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One-E-Anna Notes - Issue #045 - Nov-Dec, 2006
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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, CPT - Career & Life Coach
Welcome! Thank you!
Winter
in New Mexico
What's in this issue?
At the end of a year we often get worn down by the many details of preparing for and participating in holiday celebrations. Then there are also those end of year work responsibilities such as meeting deadlines and goals that we (or someone else) set twelve months ago. It's time to face a new year with renewed energy. There are new possibilities awaiting you! Want some help to get ready? First, review your accomplishments for the past year. Scan through your calendars and journals to see what you did. All the events listed there, big or small, signify the impact you have made for yourself and others. Look at your surroundings to see what is different. Are there photos, certificates, possessions that mark a difference in your life? Perhaps you have de-cluttered your environment and accomplished a less stressful lifestyle. Give yourself credit for all these things and be amazed and impressed! Now you know that you are ready to have another remarkable year. To help that process along, set meaningful goals that will pull you forward. Be sure to include learning something new. There is nothing like "beginner mind" to keep you young and energized. Choose goals that are within your reach but at the same time will stretch you beyond your current comfort zone. Visualize what your life could be like next year at this time. What would you like to announce proudly or acknowledge quietly about your changes? Maybe you have a huge physical challenge in mind like climbing a mountain. Perhaps you will improve a relationship that needs mending. Whatever it is, imagine what that might be like. Once you have decided on your goals, write out your plan for getting there. Remember that one of the reasons New Year's resolutions fall through is that the people who make them don't have a plan for achieving them. List the small steps you need to take in order to reach the top of that mountain! An example I can offer you is my plan for the Certified Performance Technologist certificate I completed last year. I listed weekly goals (like writing one paragraph a day) in my calendar to keep myself on track. It reduced the project to a much more doable size. I also set specific deadlines for key "milestones" in the process. It works! Find someone who will support you in reaching your goals. This can be a professional coach or just a reliable friend who agrees to check in with you. You are more likely to continue moving toward your goal when you know that you are accountable to someone beyond yourself. That person may also be better at recognizing your growth and affirming you for it. Forgive yourself when you notice that you are stuck or sliding backwards. Be kind to yourself with a little pep talk and get moving again. Celebrate success along the way! Keep score in some way and reward yourself for progress. You might want to do a weekly or monthly review so that you will be more aware of your achievement. This will spur you on in your quest and give you something to look forward to at each significant point in your progress. Remember - you deserve it!
2. Career Tip - Find Out What's New Are you looking for a new job or career but think that you can't find the work that will fit you? Many people abandon or limit their searches because they are thinking only of past job titles and industries. They are not seeing these listed in the want ads of the local newspaper or even on the Internet listings. Do not despair that there is nothing that suits you. Many new jobs are being created all the time. There are ways you can use the skills you already have. What's the secret? Get into the details of what these new jobs require. Read longer job descriptions when you can find them directly from an employer or by checking the Dictionary of Occupational Titles: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ Schedule an informational interview and talk to someone who is already doing one of these jobs. Then you will know how to prepare for interviews and how to fill in any gaps in your training and experience. If there are skills that you do not have yet, such as technology skills, bear in mind that there are many ways to learn new skills - not just sitting in a classroom and getting a traditional degree. Look for certificate programs at community colleges, technical schools, and specific trade schools. Search for and inquire about internships. Even unpaid internships are valuable as a way to learn, and they can possibly position you for a paid position at a particular organization. Think you are too old? Pay attention to these guys!
3. Class Schedule for Anna Watkins
New
Master Mind Groups Watch for other classes in future issues of Notes.
Reminder
- Amazon Associate! Thank you and happy reading!
4.
Career Coaching Sessions
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/
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! http://tipsbooklets.com/new/index.php?p=235&s=interviews
THANK YOU! |