Check out my brand new blogsite - Your Career Health Check.
Learn how to live the life you want to live and work the way you want to work. Go to http://www.careerhealthcheck.blogspot.com for more information.
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
Saturday, 2 August 2008
How to motivate yourself
In my last post, I considered how important it is to regularly take breaks, recharge your batteries and make time for you. But conversely, it can sometimes be difficult to motivate yourself. If you want to motivate yourself today, follow one of my top 5 tips:
1. Find your inspiration - surround yourself with people who inspire you or read an inspirational story. Talk to people who you respect and admire, and discover what will inspire you to move forward in your life.
2. Remain positive - if other people are getting you down, focus on the positives in your life, remember the good things, the thank-yous, the encouraging comments and thoughtful appreciation.
3. Think about what you enjoy in your life - if you are unhappy at work, consider what aspects of it you like. Remember what attracted you to the job in the first place, what you enjoy and appreciate, and how it benefits other parts of your life. If you can't think of anything, it is time to do something today!
4. Focus on what you want to achieve - set yourself a goal and put it somewhere where you are reminded of it everyday. If you know what you want to achieve, you can then take steps in the right direction.
5. Take baby steps - when you have a large goal or project to accomplish it can appear impossible to achieve, so break it down into baby steps. What do you want to achieve within the next two weeks? What steps can you take to move you closer to your target?
In which areas of your life do you want to increase your motivation?
1. Find your inspiration - surround yourself with people who inspire you or read an inspirational story. Talk to people who you respect and admire, and discover what will inspire you to move forward in your life.
2. Remain positive - if other people are getting you down, focus on the positives in your life, remember the good things, the thank-yous, the encouraging comments and thoughtful appreciation.
3. Think about what you enjoy in your life - if you are unhappy at work, consider what aspects of it you like. Remember what attracted you to the job in the first place, what you enjoy and appreciate, and how it benefits other parts of your life. If you can't think of anything, it is time to do something today!
4. Focus on what you want to achieve - set yourself a goal and put it somewhere where you are reminded of it everyday. If you know what you want to achieve, you can then take steps in the right direction.
5. Take baby steps - when you have a large goal or project to accomplish it can appear impossible to achieve, so break it down into baby steps. What do you want to achieve within the next two weeks? What steps can you take to move you closer to your target?
In which areas of your life do you want to increase your motivation?
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
Take a break and recharge!
Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the here and now. Like many self employed people, my working hours can be erratic. On Sunday I was working on my business by reviewing and updating my website - www.selfdiscoverycoaching.co.uk. By 6pm (after working on and off for most of the day), although my brain wanted to carry on, my body wanted a break from sitting at the computer. So I gave up and went to the gym. When I was there, my brain had a chance to assimilate everything that had been going on in my mind and I solved a problem that I had been agonising over for weeks. I thought I didn't have time to take an hour or so out of my day, but in doing so, I achieved a goal.
The morale of this story is whenever you feel too busy to go to the gym, read a book, take time out, trust your instincts as a break is often what you need to take a new perspective and have innovative thoughts.
The morale of this story is whenever you feel too busy to go to the gym, read a book, take time out, trust your instincts as a break is often what you need to take a new perspective and have innovative thoughts.
Thursday, 29 May 2008
Top Five Interview Clangers!
The following article has been taken from www.hrlook.com and I thought it would be of interest to all the job hunters out there!
"We've all heard the stories - the candidate who answered their mobile during an interview and said 'You don't mind if I take this do you and can I have some privacy?' Then there's the interviewee that actually said he didn't want the job for long, just until he'd raised enough money to go travelling! These are just some of the genuine blunders commonly reported by leading interviewers in major corporations in the UK.
Sarah Drew, General Manager of TheLadders.co.uk is a regular interviewer and can testify firsthand that some people just don't have a clue when it comes to going for an interview. 'Sometimes the most able candidate on paper can shoot themselves in the foot when you actually meet them. What you as the potential employer has to do, is assess how much of it is just interview nerves and how much of it is indicative of their inability to do the job!'
