Transitions2success

Hi there,

Last time we were talking about success and its relationship to self-esteem. I was telling you about a book by Dr. Joe Robino which will definitely give you a different look at self-esteem and personal success. He gives you three different parts that together show a roadmap to improving the quality of your life. They are:
*Completing your Past
*Assessing your Present
*Designing your Future

Each section is easy to read and provides some exercises that will help you overcome barriers and enable you to live life to the fullest. It’ll help you be successful in any of the areas we’ve touched on in previous posts. And, right now he’s also offering a free recording to encourage you on this road to success and better self-esteem.

Take a look at this offer and let me know what you think. I was amazed at the downloadable audio and it gave me a fresh look at how important self-esteem is.

Thanks for coming by.

Blessings,
Dr. Kary

PS. If parenting is one of the areas where you’d like to be more successful, take a look at this site for some powerful ideas: http://www.tools4parents.com

Greetings – thanks for coming back!

Well, what does self-esteem have to do with being successful? Can you be a success if your self-image is rotten? What do youthink? What is the level of your self-image? Are you successful?

Last time I mentioned a book by Dr. Joe Robino about self-esteem. However, I left you hanging, because I didn’t explain much about it or tell you how to get it. This book will make a difference in your life. Dr. Joe’s book is “The Self-Esteem Book: The Ultimate Guide to Boost the Most Underrated Ingredient for Success and Happiness in Life”. (Long subtitle, huh?)

It is a refreshing, easy-to-read guide that presents an effective step-by-step formula for improving your own self-esteem. A healthy level of self-esteem is so important to living a good life, free of regrets, conflicts and worries. Dr. Rubino, in his research, found out that only about 15 percent of us have sufficient self-esteem to be able to live life successfullly. That is incredible and disturbing.

Lacking self-esteem is often so hidden that we aren’t even aware of it. It comes out most in emotionally charged situations. And these situations are responsible for determining the quality of our lifes. It is crucially important to being all you can be and feeling successful in the quality of every area of your life. We’ll continue this discussion next time, but if you have some thoughts, feel free to post them.

Dr. Joe offers a free recording about self-esteem for taking the time to look at the information on his site.

Yes, I am an affiliate for this program, but primarily because I feel it is a vital topic for us all. Feel free to take a look and get the free recording. See if it is something that would be valuable for your life and your movement toward feeling successful.

Blessings,
Dr. Kary

Hi there,

How are you today? Its been a little cloudy here, but over 80 degrees.

To continue with our talk about success, what is your idea of success? Last time, I mentioned that I’ve
achieved some success in my life, but still have some goals. When you think about success for yourself,
you need to first consider your goals and priorities.

What do you value? Is it only financial success? What about relational success with your significant other,
or your family? How about spiritual success? Are you where you want to be spiritually? Or do you have
unfulfilled academic goals? For years, I wanted very much to go back to college. Finally, in my forties, I
started working on that goal. It can be done!

So to begin your search for success, consider these things first. Make lists and be very detailed and
specific. Work on these things each day for awhile until you are satisfied that these are really your
priorities for success. These are the things that will lead to fulfillment in your life. Check our Dr. Robino’s
book on self-esteem. It provides lots of help for looking at yourself in a realistic way and determining how
to improve your self esteem and your success in life.

Give these ideas some thought. We’ll talk about it more the next time.

Blessings,
Dr. Kary

Greetings!

Let’s get back to the business of this blog; success. Your success. What does that consist of? Do you feel successful? Or are you successful and just don’t feel that way? What was your definition of success? (We were talking about that some time back, if you want to check back a ways.)

Some people may really be successful, even though, in their own minds they aren’t. Guess I have to cop to
that one. I’m sure that some people would consider me successful since I’ve raised four great sons, gotten
my doctorate in psychology (pretty much by my own efforts), and am now retired and married to a wonderful man. However, there’ s still that nagging in the back of my mind. I haven’t felt successful because I haven’t yet made a lot of money. (That’s going to change here very shortly! Right!)

So, what defines success for you? Are you like me and have achieved success in many areas, but not in others? What are you going to do about it? Let’s get back to discussing this subject and see where we go
from here. What is it that you need to do to feel successful?

Write me your thoughts and let me know what you think it takes.

