Category Archives: Personal Success

Personal success in the workplace, balancing life and work, using yoga meditation techniques to sharpen your skills.

Traveling? Consider yoga stretching as a mobile workout

Posted on by
Reply

Fitness buffs who often travel for personal or professional reasons may have a difficult time keeping up with their health and wellness goals on the road. Not only are they away from their usual gym or health club, but lengthy travel can eat away at time for physical activity. Here are three reasons yoga stretching is the perfect mobile workout.

Minimal workout gear
People who like to lift weights or cycle usually can't bring their workout gear with them. However, practicing yoga meditation and stretching exercises requires minimal equipment. Simply throw a yoga mat in your suitcase, and you're good to go!

Versatile workout routine
Another great part about yoga is that you can exercise just about anywhere. Whether you decide to head to a local park in your vacation destination or practice in your hotel room, all you need is a flat patch of ground to get started.

Yoga in stages
If you want to get a quick exercise in before you head out for dinner reservations or sightseeing, yoga is the workout for you. In fact, yoga can even be done in stages. Consider practicing a few poses in the morning, meditating in the afternoon and finishing up the evening with another quick yoga stretch.

Related items

Don’t allow fear to get in the way of your career

Posted on by
Reply

With the struggling state of the U.S. economy, it is only natural for professionals to be constantly concerned about their job security.

However, a recent U.S. News & World Report column authored by career coach Curt Rosengren notes that it is important to not let this fear get the best of you.

Additionally, rather than simply ignoring such fears and going about your daily routine, you should stop, take a deep breath and complete some yoga meditation techniques, which will allow you to focus on the task at hand and tackle your concerns appropriately.

According to Rosengren, another important step professionals should take when concerned about the path they are headed down in terms of career is to interrogate this fear and confront it. By participating in such mental pain management techniques, one will be able to pinpoint the roots of his or her career concerns and will be better prepared to confront them when the time comes.

While much of the techniques related to managing one's concerns come from within, it can also be helpful to reach out to others for advice, whether it be friends, family members or colleagues in the office.

This, according to Rosengren, can potentially enable individuals to find someone else who has previously been in there position. In such cases, that person can serve as a mentor, helping to allay one's concerns and advise them how best to proceed with the careers.

Whether one reaches out to others or simply plans to attack the fears from within, it is crucial to take small steps in order to completely move on from the concerns and make progress in one's career path.

Managing one's career fears is particularly important as the U.S. unemployment rate currently sits at 9.2 percent and has crept up the past few months, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  

Related items

Getting a promotion at work requires hard work

Posted on by
Reply

Going to work and trying hard each day is what workers should be focused on but in the big picture they should also be concerned about advancing in the workplace.

Landing a promotion is likely one of the high points of one's career as it symbolizes not only the hard work and effort that one has put into the job, but also that one's accomplishments have been recognized. However, one needs to do more than just show up in order to advance in the office.

According to U.S. News and World Reports, one of the first things one should do is finding out what are one's employer's values. By doing this one will be sure that his effort is focused on what matters.

Another thing that people should be focused on is making sure the work they put in is contributing to the company's bottom line. By doing this, one will be sure to grab the attention of the higher ups in the office.

According to a recent survey by CareerBuilder, one thing that employees should certainly not do when seeking a promotion is have a cluttered work space. The survey showed that 28 percent of employers said they would be less likely to promote someone with a cluttered work space.

"Workers are being asked to take on more projects as companies function with leaner staffs, which could be resulting in more cluttered workspaces," Rosemary Haefner, vice president of Human Resources with CareerBuilder, said. "While chaos on your desk space can indicate a busy workload, it can also imply a lack of organization. The good news is that workers can fix this problem quickly and reverse any negative perceptions of their performance."

While getting ahead on the job is important, one should also unwind and relax through yoga meditation techniques and yoga streching exercises.

Related items

How to start fresh after getting laid off

Posted on by
Reply

Once you get the notice that you've been laid off from your job, panic may set in. But according to the Boston Globe, there are some practical steps you can take to help you survive the situation.

First, be sure to take advantage of all possible severance benefits, like vacation time reimbursement, your right to keep your health insurance and outplacement assistance. Most companies hate conducting lay offs, so you may be able to leverage that sympathy into a hefty benefits package.

After you log your last day at your job, you'll need to assess your finances and your debt. Cut expenses that are not necessary by scaling back your cable package or eliminating dinners out. If you have a student loan, you may be able to defer those payments while you are unemployed. Try taking a temporary job or contract position to make ends meet.

You should also sign up immediately for unemployment assistance from the government. You can apply over the phone or in person at a state-run career center.