Drew goes on to say: 'In the current climate where no job is for life and redundancies are rife, it is more important than ever to shine in an interview and stand out from other competitive interviewees.'
According to users of TheLadders.co.uk, some of the most outrageous interview gaffes include:
1. Inappropriate clothing. Yes a boob tube has been recorded as the most unsuitable garment worn to an interview
Sarah Drew says: 'Make sure your attire is suited to the organisation you are going to, if in doubt, Keep it smart - a black suit never fails'
2. Lying. When a candidate said they spoke fluent French, they were speechless when the interviewer suggested continuing in French!
Sarah Drew says: 'while it may be OK to gloss over certain details you may not want to flag up as the high points in your career, blatantly lying could land you in hot water, as if found out, you'll lose your integrity and the job offer.
3. Slating past employers or colleagues. When a candidate said he'd hated working for his previous boss as he had no management skills, he didn't bank on his interviewer being related to him
Sarah Drew says: 'Speaking negatively about past employers/colleagues communicates bad team spirit and shows unprofessionalism. If you can't say anything good, say nothing at all.'
4. Acting desperate. After a bad interview a candidate said to his employer: 'Ok that didn't go well, but if you have any other jobs going I'm quite good at database management'
Sarah Drew says: 'Don't underestimate yourself, have confidence in your ability and be positive, if you think you can do the job they will have faith that you can too. If you want to analyse how it went, call a friend afterwards.'
5. Being unprepared. On getting to his interview a candidate promptly introduced himself to the Marketing Director only to find he had walked in to the company next door to one he was interviewing for. On being asked what he could bring to the role and the company, an interviewee replied 'What is it that you do again?'
Sarah Drew says: 'Do your research! If you go unprepared it shows a lack of effort on your part and reeks of disinterest, not to mention aptitude.'"
What have been your biggest interview mistakes? Share them with us today!
"We've all heard the stories - the candidate who answered their mobile during an interview and said 'You don't mind if I take this do you and can I have some privacy?' Then there's the interviewee that actually said he didn't want the job for long, just until he'd raised enough money to go travelling! These are just some of the genuine blunders commonly reported by leading interviewers in major corporations in the UK.
Sarah Drew, General Manager of TheLadders.co.uk is a regular interviewer and can testify firsthand that some people just don't have a clue when it comes to going for an interview. 'Sometimes the most able candidate on paper can shoot themselves in the foot when you actually meet them. What you as the potential employer has to do, is assess how much of it is just interview nerves and how much of it is indicative of their inability to do the job!'
Drew goes on to say: 'In the current climate where no job is for life and redundancies are rife, it is more important than ever to shine in an interview and stand out from other competitive interviewees.'
According to users of TheLadders.co.uk, some of the most outrageous interview gaffes include:
1. Inappropriate clothing. Yes a boob tube has been recorded as the most unsuitable garment worn to an interview
Sarah Drew says: 'Make sure your attire is suited to the organisation you are going to, if in doubt, Keep it smart - a black suit never fails'
2. Lying. When a candidate said they spoke fluent French, they were speechless when the interviewer suggested continuing in French!
Sarah Drew says: 'while it may be OK to gloss over certain details you may not want to flag up as the high points in your career, blatantly lying could land you in hot water, as if found out, you'll lose your integrity and the job offer.
3. Slating past employers or colleagues. When a candidate said he'd hated working for his previous boss as he had no management skills, he didn't bank on his interviewer being related to him
Sarah Drew says: 'Speaking negatively about past employers/colleagues communicates bad team spirit and shows unprofessionalism. If you can't say anything good, say nothing at all.'
4. Acting desperate. After a bad interview a candidate said to his employer: 'Ok that didn't go well, but if you have any other jobs going I'm quite good at database management'
Sarah Drew says: 'Don't underestimate yourself, have confidence in your ability and be positive, if you think you can do the job they will have faith that you can too. If you want to analyse how it went, call a friend afterwards.'
5. Being unprepared. On getting to his interview a candidate promptly introduced himself to the Marketing Director only to find he had walked in to the company next door to one he was interviewing for. On being asked what he could bring to the role and the company, an interviewee replied 'What is it that you do again?'
