My friend, Chere Bork, just completed her first triathlon at age 55.
My friend, Mark LeBlanc, walked 500 miles across Northern Spain in 33 days.

Are they living intentionally?  You bet.

Chere and Mark are each doing what is necessary to make sure life doesn’t pass them by.  They are getting off the sidelines and getting into the game.

Here are brief introductions to these living with purpose people…

Chere Bork has a heart as big as the ocean. She absolutely loves people.  And she is always looking for or creating ways to make you feel special.  Chere is a nutritionist, wellness coach, and media spokesperson.  Her clients love her, and she knows (and has fun with!) nutrition and healthy eating habits better than anyone I know.  When she’s not coaching, writing a cookbook, or doing something active outside, she’s spending time with her family and volunteering.  (Chere and I co-facilitate the Apprentice program in the National Speakers Association-MN Chapter’s Institute for Professional Speaker Development.)

Chere decided to run a triathlon when she turned 55.  So she did.  She set her goal, followed her goal, and achieved her goal.  But it was more than that for Chere.  Read her story in her own words.  You will be inspired.

  There are two things I appreciate most about Mark LeBlanc.  First, he has learned through ups and downs and successes and failures what it takes to live an authentic, purpose-focused life while building an extremely successful business.  Second, we both come from small towns in northwestern Minnesota.  Mark grew up in Fertile, and I grew up in Climax.  Ya’ just gotta’ love the small town guys.

Mark has been changing the lives of thousands through his speaking, teaching, and coaching.  Do you want to build a business or grow your business?  Then you need to talk to Mark.  He’s the best.  His million+ steps across Northern Spain significantly transformed how he things about work and life.  Read his story in his own words.   

Mark’s book, Never be the Same, is on my List of Top 10 Favorite Books.  You’ll learn about life, business, and how to just keep moving forward when times are tough.  You will never be the same after reading it.  It really is a great book. 

Give yourself a gift today.  Read Chere and Mark’s stories.  Be ready to be challenged.  It’s never too late to start living.

Live with purpose.   Get off the bench.  Get in the game. 

“No matter what your current situation is, good or not-so-good, hang in there.  Miracles do happen, memories can be healed, and dreams do come true.  Make a commitment to yourself first, not to the finish line…You can always take another step.  You can take another one, too.  Deliberately, in the direction of your dream.  It may be a baby step, but you can take one.  Today.  Tomorrow, and the next day.”  >From Never be the Same by Mark LeBlanc.

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Waking up and realizing it’s Saturday.
Finding money in your old coat pocket.
That one square in the waffle that’s the most loaded with butter and syrup.

What do they have in common?

They make us feel good.  Each creates this instantaneous breath of sheer joy and surprise. An Awesome Moment.

You’ll find these smile-inducing moments and hundreds more in Neil Pasricha’s book, The Book of Awesome.

As Pasricha writes on the book jacket, “Sometimes it’s easy to forget the things that make us smile.”

Isn’t that the truth!

Pasricha has pulled together observations that, when we read them, we immediately know exactly how that moment or activity makes us feel.  And it usually brings a smile.

Check out this book.  It’s well written, AND it will bring joy to some of the gloomiest days.  Really.  Find some time to read this book.  One Awesome Moment a day is bound to make you feel better.

The website is an event in itself.  Everyday people posting their own everyday moments that make them smile.  http://www.1000awesomethings.com.

Two more of my favorite moments:
Picking the perfect nacho off someone else’s plate.
Laughing so hard you make no sound at all.

Just Awesome.

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Have you had a day like I’ve had?

It was a day with limited appointments, so ideal for focusing on completing projects.
But I couldn’t stay focused if a zillion dollars was riding on getting a project done by 5:00.
Wandering through the house, gazing over my bookshelves, and staring into the fridge took up an awful lot of time.

I tried to tape Dr. Oz this afternoon.
I got a 60 minute show with about 10 minutes of health content, and 50 minutes of weather warnings.  (Does it really take that long to warn us about the weather?)

Ideas for my postings have been bubbling for days…and today was the day to write them.
And now?  I’ve got nothing.  Nothing is even simmering.
And the harder I try to write…well, writing a complete sentence deserves Author of the Year status.

So it’s 5:30 and not a whole lot has been accomplished.

I’ve got two choices:

1) Kick myself for being lazy, unfocused, incompetent, etc.  You know what I mean.  When we’re in “one of those days,” we quickly find all kinds of descriptors that question our right to be on this planet.

