Dear Friends,
I think it's pretty clear that today's economic climate is affecting virtually everyone in some way or another. Rich or poor, privileged or challenged, no one is immune from today's global events. It saddens me deeply to see dear friends losing their homes, unable to find work, and on the brink of giving up. It's quite probable that you or people you know and love are in similar situations at the moment. If so, I pray that whatever obstacles you're facing bring strength instead of grief.
Although you may be struggling and facing lean times, now more than ever it is so important to give. You see, we are all in this thing called "life" together. That means that we are truly one big global family. What happens in your life matters to me. Those who are hungry and hurting around the world matter to me. And they should matter to every one of us.
Often we become so consumed with our own problems that we forget about the problems of others. Yet, when we put the needs of others first - even when we're at the lowest point in our own lives - we are blessed and we become blessings to others. Isn't that the spirit of Christmas and the real meaning of why we're all here?
Giving can be as simple as sharing a smile, a hug, or a touch on the shoulder. Sure, giving can be monetary and if that speaks to your heart, then by all means write that check! But just as valuable (if not more so) is your time, your attention, your caring ... your love.
Have you ever stopped to talk to a homeless person -- or do you pass them by without making eye contact? Have you given a home to an abandoned animal? Volunteered at the soup kitchen? Taken time out of your Sunday to sing in your church choir? Spent time with an elderly person in a nursing home? Brought food to a hungry family? Offered a bed to a friend who lost their home?
The thing is, we must all come together to help each other. Our world is changing before our eyes and that means that we must also change. Our focus must be less on "self" and more on "others." Caring for the needs of others is a wonderfully fulfilling endeavor. It will heal your own heart, instill hope, and give you joy. There is much truth to the saying, "'Tis better to give than to receive."
Understand that many people today are afraid, worried, and stressed. Are you? Wouldn't you appreciate being treated with compassion and kindness? We must all make a concerted effort to reach out to others with benevolence, and offer the gifts of patience and forgiveness. Let kindness be the motivator that directs your thoughts, actions, and words.
Give of yourself today. Sow a seed of kindness. You will be so glad you did.
Peace and blessings to you this Christmas season. I hope your holiday was filled with the love of Jesus.
Dr. Debra
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
In Search of the Sustainable Job
Greetings Friends,
With so many of our clients being impacted by today's economic crunch, I wanted to offer some insight and suggestions that are proving very helpful for them. I hope they will be beneficial for you as well. Please feel welcome to respond to my blogs to let me know your thoughts. This is a forum for all of us to engage in meaningful dialogue.
If you've been faced with layoffs, unemployment and what seems like the never-ending job search, you're definitely not alone. Today’s global economic crisis has wreaked havoc on industries across virtually all sectors in every country, resulting in the highest unemployment percentages in decades. Forecasters and trend analysts predict, at least according to today’s news reports, that the “economic downturn” (a euphemism for “global financial crisis”) will be front page news for another 14 months. (How the experts determined this is never explained; I guess we'll have to take their word for it ...)
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the tripartite labor body of the United Nations, “the Economic turbulence largely due to credit market turmoil and rising oil prices could spur an increase in global unemployment by an estimated 5 million persons in 2008.”1 “This year’s global jobs picture is one of contrasts and uncertainty,” said ILO Director-General Juan Somavia. “While global growth is annually producing millions of new jobs, unemployment remains unacceptably high and may go to levels not seen before this year. What’s more, though more people are in work than ever before, this doesn’t mean that these jobs are decent jobs. Too many people, if not unemployed, remain among the ranks of the working poor, the vulnerable or the discouraged.”2 Some of the hardest-hit industries in terms of layoffs and unemployment include IT, legal, banking, mortgage, automotive, service sectors, hospitality, retail and wholesale. But, chances are, no matter what your field or career, you’re probably feeling the sting of these challenging economic times. With so many people living in “survival” mode right now, it can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
The good news is that there are myriad proactive measures you can put into place to navigate the turbulent economic waters. First and foremost, it’s essential to maintain an optimistic outlook. Things are not going to be unpleasant forever; they will turn around. And, while it can be difficult to feel cheery when you've just lost your job, there really is no benefit to wallowing in negative energy. Do your best to close the chapter and move on.
If you’ve read any of the self-help books published in the last twenty years, undoubtedly you’ve come across the saying, “What you believe is.” Trite as it may sound, the reality is this statement is quite true. To a great extent, we create our own reality. Thus, despite what we hear on the news, it is possible to thrive – not just survive – in today’s financial times.
Following are some key strategies that will help you stay on the course to success:
1. Consider transitioning into a “sustainable” career. By that I mean a career that is more recession-proof than most. Jobs in fields such as health care, education, government, security and the environment are proving stable despite massive layoffs in other industries.3
According to Kiplinger.com, jobs remain plentiful for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, bilingual teachers (and those who specialize in math and science education), college professors, police officers, detectives, private security guards and international security experts, ecologists, hydrologists and environmental chemists.4
Jobs in the public sector are three times more stable than private sector jobs, mainly because, no matter how bad things get, governments rarely go out of business. Additionally, government jobs offer attractive benefits, bonuses and pensions. If you’re not intimidated by massive behemoth organizations, governments offer a plethora of job choices, from accounting and human resources to defense, the arts, education, public policy and human services, just to name a few.5
Other recession-resistant industries include beauty, gaming, bankruptcy law and services, debt collection, financial consulting, debt management, luxury goods (the uber rich often remain relatively unaffected by economic downturns), politics, funerals and grocery/food.6
If you don't have a college degree, job possibilities still exist, especially if you focus your search on jobs that can't be off-shored. While hospitality and retail have been especially affected by the economy, there are still jobs to be found if you look or, better yet, apply in person. Industries such as health care, automotive, HVAC (heating/air conditioning) and electrical repair also tend to be stable industries for workers without a four-year degree. Health care, in particular, has proven to be a universally stable field and, for those without the college diploma, jobs such as home health aid and medical or dental assistant are usually very solid choices. Many of the aforementioned careers often require either minimal training or certification which require far less time than obtaining a university degree.