Blessings,
Dr. Kary

Hey there,
Just a very short post to let you know that I’m back in gear. Hooray! Had lots of computer troubles, then got a new computer. Took quite a while to get up to speed. Let me know what has been happening to you since the last post and what you’d like to know. What success have you had? Looking forward to ‘talking’ to you again.
Dr. Kary

‘Scuse me, it has been a while. Hope you are finding some success with your job hunt or maybe have decided to try your hand at your own online business. Either way, here’s a continuation of the previous discussion about finding the jobs that aren’t advertised anywhere.

Remember, we talked about writing letters and then making appointments with managers in industries that interest you. We emphasized that you let them know, right up front, that you aren’t expecting them to have a job for you. You really want their expertise and advise. Most people are flattered that you’d consider them an expert and want to help newcomers. Also, they do have to eat, so if you sincerely want to talk with them, you best chance to do that is to offer to buy them lunch or breakfast.

Then, really make an effort to get them to tell you all about their industry and what it has to offer. Ask them for suggestions. Ask them for referrals to anyone who might know more or could give you good advice. The more you get your name in front of people, the better. At times, there may even be a chance to create a new position that would take advantage of your talents and experience. Some times managers may not realize they need someone until they see what you might have to offer.

Go about this process with sincerity and an attitude of learning all you can from each person you talk to. Let them know what you can do that might help them, but really approach them with an open mind. Do not expect that any one appointment can solve your problem. Also, remember that these are busy people and they will appreciate it if you stick to business.

The other idea that may come out of this process, is the possibility of starting your own online business or of doing consulting work within the industry of your choice. Perhaps you are very good at organizing systems and finding the best ways to handle the flow of a business. Some of these business people may need a person to consult on reorganizing their office systems  to flow more efficiently. Be open to ideas like this where an opportunity may exist on a temporary basis. You never know where this kind of consultation may lead.

Enough for today. Tune in again for some more ideas. And leave me a comment if I can help with your questions.

Blessings, Dr. Kary

Welcome back. Last post I promised to tell you about some jobs that might not be in the want ads or online job lists. Statistics show that a majority of people don’t find their jobs in the paper or on the internet. (Sometimes I’ve been lucky and found some that way, but facts seem to show otherwise.)

How would you think most jobs are found? Surprise. Its more often by word of mouth or knowing somebody who knows somebody else. So, how do you go about finding out about them?

Well, after you have done an inventory of your interests and values (remember I told you I could help you with that?), and after you’ve settled on the type of career you want to pursue, and after you’ve updated your resume, its time to do some research. 

Who are the leaders in the industry or field you’re interested in? Look them up and make notes of names, titles, and addresses. Write letters to the top three or four of these people. What kind of letters? Tell them who you are and what you are interested in doing. Let them know you are not asking them for a position, but because of their expertise in their field, you would like to meet with them for their advice. Offer to take them to lunch or breakfast and let them know you will call on a specific day to arrange for lunch. (Make it about two or three days after they should have received the letter from you.) Be positive in your letter, but also be positive that you are not asking for a job.

What’s next? Check in for the next post, and we’ll talk some more. That’s enough for today. Leave me a comment and let me know if this is a new direction for you.

Blessings, Dr. Kary

Glad to have you back! What has been happening in your search for job success? Are you any closer to finding the job or career that fits you? Have you done your homework and decided where you might fit in all the career fields out there? Have you revamped your resume? How does it look now?

It is time to get serious. Over the next few posts, we’ll look at some alternative ways of finding your sucess. Do you know there are other ways of locating your best job than looking in the paper or the online sites? There are some “secrets” that might help.

The other thing is to consider  is whether you want a job at all. That’s a drastic thought isn’t it? Seriously, some people are finding their success in making the transition to working in an office to work from home. Have you considered it? Well, its worth taking a look and thinking what that would be like. You’ve heard about working from home in your “pajamas”, but would that be an option for you? It isn’t as easy as “they” make it sound. However, there are people who are doing it successfully.

What do you think? Is it something you might consider? Let’s talk about it. Leave me a comment and let me know what you need.

Blessings, Dr. Kary

Hi there,

Well, how’s the job search going? Any leads or likely suspects? I’m hoping that you not only find a job, but locate one that will be right for you. (Learning how to flip burgers isn’t the object!)