Sarah Drew says: 'Do your research! If you go unprepared it shows a lack of effort on your part and reeks of disinterest, not to mention aptitude.'"
What have been your biggest interview mistakes? Share them with us today!
Sunday, 20 April 2008
Turn off TV week
Tomorrow heralds the start of an international event - Turn Off TV week (http://www.tvturnoff.org).
A study in America revealed that:
On average, children spend more time in front of the television than they do at school.
40% of Americans frequently or always watch television during dinner.
How much TV do you watch?
How does this impact on your life?
What would it take for you to turn off or reduce your television watching over the next week?
If you watch 2 hours per day, just think, you have 14 extra hours in your week to do other things.
You could take up a new hobby, try a new sport, play games with your family, go out for invigorating walks, read a new book - how do these sound?
For just one week, why don't you change your habits and do something different? Let me know how you get on.
A study in America revealed that:
On average, children spend more time in front of the television than they do at school.
40% of Americans frequently or always watch television during dinner.
How much TV do you watch?
How does this impact on your life?
What would it take for you to turn off or reduce your television watching over the next week?
If you watch 2 hours per day, just think, you have 14 extra hours in your week to do other things.
You could take up a new hobby, try a new sport, play games with your family, go out for invigorating walks, read a new book - how do these sound?
For just one week, why don't you change your habits and do something different? Let me know how you get on.
Sunday, 6 April 2008
Changing weather, changing habits
A few days ago, I was walking around in jeans and a T-shirt. It felt like spring was finally around the corner - my washing was drying on the line and the back door of my house was letting in lovely fresh air. Yet today, I wake up to snow! Now this is a rare sight in Portsmouth - where I am just a few minutes away from the water, and where it snows about one day of the year!
It is a beautiful day today - and believe me, it will last for just a day - and it has made me think about how we can change things in our lives.
We all have habits, those things we do automatically. Whether that is having a glass of wine with a meal, or making the first coffee of the day. Many people do things on autopilot when they get up in the morning and rarely think about what they are doing or why.
We all have habits, some of which are acceptable, and some which can be detrimental to our life.
What habits would you like to change?
What new habits would you like to bring into your life?
Did you know that you can change a habit in three weeks?
You might want to give something up, like a food or drink, such as chocolate, tea or alcohol, stop procrastinating, or switch off the TV in the evening for some quiet time. Or you might want to start to do something different like find time to read for 30 minutes a day, go to the gym, or schedule some play time for you. Whatever you want to do, you can change this habit.
Just start today, do something different and in three weeks, and it will become part of your life.
Take my challenge today, and let me know how you get on. Now, I am going to play in the snow!
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
How productive are you at work?
According to recent research, British people only have the energy to work five hour days. The study, which was carried out by Boots, states that the average employee loses 151 minutes a day through tiredness, and in fact, many people only wake up fully 45 minutes into the day!
The research among 4,000 office workers in the UK indicates that many people fall into a lull at around 2pm after taking a 32 minute lunch break. The research shows that this slump can last an hour and 14 minutes. This means that employees are productive for just 5 hours of the working day.
So, why is this the case? The average worker survives on a diet of tea, coffee and snacks, and many people fail to take a proper lunch break away from their desk. So a simple diet and lifestyle change can help to reinvigorate workers. But increasing stress levels can make it difficult to maintain energy levels.
The are many other factors which influence productivity at work. If you are not happy at work, it can impact on your motivation and how much you enjoy your job.
So what could you do differently to enjoy your job and jump out of bed in the morning?
How would you like to be motivated all day in your job?
What three things could you do differently today to help you to be more productive at work?
The research among 4,000 office workers in the UK indicates that many people fall into a lull at around 2pm after taking a 32 minute lunch break. The research shows that this slump can last an hour and 14 minutes. This means that employees are productive for just 5 hours of the working day.
So, why is this the case? The average worker survives on a diet of tea, coffee and snacks, and many people fail to take a proper lunch break away from their desk. So a simple diet and lifestyle change can help to reinvigorate workers. But increasing stress levels can make it difficult to maintain energy levels.