Still, most career counselors agree (and I'm one of them) that it’s important to get as much education as possible. It's no secret that more education equals more choices and higher wages.
2. Be flexible. We’ve all heard the saying, “Desperate times call for desperate measures.” While perhaps a bit dramatic, the message here is really about having a “whatever it takes” attitude. If your career as a lawyer has been temporarily sidelined by layoffs and corporate closures, consider temporary options such as management consulting, writing, blogging, speaking, teaching, coaching, or even private practice work. Likewise, if you’re an administrative professional, consider temporary, project and contract assignments, and home-based work such as desktop publishing, bookkeeping, editing and virtual administrative positions. Creativity and open-mindedness are two critical keys to success.
3. Stay connected. It’s normal human behavior to retreat when times get tough. While it's normal for many people to withdraw during hard times, it's important to stay in touch with people who can provide introductions, solutions and nurturing. No matter how bleak things may appear, friends, family and close business contacts can shed a fresh perspective on your situation and, more likely than not, they will know other people in a position to help you. Continue networking, attending business functions, collecting business cards and following up with everyone you meet. The great contact you met at today’s networking breakfast could very well be your employer next week.
4. Create a résumé library. If you’re like most people, you’re probably applying for jobs outside of your primary field of expertise. While it’s imperative that you keep your principal résumé up-to-date, it’s also essential that you create a variety of résumés (and cover letters) that highlight various aspects of your experience and competencies. I strongly advise tailoring each résumé for the job to the specific qualifications being sought. Since most companies now scan résumés electronically, it’s very important that keywords be used prolifically, but strategically.
When it comes to letters of reference, you might ask your references for permission to tweak their recommendations slightly to complement the position for which you’re applying. Employers, who often receive hundreds of résumés per day, are no longer able to give each candidate’s materials the personal attention they certainly deserve. Therefore, it’s advisable to make their job easy and to match yourself on paper as closely as possible to the job you’re seeking.
5. Recession-proof your career. While there are no guarantees in today’s economy, you can take proactive steps to position yourself last in the layoff line. Having a great attitude, quickly volunteering to help out (even if the work isn’t in your job description), continually learning and honing skills, maintaining positive rapport with your boss and coworkers, and maintaining high visibility are smart, savvy strategies.
It’s equally important to be alert to changes within the company and your industry. Sign up for job alerts and stay abreast of positions for which you can apply – just in case. Utilize your memberships in professional associations to search for jobs, study professional journals, connect with peers, attend conferences and build your network.
6. Plan for a brighter future. Now is the time to plan for the economic upturn. You can position yourself for phenomenal success by formulating your turnaround game plan sooner rather than later (remember the old saying, “The early bird gets the worm.”). If you’ve been considering starting an entrepreneurial venture or changing careers, this is an excellent time to begin strategizing your transition. Most important, don’t stop investing in yourself and your career. Hire a coach or mentor now to help you formulate your long-term strategy and to put together an action plan that can be accomplished in small do-able tasks. Complacency, stagnation and fear have no place in your career plan, no matter how bleak a picture the media is painting.
Speaking of the media, turn them off! (See my blog below for more on this topic.) Sure, it’s important to keep abreast of major news but it does absolutely no good to listen to daily messages of doom-and-gloom. In fact, research has shown that continual exposure to negative news can contribute to depression and other mood and behavior disorders.7 You’ll be much better off listening to motivational, inspirational, spiritual and self-help CDs, upbeat Podcasts or books-on-tape. Try it for a week and you’re sure to see a difference in your outlook.
The bottom line is that life is cyclical, comprised of ups and downs, and joys and sorrows. It’s really how we choose to process and cope with life’s challenges that dictate our ultimate success or failure. Ask yourself if “the economy” might offer some important lessons to be learned or opportunities for personal and professional growth. One thing’s for certain, these challenging times are testing everyone’s mettle but what gives me tremendous solace is knowing that we’re all human beings in this thing called “life” together.
Peace and blessings,
Dr. Debra
1. http://www.ifsw.org/en/p38001245.html?force_folder=038000059
2. IBID.
3. http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/starting/archive/2008/st0326.htm
4. IBID.
5. IBID.
6. http://www.hrworld.com/features/top-25-recession-careers-022008/
7. http://www.allacademic.com
With so many of our clients being impacted by today's economic crunch, I wanted to offer some insight and suggestions that are proving very helpful for them. I hope they will be beneficial for you as well. Please feel welcome to respond to my blogs to let me know your thoughts. This is a forum for all of us to engage in meaningful dialogue.
If you've been faced with layoffs, unemployment and what seems like the never-ending job search, you're definitely not alone. Today’s global economic crisis has wreaked havoc on industries across virtually all sectors in every country, resulting in the highest unemployment percentages in decades. Forecasters and trend analysts predict, at least according to today’s news reports, that the “economic downturn” (a euphemism for “global financial crisis”) will be front page news for another 14 months. (How the experts determined this is never explained; I guess we'll have to take their word for it ...)