2) Recognize that I didn’t always make good choices today…AND I’ll make better ones tomorrow. I know that I’m competent, energetic, and productive.  I’m making a difference and I re-start tomorrow.

You’ve had days like this, right?  (Please say yes.)

Chalk it up to lessons learned and move on.  The worst thing I can do tomorrow?  Repeat today.  That will start to build a habit.  And it won’t be a good one.

It’s one of those days.  And tomorrow will be even better.

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Just an Update…

There’s an obvious gap in time since the last time I posted here!  I’m sorry about the break in the schedule.  I’ve been spending more time with my mom as she recuperates from two serious heart procedures.  Loved our time together while decreasing the hours I spent on other things.  Now she’s back on track and feeling great!

I am just lovin’ Caribou’s new look.  You may have seen the changes in this very popular coffee shop’s redesign.  They’ve changed the graphics, deepened their colors, and have created a much more contemporary and trendy feel to the place.  Walking in to get my iced chai tea latte becomes an experience – I feel energized, inspired, and hopeful.  Yeah, I know.  It’s only a coffee shop.  But it creates a moment for me.

Their slogan is the same: “Life is short. Stay awake for it.”  And now they’ve added ‘bouisms to their cups and napkins.  Short words or phrases that remind us that today matters—let’s get the most out of it.  “Stay awake for maxing out your passport.”  “Life’s too short for grudges.”

Don’t you just love being around people who bring their own positive “bouisms” with them?  People who show up and bring energy and passion to the conversation.  It’s more than an exchange of information.  It’s an experience.  A moment.  

Lately I’ve been inspired by the ‘bouisms I receive from my network of job seekers.

I’m thinking of my new friend, George.  He speaks so fondly and with such gratitude about the people he’s crossed paths with over the years.   “I’ve worked with some amazing people!” (What a treat to be part of his network!)  And my friend, Maureen.  She’s got a message to share that will change the way we think about people with mental illness.  Her eyes light up as she talks about hope.  “I’m going to help change the face of mental health.”  And my conversations with Mary are just so enjoyable.  She passionately looks for ways to share her expertise and never, ever complains about the tight job market.  “I’m so fortunate.”

How are you showing up today?  What words or phrases are showing up in your conversations?  They’ll change the world around you, you know. 

Don’t miss a day of living.  Life is short.

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Profits, Passion, and Purpose.  A perfect formula for success.  And Tony has discovered how to create this winning combination.

As the CEO of the billion dollar on-line retailer, Zappos.com, Tony Hsieh leads a group of people who are committed to delivering exceptional service and happiness.  The result?  Extremely engaged employees who love showing up at work, and extremely pleased customers with great shoes.

Tony writes about his passion for doing something bigger than his job, his love affair with Red Bull, and the extraordinary lesson he learned from attending Rave parties.  Did I mention he’s only 26 years old?  His business mind is brilliant and his drive is…well, take a look at his success AND the way his employees talk about their work experience.  It’s WOWsome.

Here’s one of the things I enjoyed most about this book…

Tony doesn’t write to “teach” us how to do something to be successful.  Instead, he walks us through his journey—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and engages us with his lessons learned.  I read the book in one sitting, and can’t wait to re-read it.  It’s really good.

I was fortunate to receive two advanced copies of this book.  I’d love to give my second copy away – it’s available to the first person who asks for it!  (I’ll mail it to you – my expense!)

Here are some links to learn more about the book:

http://www.deliveringhappinessbook.com/

http://www.amazon.com/deliveringhappiness

I could write a lot more about this book, and probably will in the next few months.  But right now, I’d encourage you to get to your bookstore or Amazon.com and get yourself a copy.  (It just launched yesterday.)  You won’t be disappointed.

Congratulations, Tony.  Count me in as part of this movement—changing the way we work, one business at a time.

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Does this describe your current situation?…

Your cubicle/office job gives a paycheck, but no fulfillment.
Your “work at home” business gives you flexibility, but no joy.
Your unemployment gives you more time off, but no income.

You want “a life.”  A life that includes meaningful work. Time to focus on the things that matter most to you.  You want to make a difference.

It’s possible.  It takes work.

A statement that encourages me, guilts me, ticks me off, and inspires me…
My life is where it is right now because of the daily choices I’ve made.
Ooftah.

So how do we move from where we are to where we want to be?

It starts with taking one step, making one choice, that gets us closer to “A Life.”