When you are laid off, your files belong to the company. You can, however, take your contact list if you have time, says Time Magazine. These relationships are yours, so feel free to contact them in the future to let them know you have left. Be sure to discuss the situation in a professional manner and don't divulge company secrets. These contacts could result in new job prospects, so be careful not to come across as vindictive.

After the whirlwind of activity surrounding your lay off, be sure to breathe and reboot. Dahn Yoga and other yoga meditation techniques can help you center yourself and refocus before you get back into the job hunt. One of the biggest advantages of the unfortunate situation of a lay off is that you'll finally have a little free time on your hands, so try to use that time to invest in your well-being. 

Related items

New graduates must market themselves to stand out in tough economy

Posted on by
Reply

New graduates beware: The current job market, despite a recent upswing, is still a challenging world to traverse.

According to the New York Times, it is important for newly minted professionals to be in tip-top-shape in today's job market. No more casually scanning job openings and leisurely deciding what to apply for and when. With job openings still scarce and numerous qualified candidates applying for each position, graduates must be persistent and polished.

Before applying to any job, hone your resume, cover letter and interviewing skills. Don't give a potential employer any frivolous reason to disregard your application, like spelling errors or out-of-date information.

Keep every aspect of your approach as focused as possible. Each cover letter should specifically address the company and the position you are applying for. Every piece of experience included on your resume should relate to the career you desire, and spell out that connection clearly.

Even if a past job doesn't relate directly to a new position, highlight what experience at that job was pertinent. If you spent time running yoga meditation retreats or weight loss plans, for example, talk about the leadership skills you had to demonstrate.

If you do land an interview, think carefully about how your college education and your particular degree will be a benefit to the company and the position. It's not enough just to have a diploma. For example, an English major can discuss how written communication skills are essential in the business world, while philosophy majors can highlight their skills in logic and problem solving.

According to Monster.com, don't let your resume suffer if you can't find a job right away. Be productive with your time by taking an internship or volunteering. This will show potential employers that you are serious about getting ahead, and you may be able to network and meet important connections in these roles. 

Related items

Navigating your first day at a new job

Posted on by
Reply

Your first day at a new job can be an exciting and nerve-racking experience, much like the first day in a new school or the first time trying different yoga stretching poses or new yoga meditation techniques. The transition can be difficult, and it may take some time to feel completely comfortable.

Career coach Adele Scheele, in a recent column for the Huffington Post, explains that you can speed up the acclimation process by sticking to a few rules.

On your first day, it's important to blend in by not drawing too much attention to yourself. Instead, try to absorb the business culture around you. Don't be too quick to re-arrange schedules or change staff, otherwise your first day will resemble the aftermath of a steamroller or wrecking ball.

Remember to cut yourself some slack on your first day. No matter how prepared you are, you're going to make a mistake. Smile, laugh and forgive yourself. No one is expecting you to be perfect on your first day. In relation to your job duties, everyone learns a position best by doing, so jump right in. When you do make a mistake, apologize and learn from it.

According to the Army Times, it's wise to clear your personal calendar for your first few days on the job. This freedom will allow you to stay late if the need arises, and you can focus your entire day on your work.

To avoid annoying your new colleagues and bosses, keep your questions to a minimum. Remember that the people around you want to help you out, but they also have their own jobs to do. Fight the urge to bother someone with a question the instant it pops into your head. Instead, carry a notepad with you at all times, jot down your questions as they arise and wait for the appropriate moment to ask them. 

Related items

Finding a sponsor to advance your career

Posted on by
Reply

Many people have enjoyed the guidance and support provided by a mentor, a professional with more experience who provides critical advice and career enhancing challenges. But recently, this difficult job market has bred a new support role – the sponsor.

According to career coach Colette Martin in an advice column for Forbes, a sponsor is a trusted professional that gives you advice and clarity – similar to a mentor – but this person is connected within an organization where you work or are hoping to work. The sponsor is like your personal public relations machine, advocating on your behalf for a new job or promotion within the company.

Typically, a sponsor is someone in a leadership position. This person will have the clout to lobby for you when a number of names are being circulated for a new opportunity. An advocate like this can be essential to moving up the ladder, as each open position attracts the interest of many qualified candidates. A sponsor won't have much pull in getting you a job that you are not qualified for, but this professional can surely help bring your name to the top of the list if you are qualified.

Finding a sponsor can require some hard work. While some companies offer formal mentoring and sponsorship programs, most cases require you to network to nurture this type of professional relationship.

Working Mother suggests that you network with senior executives whenever possible. At each meeting or work event, make yourself engage with two people who can help your career. Whenever possible, take part in work-sponsored social events or volunteer opportunities. It's likely that you'll meet some high-ranking professionals, and you'll do so in a fun, non-threatening environment.

