1 - Educational challenges - What was once massaged your brain into stimulation can become a nuisance after repeated experiences. This is actually one of the leading causes in folks switching jobs/careers. Keep a fresh supply of mental chewing gum by digging into War and Peace, attempting a new language or revisiting high school mathematics.

How this worked for me - Recently, I’ve been trying my gift of gab in the form of Vietnamese. Meeting new people and connecting via this beautiful language has been rewarding beyond description.

2 - Re-arrange your schedule - Obviously, this can be filed under the “easier said than done” category. Trust me on this one though, and take it one step at a time before going as far as to ask for the night shift, hehe. For instance, instead of working out at the gym on M/W/F, give T/Th/Su a go. In this case, by going from one set of times to another, you’ll encounter new people which can lead to increased networking.

How this worked for me - I had honed a 200 average at the bowling alley every Thursday night for months. Now my Lebowski-ness occurs on Tuesdays and my group of pin pals has increased for the better. Oddly enough, the oil conditions are better and my average has risen.

3 - Take the scenic route - Literally, this would mean an alternative route home, and although that qualifies as a refreshing stimulant, I’m talking on a grander scale. Make it a goal to take at least one trip per month to a new town, city, or state on your days off. You can go the way of the lone ranger and cruise solo, but sharing with friends/family enriches the experience.

How this worked for me - Days out and about on the weekends has doubled as a chance to focus on my photography hobby. Bonus!

4 - Plan a get-together with friends - Often times professionals will focus on their career and leave behind the communication with friends and family. Make it a point to grab dinner or have a house party with close friends and/or relatives on fairly frequent basis.

How this worked for me - Some of the best I friends I have were made from specifically seeking time to have fun while not at work. True story.

5 - Keep a 7-day diary - Writing has been proven time and time again to be thoroughly therapeutic. Thoughts can build up like a messy desk in the subconscious of our minds and eventually lead to a wild stress-induced mood swing. Sounds familiar? Yeah, I’ve been there too. Write about anything or everything to clear off that mental deskspace at least once a week. Without mental health and clarity, your happiness is genuinely impaired.

How this worked for me - Writing has provided me an outlet for pent-up feelings and thoughts that would have gone unattended. By casually recognizing what’s on my mind, I’ve been able to do a ton of self-improvement over the past several years. Writing… Modern-Worker approved!

Now, I’m fully aware these adjustments to life aren’t exactly easy or convenient to make, but I promise you’ll be glad you mixed things up. New environments, people and activities will induce a positive, confident spirit!

Share This

With the new year fast approaching, it’s once again time for resolutions. Bear with me now and don’t get too discouraged, as I’m here to help make this a more enjoyable process into your 2008.

Remember last year when you swore up and down you were going to (insert resolution that was KO’d by laziness here) and quickly faded that into the sunset of forgotten promises? Well forget it now… all of it! Stand tall and proud, because this year you’ll realize what you set out to do and become a better person.

Instead of haphazardly making new year’s resolutions that you’ll have trouble keeping up with, make more attainable goals now. For instance, I’ve decided to increase my volunteering efforts to at least twice a month next year.

That’s a minimum of 24 sessions over the course of 12 months, coming out to once every two weeks. I know I can do it, I’ve already tailored my schedule for it, and have built up much excitement mentally. Also, this resolution allows for flexibility. If I cannot make it out to volunteering, there is a week between to make up for lost appointments.

If you’re having a bit of a mental roadblock and cannot drum up a resolution(s), here are 10 to choose from that will boost your career while making you all the more happier.

• 1 - Clean off the desktop area every Friday before leaving work.
• 2 - Re-adjust workspace to be ergonomic, once a month.
• 3 - Give a percentage of each paycheck to worthy charities
• 4 - Contribute a percentage of each paycheck to savings/investments
• 5 - Take a 5 minute walk break every work hour
• 6 - Arrive 15 minutes earlier each day
• 7 - Switch out half of your coffee drinks for cups of tea
• 8 - Drink at least 3 cups of water per day
• 9 - Bring lunch at least 3 days a week
• 10 - Take time to get to know co-workers better

Share This

Today I’d like to share with you a young man I learned of this morning who truly inspired me. I’m sure you’ll be just as touched as I was, by University of North Texas senior John Bramblitt.

Bramblitt, blinded years ago by epilepsy has found painting to be an increasingly enjoyable avenue for expressing the powerful imagery in his mind. Set aside five minutes of your day when possible, and enjoy a glimpse into the positive, productive, joyous life this literature expert leads.

Blind Painter John Bramblitt Will Inspire You

Share This

“To err is human, but to really foul things up you need a computer.” - Paul Ehrlich

“The most overlooked advantage of owning a computer is that if they foul up there’s no law against whacking them around a bit.” - Eric Porterfield

“Computer dating is fine, if you’re a computer.” - Rita May Brown

“The perfect computer has been developed. You just feed in your problems and they never come out again.” - Al Goodman

“All sorts of computer errors are now turning up. You’d be surprised to know the number of doctors who claim they are treating pregnant men.” - Isaac Asimov

“Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.” - Pablo Picasso

“UNIX is basically a simple operating system, but you have to be a genius to understand the simplicity.” - Dennis Ritchie

“Beware of computer programmers that carry screwdrivers.” - Leonard Brandwein

Share This

I find a lot of wisdom in the following 5 quotes which motivate me to reach my professional goals.

Work is either fun or drudgery. It depends on your attitude. I like fun. - Colleen C. Barrett

It’s important to know that words don’t move mountains. Work, exacting work moves mountains. - Danilo Dolci

The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die. - Edward Kennedy

I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen. - Frank Lloyd Wright

Work while you have the light. You are responsible for the talent that has been entrusted to you. - Henri Frederic Amiel

Share This