Feeling stressed out?
Consider switching to being curious.
I don’t know about you, but when congress was bickering and not coming to a timely resolution about the US budget, and in ensuing weeks of uncertainty that followed, I was feeling pretty stressed out. Part of the stress was feeling out of control, part was not knowing how to best position personal finances, and then there was being annoyed by the whole stalemate.
It didn’t take long to realize that this reaction wasn’t helpful. After making financial decisions and doing all I could do where I did have control, I decided to come from a place of curiosity instead of distress. I began to look on as an observer of a sociological experiment. How would congress behave? What would their timing be for reaching a decision? What would be the fallout? While I can’t say that I’m pleased with how things have panned out so far to date, I can say that making this shift to being a curious observer did help my overall well being.
Did you know that when we’re curious, we can’t also be annoyed, fearful, anxious, etc. in that same moment? It’s like trying to laugh and be angry at the same time. They emotions are incongruent. When we’re curious, we’re open. When we’re fearful we’re closed.
Try it out for yourself. And please share with me your experience… I’m curious.
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Get re-acquainted with your library
Have you been to the library in recent years? If not, you may be pleasantly surprised. Let me share a few of the benefits.
A great selection of ebooks, audio downloads, & DVDs, besides books and audio books of course. (I often get business books.) Libraries are often connected so you can request books from other locations, and they'll have it delivered to your library branch – at not extra charge!
Usually you can have a book out for 3 weeks, and if nobody else has requested it, you can go online and extend the time you have it checked out.
DVDs usually have a 1 week limit.
When I find out about a good book, I 'save' it in my online library account. Then when trying to figure out what to read, I can just 'request' the book (again online) and pick it up shortly thereafter.
Then when the they come in or are due back, the library even emails a reminder. Plus no more stacks of books collecting all around the house! It's great for turning the car into a 'classroom' by listening to business audiobooks on the way to work, which can also help to distract from the frustrations of sitting in traffic.
Libraries aren't just for kids – pick up a few for yourself, too!
Tags: business, career, coaching, corporate
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Habits – maximize their return!
Have you heard that we spend tons of time searching for stuff we can't find because we aren't well organized or have too much clutter? Perhaps you even spend time every week or month de-cluttering your office, home or car.
Spring – perfect time to declutter, both stuff and old habits that are no longer serving.
This month I'd like to suggest you take a look at de-cluttering your habits. What do I mean by that, you ask? Let me explain.
How often do you snack away at your desk or in front to the TV when you aren't even hungry, simply because 'that's what you do'? Or eat out several nights a week, not because you particularly enjoy it, but because that's the routine you have established?
I'd like to encourage you to think about (or for 'brownie points' write down) how you actually spend your time. Are you deriving the entertainment, joy, or experience you are truly hoping to get from the activity? For example with television, how do you feel during and after having spent an hour, two or three watching? Were you hoping to feel relaxed? Energized? Educated? And are you?
Or eating out, say it costs $50. Are you getting $50 worth of pleasure? Think about how long it takes to earn that money (and don't forget it's after-tax dollars you spend when paying the bill!). Do you look forward to selecting the restaurant? Carefully picking out your meal selection? Savor each bite, and the luxury of having someone else do the cooking, serving and clean-up? Feel nourished by food, environment and companionship of your tablemates?
Consider likewise looking at your habits are work. Do you check email first thing in the morning? What would happen, and how would you feel if you spent the first hour on your biggest project instead?
If not, consider changing your habit(s) so that you do fully experience the benefits and pleasures of the choices you make.
Would love to hear what you discover!
To your success,
Gwyneth Anne
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Happy Valentine’s Day
For me, Valetine's Day is about celebrating the meaningful connections we have with others in our lives. This can be with family, friends, pets, colleagues and of course someone very special to us.
Wishing you a day filled with awe of the wonderful people in your life.
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Happy New Year!
Just a quick note to wish you a happy New Year and pose the question: What is the one shift, that will help you move forward to implementing one of your top goals for 2011?
Need help? You know where to find me!
Best wishes for a fantastic 2011.
Gwyneth Anne Freedman, PCC
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Gratitude – a personal share
A personal share…
With this being the month of Thanksgiving in the United States, and last month Canada celebrated, being thankful is top-of-mind.
I'm grateful for my family, clients, friends, and colleagues: I learn from each of you, and thrive on the meaningful connection that we have.
I'm thankful for my health, determination and compassion – which gives me the energy to enjoy and fully engage in life.
I have a difficult time properly expressing how much I appreciate the mentors and teachers who have helped be to expand beyond what I thought I could achieve and become.
Thank you!
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Cool video on motivation – fun to watch!
Have you ever wonder what really motivates you/us?
Daniel Pink, author of the book Drive shares that there are three factors. He has an amazing video about 11 minutes long on YouTube ( http://lnkd.in/Hnwf2E ) that is really fun to watch.
His insights could be powerful to keep in mind as part of your leadership and management style. Also if you're feeling less than satisfied at work, how might you focus more on mastery and contribution both inside and outside the work place?
While so many things can feel outside of our control, we always have the ability to choose our attitude and where we want to focus our intention while doing required tasks. Likewise we have many options for contributing and mastering additional skills outside of work. A hobby of studying French would help you master the language. Volunteering with Habitat For Humanity would help you contribute to your community and those less fortunate, as well as develop carpentry skills that might be useful for fixing your own home. And making connections with likeminded people could foster new friends.