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the tripartite labor body of the United Nations, “the Economic turbulence largely due to credit market turmoil and rising oil prices could spur an increase in global unemployment by an estimated 5 million persons in 2008.”1 “This year’s global jobs picture is one of contrasts and uncertainty,” said ILO Director-General Juan Somavia. “While global growth is annually producing millions of new jobs, unemployment remains unacceptably high and may go to levels not seen before this year. What’s more, though more people are in work than ever before, this doesn’t mean that these jobs are decent jobs. Too many people, if not unemployed, remain among the ranks of the working poor, the vulnerable or the discouraged.”2 Some of the hardest-hit industries in terms of layoffs and unemployment include IT, legal, banking, mortgage, automotive, service sectors, hospitality, retail and wholesale. But, chances are, no matter what your field or career, you’re probably feeling the sting of these challenging economic times. With so many people living in “survival” mode right now, it can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
The good news is that there are myriad proactive measures you can put into place to navigate the turbulent economic waters. First and foremost, it’s essential to maintain an optimistic outlook. Things are not going to be unpleasant forever; they will turn around. And, while it can be difficult to feel cheery when you've just lost your job, there really is no benefit to wallowing in negative energy. Do your best to close the chapter and move on.
If you’ve read any of the self-help books published in the last twenty years, undoubtedly you’ve come across the saying, “What you believe is.” Trite as it may sound, the reality is this statement is quite true. To a great extent, we create our own reality. Thus, despite what we hear on the news, it is possible to thrive – not just survive – in today’s financial times.
Following are some key strategies that will help you stay on the course to success:
1. Consider transitioning into a “sustainable” career. By that I mean a career that is more recession-proof than most. Jobs in fields such as health care, education, government, security and the environment are proving stable despite massive layoffs in other industries.3
According to Kiplinger.com, jobs remain plentiful for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, bilingual teachers (and those who specialize in math and science education), college professors, police officers, detectives, private security guards and international security experts, ecologists, hydrologists and environmental chemists.4
Jobs in the public sector are three times more stable than private sector jobs, mainly because, no matter how bad things get, governments rarely go out of business. Additionally, government jobs offer attractive benefits, bonuses and pensions. If you’re not intimidated by massive behemoth organizations, governments offer a plethora of job choices, from accounting and human resources to defense, the arts, education, public policy and human services, just to name a few.5
Other recession-resistant industries include beauty, gaming, bankruptcy law and services, debt collection, financial consulting, debt management, luxury goods (the uber rich often remain relatively unaffected by economic downturns), politics, funerals and grocery/food.6
If you don't have a college degree, job possibilities still exist, especially if you focus your search on jobs that can't be off-shored. While hospitality and retail have been especially affected by the economy, there are still jobs to be found if you look or, better yet, apply in person. Industries such as health care, automotive, HVAC (heating/air conditioning) and electrical repair also tend to be stable industries for workers without a four-year degree. Health care, in particular, has proven to be a universally stable field and, for those without the college diploma, jobs such as home health aid and medical or dental assistant are usually very solid choices. Many of the aforementioned careers often require either minimal training or certification which require far less time than obtaining a university degree.
Still, most career counselors agree (and I'm one of them) that it’s important to get as much education as possible. It's no secret that more education equals more choices and higher wages.
2. Be flexible. We’ve all heard the saying, “Desperate times call for desperate measures.” While perhaps a bit dramatic, the message here is really about having a “whatever it takes” attitude. If your career as a lawyer has been temporarily sidelined by layoffs and corporate closures, consider temporary options such as management consulting, writing, blogging, speaking, teaching, coaching, or even private practice work. Likewise, if you’re an administrative professional, consider temporary, project and contract assignments, and home-based work such as desktop publishing, bookkeeping, editing and virtual administrative positions. Creativity and open-mindedness are two critical keys to success.
3. Stay connected. It’s normal human behavior to retreat when times get tough. While it's normal for many people to withdraw during hard times, it's important to stay in touch with people who can provide introductions, solutions and nurturing. No matter how bleak things may appear, friends, family and close business contacts can shed a fresh perspective on your situation and, more likely than not, they will know other people in a position to help you. Continue networking, attending business functions, collecting business cards and following up with everyone you meet. The great contact you met at today’s networking breakfast could very well be your employer next week.
4. Create a résumé library. If you’re like most people, you’re probably applying for jobs outside of your primary field of expertise. While it’s imperative that you keep your principal résumé up-to-date, it’s also essential that you create a variety of résumés (and cover letters) that highlight various aspects of your experience and competencies. I strongly advise tailoring each résumé for the job to the specific qualifications being sought. Since most companies now scan résumés electronically, it’s very important that keywords be used prolifically, but strategically.
When it comes to letters of reference, you might ask your references for permission to tweak their recommendations slightly to complement the position for which you’re applying. Employers, who often receive hundreds of résumés per day, are no longer able to give each candidate’s materials the personal attention they certainly deserve. Therefore, it’s advisable to make their job easy and to match yourself on paper as closely as possible to the job you’re seeking.
5. Recession-proof your career. While there are no guarantees in today’s economy, you can take proactive steps to position yourself last in the layoff line. Having a great attitude, quickly volunteering to help out (even if the work isn’t in your job description), continually learning and honing skills, maintaining positive rapport with your boss and coworkers, and maintaining high visibility are smart, savvy strategies.
It’s equally important to be alert to changes within the company and your industry. Sign up for job alerts and stay abreast of positions for which you can apply – just in case. Utilize your memberships in professional associations to search for jobs, study professional journals, connect with peers, attend conferences and build your network.
6. Plan for a brighter future. Now is the time to plan for the economic upturn. You can position yourself for phenomenal success by formulating your turnaround game plan sooner rather than later (remember the old saying, “The early bird gets the worm.”). If you’ve been considering starting an entrepreneurial venture or changing careers, this is an excellent time to begin strategizing your transition. Most important, don’t stop investing in yourself and your career. Hire a coach or mentor now to help you formulate your long-term strategy and to put together an action plan that can be accomplished in small do-able tasks. Complacency, stagnation and fear have no place in your career plan, no matter how bleak a picture the media is painting.
