Summer-Time to Reexamine Life Career Goals – Plan for Success
Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life Shows How
www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963
Summer offers us an
opportunity for a change of pace. For some, it is travelling away from work. For
others, it’s an opportunity to garden, hike in the mountains, or walk along the
river, Others enjoy sipping coffee on chatting
with friends on the patio, Still others enjoy reading a book outdoors in a
pleasant spot to connect with nature and their spiritual self!
Based on ongoing research,
award winning, Questers Dare to Change
shows how to empower yourself to manage lifelong personal, career, and
spiritual growth.
Take the Quester Quiz: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/services-2/quester-quiz
Author
Bio:
Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital
columnist, registered psychologist, speaker coach and author of Questers Dare to Change Your Job and
Life. Kanchier has taught at University of California,
Berkeley and Santa Cruz,
University
of Alberta,
and other institutions of higher learning. Dr. Kanchier is known for her
pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.
Carole is available for
speaking engagements and consultations.
Mike has emailed 500 resumes over the
past few months, but still has no responses.
Is your search coming up empty? Are you knowledgeable
about appropriate job-hunting strategies? Answer True or False.
1. Responding to want ads is a waste of time.
2. Effective job hunters devote many hours to
research.
3. You need to sell yourself to get the right job.
4. Executive Recruiter is another name for employment
agency.
5. Networking is the best single method of getting a
job.
6. Job hunters get about ten interviews for every 100
resumes mailed.
Answers
1. False. You can
improve your chances with creativity and effort.
Browse through all want ads in newspapers and the
Internet. Answer ads that appeal to you, if you have most qualifications
listed.
In addition to looking at your professional section,
peruse other headings. Accounting positions could be listed under accounting as
well as construction, education or other.
Identify key words used in the ads. If appropriate,
use these key words to describe your skills and accomplishments in your
resume. Include concrete examples.
Call within two weeks to ensure your letter was
received and reviewed. Ask how interview candidates will be chosen. State what
you can offer. Request an interview.
2. True. Research is often the most neglected part of
job search. Effective research can help you identify job possibilities and
investigate prospective companies. Research will help you focus and shorten
your search.
To identify potential positions, peruse “The Wall
Street Journal,” “Business Week” and other business
publications. Check Internet sites such as www.careercrossroads.com. Ask
members of your contact network. Attend career fairs, trade shows and
professional conferences.
Also look for hidden job leads. A newspaper article or
television story describing a new product may suggest positions with a new
company or expansion of a larger one.
To get information about prospective employers, check
directories such as “Rich’s Guide,” “Million Dollar
Directory,” “Moody’s Complete
Corporate Index,” Internet sites and personal contacts.
3. True. Think of yourself as a product to be
marketed. Polish your total presentation. Dress professionally. Radiate
optimism. Be positive and direct in your written and oral communication. Appear
comfortable with your accomplishments and confident about your future.
Develop a portfolio to document your accomplishments.
Share these with company interviewers. Include letters of recommendation from
customers, commendations from superiors, company awards, and projects and
professional seminars completed.
4. False. Search firms, often called executive
recruiters or “headhunters,” represent employers, not job seekers.
Recruiters often specialize in certain kinds of jobs, such as engineering or
senior management.
If you’re conducting a national search for a senior
level position, with a company employing more than 500 people, register with
headhunters. But since your chances of getting a position this way are slim,
use other search strategies.
Don’t deal with firms that want a fee. For information
about recruiters, consult the Directory of Executive Recruiters or the Yellow
Pages.
5. True. Networking is the best way to get a job. It
enables you to increase your contacts and gives useful information, such as
what unadvertised positions are available and what companies are hiring. Eighty
to eighty-five percent of all employment comes from this method.
List everybody you know who might help you find
employment. Keep abreast of new developments in your field and add to your
contact list by joining professional, trade, alumni or civic groups. Create
ways to meet people who are in hiring positions. Ask for introductions. Make
cold calls.
6. False. Two to five for every 100 is more likely.
Although direct mail (newspaper or electronic) is not productive for most, you can make it work for you.
Identify and contact the hiring managers in companies
of interest. You may uncover opportunities that won’t be advertised. Show, in
your letter and resume, that you have the qualifications for a particular job.
List your accomplishments that best relate to the targeted position, and
request an interview. Follow up with a phone call.
Don’t be discouraged by rejections. They’re normal.
Persevere. If you miss one opportunity, believe you’ll get a better one.
Maintain confidence. Have faith.
Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized
newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, speaker,coach and author of award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life. Kanchier has taught at University of California,
Berkeley and Santa Cruz,
University of Alberta, and other institutions of
higher learning. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary
approach to human potential.
Carole is
available for consultations and presentations.
Is the current pandemic influencing your personal and professional
life? Do you fear losing your job, status, security? Are you afraid of a poor boss, higher
workload? Do you manage change well?