When choosing a potential sponsor, look to someone who seems to be well-liked, well-connected and who is an ace at networking. Ideally, a sponsor would also be someone that you share some similar interests with. If you love yoga meditation, for example, and you find a sponsor who also enjoys yoga stretching poses, you may foster a deeper professional connection. 

Related items

Common resume advice to ignore

Posted on by
Reply

When one is seeking career advice, it can seem like everyone has an opinion. However, not every person you converse with has the right answers, according to career expert Alison Green in a recent column for U.S. News and World Report. When it comes to your resume, you may be taking an outdated approach if you listen to some of the most common career advice.

For starters, think of your cover letter and resume as a picture of you. The formal language in which many of these documents are written is unnecessary, as most employers want to read something that sounds like you. Don't get too casual with the language, but you can get out of the habit of using stiff, outdated and formal sentence structures.

A follow-up call after submitting a resume used to be the norm, but these days the practice is seen by pushy and inappropriate by most employers, says Green. It may be difficult, but sit back and wait for an employer to contact you to schedule an interview.

Today, resumes are commonly two pages long, despite the constant recommendation that they remain page. People with more than a few years experience can have resumes that are two-pages long without drawing ire from potential employers.

To remain succinct, cut out any unnecessary information from your resume, including job experience that doesn't directly relate to the position that you are applying for. If you loved working in a job involving yoga meditation or pain management but the experience is not pertinent to the job you desire, leave the information off of your resume. If you think the work represents the type of person you are, consider working in these activities into a face-to-face interview instead.

The New York Times also suggests listing your education after your work experience to focus a resume on the most relevant data. 

Related items

Understanding tech trends could lead to a better job

Posted on by
Reply

Technology is the future. Children can often be seen easily navigating complicated computer programs with ease, and seemingly everyone is perpetually attached to a smart phone. Technology is also the future of business, and it is important to stay in tune with the rapidly changing tech world in order to stay relevant in business.

If you are seeking to advance your career, either in your current position or through a new job, Eric Bloom, in a recent column for IT World, recommends keeping up-to-date with advertised job openings. After a few days, you'll start notice the technology skills most commonly found in the postings. These tech trends are the ones you should be focusing on improving in your own skill set.

In his career, Bloom has seen the technology trends shift rapidly, from a time when the majority of want ads preferred potential employees to be well versed in COBOL and UNIX. Next came the need for workers who could navigate Windows, Java and other growing programs. Today, it seems that social media capabilities and mobile technology skills are a must in the job market.

Technological skills can not only keep you relevant in today's workforce, but they can also help you land a better job. WRTV News in Indianapolis reports that 67 percent of businesses in a Ball State University study would pay up to 4 percent more for an employee who was tech savvy. The study also showed that 23 percent would pay those potential employees up to 8 percent more.

In this increasingly tech-savvy world, be sure to take the time to release your mind and recharge your batteries. If you are constantly connected to work through a number of technological avenues, you could easily burn out from stress. Try Dahn yoga meditation or other yoga stretching exercises to keep yourself centered.

Related items

Balancing time off: Can I take advantage of unlimited vacation?

Posted on by
Reply

Some companies seem to have the ultimate vacation system, when employees are given unlimited time off and are permitted to use it whenever they like, for relaxing activities such as yoga meditation retreats or to catch up on their weight loss plans.

But according to the Wall Street Journal, this seemingly idyllic situation can be stressful for many employees as they grapple with when to take time off. As a result, many workers tend to keep focused on their jobs, passing up valuable time away from the office.

The concept of unlimited vacation, a trend that started in the 1990s but is growing rapidly in today's professional world, is that employees get no guaranteed amount of vacation time nor do they have a limit. The only constraint is that they must get all time off approved beforehand. Some companies welcome this open-ended approach because it fits in with their day-to-day flexibility.

At businesses like Netflix, the DVD rental company that passes films through the mail, this unlimited vacation policy allows staff to judge their productiveness on outcomes and accomplishments, not hours and days worked.

But some employees see this free-form approach to scheduling as burdensome. Many professionals are wary of taking what they deem as too much time off, especially as companies are still downsizing and laying off employees to make ends meet.

However, always being available and not taking the necessary time off to rest can have negative consequences for your job performance. It is important that you strike a careful balance between work and your life outside of the office.

"The key to business success is not becoming a slave to the work," according to American Express' Open Forum. "Rather, it is taking the time to refresh and recharge. You must take a break, and by doing that, you will end up providing a much greater service to your clients. 

Related items