An earlier posting by Paul DeBettignies was just the shot in the arm that I needed this weekend.  What Price would you pay for your Dream Job offers a great suggestion for moving in the right direction…

Write your own job description. Figure out what you really, really want. And then identify what the price tag is. Evaluate.

Here are 4 steps to get you re-focused and re-energized:

1. Read Paul’s posting – noodle on it.

2. Write your job description. Create your vision board.  Get clear on what you really, really want.

3. Make a list of what it will take to get you there. Then you aren’t surprised when the hard work comes along.

4. Do one thing that gets you closer to “A Life.”

Here are some general ideas for getting started:
~~ Create healthier boundaries
~~ Ask for help
~~ Identify (and execute!) your daily 3 high-value activities ala Mark LeBlanc
~~ Plan your work and work your plan
~~ Eliminate the stuff that just takes up time and space
~~ Get a coach
~~ Etc.

You and I are creating our lives by the choices we make.  It’s up to us to create “a life.”   Let’s make it a dream life.

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I have a love/hate relationship with exercising.  Running, lifting weights, and feeling like I was going to die from exhaustion just aren’t that attractive to me.  However, the results I eventually see from running, lifting weights, and exhaustion are very attractive to me.

Last weekend I set my exercise goals for the week.  And I made a commitment to a friend who has agreed to hold me accountable for doing what I say I’m going to do.  What got those workout clothes on every day?  My schedule and my commitment.  Not my love for muscle burn.

So am I achieving my goal of becoming fit and healthy?  Yes.  Not because I’m as slim and trim as I want to be – that’s going to take more time.  It’s working because I’ve got a plan and I’m working my plan.  And it’s the plan that will get the results.

Your job search is very similar.  If your weekly goal is to find a job, you will consistently be disappointed.  But if your goal is to send out 10 resumes to your targeted companies, network with 7 people in person, and contact 10 other networking connections by phone…and you follow-through on those activities…you have had a successful week.  It is the activities that get you closer to your next job.

Wondering how to create a weekly job search plan that will set you up for success?  Click here to download My Weekly Plan for Success.  It will help you create a successful strategy focusing on four areas: job opportunities, professional development, networking, and personal support.

Terrance Williams has similar advice.  Check out his great article on how to measure job search success.  (You can probably see this coming…it has a lot to do with talking to people!)

You know as well as I that your job search is a journey.
A road map will help get you there faster.  And it will ensure that you’re seeing the best sites, meeting the most interesting people, and enjoying the best rest stops.

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If you’re looking for a new job, you’ve probably heard this a zillion times.  If you want better luck (is it really luck?) in your job search, talk to more people.

So many job seekers are reluctant to get their message out there. And yet, if no one knows what you’re looking for or where you need help, they can’t help you.

I’ve looked for three good resources to help you move from the comfort of your computer to creating successful conversations this week.  Here are my picks:

Chris Fralic reminds us to be specific when we’re asking for help or connections.  Asking someone, “Do you know anyone who is hiring?” is not going to get you as many connections as, “Do you know someone who works in the finance department of a mid-sized company in Minneapolis? I’d like to connect with them to learn more about how their operation works.” Chris’ post on “The Art of the Introduction” is great.

Wondering where to start with this whole networking thing?  Check out Kristen Jacoway’s post on business cards, elevator speech basics, and building relationships. She’s got great advice.

This third resource may be the most powerful. Meghna Majmudar focuses on leading with generosity. Please remember: your goal is to build relationships.  And out of those relationships, you get closer to your next job.

Yes, talking to people is uncomfortable for many. And yes, it takes a little practice.  And yes, it will get you closer to your next job faster.

I’m interested in other networking or relationship building resources. Who or what do you suggest?

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Maybe you saw it coming.  Maybe you didn’t.  The bottom line—your position has been outsourced/downsized/restructured/taken off the org chart.

You’ve had “the conversation” with the HR rep, your box of desk stuff is sitting in the back of your car, and you’re wondering what to do next.  Everything has just tipped upside down.

In previous postings I’ve offered tips and best practices on getting your resume noticed and acing your interview.  This posting will introduce you to the good, the not so good, and the ”You’ve got to be kidding me” of finding a job.

The Good.

• People want to support you.
• You have skills, talents, and experience that will help you land somewhere else.
• You’ve just gotten a few extra days off this year.

The Not so Good.

• It’s probably going to take awhile to find that next job.
• The competition for each job opening will require you to step up your game.
• Staying in your pajamas all day or going for weeks without shaving could become your new reality.  (Stay in the “land of the living.”)

