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One-E-Anna Notes - Issue #035 - November, 2005
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A monthly newsletter to conduct you on the way to successful performance and harmony in your work and personal life. Every issue brings you tips for interviews, resumes, networking, and strategies for career advancement. Brought to you by E. Anna Watkins, MM, MBA, CPCC - Career & Life Coach Welcome!
Welcome to all
new and continuing subscribers! I am thankful for your support in
reading, sending me your comments, and passing the newsletter to
others.Thank you!
Here is the link: Read past issues while you are there. What's New in My World OK - I was tempted to skip this little section but decided to include my little story about taking "the road less traveled." I take a variety of routes on my morning walks. On one of those recent excursions I headed down a road that was labeled "No Outlet." Hmmm&ldots; I thought that I had walked through there before and was able to get to another street. So, I ignored the sign and proceeded. Wouldn't you know? When I got about a block from the entrance, I could see that a vehicle could not get past the lovely iron gate at the end of the street. But - there was an open space under the gate. I estimated it to be about 18 inches of clear space. After very brief hesitation, I slipped under the gate and was on my way, chuckling and with a springier step!
What's in this issue?
1. Becoming Consistent
Many years ago I selected a formula for success; I wanted to be confident, competent, and consistent. Although all of those attributes work together, I have found consistency to be the toughest. It may also be the key to attaining confidence and competence as you build the foundation for a successful career, life, or hobby. What jogged my memory about consistency? This fall I started taking golf lessons, and I am having a great time returning to the "beginner mind." Fortunately I have some skills and knowledge that are helping me to learn faster. The process of working with a good instructor has really brought me back to the importance of consistency, especially when you are dealing with the laws of physics and physiology. Every profession and hobby has fundamentals that are essential to success. You must use your mind and body in a certain way to execute necessary actions to fulfill your job. You also apply natural laws in the way that you employ tools that help you to do your job or make that shot. Consistency requires an intense focus on elements that will become more automatic as you master your craft. In golf these fundamentals include grip, arm position, stance, backswing, keeping your eye on the ball, and proper position for the swing and follow-through. You work with the natural laws to get to your target over and over. If you focus on this correct formula for success, you can recognize what to correct when you make an error. You also realize that you must practice so that you can bring your mental and physical concentration into play and make the correct moves a habit. I am pleased that I can see parallels with learning to play a musical instrument. Especially when you first start learning, you must concentrate on basics. Eventually you develop muscle memory and an automatic feel for certain techniques. You acquire this by diligent, consistent practice. For children, this may include practice schedule sheets to log your regular practice sessions (and have your parents sign that you really did practice your music lesson.) Adults can and must discipline themselves in the same way. You can see and hear the results when you are consistent with practicing your craft, your profession, or your hobby. It is so easy to forget this and yet so powerful when you remember and focus on being consistent. What are your basics? Are you being consistent with them?
3. Interview Tip - Building Your Confidence One of the tough parts of preparing for an interview is maintaining a confident attitude. This is especially difficult when the end of a previous job was not something you initiated. No matter what your circumstance, you must put forth your best effort when you meet with your interviewers. Here is a technique you can use to condition yourself for confident interviews - and other actions as well. Begin with a blank piece of paper and a pen or pencil to write your notes. In the meantime, be sure that you do your follow-up 'thank you' letters to your interviewers. Check in by phoning after a reasonable amount of time. (You did ask at the end of the interview about when they would be making a decision, didn't you?) While it is fresh in your mind, write down what you learned from this particular experience. Continue your seeking process - pursue other leads, schedule informational interviews, and keep studying to improve your professional knowledge and skill.
Are you ready for action? As you proceed forward, you can start moving right column items into the left column accomplishment list. That's the idea. Go for it!
4. Class Schedule for Anna Watkins
#1
Coaching Group: Meeting by teleconference 8:30 PM Eastern time
Aligning
Your Work with Your Life Purpose
Discover
the Power of Informational Interviews
Your
Success Team: A Class for Winners
5.
Career Coaching Sessions I also coach groups of people - a great way to have multiple "coaches" in a supportive atmosphere and at lower cost than individual coaching sessions. My current coaching group of people in career transition is moving along beautifully. I plan to add more groups in 2006 and could use your help in identifying what type of group you would like. Let me know what appeals to you. I am considering the following types of groups:
Great
Resources Thinking about retirement? Check into the great resources and coaching available with Laurie Geary, Certified Retirement Coach at http://www.ingearcoaching.com Laurie also offers coaching for people in transition of all kinds. A terrific site for business owners - Maria Marsala, former Wall Street trader and now business consultant, coach, and trainer has classes and other resources that are well worth the visit to www.coachmaria.com/ Visit www.lifeafterlayoff.org to find resources for yourself or your friends who are in job transition.
Increase your
personal productivity and get more time and balance for your personal
life Subscribe now for your free "Timely Time Management Tips".
I
recommend
Tips
Booklets Online My booklet 64 Tips for Informational Interviews is available in the Careers category. You can get it today!
THANK YOU! |