Speaking of the media, turn them off! (See my blog below for more on this topic.) Sure, it’s important to keep abreast of major news but it does absolutely no good to listen to daily messages of doom-and-gloom. In fact, research has shown that continual exposure to negative news can contribute to depression and other mood and behavior disorders.7 You’ll be much better off listening to motivational, inspirational, spiritual and self-help CDs, upbeat Podcasts or books-on-tape. Try it for a week and you’re sure to see a difference in your outlook.
The bottom line is that life is cyclical, comprised of ups and downs, and joys and sorrows. It’s really how we choose to process and cope with life’s challenges that dictate our ultimate success or failure. Ask yourself if “the economy” might offer some important lessons to be learned or opportunities for personal and professional growth. One thing’s for certain, these challenging times are testing everyone’s mettle but what gives me tremendous solace is knowing that we’re all human beings in this thing called “life” together.
Peace and blessings,
Dr. Debra
1. http://www.ifsw.org/en/p38001245.html?force_folder=038000059
2. IBID.
3. http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/starting/archive/2008/st0326.htm
4. IBID.
5. IBID.
6. http://www.hrworld.com/features/top-25-recession-careers-022008/
7. http://www.allacademic.com
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Thriving in These Economic Times
Greetings!
Are you becoming disheartened by all of the bad news about our economy, the mortgage crisis, rising gas prices and the high cost of food? It's enough to make you want to stay in bed with the covers drawn over your head.
While I agree that times are challenging right now, I don't believe we should allow "The Economy" to get the best of us. The news media bombards our TVs, radios and computer screens with "doom and gloom" messages continuously and perhaps it's time to put a stop on the influx of bad news.
In my last post I discussed the importance of "cleaning your filters." It's so important to be discerning about what we allow into our minds. Remember, what we believe ... IS.
I think if we turn our attention to the things for which we can be thankful, it will help put the rest in perspective. Additionally, I have some tips that will help you thrive, instead of just survive, in today's sluggish economy:
1) Don't buy in to everything you hear. Translation: Don't confuse reality with catastrophe. Don't spend hours watching the news -- give your brain a break. Stay focused on your business, your customers and yourself.
2) Get your fear under control. Nothing is more crippling, paralyzing or detrimental to your personal power than fear.
3) Get involved. Now is NOT the time for complacency. Get up, get out, get busy! Spearhead a project, run for office, host an event, make a difference in your community and in another person's life.
4) Get connected. This is a terrific time to expand your net. Make a list of the people you want to meet. Try on some new networking and social organizations. Ask people you know for introductions to their contacts. And don't forget to connect the folks in your own sphere of influence.
5) Market your values. Think about the companies you really admire and respect. How do they incorporate their values into their messages and customer relationships? Seize this opportunity to leverage your values into business-building messages and promotions.
6) Don't cut your advertising budget! Challenging times call for proactive, aggressive marketing. You must zealously go after business. Ramp up your public relations efforts, engage in "guerrilla" marketing tactics, utilize low-cost viral marketing campaigns. Speak, write and blog - often! If you have no budget for advertising, co-op with other businesses and share the cost.
7) Ask for help. Hey, we're all in this together, so don't be shy about seeking assistance and support from other people. Cull an advisory board, hire a mentor or coach, ask for leads and customers and enlist the help of your employees. Make them a part of the solution and give them a sense of ownership in your business' challenges. They will feel engaged, valued and appreciated.
8) Take care of yourself. We all know that stress kills. At the very least, it can make you sick. Extra hours, money worries and lack of "down time" can affect mood and health. Watch your diet and get some heart-healthy exercise. Take catnaps, 10-minute breaks throughout the day or try meditation. Sleep is essential and most people require a full 8 hours! If you're stressed out and having trouble coping, please seek out the support of a stress management counselor. And, if you haven't had a physical in the past 12 months, get one!
9) Go green. Going green is the smart, efficient and politically correct thing to do right now. Companies with a "sustainable" focus are certainly getting more positive press - and this can translate into more customers. Re-use, recycle and save money. Encourage carpooling and telecommuting. Invest in green buildings and green companies. (You might even buy a "green" office condo and transform it into environmentally-friendly live-work space - what a great way to save on gas!). Lobby for green policies and programs (another way to "get involved").
10) Keep learning. You must stay ahead of the curve in order to remain adaptable and competitive in today's changing business climate. The more you know, the more opportunities you have.
11) Innovate! If you business is a "We've always done it this way" organization, it's time to shake it up. You must be willing - and even eager - to jump out of the box and try things differently. Be a change agent. Be inquisitive. Always ask how can we do this better, smarter, more efficiently.
12) Assess your career. Is it really the economy, or is it actually time for a change? Do you love, love, love your career or are you muddling through each day? Do you look forward to Mondays or do you feel a pit in your stomach come Sunday afternoon? Sure, troubled times can be a factor but, if you're truly living your passion, the economy will have little or no impact on your desire to do what you love.
13) Stay flexible. Go with the flow. Don't panic. Stay open-minded. Embrace change. And remember: Never, ever, ever give up. (Winston Churchill)
14) Keep it in perspective. Bad times, if that's how you choose to look at them, come and go. It's how you react to challenges that shapes your reality.
Are you becoming disheartened by all of the bad news about our economy, the mortgage crisis, rising gas prices and the high cost of food? It's enough to make you want to stay in bed with the covers drawn over your head.
While I agree that times are challenging right now, I don't believe we should allow "The Economy" to get the best of us. The news media bombards our TVs, radios and computer screens with "doom and gloom" messages continuously and perhaps it's time to put a stop on the influx of bad news.