The are many other factors which influence productivity at work. If you are not happy at work, it can impact on your motivation and how much you enjoy your job.
So what could you do differently to enjoy your job and jump out of bed in the morning?
How would you like to be motivated all day in your job?
What three things could you do differently today to help you to be more productive at work?
Saturday, 1 March 2008
Become a firewalker with Tony Robbins
What were you doing 8 days ago? Were you walking on hot coals like me?
Last weekend I attended the amazing Unleash the Power Within event run by Anthony Robbins at the ExCel centre in London. Like many other wonderful people, I spend most of my time working with others, helping them to identify and achieve their goals and last weekend was time for me!
Along with 8,000 other people, I learnt the power of getting into a peak physical state to allow me to achieve anything I want to do, such as walking barefoot over a bed of hot coals!
By using key coaching, neuro linguistic programming and neuro-associative conditioning techniques, Tony helps people to develop unstoppable beliefs in their abilities, understand what drives them and how to develop the techniques for peak performance.
So, what stops people achieving what they want in their life? You can start by following the following techniques:
1. Know what you want to achieve - be specific.
2. Know why this is a must in your life.
3. Get yourself in a peak psychological and physical state.
4. Decide what you are going to do and take action.
5. If it doesn't work, find another way of doing it!
6. Get a coach, mentor or expert to help you to achieve your goals.
See you there next year!
Last weekend I attended the amazing Unleash the Power Within event run by Anthony Robbins at the ExCel centre in London. Like many other wonderful people, I spend most of my time working with others, helping them to identify and achieve their goals and last weekend was time for me!
Along with 8,000 other people, I learnt the power of getting into a peak physical state to allow me to achieve anything I want to do, such as walking barefoot over a bed of hot coals!
By using key coaching, neuro linguistic programming and neuro-associative conditioning techniques, Tony helps people to develop unstoppable beliefs in their abilities, understand what drives them and how to develop the techniques for peak performance.
So, what stops people achieving what they want in their life? You can start by following the following techniques:
1. Know what you want to achieve - be specific.
2. Know why this is a must in your life.
3. Get yourself in a peak psychological and physical state.
4. Decide what you are going to do and take action.
5. If it doesn't work, find another way of doing it!
6. Get a coach, mentor or expert to help you to achieve your goals.
See you there next year!
Saturday, 16 February 2008
Valentine's day
Just in case you missed it, it was Valentine's day last Thursday!
According to a survey in 2002, a quarter of all long term relationships start at work. Many people spend so much time at work, so it is not surprising that love blossoms over the photocopier and relationships start. I actually met my husband when we were students working in Sainsbury's!
However, many organisations are banning people from having relationships with their colleagues, enforcing rules, or policing love in the workplace. On the most part, an office romance should not impact on work as long as the couple keep their love life separate from work and ensure that it does not cause a conflict of interest. Or if the worst happens, that a lover's tiff or breakup does not impact on their work or their colleagues.
You might be interested in looking at the following website for more tips on how to manage a relationship at work - http://www.worksmart.org.uk/rights/viewsubsection.php?sun=85.
What do you think about relationships at work?
According to a survey in 2002, a quarter of all long term relationships start at work. Many people spend so much time at work, so it is not surprising that love blossoms over the photocopier and relationships start. I actually met my husband when we were students working in Sainsbury's!
However, many organisations are banning people from having relationships with their colleagues, enforcing rules, or policing love in the workplace. On the most part, an office romance should not impact on work as long as the couple keep their love life separate from work and ensure that it does not cause a conflict of interest. Or if the worst happens, that a lover's tiff or breakup does not impact on their work or their colleagues.
You might be interested in looking at the following website for more tips on how to manage a relationship at work - http://www.worksmart.org.uk/rights/viewsubsection.php?sun=85.
What do you think about relationships at work?
Monday, 4 February 2008
How often do you change your job?