Questers who
adapt to change:
Are self-reliant, resilient, flexible
Like learning, challenge
Value growth over security
Adapt quickly to new situations
Like trying new things
Handle stress well.
People who
are less adaptable:
Like stability, structure, predictability
Are cautious, dislike fast-paced
environments
Dislike variety
Are bothered
when something interrupts routine
Are frustrated with time pressures
Do things the same way.
You can
strengthen Quester traits to manage change
1. Accept and come to terms with change.
Understand the five emotional stages of the
change process: shock, denial and disbelief; fear and anxiety; resistance,
anger and blame; acceptance and exploration; and commitment to action.
Express
feelings.Discuss
your concerns, fears and plans with a trusted friend. Dispel anger. Write down
negative thoughts and feelingsindicating why you feel this way. Note
your explanations. When they’re pessimistic, dispute them. Use evidence,
alternatives, implications and usefulness as guides.
Identify and overcome obstacles.Clarify what
you fear losing. Barriers could include fear of failing in a new job or guilt
that change might create family hardships. Describe ways to minimize these.
2. Empower yourself. Although you
can’t control outcomes of external events, you can control your attitudes and
beliefs. View change as a growth opportunity.
Change perceptions.
A major stressor is how you see threats to your well-being, and the perception
you can’t cope, don’t have options. Since your perceptual bias is learned, it
can be unlearned. Believe you’ll succeed.
Identify opportunities created by change. Focus on improvements resulting from change. Find ways to
contribute to the team/department.
– Take responsibility for learning. Make the job a learning laboratory. Challenge
yourself.Learn and experiment with something new, rather than
previously mastered tasks. Acquire knowledge/skills in your field, but also
expose yourself to information outside your specialty. Surround yourself with
diverse stimuli. Every day, do something
to improve yourself.
– Maintain
optimism.Reinforce
the positive in yourself and others. Associate with positive people. Expect good things. Watch your self-talk. Replace
negative statements with positive ones. Emotionally believe you can control
situations. Keep a diary of each day’s good experiences.
– Care for your mind, body, emotions and spirit. Schedule quiet times to think, reassess. Practice stress
relievers such as deep breathing, exercise, meditation. Eat healthy, get
sufficient sleep.
Choose productive attitudes and behaviors. Identify people,
places, activities and conditions that both revitalize and drain you. Each month, pursue one revitalizing activity
and eliminate one depleting activity.
– Build
confidence. Acknowledge your accomplishments. Post
a list of achievements and positive personality characteristics where you can
read it daily. Don’t change for others, or compare yourself with others. Don’t
dwell on past mistakes. State affirmations daily.
–
Enhance creativity. Relax.Brainstorm
ways to manage specific changes. Change routines; for example, write with your
non-dominant hand. Keep your sense of humor. Create a journal of
cartoons depicting workplace humor. Look
for humor in negative experiences. Play.
Perceive
patterns, and make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas, objects or
events. View commonplace things in new ways.
Take advantage of unexpected opportunities.
– Develop the will to risk. Instead of worrying about failure, think about
missed opportunities if you don’t try. Don’t fear mistakes. Ask: “What’s the
worst that could happen?” Reduce negative outcomes.
Live
in the present. Let go of attachments. The more attached you are to something,
the greater the fear of losing it.
3. Manage your own career. Clarify
your goal and commit to achieving it. Base it on your mission, needs and
talents. When possible, create new opportunities. Today’s organizations need
your creativity to maintain a competitive edge. Convey what you can contribute
to superiors to demonstrate a win/win situation.
Explore
ways to creatively redesign your job.Participate in cross-functional
teams to get exposure to new functional areas and enrich your position. Recognize
other company positions. Consider downward, lateral, regional moves. Anticipate
changes. Read newsletters. Network.
Prepare for, and welcome the unexpected. You can choose to
change your attitudes and situation, or you can complain. Use your power!
Questers
Dare to Change Your Job and Life,
by Dr. Carole Kanchier, provides additional tips for flowing with change.
https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/15r-Life/dp/08408963 Chapter
1, Questers Dare to Change, is
available from Dr. Kanchier’s web site: www.questersdaretochange.com
Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, coach and author of award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life. Kanchier has taught at University of California, Berkeley and Santa Cruz, University of Alberta, and other institutions of higher learning, and worked with clients representing many disciplines. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.
Contact Carole for consultations and speaking engagements — carole@dare to change.com
Think
summer is a slow time to find a new job? Think again!
Recruiters and
hiring managers do not usually take summers off. Hiring
managers are looking for top talent now. If they have any openings, they do not
wait to hire. So, now is as good a time as any to look for your next position.
There’s less competition in the summer. Fewer people
are job searching so you and your resume have a better chance of being seen and
considered!