In my last post I discussed the importance of "cleaning your filters." It's so important to be discerning about what we allow into our minds. Remember, what we believe ... IS.
I think if we turn our attention to the things for which we can be thankful, it will help put the rest in perspective. Additionally, I have some tips that will help you thrive, instead of just survive, in today's sluggish economy:
1) Don't buy in to everything you hear. Translation: Don't confuse reality with catastrophe. Don't spend hours watching the news -- give your brain a break. Stay focused on your business, your customers and yourself.
2) Get your fear under control. Nothing is more crippling, paralyzing or detrimental to your personal power than fear.
3) Get involved. Now is NOT the time for complacency. Get up, get out, get busy! Spearhead a project, run for office, host an event, make a difference in your community and in another person's life.
4) Get connected. This is a terrific time to expand your net. Make a list of the people you want to meet. Try on some new networking and social organizations. Ask people you know for introductions to their contacts. And don't forget to connect the folks in your own sphere of influence.
5) Market your values. Think about the companies you really admire and respect. How do they incorporate their values into their messages and customer relationships? Seize this opportunity to leverage your values into business-building messages and promotions.
6) Don't cut your advertising budget! Challenging times call for proactive, aggressive marketing. You must zealously go after business. Ramp up your public relations efforts, engage in "guerrilla" marketing tactics, utilize low-cost viral marketing campaigns. Speak, write and blog - often! If you have no budget for advertising, co-op with other businesses and share the cost.
7) Ask for help. Hey, we're all in this together, so don't be shy about seeking assistance and support from other people. Cull an advisory board, hire a mentor or coach, ask for leads and customers and enlist the help of your employees. Make them a part of the solution and give them a sense of ownership in your business' challenges. They will feel engaged, valued and appreciated.
8) Take care of yourself. We all know that stress kills. At the very least, it can make you sick. Extra hours, money worries and lack of "down time" can affect mood and health. Watch your diet and get some heart-healthy exercise. Take catnaps, 10-minute breaks throughout the day or try meditation. Sleep is essential and most people require a full 8 hours! If you're stressed out and having trouble coping, please seek out the support of a stress management counselor. And, if you haven't had a physical in the past 12 months, get one!
9) Go green. Going green is the smart, efficient and politically correct thing to do right now. Companies with a "sustainable" focus are certainly getting more positive press - and this can translate into more customers. Re-use, recycle and save money. Encourage carpooling and telecommuting. Invest in green buildings and green companies. (You might even buy a "green" office condo and transform it into environmentally-friendly live-work space - what a great way to save on gas!). Lobby for green policies and programs (another way to "get involved").
10) Keep learning. You must stay ahead of the curve in order to remain adaptable and competitive in today's changing business climate. The more you know, the more opportunities you have.
11) Innovate! If you business is a "We've always done it this way" organization, it's time to shake it up. You must be willing - and even eager - to jump out of the box and try things differently. Be a change agent. Be inquisitive. Always ask how can we do this better, smarter, more efficiently.
12) Assess your career. Is it really the economy, or is it actually time for a change? Do you love, love, love your career or are you muddling through each day? Do you look forward to Mondays or do you feel a pit in your stomach come Sunday afternoon? Sure, troubled times can be a factor but, if you're truly living your passion, the economy will have little or no impact on your desire to do what you love.
13) Stay flexible. Go with the flow. Don't panic. Stay open-minded. Embrace change. And remember: Never, ever, ever give up. (Winston Churchill)
14) Keep it in perspective. Bad times, if that's how you choose to look at them, come and go. It's how you react to challenges that shapes your reality.
Success on a deeper level requires a commitment to living life from a global perspective of abundance, generosity, excellence and authenticity.
Now go forth and prosper!
Dr. Debra
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Clean Your Filters
Hello and Happy Holidays!
This is a great time of year to "clean your filters." I'm not referring to your home's heating filters or the air filter in your car. I'm referring to your mental filters - those inherent screening systems that let in the good and, hopefully, keep out the bad.
We're constantly bombarded with images, messages, and other visual and mental stimuli that can have potentially negative effects on our thinking, perceptions, outlook, attitude, and behavior. Consider things such as violent video games, pornography, advertisements (particularly those that target an individual's self-esteem), racist and sexist images, and even the nightly news.
Do you recall a time when your behavior, thinking, or attitudes changed because of something you saw on TV or read in a magazine? I know many women who live by the articles and photos in fashion magazines. They compare themselves to the unrealistic (and very airbrushed!) photos of models, and fear rejection unless they succumb to breast implants and Botox. I know of other people who watch the news religiously and then complain of feeling depressed because the world is such a terrible place.
The solution? Clean your filters! Be extremely selective about what you allow your mind to absorb. You've heard the saying, "You are what you eat." Well, the same holds true about what you see and hear.
Choose entertainment that is uplifting and has a positive message. Be mindful when you watch the news; consider each story's true relevance in your own life. While it is important to be aware of events in the world, we don't have to allow these events to color our outlook on life.
Being selective and saying "no" to certain media messages is a healthy form of self-care. Nurture and protect your self-esteem and mental wellness by fueling your mind with inspiring, positive, and wholesome stimuli. Your synapses will thank you, and I think you'll start to experience a fresh, new perspective. My clients, family, and friends who have adopted this strategy report that they feel "lighter", more invigorated, more optimistic, less angry, and more patient. Cleaning their filters really paid off!
You might want to try this as an experiment for a month. I hope you'll let me know how it works for you!
Wishing you continued success,
Dr. Debra
This is a great time of year to "clean your filters." I'm not referring to your home's heating filters or the air filter in your car. I'm referring to your mental filters - those inherent screening systems that let in the good and, hopefully, keep out the bad.