Some recent issues of Reader’s Digest featured information about careers and “jobs”. There are parts of it that were very interesting. They talked about “recession-proof” careers such as the fields of education, energy, the environment, financial services, healthcare, law enforcement, international business and technology. I would agree with most of that, although the field of financial services has come under fire lately!

In all the fields listed above, is there something that you have a passion for? For instance, it might not be teaching in the traditional sense, but a lot of teaching is now done on the internet. Did you realize that?

Maybe you’re smarter than I was a few years ago. I’ve had a “passion” for teaching since I was a kid (about a hundred years ago!).  However, when young, I didn’t have money to go to college. When I did go to college in my forties, I felt I couldn’t afford to take a semester to student teach. What a mistake! There are many different ways to be teaching. The traditional way, in a public school system, or college, can provide you the wonderful perks of pensions and benefits. Let’s not knock that. Since I’m now retired, I see how great it would be to have that pension.

On the other hand, teaching people over the internet would satisfy that passion and give the freedom and flexibility not possible in a traditional teaching setting. What about that? Give yourself a chance to dream about your perfect day or week. What would it look like? Who would you  choose to interact with? Are you a person who prefers to work alone and quietly? Or does activity, noise and lots of people interaction get you to humming?

Be sure to give yourself time to think about your values and preferences before you head in any direction toward a career. Don’t take the first thing that’s offered to you. It may look interesting at the moment, but will it be satisfying in the long run. Does it set you dreaming or dreading?

Next time, let’s talk about some options that will give you some “outside-the-box” thinking.

Blessings, Dr. Kary

Where are you in your search for success? Have you found that job yet? Or decided to start a business instead? But, first of all, have you listened to your inner self, your intuition, or God, and found what it is that you are good at? What is it that would satisfy your survival needs, but at the same time, give you a sense of achievement and satisfaction? (I ask so many questions, don’t I?)

The most important part of your search for success are the things I’ve mentioned above.  Beyond survival, you need a job or career that also gives you fulfillment and a feeling that you are doing something important and vital. Start by listing what you value. There are some very simple inventories and assessments that will help you with this process. (Contact me if I can help with that.)

But, do you value beauty in the world, do you value working outdoors, do you value compatible people to work with, a clean environment, a routine, or no routine at all. Some people thrive in a position that is different every day, or even every hour. Other people might feel crazy in that kind of job. Do you like things neat and orderly, or does it matter if your desk is stacked high with papers? Maybe you enjoy dressing up and looking neat for your job,  or maybe jeans and a sweatshirt are your preference. (Working at home in your pajamas?)

Once you’ve looked at these types of values, you’ll have a better idea of the kind of job that will suit you best. After you’ve done this list, let’s talk about what that means in terms of careers and where you fit in the world.

Blessings, Dr. Kary

Are you a new graduate and starting to look for a job? Or did you just recently quit your job to look for greener pastures? Or maybe you are unemployed with little experience in ways to find a job? Whatever your situation might be, it would be good for you to study the following hot tips:

Make sure your resume has no mistakes

Before you submit your resume to a possible employer, check your resume at least three times for any mistakes before handing it over or sending it in.  After you research the job position, it is important that you format your resume to match the needs of the company. For example, if you are applying for an accounting job, you should detail your accounting experience on your resume. Typo’s and grammar errors are serious no-no’s. It is also good to keep the length of the resume’ to at least a page and a half long if possible.   

Meeting the interview challenge

In a survey conducted by a staffing and consulting firm in California with 1,400 chief financial officers, it stated that candidates for employment made most of their mistakes on their interviews. Some of the mistakes they made included: arriving late, having little knowledge about the company and the position applied for, as well as acting superior and arrogant. Body language of the applicant must show that he is confident but not overpowering. He should maintain eye contact, have a good, strong handshake, and avoid crossing the arms in a defensive manner. Wearing the right clothes is crucial for projecting confidence. It is better to go to an interview over-dressed than being under-dressed.

Answer questions confidently

A common mistake of interviewees is that they tense up and forget the questions that are given to them. This gives the impression that they are not prepared for the interview. It is important to do your research on the company and the position being applied for to prevent being side-tracked during the interview. If you don’t know the answer to the question, it is better to admit you don’t know and add that you can do some research on it. Know the skills or expertise that the company is looking for so that when asked about your strengths and core competencies, you will be able to match it to what they need.        

