How to Have a Career Discussion with My Manager?

by
career-discussion

To be successful, you not only need to be able to work smart and be recognized for it, you also need other skills to help guide you in your career progression.  One of these skills is the ability to discuss your career plan with your boss without seeming like you are complaining about your position, or looking to move on. ...  read more

Four Key Elements of Life

by

I came across a cool definition of life accidentally while doing some research on the MarketingSherpa for my business. It defines the four key element of life.  Before I read what it was, I thought perhaps it’s family, work, friends, and community. Many of us think of our life in these buckets. I was pleasantly surprised to find a much better, and thought provoking definition. ...  read more

Working from Home Sucks

by

Lots of people love the idea of working from home.   With the daily 9-5 routine at a corporate cubicle, the luxury of working from home on your own business definitely represents “greener grass.”  Well, before you decide to do it, you may want to hear my story. This story will also apply to those who are “working” from home to look for a job. ...  read more

Career Lessons from Gen Y

by

Gen Y is definitely a generation to be reckoned with.  We are told their generation will fundamental change the way the work world operates.  I believe it.

I came across this article in the New York Times in Dec 2010 called “No Jobs – Young Graduates Make Their Own” – which talks about how young graduates (Gen Y) who couldn’t find work after they graduated started their own companies on shoestring start-up capital.  Some succeeded and some failed but all learned important lessons about how to drive their own destiny and careers. ...  read more

Inspiration for the New Year

by

Welcome to 2011!   I wanted to share with you a piece of paper I have had on my fridge for the last 5 years.  It’s an interview by Oprah of Maya Angelou on her 70+ birthday.  This interview happened a decade ago but Maya Angelou’s words seem timeless.  In case you have not read it,  I hope you find as much inspiration and perspective from it as I do. ...  read more

Play to your strength

by

It’s the season to be thankful.  As we wrap up 2010, it is important to look back and take stock of all that happened this year.  There may have been both ups and downs but what is really important is what I have learned from them.

  • I learned that it takes patience to achieve anything.  The closer I am to finishing something, the more patient I need to be.
  • I learned that self-doubt is natural and human.  We all experience them at times.  The key is not to eliminate them as that’s impossible.  The key is to ignore them and keep going
  • I learned that I feel anxious whenever I don’t have enough to do.  Learning how to relax and do nothing is a skill
  • I learned that it’s important to do something totally creative to completely de-stress the analytical mind.  For me, I go salsa dancing every week to unwind
  • I learned to take action on the things I can change and communicate and then let go of the things I cannot change
  • I learned to achieve our dreams, I first must be super clear on what it looks like in every detailed aspect.
  • Most of all, I learned to embrace the ups and downs in life.  They are inevitable and unpredictable.  If I want my life only to go upwards, then I would be in constant fear of unexpected changes.  But if I expected a roller coaster in life, then I can  enjoy every part of the ride.

If this has been a rough year for you, don’t beat yourself up any further.   That perspective will not give you re-newed energy in the new year.   We are all human and therefore imperfect.  We are meant to have challenges in life so that we can grow stronger. ...  read more