We're constantly bombarded with images, messages, and other visual and mental stimuli that can have potentially negative effects on our thinking, perceptions, outlook, attitude, and behavior. Consider things such as violent video games, pornography, advertisements (particularly those that target an individual's self-esteem), racist and sexist images, and even the nightly news.
Do you recall a time when your behavior, thinking, or attitudes changed because of something you saw on TV or read in a magazine? I know many women who live by the articles and photos in fashion magazines. They compare themselves to the unrealistic (and very airbrushed!) photos of models, and fear rejection unless they succumb to breast implants and Botox. I know of other people who watch the news religiously and then complain of feeling depressed because the world is such a terrible place.
The solution? Clean your filters! Be extremely selective about what you allow your mind to absorb. You've heard the saying, "You are what you eat." Well, the same holds true about what you see and hear.
Choose entertainment that is uplifting and has a positive message. Be mindful when you watch the news; consider each story's true relevance in your own life. While it is important to be aware of events in the world, we don't have to allow these events to color our outlook on life.
Being selective and saying "no" to certain media messages is a healthy form of self-care. Nurture and protect your self-esteem and mental wellness by fueling your mind with inspiring, positive, and wholesome stimuli. Your synapses will thank you, and I think you'll start to experience a fresh, new perspective. My clients, family, and friends who have adopted this strategy report that they feel "lighter", more invigorated, more optimistic, less angry, and more patient. Cleaning their filters really paid off!
You might want to try this as an experiment for a month. I hope you'll let me know how it works for you!
Wishing you continued success,
Dr. Debra
Friday, June 8, 2007
Please Join Me
Hello dear friends,
Thank you for visiting! Life and work continue to be busy, but terrific, mostly in part because of wonderful clients and visitors like you. I appreciate you!
I wanted to share something with you that has touched my heart on the deepest of levels - the plight of the children in Africa. If you're not aware of the staggering statistics, here are just an eye-opening few:
Thank you for visiting! Life and work continue to be busy, but terrific, mostly in part because of wonderful clients and visitors like you. I appreciate you!
I wanted to share something with you that has touched my heart on the deepest of levels - the plight of the children in Africa. If you're not aware of the staggering statistics, here are just an eye-opening few:
- Over 70% of the world's HIV/AIDS patients live in sub-Saharan Africa. 80 - 90% of malaria deaths also occur in this region.
- Over 80,000 die from HIV/AIDS in Malawi alone. This pandemic is leaving behind scores of orphans who try desperately to raise themselves, often in nothing more than an open-air tent with a dirt floor. Imagine being 8 years old, orphaned, and raising your 5-year old sister and 4-year old brother. Now imagine that both of your siblings are HIV positive. This is a common crisis in Africa.
- 41% of the world's population live in areas where malaria is transmitted. Malaria is one of the world's most deadly diseases; it is spread by mosquitoes.
- By 2010, an estimated 25 million African children under the age of 15 will be orphaned by AIDS.
- The crisis in Africa often hits children the hardest. Many times, if the parents are living, they are HIV-infected. Additionally, many homes have taken in other orphans, thus creating even more poverty in what are already unthinkable living situations.
- According to a report by UNAIDS/Unicef (see below for link), half of the street children living in Zimbabwe are orphans, the majority due to AIDS.
What is needed are funds and resources delivered directly to communities throughout this ravaged country. I ask you today to do what you can to help ease the suffering. There are several respected child welfare organizations that enable you to sponsor children around the world. If you are interested, please visit the Web sites for World Vision, Save the Children, Christian Children's Fund, and Compassion International (links are provided below). For only $20 - $30 a month, you can dramatically change the life of a suffering child. I can't fathom a better - or more fulfilling - way to invest that money. Think about it: $20 is half a tank of gas to you and me. But to a hungry child, it is a month of nourishing food, health care, education and compassion. They need you and they need me. Let's not let them down!
The little boy I sponsor is 8 years old and lives in Mali, Africa. Thankfully, his parents are alive and he lives with them and his sister. Mali is one of the least developed countries in the world, ranking 174th out of 177 countries on the United Nations Development Program’s Human Development Index. It is landlocked, with few resources—much of its land area consists of desert or semi-desert, and it is heavily dependent on donor support. 73 percent of this African country’s 11.7 million people live on a dollar a day or less. Life expectancy is only 49, so the population is dominated by young people; 47 percent of the country’s 11.7 million people are 15 years old or younger. In most cases, emergency treatment is not readily available.
I believe awareness is the first step to making profound change. It was not until about two years ago that I became truly and deeply aware of the crisis in Africa. Once my eyes were opened to the level of catastrophic suffering, this issue has become a passion - and a life mission. In fact, we are in the process of forming a foundation called the "A-List Project" which will raise money for this critically important cause. We will have links on our Web sites which will enable visitors to donate online and become "A-List" members. We will also provide regular announcements sharing with you where your donations have gone and how they have dramatically helped those in need.
I'm excited about our current projects and will keep you posted about news and developments. In the meantime, I welcome your comments and thoughts.
Please pray for our African friends and do whatever you can to help.
Peace and blessings,
Dr. Debra
Resources:
Please visit this link to download the .pdf report, "Children on the Brink," published by UNAIDS and Unicef. The report is dated 2002 and the statistics have only gotten worse since.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Dr. Debra's Latest News
Greetings,
My goodness, how time flies! Since I last visited with you, I have been to Los Angeles, New York and New Jersey, and I've been working with some terrific people and organizations.