Prepare the necessary references 

If you can give a referral from one of the company employees, this can go a long way toward landing an interview.  A typical company may receive job applications in the hundreds and usually 35% to 60% of all job vacancies are filled by personal referrals. The odds of getting hired when you have an inside  referral are much higher when there are another 200 to 500 applicants vying for the same position. If you don’t know anyone from the company that may give you a referral, it is a good idea to check the alumni network of your college, trade groups, social networks, and professional associations. Remember, having that personal referral greatly enhances your chance of getting the position. It is also good policy to ask people ahead of time whether they’d be willing to give you a reference so they are prepared.

Applications online

With current technology and the merging of business processes, more and more companies are now requiring prospective applicants to submit their application online. In this way, first impressions are given not by your first appearance but by the quality and content of your e-mail. E-mails submitted for job applications should be polished and well-articulated. When applying on-line, use the following tips:

Complete your sentences and do not abbreviate. Employers do not like when you send them application letters that seem to be too casual. It is important to write a letter that is both formal and well written. This gives a good impression regarding your capabilities and skills. Get directly to the point when writing an application letter. You must be concise and straightforward. Do not put a story on the letter just to get the attention of the employer.  Chances are he or she will just get irritated with you and this will only reduce your chances of getting hired or winning the interview. 

Consider any issues that might hinder you from taking the job

There are instances where there is a lot of need for a job but the requirements for the position may entail training programs. That may prevent you from getting the position due to its highly competitive nature and the time required. Some positions will ask for a lot of experience. Some may have no barriers to entry but the job itself may entail a very routine work flow that might not suit your personality at all.

Most important of all

Never lose hope about getting the job you want. It may be a challenge. But also remember, it is better to wait a while and get the job that you will enjoy rather than get a job as soon as possible that may end up with dissatisfion and unhappiness. Make the right decision then act on it.  

Best of luck,

Dr. Kary

“What Job is Right for You”

Locating the job that suits your lifestyle and particular personality isn’t easy.  It’s actually a full time job in itself.  If you want to better understand your needs and increase your chances of succeeding, you need to conduct a personal evaluation. Consider these things: Is this the career you want?  Is there room for growth?  Are the salary and benefits good? Does this fit your personality.

Evaluating a position requires research.  First of all, know what you want. This involves knowing what kind of personality you have and your interests. How would you like to spend your day on a job.  The activities you’d like to get involved in plays a great role in keeping you motivated.  You could make a list of the kinds of people you would like to be working with.  Say, people who like being told what to do or authoritative types; how about loud people or quiet types;  and would you like a place where people love socializing or not?  There are different sizes of companies as well, there are small, medium, large, overseas, local, and regional.

The Internet is a valuable tool that assists online job seekers in looking for a job they could fit in.  Narrow down your choices depending on your needs and wants to get the best possible pool of companies where you can try submitting resumes.

Below are the common job search techniques:

Percentage of
Job hunters               Search Technique                               Effectiveness

66.0%                           Direct application                                        47.71%
50.8                              Referral from friends’ work                       22.1
41.8                               Asking friends from other places            11.9
28.4                               Asking family about their company      19.3    27.3                              Asking relatives about jobs from              7.4
                                               other places                            
45.9                              Newspaper ads                                                23.9
21.0                              Career centers                                                 24.2
12.5                              School organizations/clubs                       21.4
15.3                              Civil Service Exams                                      12.5
10.4                             Referrals from mentors                               12.1
1.6                                Local ads                                                            12.9
6.0                               Coop programs                                               22.2

     (Percentage results obtained from dividing the technique by the   total  number of job hunters who tried to use the method, successful or not.)

Your strengths and weaknesses will help indicate how well you will perform in the work you have chosen and how satisfied you will be.  Your progress dictates your maturity and enthusiasm at work.  Finding the best job for you is a full time job itself.  It requires time and passion to get positive results.  No matter what you choose, it should always be a place where you can identify yourself and remain happy. 