Do share your thoughts of the video!
To your success,
Gwyneth Anne
Tags: career, coaching, contribution, inspiration, mastery, motivation, personal journey coaching, success, tips
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Great book by Marshall Goldsmith: Mojo
Here we are in the ‘Back to School’ season with kids returning to their studies, and reorganizing our calendars and schedules. It is often also a time for us to look forward and identify what we want to achieve this academic year now that the summer vacations are behind us.
So what are your goals? Are you on track with what you had on your list January 1st? Is it time to ramp things up? Get additional support? Or perhaps even take our goals up a notch? If you’re not feeling inspired, perhaps your goals are too small. What is the bigger impact you want to make? What would have you feel completely inspired, energized and in fact so excited that you stop reading this email because you’re going to start taking action right now?
I just finished reading Marshall Goldsmith’s book “Mojo” and he talks about rating our activities based on different components as a way of revealing in a metric fashion if we’re full leveraging out time and energy. You can get a sneak peak at ‘mojothebook.com’.
In the book he also talks about the power of having an accountability partner. If you have someone to whom you have to ‘fess up to’ or ‘celebrate with’, that alone will significantly increase your probability of taking the actions that you really want to take, rather than letting the inertia of the current status quo keep its grip.
What are the components of your work and personal life that give you both short term happiness and long term satisfaction? How can you increase the portion of your day doing these activities?
What elements don’t give you either? How can you reduce the time you spend here?
If you are interested in joining an ‘accountability group’, please email me with ‘accountability group’ in the subject line. If you prefer personalized one-on-one support, please put ‘complementary consultation’ in the subject line. My email is gaf@PersonalJourneyCoaching.com.
To your success,
Gwyneth Anne
Gwyneth Anne Freedman, PCC
Certified Career and Life Coach
408.246.7427
http://www.PersonalJourneyCoaching.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/gwynethanne
Tags: accountability, career, coaching, confidence, goals, Marshall Goldsmith, mojo, personal journey coaching, success, tips
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Submitted a resume? It’s time to follow up!
I just had someone ask me about how to effectively follow up after having submitted a resume, and thought you might also like to see my reply. So here you are:
It seems that everyone has an opinion on the follow up approach, so I'll share mine.
If you have an inside contact, that's best, then perhaps this employee can do the initial follow up, which would remind Human Resources/recruiter/hiring manager that you've been 'internally referred' which makes you a 'safer' candidate. What I mean by safer is that people usually refer people similar to themselves. So if the employee fits in, is well skilled, etc., the probability is that you will be as well. In other words it’s safer to bet on you than an unknown candidate.
What to cover in the initial follow up call with the hiring manager? Confirm that a) they have received your resume, b) express your continued interest (adding some specificity here is always good – to show that it's the specific company and position you're interested, not just because it's a job), and c) learn what their timeframe is for filling the position, perhaps ask next steps and their timing for filling the position. If you befriend the receptionist/recruiter/gatekeeper, you may be able to get the hiring manager's name and perhaps even direct phone number. Yes, following up via the phone is much better than via email as they can get a better feel for who you are and you can better read their level of interest from their tone of voice.
Ask permission to touch base with them every week or two to check in, and assure them that it will just be a quick call, as everyone is busy. Then when you call, they will know that they gave you permission to do so. Of course be sure to do so (give the quick call – being upbeat, enthusiastic, succinct and professional).
I'd suggest too, that you don't leave a message, but call until you reach them 'live'. It may be easiest to reach them directly by calling either before or after normal business hours when they are less likely to be in meetings (such as 5:45 or 6pm or 7:45 or 8am).
After your quick calls, send them a 'thank you note' expressing appreciation for their time and update. Again, be specific. Expressing something new about the position and/or company that interests you, will set you a part and continue to 'sell' you to them.
Another 'opener' for the initial or second follow up call would be to ask *what* questions they have regarding your resume (not 'if' as they can just say no – if it's open ended, they'll be more likely to dig out your resume to see – which then puts it at the top of the pile).
Using ‘keywords’ in all communication with the hiring company can subliminally communicate that you already fit their culture, and a ‘safer bet’, increasing the odd of you getting a call.
To your success,
Gwyneth Anne
Tags: career, coaching, employee, employment, follow up, hiring, personal journey coaching, resume, success, tips
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Wonder what your corporate career might look like 5, 10, 15 years from now?
If you wonder what a corporate career might look like 10 years from now, pick up a copy of The 2020 Workplace for a glimpse of what may come to be. The book highlights a few valuable insights. For example, what are the motivating factors for each of 4 generations (babyboomers through those who haven't yet joined the workforce). What are their expectations? What skills will you need? How will you find work and get hired?
The two authors, Jeanne C. Meister and Karie Willyerd, do an outstanding job highlighting and summarizing key points in an easy to read manner. Biggest skillset you will be expected to know inside and out? Knowledge and use of technology. What will be most valued by companies? Besides being smart and capable in your field, having a wide and deep network/community.
Have you already read the book? Would love to have you share what you think!
Tags: 2020 workplace, career, coach, corporate, personal journey coaching, success, tips
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