First, I'm very excited to announce my affiliation with Panasonic! I am the new spokesperson for their digital document division. So how does an executive mentor become a spokesperson for
a digital document company, you might ask? (Actually, I've been getting asked that question a lot!) As part of my executive mentoring practice, I have worked quite a bit in the fields of organizational development and workplace dynamics. One of the topics I am very interested in is the affect of color in the workplace and how it impacts employee performace, morale, mood, behavior and office aesthetics in general. So, when Panasonic introduced their new line of colorful "eye candy" office machines, it was a natural fit for me to support this ingenious idea. If you'd like to see pictures of their new products, visit their Web site at http://www.panasonic.com/business/office/pro_cmf_c3c.asp. Very cool!
I've also become affiliated with a wonderful new Web site that is set to launch here in the US on April 15 -- www.videojug.com. Check it out. Really a terrific resource for just about any question you might have. The innovation here is in the delivery: sharp, succinct, informative videos. Great idea. The site has been active in the UK for some time and, based on its success, is expanding to our fair shores. I was in Los Angeles videotaping 130 segments on careers and employment a few weeks ago. I'm very excited to be affiliated with this team of professional people and I congratulate them on their good work of providing high quality content and information free of charge. Look for me on 4/15 - tax day!
And last, but certainly not least, I have had the privilege of working with the start-up team for the nation's first and only College of Entrepreneurship, located in Phoenix, Arizona. In partnership with Grand Canyon University, the new College of Entrepreneuship will provide a cutting-edge 4-year bachelors degree in entrepreneurship (and a 1-year certificate program), deftly preparing graduates for successful careers in businesses they will call their own. Not only is the program offering a comprehensive hands-on curriculum, the College has also secured significant funding to assist top students in launching their stellar business ideas. Of course, mentoring is a critical aspect of the program, and I'm very pleased to be assisting in both the development of the curriculum and the mentoring components.
For those of you who read my latest column on "Yahoo Hot Jobs" ("How to Tell if Your Job Is in Jeopardy") and contacted me, thank you. Your stories are touching, informative and immensely valuable. I appreciate you taking the time to get in touch and I look forward to hearing much more from you!
Till next time --
Dr. Debra
My goodness, how time flies! Since I last visited with you, I have been to Los Angeles, New York and New Jersey, and I've been working with some terrific people and organizations.
First, I'm very excited to announce my affiliation with Panasonic! I am the new spokesperson for their digital document division. So how does an executive mentor become a spokesperson for
a digital document company, you might ask? (Actually, I've been getting asked that question a lot!) As part of my executive mentoring practice, I have worked quite a bit in the fields of organizational development and workplace dynamics. One of the topics I am very interested in is the affect of color in the workplace and how it impacts employee performace, morale, mood, behavior and office aesthetics in general. So, when Panasonic introduced their new line of colorful "eye candy" office machines, it was a natural fit for me to support this ingenious idea. If you'd like to see pictures of their new products, visit their Web site at http://www.panasonic.com/business/office/pro_cmf_c3c.asp. Very cool!
I've also become affiliated with a wonderful new Web site that is set to launch here in the US on April 15 -- www.videojug.com. Check it out. Really a terrific resource for just about any question you might have. The innovation here is in the delivery: sharp, succinct, informative videos. Great idea. The site has been active in the UK for some time and, based on its success, is expanding to our fair shores. I was in Los Angeles videotaping 130 segments on careers and employment a few weeks ago. I'm very excited to be affiliated with this team of professional people and I congratulate them on their good work of providing high quality content and information free of charge. Look for me on 4/15 - tax day!
And last, but certainly not least, I have had the privilege of working with the start-up team for the nation's first and only College of Entrepreneurship, located in Phoenix, Arizona. In partnership with Grand Canyon University, the new College of Entrepreneuship will provide a cutting-edge 4-year bachelors degree in entrepreneurship (and a 1-year certificate program), deftly preparing graduates for successful careers in businesses they will call their own. Not only is the program offering a comprehensive hands-on curriculum, the College has also secured significant funding to assist top students in launching their stellar business ideas. Of course, mentoring is a critical aspect of the program, and I'm very pleased to be assisting in both the development of the curriculum and the mentoring components.
For those of you who read my latest column on "Yahoo Hot Jobs" ("How to Tell if Your Job Is in Jeopardy") and contacted me, thank you. Your stories are touching, informative and immensely valuable. I appreciate you taking the time to get in touch and I look forward to hearing much more from you!
Till next time --
Dr. Debra
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Resolve to Make This Your Best Year Yet
The New Year is always a time of renewal, excitement and possibility. As I started to think about the many things I hope to accomplish this year, my list began to morph into something more global, and I thought I’d share it with you with the hope that you will join me in my resolve to really make a difference in 2007.
Here’s the list:
Resolve to raise the bar. Expect more and deliver more. Speak up! Dress up! Raise your own personal standards. Don’t settle for the status quo and do not accept mediocrity.
Resolve to contribute. Pitch in. Give back. Write a check – a big one. Donate items you no longer use. Give a homeless person or an ex-offender a chance to change their life. Help others in need - they’re all around us.
Resolve to get involved. Make the effort to make a difference. Volunteer, spearhead a campaign, lobby, be someone’s champion. Get behind a cause and go for it and don’t worry about what other people think. The important thing is to do something and not just watch from the sidelines.
Resolve to get connected. Reach out. Meet people. Invite someone to lunch. We’re so caught up in e-mail, voice mail and telephones, that we’re forgetting the value of “face time.” Get out of the office, turn off the Blackberry and spend quality time with people, face to face.
Resolve to live your values. What’s really important to you? Are your actions and communication in keeping with your core values? Clarity of purpose and intention catapult individuals to the pinnacle of their success. If you’re not clear about your personal value system, contact me and I’ll send you a complimentary values worksheet.