You may also enlist the help of a college job center or career counselor. They often use different types of assessments which help you determine your personality type and which types of jobs would be typical for that personality. This kind of research may yield great dividends in that you may discover things about yourself you didn’t realize. It may also give you good ideas of different types of careers than you had considered.

Contact me, or leave a comment if I can be of help to you. I’ve done this type of counseling in the past.

Are you achieving success in your job hunt? Setting clear objectives will help you attain that success over time. It will also give you the satisfaction that you are doing all you can to find the type of job you want.

There is always a process that you should implement to achieve a goal.  The following process is to streamline and analyze your objectives. The objective or goal is a way of  knowing what action or plan needs to be taken, then identifying the expected results.

There are several important steps to take to meet the guidelines. This plan provides a set of directions so that making the decisions to reach the goal considered will not be as complicated as it seems at first.

Peter Ducker published a book in 1954 entitled “Practiced Management” where MBO which stands for Management by Objectives, was introduced.  This program consists of simple but very useful processes in order to meet commitments in an organization.  But don’t worry, this is applicable to personal plans as well. Begin at the very beginning at the smallest, specific part.

MBO consists of 5 steps:

1. Must be SPECIFIC.  It is better to accomplish one goal at a time rather than thinking of several different plans at one time.  A single objective can’t be achieved if  there are several results expected.  What’s important is that you need to clarify what is to be achieved and that should have your full attention until it is accomplished. This must be taken as seriously as possible.

2. Must be MEASURABLE.  Things that are not tangible are hard to measure. Other things  are measurable because they include numbers or ratings.  For example, in a company with service crews, it is hard to measure how the service was delivered. But if the number of complaints is counted then that specific number can be used to rate the effectiveness of the service. In an office, the number of tasks or assignments that were accomplished can be used as a basis for the measurement. 

Cooperation, is a very vague concept but it can be measured by getting a subordinate and peer survey.  The speed that assistance was provided to a certain individual is enough to provide information on how situations can be measured.  Try to use concrete terms when making an objective statement.  It should be something clear and specific:  to write, to recite, to perform, to fix, to process, to designate, to purchase, to choose, to reprogram, etc.

3. Must be ATTAINABLE.  Resources available give information on how an objective can be attained.  It must be something that is derived from fact and very realistic.  It could be that a certain objective is indeed realistic but the time frame for the result may not be. It is better to set objectives that can be factual because this promotes motivation. An objective taken from belief may cause failure and discouragement.

4. Must be RESULTS-ORIENTED.  The objective should be stated clearly so the expectation is firm. Focus on the end result since this will be the guide whether or not the objective to reach the goal is effective and meaningful.  Is the objective going to help you grow or succeed?  Will it be beneficial to each one involved?  Once the goal has been reached then that part of your plan  is a success.

5. Must be TIME BOUND.  There should be a limit to all the things needed to be accomplished.  This is important since the root of any plan can be traced.  It will also tell you the objective is real enough not to cause any delay.  There will also be more of a sense of fulfillment for you if the goal is attained earlier than the deadline.

To sum it all up, develop an objective that is easily measured, and can be attained within  a limited time. This will help you determine if the objective is realistic enough, meaningful, and worthwhile. A chart or journal can be kept to keep track of opportunities taken and strengths achieved along the way.  It will indicate to you the time that was consumed to develop your objective.  A successful completion of the objective will help motivate you to develop goals toward greater achievements.

In the case of your job search, how’s it going with the resume? Have you gotten it cleaned up and ready as we discussed the last time? A goal for you right now might be to send out a specific number of resumes this week. A second goal might be then to follow up on a certain number of those resumes next week. Can you see how this works and how it will give you the satisfaction that you are really working on that job search?

Blessings to you and good success in your search.

Dr. Kary

We’ve been talking about success. However, maybe you aren’t there yet. Maybe right now you are just looking for a job to survive. Been there, too. The first thing you need to do is polish up that resume. I’ve just done that myself since someone send me a posting about a counseling position. (It is just a few hours a week. Since I wasn’t looking for anything, my resume really needed a “revamp”.) 

Job hunting right now is a very competitive and at times can be a cut-throat affair. Read on for some tips to help you get the edge in searching for and landing the job of your dreams.

The Curriculum Vitae or Resume
The Resume is the first, and usually the most important part of applying for a job. Potential employers have to narrow down possible hundreds of resumes to a few interesting ones, and they have to base their efforts on what’s on those resumes.