In a career coaching workshop I was running last week, we were discussing the changes in the way people work. When my father was in employment, it was generally the norm to stay in the same organisation for a long time. In fact he remained working for a well known bank for 32 years before taking early retirement.
Statistics show that people now change their careers around 7 times during their lifetime. But changes happen many times in a person's life which influences their choice of career at that time. This can be an enforced changes such as redundancy or relocation of a partner's role, or can be due to a lifestyle change, such as having a family, children leaving home or divorce.
According an article in HR Look today, an increasing number of UK employees plan to stay in their jobs for a longer period of time as a result of improved workplace quality, according to the Great Place to Work Institute. This is attributed to uncertainly in economic markets, but also due to workplaces investing more time and money to create a positive working environment. The research is showing that more and more people tend to stay for three years in a company rather than just switching and going to another organisation. This is positive news, and according to the Great Place to Work Institute's 100 Best Workplaces in Europe survey, 76% of employees believe their managers show genuine interest in them as a person and not just as a worker.
This is great news, how do you feel about this?
Statistics show that people now change their careers around 7 times during their lifetime. But changes happen many times in a person's life which influences their choice of career at that time. This can be an enforced changes such as redundancy or relocation of a partner's role, or can be due to a lifestyle change, such as having a family, children leaving home or divorce.
According an article in HR Look today, an increasing number of UK employees plan to stay in their jobs for a longer period of time as a result of improved workplace quality, according to the Great Place to Work Institute. This is attributed to uncertainly in economic markets, but also due to workplaces investing more time and money to create a positive working environment. The research is showing that more and more people tend to stay for three years in a company rather than just switching and going to another organisation. This is positive news, and according to the Great Place to Work Institute's 100 Best Workplaces in Europe survey, 76% of employees believe their managers show genuine interest in them as a person and not just as a worker.
This is great news, how do you feel about this?
Thursday, 31 January 2008
Stress down day
Tomorrow, 1st February 2008, it is Stress Down Day in the UK.
In conjuction with The Samaritans, the day aims to stamp out stress and asks eveyone to wear their slippers and take part in stress reducing activities.
Each of us cope with stress in different ways. Ask yourself the following questions:
On a scale of 1-10, how much stress do you have in your life at the moment?
How do you cope with stress?
What three things could you do differently to cope with stress better?
If you would like some hints and tips to manage stress in your life, visit the site for more information. Go to http://www.stressdownday.org/.
In conjuction with The Samaritans, the day aims to stamp out stress and asks eveyone to wear their slippers and take part in stress reducing activities.
Each of us cope with stress in different ways. Ask yourself the following questions:
On a scale of 1-10, how much stress do you have in your life at the moment?
How do you cope with stress?
What three things could you do differently to cope with stress better?
If you would like some hints and tips to manage stress in your life, visit the site for more information. Go to http://www.stressdownday.org/.
Monday, 21 January 2008
Miserable Monday - the bleakest day of the year
On the radio this morning, it was announced that today is the bleakest day of the year. It is the day when many of us have run out of money after Christmas and are facing our credit card bills, the weather is terrible and we've broken our New Year's resolutions! How was today for you? What did you do to counteract this tale of doom and gloom?
Here is my advice to you:
1. Take time to be grateful for all the good things in your life.
2. Don't just make New Year's resolutions every year, but set yourself realistic and achievable goals to make long lasting change in your life.
3. Plan things that you are going to enjoy in your life, whether it is going out for an evening with friends or planning your dream holiday.
4. If you are feeling low, get some fresh air and exercise - take a walk around the block.
5. And if you are not happy with something in your life, what is stopping you from making a change?
Oh and ignore the media hype and just believe that you are going to have a fantastic day!
Here is my advice to you:
1. Take time to be grateful for all the good things in your life.
2. Don't just make New Year's resolutions every year, but set yourself realistic and achievable goals to make long lasting change in your life.
3. Plan things that you are going to enjoy in your life, whether it is going out for an evening with friends or planning your dream holiday.
4. If you are feeling low, get some fresh air and exercise - take a walk around the block.
5. And if you are not happy with something in your life, what is stopping you from making a change?
Oh and ignore the media hype and just believe that you are going to have a fantastic day!