Resolve to mentor someone. There is little else that gives as much joy as supporting and guiding someone in their pursuits. The best mentors have a sincere desire to see their protégés become more successful than they are, whatever that definition of success might be. Reach out to a student, a budding entrepreneur, a new employee or a new resident and support their efforts. You’ll not only be impacting the life of an individual, you will be impacting our community as a whole.
Resolve to ask for help when you need it. Cull an advisory board, get a mentor, work with a coach and/or hire a consultant. The most successful business people are surrounded by the best and brightest. Find them and bring them into your circle.
Resolve to take care of yourself. Good health is essential to our functioning. “Use it or lose it” is absolutely true. Making a commitment to a healthy lifestyle is tough, but the payoff is in vitality, stamina, focus, energy, well being and longevity. You can’t climb the mountain to your personal pinnacle if you’re out of shape, so resolve to get healthy so you can enjoy the journey as well as your ultimate destination.
Resolve to go green. Do something to help the environment. Change at least one bad habit (letting the water run while you brush your teeth, for example). Switch to low-use shower heads and environmentally friendly light bulbs. Re-use office paper and buy recycled materials. Recycle, replenish, restore. Don’t waste, don’t litter and don’t pollute.
Resolve to learn. Expand your mind, skills and capabilities by taking a class, getting a degree or simply reading up on topics of interest. Every time you learn, you create new neural pathways in the brain. Not bad for just reading a book.
Resolve to get passionate. Get fired up about something – a cause, a project, a new business venture, a political issue. Let’s banish complacency in 2007.
Resolve to innovate. If you’re stuck in the “we’ve always done it this way” mentality, there’s no better time to get out of the quagmire and change your thinking. Try something new, even if it’s just a new route to work.
Resolve to assess your career. Do you love what you do? Would you do it for free? If you can’t wholeheartedly answer “YES!” to both questions, perhaps it’s time for a change.
Resolve to contribute to the life of a child. Is there anything better than that?
Resolve to help the animal population. Have your pets spayed and neutered. Adopt a pet in need and support our local animal shelters and organizations. Theirs is hard, heart-wrenching work and they deserve our help.
Resolve to show appreciation to our military service people. Send a “care” package, a note of appreciation, or make a telephone call. Our troops, both here and stationed around the world, need us.
Here’s to your success in 2007!
Dr. Debra
Here’s the list:
Resolve to raise the bar. Expect more and deliver more. Speak up! Dress up! Raise your own personal standards. Don’t settle for the status quo and do not accept mediocrity.
Resolve to contribute. Pitch in. Give back. Write a check – a big one. Donate items you no longer use. Give a homeless person or an ex-offender a chance to change their life. Help others in need - they’re all around us.
Resolve to get involved. Make the effort to make a difference. Volunteer, spearhead a campaign, lobby, be someone’s champion. Get behind a cause and go for it and don’t worry about what other people think. The important thing is to do something and not just watch from the sidelines.
Resolve to get connected. Reach out. Meet people. Invite someone to lunch. We’re so caught up in e-mail, voice mail and telephones, that we’re forgetting the value of “face time.” Get out of the office, turn off the Blackberry and spend quality time with people, face to face.
Resolve to live your values. What’s really important to you? Are your actions and communication in keeping with your core values? Clarity of purpose and intention catapult individuals to the pinnacle of their success. If you’re not clear about your personal value system, contact me and I’ll send you a complimentary values worksheet.
Resolve to mentor someone. There is little else that gives as much joy as supporting and guiding someone in their pursuits. The best mentors have a sincere desire to see their protégés become more successful than they are, whatever that definition of success might be. Reach out to a student, a budding entrepreneur, a new employee or a new resident and support their efforts. You’ll not only be impacting the life of an individual, you will be impacting our community as a whole.
Resolve to ask for help when you need it. Cull an advisory board, get a mentor, work with a coach and/or hire a consultant. The most successful business people are surrounded by the best and brightest. Find them and bring them into your circle.
Resolve to take care of yourself. Good health is essential to our functioning. “Use it or lose it” is absolutely true. Making a commitment to a healthy lifestyle is tough, but the payoff is in vitality, stamina, focus, energy, well being and longevity. You can’t climb the mountain to your personal pinnacle if you’re out of shape, so resolve to get healthy so you can enjoy the journey as well as your ultimate destination.
Resolve to go green. Do something to help the environment. Change at least one bad habit (letting the water run while you brush your teeth, for example). Switch to low-use shower heads and environmentally friendly light bulbs. Re-use office paper and buy recycled materials. Recycle, replenish, restore. Don’t waste, don’t litter and don’t pollute.
Resolve to learn. Expand your mind, skills and capabilities by taking a class, getting a degree or simply reading up on topics of interest. Every time you learn, you create new neural pathways in the brain. Not bad for just reading a book.
Resolve to get passionate. Get fired up about something – a cause, a project, a new business venture, a political issue. Let’s banish complacency in 2007.
Resolve to innovate. If you’re stuck in the “we’ve always done it this way” mentality, there’s no better time to get out of the quagmire and change your thinking. Try something new, even if it’s just a new route to work.
Resolve to assess your career. Do you love what you do? Would you do it for free? If you can’t wholeheartedly answer “YES!” to both questions, perhaps it’s time for a change.
Resolve to contribute to the life of a child. Is there anything better than that?
Resolve to help the animal population. Have your pets spayed and neutered. Adopt a pet in need and support our local animal shelters and organizations. Theirs is hard, heart-wrenching work and they deserve our help.
Resolve to show appreciation to our military service people. Send a “care” package, a note of appreciation, or make a telephone call. Our troops, both here and stationed around the world, need us.
Here’s to your success in 2007!
Dr. Debra
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