Most studies show that about half of the employers decide to accept or reject job applications based on the work experience listed in the resume that is relevant to the jobe being filled. A third of the employers decide to reject or accept these job applications based on the actual layout design of these applications.

1. Make Your Resume Stand Out
When preparing your CV, make sure your’s stands out among the rest. It should be appealing to the eyes, making the evaluating personnel want to read the CV. Step two is for you to make sure your Resume lists the related work experience you have had in relation to the job you are applying for. This is important. You may need to tailor several individual resumes to particular job categories.

2. Make Your Resume Concise and Relevant
Avoid making your CV’s too long. It may make it irrelevant to the evaluator. Remember that the employer is a person to whom time is important. If your Resume shows that you value his/her time while showing the most relevant information quickly, you will have won one important battle.

3. Always tailor your CV to the job.
As mentioned aobve,you may have had previous experience that may not be related to the job you are applying for. Some people keep many different versions of their Resume for different job opening categories. Make sure your Resume is appropriate for that particular job. A one-size-fits-all Resume may not be the best way to go since the employer will have the impression that your previous efforts have not been focused enough to produce any specialization on your part.

4. Write about your achievements
You may add your achievements, but make your statements factual and relevant. It does’n hurt to advertise yourself, but make your statements matter-of-fact and not just hot air. You may want to skip on listing your weak points as the Resume is not the right time for such discussions.

5. Polish Your Resume
Your employer will know if you have put enough time into producing the Resume. If he/she sees that you have put sufficient and thorough effort into it, he/she will assume that you will do the same in your work. This is a bonus for you. (No spelling, grammer or formating errors!) It is not uncommon for some people to spend days or even weeks polishing and buffing their Resumes.

Hope these tips help you out. Let me know what else you need.

Dr. Kary

Hope you aren’t in the above category! It sure isn’t a good place to be – been there, done that! Just in case you are lookin for a job, I’m going to be posting some good information in the next few posts that will help get rid of the knot in the pit of your stomach.

Speaking of stomachs, some bug got me so I haven’t posted for a few days. But, if you’ve been keeping track and are planning on holding me account-able, I have been working on those goal sheets that I mentioned last time. It has been complicated but extremely interesting. Not only does it ask you to write out your goals, it also asks what would comprise your perfect life. In other words, not only things you want to work toward but things that you’d like to eliminate from your life. One of mine was to clean off my desk – get rid of the clutter – and it asks for a date. I did get it cleaned off!However, the piles are still sitting here to be sorted through! That’s part two of the goal.

Some of the things involved in your perfect life may not cost money but can be taken care of by making a decision to do it or not to do it. Getting rid of that clutter is one good example. It asks you to list what will be improved by the achieving of eliminating that thing from your life. Another goal might be to improve your social life. That may not cost you anything but a decision to get off the couch and get involved in some kind of activity.

Something else that is included in this study are inventory sheets. The inventory includes your skills, talents and training. Another asks for an inventory of the equipment and software you already have, and another has you list assets and liabilities and money available for developing a product or doing advertising. Very comprehensive.

Further in the study, you have to take the goals and develop them backwards. This is a concept that I first learned from a book by Stephen Covey. The idea goes like this – say, as a student, you have a term paper due on April 3rd. In order for that paper to be finished on time, how far do you need to be with it by March 3rd and how far by February 3rd. Then  you can break that down into weeks and figure out how much needs to be done this week and then each day. That way, you can keep yourself on track to be finished without that last minute all-nighter that made you hate term papers to begin with. (I can say that I learned that concept, but it doesn’t mean I always use it! Some of us actually do work better under pressure!)

So, enough for today. I’ll soon have some hints for job seekers and for that important interview. Have you done your homework on what you are good at and where you want your career to go from here? Have you worked on any goals? I’d like to hear what they are. Leave me your comments or questions. I’ll set a goal to respond quickly!

Blessings,

Dr. Kary

Well, hello again. How has your day been? Get anything accomplished? How about those goals we’ ve been talking about? Hope your day went according to your plan!