Hiring managers are often less busy in the summer. They
have more time and attention they to give to filling open positions—meaning your application stands a better chance of being reviewed somewhat promptly rather than being pushed to the back burner.
Summer is also an ideal time to train new staff
members so they’ll ready for action after the Labor Day weekend. Organizations often find summer moves easier, especially when new employees are moving with the whole family since kids don’t have to switch schools in the middle of the year. Plus, the pace of work is generally a bit more relaxed.
Because many industries slow down in summer, candidates may have an easier time
requesting time off to participate in interviews. You may be able to cut out in
the middle of a weekday afternoon—without setting off any alarms, or weaving a web of untruths such as doctor’s appointments.
Networking contacts may also have more time to meet for
informal interviews or informal coffee chats. Old colleague or new acquaintances
may welcome opportunities to meet. Thus you’ll have an easier time forging some
relationships and expanding your professional network.
This season may be a good time to review successful job search tips.
Effective Job Search Strategies
– Show you’re knowledgeable about the company and
its needs. Research the organization and job.
Call contacts to get an insider’s perspective. Be conversant with the company’s
product and services, and recent developments in the industry. Know how to
describe contributions you can make. Identify and contact hiring managers.
– Prepare
several resumes. Target each resume to a
specific job. Demonstrate how your experience, skills and accomplishments fit
the job and company.
If
you’re an entry-level candidate, a page should be plenty. If you are a
mid-level candidate (with about 5 -10 years of related experience), you might
write a two-page resume which allows space to include all relevant information
and work history. Executives or senior-level managers with long list of
accomplishments and experiences may create longer resumes.
Write your resume in
Microsoft Word. Cut and paste the resume into the body of an email instead of
an attachment. Employ key words listed in ads to define your skills,
accomplishments and other strengths. Include numbers, dollars and evidence of
quality. Avoid fancy treatments such as italics, underlining and graphics.
Create a separate resume to take to the interview.
– Write a short, courteous cover letter. In three or four paragraphs, identify your job objective,
highlight related accomplishments, and indicate how you can benefit the employer.
Consider including a portfolio with sample accomplishments, publications or
other achievements.
– Prepare for interviews. Practice delivery.Know the names and titles of all
interviewers. Answer questions promptly, offering concrete examples. Show how your
skills and accomplishments can do the job. Use success stories to illustrate
accomplishments. Emphasize results. Give data indicating positive achievements,
such as increased sales by fifteen percent over the past year.
Prepare to answer key interview questions:
“Tell me about yourself?” ‘What are your long-range goals?'”
“Why should we hire you?” “What are your major strengths and weaknesses?”
“What salary do you expect?” “How does your previous experience
relate to this job?” ‘Why do you want this job? “Why did you leave
your last job?”
Turn limitations into strengths. If you
don’t have a ready response, ask for time to think about it. Don’t respond with
one-or two-word answers, interrupt or talk too much. Never discuss salary until
you’re offered the job. If pressed, give a salary range, based on average
yearly income in the job field.
– Present a professional demeanor.Wear the team
uniform. This shows you belong in the environment. Research the norm for the
geographic locale, industry and company.
Coordinate pieces. Clothes should be spotless, well-tailored. Hair
should be professionally styled, nails well-kept. Avoid strong fragrances.
Radiate enthusiasm, confidence and
competence. Be positive, genuine. A
sincere smile displays good will, friendliness. Show interest in the person or
project. Keep hands out-of-pockets. Maintain eye contact with everyone and
develop a firm handshake.
– Leave a favorable impression. If employers like you, they may create a job for you even
though you don’t fit the skill set of an advertised position. Close the
interview emphasizing key skills and why you should be hired. Never refuse an
offer on the spot. Send thank-you notes to interviewers within 24 hours after
interviews.
Keep track of the days between
interviews and correspondence, and follow-up with polite reminders when
appropriate.
Don’t take rejection personally. If one
job doesn’t materialize, believe you’ll get a better one. Be patient. Maintain
optimism, persist.
Additional job search strategies are
reviewed in the award-winning, Questers
Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Dr. Carole Kanchier: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963
Author
Bio:
Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital
columnist, registered psychologist, coach and author of Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life. Carole Kanchier has taught at University of California,
Berkeley and Santa Cruz,
University of Alberta, and other institutions of
higher learning. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary
approach to human potential.
Contact Carole – carole@questersdaretochange.com. Dr Kanchier is available for consultations and interviews. Her team will be delighted to send a complementary PDF of Questers Dare to Change
Questers
Dare to Change shows how to reevaluate personal and professional goals and
plan for success.
Good manners are good business. Many potentially
profitable alliances or promotional opportunities are lost because of unintentional
breaches of manners. Second chances aren’t always possible.
Test Your Business Etiquette
Which of the following demonstrate appropriate and inappropriate business etiquette?
