Don't Hate Monday

What's in your trophy case?

2010-02-10T08:33:00.000-08:00

1st Place in the 1992 All City Bowling Tournament?
Multiple certificates for Good Citizenship and Attendance from K-12?
Finalist in the Cool High School Hot Dog Eating Contest and Fundraiser, class of 1993 rep?

All of these accomplishments rock, but are any of them related to what you want to do now? Do you have other experience that can demonstrate your skills and professional accomplishments?

Over the years, I've seen that it's hard to let go of the glory moments in your life, but think about it two ways:

If you were reading 100+ resumes, what would you want to see? Sure you'll stand out because of your hot dog consuming abilities...but not in a good way.
Don't splatter your whole life on your resume. Pick the finest moments and make them relate to your interests. Hopefully you will land the job and have plenty of time to tell your new coworkers about how close you were to being hot dog eating champ!

Check out this article from CareeRealism.com and Happy resume writing!

#8 Who needs a resume?

2010-01-27T03:42:00.000-08:00

OK, I confess, this is really advice disguised as a question, but it's been on my mind for a week or so and it's a valid and important one. The answer is pretty simple too...YOU! If you work, have worked, want to work, work for yourself, work for someone, if you love your work and aren't thinking about changing or hate it and want out now...Whatever you do, where ever you are on your journey, you need a current resume on file (you might need to tweak it, but that's better than having nothing).

Why? Because you are likely to need it one day maybe for an awesome opportunity or because someone wants feature you for an article on how you have rocked the world in your area of expertise. Whatever the reason, it will really suck when that day comes and you don't have it and nothing stings worse than missing the deadline for job you at least want a shot at because you weren't ready!

My personal philosophy is to add accomplishments when they happen and you're feeling great, not when you are so p.o.'d (my mom hates it when I say "pissed off") that you can't see straight. It's sort of like writing a paper. You might think you're best work comes in the pinch (I have often functioned the same way), but if you start early, you might be surprised at how much more amazing you can make your document.

OK, rant ended and please get that resume going. There are a ton of great resources out there and amazing people who can help you. Check out my twitter, I follow several and will soon be offering a little more help on this myself.

Enjoy your day and work on that resume, woot!

#7 What is the history of your work?

2010-01-25T06:52:00.000-08:00

Most of us are familiar with our "work history", for some, this is a section on the resume that lists prior employment. You might also find it as a portion of a paper or online application process. What I'm asking about is the history of that work. How did you come to any position that you have held? How did you learn about it? How did you decide that it was right for you? Did you really decided or was it offered and you took it?

One day (OK, last night, while loading the washer) I asked myself this question regarding my past and I became aware of the feeling that you get on a rickety roller coaster that sort of jerks as it follows the tracks. Those cars feel like they weren't really made for the tracks they're on. Instead they feel like they could be plunked on any track and they'd sort of find their way to the end. There isn't sense of flow or synchronicity.

I then became aware that I was that car...yikes! For years I had plunked myself in places and felt sort of off track. It wasn't that I worked with bad people or at bad places...it was that I had not been aware of how my values, interests, abilities, etc. were so essential to finding meaningful work and finding meaning in work...oops, I feel another post coming on...

So what's the history of your work?

Enjoy you're Monday!

#6 Live like you were...

2010-01-23T17:17:00.001-08:00

You think you know the end of this sentence don't you?

What if I said live like you were living? (It's really hard to build suspense on a blog!)

Yes, consider it! Live like you were living...like maybe you have a few good days ahead and it's not too late to reinvent yourself if you choose. It's definitely not too late to embrace who you are.

It's not too late to do what you love or love what you do...It's not too late for these to be one in the same.

How would it be for you to live like you were living?

#5 What do you want?

2010-01-20T03:30:00.000-08:00

As a mom and wife with a day job, and online business, I love this question...My mind drifts to a euphoric place with rest and chocolate, lol! Definitely go there, but then go beyond there...what do you want out of life?

One thing I've learned on my journey is that if you don't answer this question for yourself, no matter where you go, you'll find yourself in the same spot...more money, more sleep, more whatever, might address parts of this, but they are only parts of the equation.

I'll use myself as an example... I know that I value a slower pace, time to work out, and spending time with my family, but when I started my shop, I was setting unrealistic deadlines that required me to stay up too late and work through all my weekends to finish items. I don't have as much control over my day job so, I had to make a decision to produce less, take breaks, and remember to value the handmade life (and the hands that I work with). This is new for me so I sometimes slip back into old patterns, but then I ask myself "What do you want out of life?" and I get back on track. Trust me on this one. Ask yourself more than once, write down your answers. Do what you can now and work toward the rest with love and excitement for what's to come!

Here's to knowing, then creating what you want out of life!

#4 What do you love?

2010-01-13T07:08:00.000-08:00

What do you love?

Should I have saved this question for February? Oh well it's out there now and I invite you to dig deep. If you have been living a sort of treadmill existence, it might take a while to remember.

Think of everything from a favorite food to a kick butt power point presentation...whatever it is. Make a list and review it. You will learn so much about yourself even if the items don't seem related. Here's a bit of mine (don't judge me):

a car ride with my guys
laughing loud
a good run
yoga
80's music
leopard print
art
hearing people's stories
a good presentation
knitting
sorting things: legos, beads, yarn balls
a great pair of jeans...

I feel great just thinking about all of this!

#3 What do you think about....well, YOU?

2010-01-12T07:19:00.000-08:00

What do you think about yourself? Do you think you are amazing and interesting? What's your proof...professionally speaking, as a person in general, I'm sure you rock!

(Also note, this is not a challenge, you just need to 1)be confident, 2)be honest with yourself, 3)back it up with actions. Remember the Emperor's New Clothes? I wouldn't want you running around naked! )

Do you think you are so-so but could use some work? How does that impact your behavior and decision making? (If you think you're worth little, you accept little, you live with little...not material either. I'm talking about life...delicious, rich, life...you deserve a big ol' bite of it!)

(Pay attention to the first answers that come to your mind and sit with these questions a while. you might surprise yourself with what you learn. I know I keep surprising myself.)

#2 Meaningful work

2010-01-11T12:26:00.001-08:00

I googled "meaningful work" and found this article titled Meaningful Work (what a happy coincidence!) from Michael Steger, Ph.D. on the Psychology Today website (the article and author's name are clickable links).

*What do you think of this?

I have to admit that part of me reads this as ways that companies can coerce their staff to produce more by infusing "meaning", but in the end, it's still their agenda being accomplished on their terms. The other part of me reads it as how one might find meaning in their work and make it feel more worthwhile, especially in this economic climate. (I feel a resistance with the second one, but that's my bias.)

*What does meaningful work mean to you?

#1

2010-01-09T21:39:00.000-08:00

Who ARE you?

What/who DEFINES who you are?

(OK, that's two questions and the caps are just my attempt to make this look cool, but be aware of the first thing that pops in your mind then take some time with them. Observe yourself throughout a day, a week, a month and see what you learn.)