Mine sure didn’t. But, that’s not to say I didn’t accomplish anything. Two of my granddaughters have birthdays coming up, so my plan changed a bit. I like to sew dresses for them. (Remember I had four boys!) So I spent some time picking out materials for dresses and pinafores. (Do you know what pinafores are? My husband didn’t. They are like jumpers to wear over the dress.) So I’ll be doing some sewing in the next few weeks.

Anyway, I didn’t get to work on the goal system that I mentioned yesterday. But I promise to get to it and let you know the results. It shouldn’t take as long as it looks since I’ve already done some of the background work on goals and working toward them.

Maybe you have too. Several years ago, I worked through the process in a book called “What Color is Your Parachute.” Have you heard of it? If you are out of work right now, it is well worth considering. Every year or two a new edition comes out. It will certainly help anyone who is serious about it to get a handle on where you want to be headed and what you would be good at doing. It is much more rewarding to be doing a job that fits you. Makes work feel like fun! (Almost!)

There are also some valuable resources that will tell you what kind of person you are and what you are good at. Sometimes we don’t even recognize our own traits and what they add up to. If you are interested in any of these testing tools, get in touch with me and we’ll talk about it. I have training in career counseling and may be able to help you.

That’s all for today. Tomorrow is a busy day, but Thursday I hope to work on that study course. Keep me accountable – hold me to it.

Did you think any more about those goals? What would you like your life to be like? Are you living from paycheck to paycheck? Or even unemployed? The economy is truly frightening right now. There are answers to keeping your private economy in good shape.

And,there are ways to achieve the goals that you hopefully listed. However, it is hard to attain goals when you don’t know what they are. The place to start is to do some intensive thinking about where you want to be five or ten years from now (physically or financially or even emotionally).

There’s a great packet by Gabor Olah that will take some serious study. As soon as I figure out how to do it(!!), I’ll offer it to you as a freebie. He is tough and doesn’t let you get away with only half-serious answers. I’ve read the article, now I need to do the work. He offers worksheets to go with it and points out that it doesn’t do much good to just read it and go on about your way! So, my next goal is to study, think and fill out the work-sheets he provides. Yikes! That won’t get done in half an hour.

And, I did promise you a funny! (I print these up and give them to my mother-in-law to take to Senior Citizens group.) Here are some definitions for success:     

•  At age 4 success is …..not piddling in your pants
• At age 12 success is …..having friends
• At age 17 success is …..having a drivers license
• At age 35 success is …..having money
• At age 50 success is …..having money
• At age 70 success is …..having a drivers license
• At age 75 success is …..having friends
• At age 80 success is …..not piddling in your pants

Enough for today. Hope you are thinking about your goals and what is success for you. So many people are hanging on by their shoestrings, and I sure hope that doesn’t include you. Let me know what your goals are.

Well, what about success? Your success and mine are different. Your success might be to drive that new Beamer or to have that big house on the hill. It might be to fire your boss, or to pay the rent, or feed your fourteen kids!  (Just kidding!)

Do you want to hear mine? I’ve achieved some of my successes. I went to college beginning in my forties, and finally have finished my doctorate in psychology. That’s neat! (But I’m still paying for it!) And another success that I’m proud of is raising my four sons (on my own) who are responsible citizens and good parents. Now I have four wonderful daughters-in-law, and eight beautiful grandchildren. Yay!

However, even though I’m retired, there are still things I’d like to accomplish with the rest of my life. I’d like to make lots of money, buy a new Subaru, pay off my debts (!!!), help my kids, and along the way – help some other folks make some money too. With the economy the way it is right now, there are lots of people who really need a boost.

What goals do you have for your life? Where would you like to be in one year; in five years; in ten years? What will it take to achieve those goals. How do you go about determining what you want your life to be?

Think about it – and leave me a comment. I have a “funny” for you, so tune in tomorrow.

If I’m a fisherman and grow a good crop of lettuce, is that success? Hardly!

But, what if I’m a farmer and grow a good crop of corn? Or I’m a student and get an “A” on the mid-term exam? How about if I’m a pastor and preach a good sermon that reaches the hearts of my listeners?

What does success mean to you? Do you think it means different things to different people? Kind of like “different strokes for different folks”? There might be several definitions: achievement, good luck, prosperity, gain, victory, accomplishment.

Write a comment and let me know what you think. Success can be a blessing or a curse, right?  How about it – what is success?