Can you believe it? 2008 is just about over, but it just began. As you reflect back on your year you can identify all kinds of good and bad. As Robert Schuller said "Always look at what you have left. Never look at what you have lost".
Now is a good time to measure what you have done extremely well and worked best so far. As you begin laying your plans for the new year, new adventures, and especially new opportunities. Work hard to listen out there. As hard as it seems to do, when you are in a hurry to satisfy that need, just listen to others. Meet those friends and get out to new venues, networking opportunities and the pursuit of Happiness.
Many have told me that they have realized that there is actually more to life than money. There's a big statement, particularly if you have outstanding bills. I am talking about the bigger picture. You'll take care of the small stuff one way or the other. Allow that creative brain of yours get to work.
Go forth, lay out plans and be sure to include Having fun, Meeting people and Learning something.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
How was it?
Did you get everything you wanted for Christmas? Silly question, right? It's really not what's in it for me but more of what we can give.
As children we couldn't wait to see if Santa brought our wish list. Only to find that sometimes everything we wanted wasn't there. Then to grow up and find there is more than material gifts too besides what can we give others.
So it goes in the Opportunity hunt. We may think the potential employers may have something for us yet in all reality we need to see what they need. What can we do for them, whether it be offer our services or that of another that we know. You become an asset to employers in that way. Sometimes your paybacks may be not where you expect.
This is a great time to do research, help others and Karma will come back to you.
As children we couldn't wait to see if Santa brought our wish list. Only to find that sometimes everything we wanted wasn't there. Then to grow up and find there is more than material gifts too besides what can we give others.
So it goes in the Opportunity hunt. We may think the potential employers may have something for us yet in all reality we need to see what they need. What can we do for them, whether it be offer our services or that of another that we know. You become an asset to employers in that way. Sometimes your paybacks may be not where you expect.
This is a great time to do research, help others and Karma will come back to you.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to all of you.
Today is a good day to sit back with family, friends and memories. Relax and just enjoy the time. All those pursuits will still be waiting next week.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Memories of the past
With more and more seniority, here on earth, I find there are more and more memories from the past. Currently we have had some inclement weather, requiring chains or traction devices. That took me back to a memory, of being a child, at the mountain cabin in the High Sierras. Being at about 7,200 feet elevation at Echo Summit, California we saw lots of snow in the winter. As that child I always wanted it to snow. I learned early on that if I heard the whirring of those metal chains on vehicles it meant there was usually snow on the roads and we may have received some new snow. I can still here that clinking sound in my head.
So as I am driving around now most folks have cable chains or other new kinds that don't make that same noise. Yet my brain hears it.
Does that happen to you as you are on your quest for that next opportunity? Are you waiting to hear them say "We'd love to have you join our firm"? It sure seemed easier back then. So what has happened? Simply you have gotten older and more picky. That's not all bad though. You need to be picky. Remember what is worse than being unemployed? It is working where you are not happy.
So, just as I won't hear those old style chains, very often, anymore you may not hear the offer as often as you used to. The challenge to you is to keep your spirits high and trudge forward until you uncover the right one for you.
So as I am driving around now most folks have cable chains or other new kinds that don't make that same noise. Yet my brain hears it.
Does that happen to you as you are on your quest for that next opportunity? Are you waiting to hear them say "We'd love to have you join our firm"? It sure seemed easier back then. So what has happened? Simply you have gotten older and more picky. That's not all bad though. You need to be picky. Remember what is worse than being unemployed? It is working where you are not happy.
So, just as I won't hear those old style chains, very often, anymore you may not hear the offer as often as you used to. The challenge to you is to keep your spirits high and trudge forward until you uncover the right one for you.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
We've been here before
Are you beat up yet? Do the headlines have you down? Has it been dark and gloomy everywhere you go? Do you find your net worth is a lot less that a year ago?
On and on we can go. Oddly enough we have been here before. Maybe you haven't been here like this before or maybe you have. Either way this to shall pass. It doesn't seem that way at this time. As I look back it seems that each time this happens it feels worse than any other time. Maybe so and maybe not, the fact is we are here. No need to wait for times to improve, your objective is to make opportunities happen. Research, networking and helping others. Get out there and have a little fun, meet some new people and definitely learn something.
On and on we can go. Oddly enough we have been here before. Maybe you haven't been here like this before or maybe you have. Either way this to shall pass. It doesn't seem that way at this time. As I look back it seems that each time this happens it feels worse than any other time. Maybe so and maybe not, the fact is we are here. No need to wait for times to improve, your objective is to make opportunities happen. Research, networking and helping others. Get out there and have a little fun, meet some new people and definitely learn something.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Are you on auto pilot?
This morning, after showering, I was squeegeeing down the tile. Normally I have a routine but a week ago I changed the pattern for a more efficient one. I noticed that when I began I almost finished before being done because my body and mind were used to that spot being the end. It interested that we could be on auto pilot so easily.
So, what has this got to do with you? Do you find that by innate ability or instinct you always go about a task in the same way? As you perform your search, gather info, do an interview, introduce yourself the same as always? Obviously it happens easily.
