gather information and Ditch the idea of leaping into ‘quick’ success.
7.Poor Attitude Towards Money
Spend wisely. As discussed in lack of money to invest in studies, be certain to live within your means. There will be times when you have to forego a desire/want in order to achieve your long-term goals. I cannot help but emphasize the quote, “if planning is important, execution is everything“.
8.Lack Of Self-Confidence. What Do Others Think?
Success must be created on purpose. It is in the very act of taking the necessary steps to build your success. Essentially, you take the steps to build your self-confidence. This means a sense of self-esteem and self-assurance when you believe that you can make a difference in the career path you take. To build your self-esteem you should:
Reflect. Look at what you have achieved
Set Goals
Create a plan to take the steps to achieving your goals
Consider your strengths. Write down what you are good at
Motivate yourself. Do this everyday especially when the going gets rough. That’s how you stay focused
Don’t give up
Forget what others think. Focus on you, where you want to go and how to get there.
9.Unaware Of How To Adapt to the Changing Environment
Change is constant. That is one thing we can be sure of. Nothing remains the same forever. Bust the Fear. In order to succeed we must create that resilience to adapt, learn and grow. One of my favorite sayings is to do it afraid. Things change and with that we become fearful. Here are 5 things you can do:
Be flexible and adapt
Try new things which will help boost your confidence and creativity
Embrace Technology
Seek guidance and support from others
Build your skills and keep learning
10.Lack of Self-Awareness
Seek to understand yourself. What are your talents? What are you good at? Step forward, take the leap, and discover triumphs in your abilities that you never knew existed.
Motivate yourself. Motivation comes from within. The more you believe in yourself and your abilities the more you are able to accomplish. Learn how to exert control over your own motivation, behavior and your social environment.
Avoid negative people and situations. If your friends are not going in the same direction you are, find new friends. Those with whom you can strive to accomplish your best.
Binge Watching is the practice of watching multiple episodes of a television program in rapid succession, typically by means of DVDs or digital streaming.
Dictionary.com
Patty’s text excitedly read “hey, I’m here binge watching your YouTube videos”. Hmmm an untapped medium, I thought about it and decided to share a few of the top videos. Below are 9 listed and shown below for your convenience. Go grab a snack and tune in. Build your personal growth as a writer, leader, new entrepreneur and more.
You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.
– Madeleine l’Engle
Personal Growth is a delight and it is a joy to participate in the Hogges and Cowins Book Festval and Writers Conference. Panelists will include Dr. Rose Stiffin, Dr. Susan Davis, Rosemarie Cole and yours truly. We will dive into the Challenges, Mysteries and Magic of Writing on Saturday, April 17th at 5:15pm.
I love movies! Movies tell stories or teach us something. Most people watch movies for entertainment or to have fun. Movies make us laugh, cry, feel inspired or simply getaway from the here and now (Wikipedia). One of my favorite is Under The Tuscan Sun. That’s because I am a writer and it inspires my own personal growth to do something different. To explore, dream but most important to do something to make a difference. Here are 7 Easter Movies for your binging pleasure.
What’s your reason for doing what you do? Is it for pleasure, commitment, learning or other? Sadly Many don’t have a clue. one of the most common pertain to those who go to work daily and before they know it, years passed and they’re still doing the same thing.
Guilty as Charged
I too am guilty of going through the motions. For example, I started this blog many years ago. Took training courses to learn how best to manage it and have been doing it. My goal falls into 3 categories:
To motivate and inspire others to achieve personal growth success using my NSU research
To motivate and inspire those who are stuck or experiencing job stress to keep going
My own personal development as I capture writing tips and share for other bloggers and myself to grow
I have been doing this for over 12 years. Recently I realized that I needed to delve deeper to optimize my blog and be more purposeful in my share with my audience. Funny how time flies without you realizing it slipping away. Something to think about.
The Way Forward
Why not join me in taking a look around your daily activities. Is there something you need to change? Is there a relationship that you need to be more purposeful about? Spouse, children and extended family are great considerations. Could it be time for learning a new skill? A move to a new neighborhood? Yikes!
Change is Scary
Change can be scary but once you make that move, you will ask yourself “what was I so worried about”. So go ahead, do you and while you’re at it, watch for deep thoughts on this bloggers musings.
Courtesy of Lifehack 