“You’ve got to be Kidding Me.”

• Potential employers don’t do a great job of following-up.  Your resume could be in the “A pile” being reviewed by the top executives, or it could be floating in cyber space.  It’s a toss up.
• You will grow weary of people asking, “So how’s the job search going?”  You just don’t have a new answer or a clever way to say, “Frustrating.”
• You may go from making a very nice salary with benefits and perks to being turned down for a $12.50/hour job.  It defies logic.  It’s the 8^th Wonder of the World.

So what do you do with the good, the not so good, and the “You’ve got to be kidding me”?  You move through them.  So much of the job search process is out of your control. Some of it is frustrating, disappointing, and challenging, but life will go on.

My best advice:

• Know yourself.
• Be yourseslf.
• Sell yourself.

You are the subject matter expert on you.  Nobody knows you better than you do. And your focus will be on telling your story–putting your experience, education, and skills and talents into a package that stands out from all the rest.

You’ve entered a transition.  There’s no manual that will tell you exactly what your experience will look and feel like.  But there are a lot of resources available to guide you through the journey.

Your next steps:

1. Move the box containing your office stuff from the back of your car to your hall closet.
2. Give yourself a couple days to get used to the fact that your employment situation has changed.
3. Breathe.

You are still a person with skills, talents, and abilities that are uniquely yours.  You still have a place in the work world—we just need to get to your next stop.  Focus on “the good.”  Reach out to your friends.  Think about what you want in your next job.

Take one step.  And then another.  And then another.  And then another…

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It’s 8:00 a.m. Monday morning.  You’re usually picking up your blueberry bagel and latte on the way to work.  But today is different.  There’s no place to go.  You don’t have a job.  You are unemployed.

The good news? Millions of people are having the same experience.  The bad news? Millions of people are having the same experience.  (I wonder if the bagel bakers have noticed a decrease in sales.)

When I wrote these words in the Introduction of Find a Job: The Little Book for Big Success, I knew that job seekers would be dealing with a lot more than finding a new place to get their morning pick-me-up.  Job seekers want and need to know the basics.  Where do I start? How do I do this?

We all know that a resume and interview are usually part of finding a job, right? So we tend to get very focused on making sure we have a “good” resume and then just hope for the best when it comes to the interview.

Side note: no one is going to create a really great resume or shine in an interview if they haven’t done it for awhile or frequently. Why? It’s not something that typically comes naturally.  You haven’t practiced or taken lessons on this stuff. And there are few rights and wrongs—so many “it depends.”

So here’s the deal. If you focus on what goes into a best-seller resume or awe-inspiring interview, you’ll find things are a little easier.  Here are my three tips to setting yourself up for a successful job search:

1. Know yourself. Employers want to know about you, your experience, your work habits, your skills.  And who’s the subject matter expert on you?  You!  Take the time to get very clear on your accomplishments and your experience. What made you good on your job? What improved or changed because of your work? What do you do well? Your background is more than a list of job responsibilities. It’s how you showed up every day, what you got done, and how well you did your work.  Employers want to know about you. Be prepared to tell them.

2. Be yourself. Yes, there are helpful guidelines on how to dress for an interview (professional and neat), what to say and not to say (mind your manners and leave the grumbling at home), and how to connect with the interviewer (look in their eyes without creating a stare-down).  Common sense rules.  And you want your personality to come through.  Smile, laugh, use your (respectful) wit, and speak naturally. The interviewer knows you’re probably a little nervous, and the good ones will look through the anxiety and try and find you.  Someone who is smart, experienced, and ready to work.

3. Sell yourself.  That’s right.  The resume and interview are all about selling you, your experience, skills, attitude, etc., in order to get to the next step in the process.  Your resume is your most important marketing piece.  Make sure it sells you and is more than a list of job description responsibilities. You’re the only person in that interview who is going to toot your horn.  So do it!  If you’ve taken the time to get clear on what you have to offer the employer (Step #1), it’s much easier to sell yourself.

Know yourself. Be yourself. Sell yourself.  Since the job search process is about making a connection between what they need and what you’ve got, these three tips make good sense.

A job search is a process and a journey.  There are things you’ll need to do along the way to get you to your destination—a new job.  And remember that there will be speed bumps, stop signs, and forks in the road.  It’s a journey, not a sprint.

Perhaps we’ll meet somewhere along the way! Consider me part of your job search team.

Oh, one last reminder:

Your employment does not define you. Your unemployment does not define you. You have skills and abilities the world needs. Your life matters.

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