Next try a new, different way just for the fun of it, no telling what else you might learn.
So, what has this got to do with you? Do you find that by innate ability or instinct you always go about a task in the same way? As you perform your search, gather info, do an interview, introduce yourself the same as always? Obviously it happens easily.
Next try a new, different way just for the fun of it, no telling what else you might learn.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Self Esteem
In a recent Job Finders meeting an attendee related his story of something unexpected. I had invited everyone to attend The Leadership Forum, in Beaverton OR., and he showed up on that Sat. The speaker was good and opened our minds to some new thinking.
In the interactive part of the meeting, after the speaker, we had a panel discussion and Hathaway was invited to be part of the panel. In the panel he was to describe his role that was assigned to him. He related to us that that experienced opened something up to him. It made him think out of the box to start with. It gave him a feeling of worth again, something never expected. From that experience he looked across the table and told a fellow attendee today that he would be joining him at his Toastmasters meeting to see what that would do.
In the interactive part of the meeting, after the speaker, we had a panel discussion and Hathaway was invited to be part of the panel. In the panel he was to describe his role that was assigned to him. He related to us that that experienced opened something up to him. It made him think out of the box to start with. It gave him a feeling of worth again, something never expected. From that experience he looked across the table and told a fellow attendee today that he would be joining him at his Toastmasters meeting to see what that would do.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Crabby Old Man-Something to think about
Crabby Old Man
When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a small hospital Near Tampa, Florida, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value. Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, They found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that Copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital. One nurse took her copy to Missouri . The old man's sole bequest To posterity has since appeared in the Christmas edition of the News Magazine of the St. Louis Association for Mental Health. A slide presentation Has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem. And this little old man, with nothing left to give to the world, Is now the author of this "anonymous" poem winging across the Internet.
Crabby Old Man
What do you see nurses?
.....What do you see?
What are you thinking
......when you're looking at me?
A crabby old man, .....not very wise, Uncertain of habit
........with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food.......and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice....."I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice ..the things that you do.
And forever is losing .............. A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not
...........lets you do as you will, With bathing and feeding
....... The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse......you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am ....... As I sit here so still, As I do at your bidding,
......as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten......with a father and mother, Brothers and sisters
.......who love one another
A young boy of Sixteen
...........with wings on his feet Dreaming that soon now.
..........a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty
.........my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows........that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now ........ I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide
..... And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty ....... My young now grown fast, Bound to each other
........ With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons ........have grown and are gone, But my woman's beside me
........to see ! I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, .......... Babies play 'round my knee, Again, we know children
......... My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me
......... My wife is now dead.
I look at the future ............I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing ........young of their own.
And I think of the years...... And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man.........and nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age .......look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles..........grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone........where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass ....
A young guy still dwells, And now and again
.......my battered heart swells. I remember the joys.
............. I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living.............life over again.
I think of the years ...all too few......gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact........that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people ..........open and see.
. Not a crabby old man. Look closer....see........ME!!
Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you Might brush aside without looking at the young soul within.....we will all, One day, be there, too! PLEASE SHARE THIS POEM The best and most beautiful things of this World can't be seen or touched. They must be felt by the heart. God Bless. GROWING OLD IS NOT FOR SISSIES! ! !
When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a small hospital Near Tampa, Florida, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value. Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, They found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that Copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital. One nurse took her copy to Missouri . The old man's sole bequest To posterity has since appeared in the Christmas edition of the News Magazine of the St. Louis Association for Mental Health. A slide presentation Has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem. And this little old man, with nothing left to give to the world, Is now the author of this "anonymous" poem winging across the Internet.
Crabby Old Man
What do you see nurses?
.....What do you see?
What are you thinking
......when you're looking at me?
A crabby old man, .....not very wise, Uncertain of habit
........with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food.......and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice....."I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice ..the things that you do.
And forever is losing .............. A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not
...........lets you do as you will, With bathing and feeding
....... The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse......you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am ....... As I sit here so still, As I do at your bidding,
......as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten......with a father and mother, Brothers and sisters
.......who love one another
A young boy of Sixteen
...........with wings on his feet Dreaming that soon now.
..........a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty
.........my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows........that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now ........ I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide
..... And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty ....... My young now grown fast, Bound to each other
........ With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons ........have grown and are gone, But my woman's beside me
........to see ! I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, .......... Babies play 'round my knee, Again, we know children
......... My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me
......... My wife is now dead.
I look at the future ............I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing ........young of their own.
And I think of the years...... And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man.........and nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age .......look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles..........grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone........where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass ....
A young guy still dwells, And now and again
.......my battered heart swells. I remember the joys.
............. I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living.............life over again.
I think of the years ...all too few......gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact........that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people ..........open and see.
. Not a crabby old man. Look closer....see........ME!!
Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you Might brush aside without looking at the young soul within.....we will all, One day, be there, too! PLEASE SHARE THIS POEM The best and most beautiful things of this World can't be seen or touched. They must be felt by the heart. God Bless. GROWING OLD IS NOT FOR SISSIES! ! !