Friday, 18 January 2008
How long is your commute?
According to recent research by Peninsula, which was published by HR Look www.hrlook.com on Thursday, it now takes the average UK employee 1 hour and 5 minutes to commute to work, which is double the time that it took in 2003 (35 minutes).
The study has shown that the following reasons affect the increase in journey times:
Public transport late or cancelled
Road congestion
Accident creating severe delays
Public transport breaking down en-route
Public transport too full to stop and pick up passengers
How long does it take for you to travel to work?
How does this impact on you?
How much of a consideration is commuting time if you are seeking a new job?
Please share your experiences - I look forward to hearing from you.
Oh and if you are seeking career change, subscribe to the free Self Discovery newsletter today at www.selfdiscoverycoaching.co.uk and you receive a career satisfaction quiz and career planning report
The study has shown that the following reasons affect the increase in journey times:
Public transport late or cancelled
Road congestion
Accident creating severe delays
Public transport breaking down en-route
Public transport too full to stop and pick up passengers
How long does it take for you to travel to work?
How does this impact on you?
How much of a consideration is commuting time if you are seeking a new job?
Please share your experiences - I look forward to hearing from you.
Oh and if you are seeking career change, subscribe to the free Self Discovery newsletter today at www.selfdiscoverycoaching.co.uk and you receive a career satisfaction quiz and career planning report
Friday, 4 January 2008
Rediscover your career in 2008
In 2007, various studies were undertaken by organisations in the UK to measure employee satisfaction.
In a recent "Happiness at work" survey undertaken by Badenoch and Clark, it revealed that one in four office workers were unhappy with their job. It cited that the most disenchanted workers are men working in IT and telecoms, and more men said they were unhappy at work than women.
As stated by Buckminster Fuller, "the moment you know what you really want to do, it's really a different kind of life".
"No one is in control of your happiness but you; therefore you have the power to change anything about yourself or your life that you want to change" - Barbara De Angelis
Think about this, what is important about your job?
Does it give you a feeling of happiness or satisfaction?
Does it give meaning to your life?
Or is it just something you do to pay the bills?
The concept of a job used to focus on the importance of a good salary, security, pension and benefits. But for many people, a greater importance is placed on feeling satisfied. This includes job satisfaction, career enhancement and being fulfilled at work.
There is no longer the concept of a job or career for life. More people want freedom and work life balance and there has been a greater shift in expectations and desire.
It is not always easy to plan your career, but your future success depends on how well you plan and the decisions you take.
Do you want to rediscover your career in 2008?
Sign up to the Self Discovery newsletter to receive the free career planning mini e-book to help you to plan your career in 2008. You will also receive monthly tips to help you to rediscover your career. Go to www.selfdiscoverycoaching.co.uk for more information.
In a recent "Happiness at work" survey undertaken by Badenoch and Clark, it revealed that one in four office workers were unhappy with their job. It cited that the most disenchanted workers are men working in IT and telecoms, and more men said they were unhappy at work than women.
As stated by Buckminster Fuller, "the moment you know what you really want to do, it's really a different kind of life".
"No one is in control of your happiness but you; therefore you have the power to change anything about yourself or your life that you want to change" - Barbara De Angelis
Think about this, what is important about your job?
Does it give you a feeling of happiness or satisfaction?
Does it give meaning to your life?
Or is it just something you do to pay the bills?
The concept of a job used to focus on the importance of a good salary, security, pension and benefits. But for many people, a greater importance is placed on feeling satisfied. This includes job satisfaction, career enhancement and being fulfilled at work.
There is no longer the concept of a job or career for life. More people want freedom and work life balance and there has been a greater shift in expectations and desire.
It is not always easy to plan your career, but your future success depends on how well you plan and the decisions you take.
Do you want to rediscover your career in 2008?
Sign up to the Self Discovery newsletter to receive the free career planning mini e-book to help you to plan your career in 2008. You will also receive monthly tips to help you to rediscover your career. Go to www.selfdiscoverycoaching.co.uk for more information.
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