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Three essential questions when meeting someone
Rob Saxton, Superintendent of public schools in the Tigard/Tualatin school district, shared the following precepts when meeting a potential employee:
1. Do I trust you?
2. Will you respect me as much as I will respect you?
3. Are you committed to excellence?
If there is a no answer here it isn't going to work.
Rob spoke recently (12/6/08) at our Leadership Forum in Beaverton, Or. and delivered some really great information from a public employees stand on leadership. Some of his education formed from his parents, some teachers and a football coach in college.
1. Do I trust you?
2. Will you respect me as much as I will respect you?
3. Are you committed to excellence?
If there is a no answer here it isn't going to work.
Rob spoke recently (12/6/08) at our Leadership Forum in Beaverton, Or. and delivered some really great information from a public employees stand on leadership. Some of his education formed from his parents, some teachers and a football coach in college.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
So! You just got your pink slip!
This is a topic I speak on periodically. Not a fun thought for sure. Many of you have experienced this loss. When it happens do you find yourself all prepared and ready to hit the street running? Of course not. It doesn't work that way.
When we experience life altering experiences (Birth, death, marriage, purchase of large monetary object) we grieve. Sometimes we don't think about it yet we do. So when you lose your job why would you not have to grieve? It may have been an extended family for you, it is your loved career and what you educated yourself for. Now it has been taken away.
The truth be known a huge factor is your money supply got cut off and now you have to find a replacement. That is down and dirty the truth.
The point is remember you must grieve. We all do that differently yet we must do it.
When we experience life altering experiences (Birth, death, marriage, purchase of large monetary object) we grieve. Sometimes we don't think about it yet we do. So when you lose your job why would you not have to grieve? It may have been an extended family for you, it is your loved career and what you educated yourself for. Now it has been taken away.
The truth be known a huge factor is your money supply got cut off and now you have to find a replacement. That is down and dirty the truth.
The point is remember you must grieve. We all do that differently yet we must do it.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Do you Twitter? I certainly don't , yet anyway. After a long discussion the other night I may have to rethink of Twittering. I know this isn't what many of you wanted to hear.
Just remember a personal philosophy of mine. "When I stop learning I die" I feel that more now than ever. You can read what Guy Kawasaki has to say about it.
Fine
Just remember a personal philosophy of mine. "When I stop learning I die" I feel that more now than ever. You can read what Guy Kawasaki has to say about it.
Fine
Sunday, December 7, 2008
The pill
Have you found the pill yet? No, I don't mean the little blue one silly. That magical pill that will cure your ills. Many times we wish we could find one to lose weight, take away our personal problems or financial losses.
The fact is you actually have the "pill". Yes you already have the pill. You've always had it with you. It's form and shape may be different for you than someone else. It isn't always as obvious as we want either. It isn't particularly in the medicine cabinet.
YOU are the pill. Yes YOU! You actually have the answers you need, with a little introspection and and calmness you too can find it.
The fact is you actually have the "pill". Yes you already have the pill. You've always had it with you. It's form and shape may be different for you than someone else. It isn't always as obvious as we want either. It isn't particularly in the medicine cabinet.
YOU are the pill. Yes YOU! You actually have the answers you need, with a little introspection and and calmness you too can find it.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Check that list twice
As we are now into December you'll want to check that list twice. The list here is your calendar and the events you'll be attending. In addition to familial gatherings be sure and include outside events. There are so many to attend and you will find them in your local papers, bulletin boards, churches and even on the Job Finders Support Group website.
As you make your list be sure to include events different than normal. Places you read about but push off to the side. Spread your wings and try something different. Remember that your life changes when you change.
As you make your list be sure to include events different than normal. Places you read about but push off to the side. Spread your wings and try something different. Remember that your life changes when you change.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
What's on your shopping list?
Have you made out your list yet for Christmas? No, not for you silly. For those close to you. Whether it be family or friends. Time is moving faster than you think. As you are out looking for your next opportunity you still need to continue with life.
The irony here is that if you pay attention and listen you may even find a new lead or idea. The worst that will happen is you will be on your way to get your Christmas shopping done before Christmas.
The irony here is that if you pay attention and listen you may even find a new lead or idea. The worst that will happen is you will be on your way to get your Christmas shopping done before Christmas.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Gatherings
This time of year there are many gatherings. Parties if you want. Now is not the time to stay away from them. Natural tendencies are embarrassment and not wanting to talk with friends because they might ask what you are up to or have you found a "job" yet. They care and sometimes just don't know how to ask or are fearful it could be them next.
Get out there and accept as many invitations as you can and are comfortable with. Go to local networking events, practice your elevator speech. Take your contact cards and be lining up meetings through the month. Stay busy and help others, you have a lot to offer.
Remember that events seem to change when we change.
Get out there and accept as many invitations as you can and are comfortable with. Go to local networking events, practice your elevator speech. Take your contact cards and be lining up meetings through the month. Stay busy and help others, you have a lot to offer.
Remember that events seem to change when we change.
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