1. Your boss, Ms. Andrews, enters the room when
you’re meeting with a client, Mr. Block. You rise and say, “Ms. Andrews, I’d
like you to meet Mr. Block, our Chicago
client.”
2. You answer the phone for a peer who’s available,
and ask “Who’s calling please?”
3. In a restaurant, you drink thin soup served in a
cup with no handles.
4. The male pays when he’s having a business meeting
at a restaurant with a female colleague.
5. When you greet a visitor in your office, let him
sit where he wishes.
6. You leave a luncheon meeting after two hours.
7. You’re scheduled to meet an associate for a
working lunch. If your associate hasn’t arrived after 30 minutes, you order and
eat.
8. Name tags should be placed on the right
shoulder.
9. It’s acceptable to make sales pitches at networking
functions.
10. It’s proper to give business cards to everyone
at business meetings.
11.It’s acceptable to discuss food
preferences at employer receptions.
12. It’s appropriate to take phone calls while in
meetings.
13. It’s important to hold doors open for women.
14. It’s okay not to attend office parties.
15. It’s correct for women to extend their hands when
greeting others.
Answers
1.
Inappropriate. Introduce or name the more important
person first.In business, clients hold the highest authority.
The person of lesser importance, regardless of
gender, is introduced to the person of greater importance. “Mr. or Ms. Greater
Authority (Mr. Block), I’d like to introduce Mr. or Ms. Lesser Authority (Ms.
Andrews).”
2.
Inappropriate.Asking “Who’s calling?” suggests
calls are screened. To avoid insults, have the person answering the phone
announce you’re unavailable, then ask for the caller’s name and message.
To avoid screening, announce yourself at the
beginning of calls. By stating your name, you’re sending a subliminal message
that you have a right to speak to the person.
3.
Inappropriate. Use the spoon provided.
4. Inappropriate. The person who benefits from the business association pays, regardless of gender. Clarify you’re hostingwhen extending invitations.
5.
Inappropriate. Indicating where your guest should
sit will make him feel more comfortable.
6.
Appropriate. Allow two hours for business lunches.
Start discussing business after the appetizer has been served.
7.
Appropriate. Also, expect an apology.
8.Appropriate. When shaking hands, your eyes follow
the line of the arm to the person’s right side. By placing the tag on the
right, you can read the name while shaking hands.
9.
Inappropriate. You’ll be perceived as pushy, needy,
insensitive or inexperienced.
10.
Inappropriate. Wait till you’ve established a
reason to make further contact before exchanging cards. This enhances the value
of the exchange.
11.Inappropriate. Downplay preferences.
Some may wonder how well you fit in the company if you fuss over small things.
12.
Inappropriate. Taking calls while in a meeting is rude.
It says others are more important than the person with whom you’re meeting. If
you’re expecting a call, tell the person with whom you’re meeting in advance.
13.
Inappropriate. Business etiquette is based on
hierarchy and power, unlike social etiquette which is based on gender and
chivalry. Nobody should be given special treatment because of gender.
Doors are held open for persons more senior in rank,
regardless of gender. Whoever gets to the door first holds it open for people
following.
14.
Inappropriate. It’s a “must-attend” event. Not
attending shows disrespect.
15.
Appropriate. A firm handshake made with direct
eye contact sets the stage for a positive encounter.
Follow such basic courtesies as returning messages promptly,leaving concise voice mail messages,sending hand written thank you
notes, and greeting people when entering an office.
Present yourself with confidence and authority.
Consider others’ feelings. Be courteous, respectful and considerate to
everyone. Business etiquette can advance your career.
Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life gives additional business
etiquette tips: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963
Based on ongoing
research, Questers helps people
understand change, and empower themselves to manage uncertainty.
I would be
delighted to send a pdf version for review, and be available for a consultation
or interview.
Author
Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD,
is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered
psychologist, coach and author of award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life. Kanchier has taught at University of California,
Berkeley and Santa Cruz,
University of Alberta, and other institutions of
higher learning, and worked with clients representing many disciplines. Dr.
Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human
potential.
Have you ever lied at work?
Do you tell half-truths to get the sale or job? Do you keep your promises?
What
does this quiz say about you?
Answer yes or no.
1. I’ve lied on
my resume or fudged reports.
2. I call in
sick when I’m not.
3. I use the
Internet on company time.
4. I fail to disclose
pertinent information.
5. I’ve cheated
on school or employment tests.
6. I’d tell a
face-saving lie if the truth will damage my career.
7. I exaggerate
the truth or tell white lies to avoid hurting someone.
8. I lie about
family emergencies.
9. I’ve stolen
office supplies.
10. I’ve padded
expense accounts.
11. I lie to
serve my employer.
12. I’ve copied
software or reproduced cassettes.
Scoring: One point for
each “yes.” The higher your score, the more you could enhance honesty.
Lying is
stressful, and stress harms health and accelerates aging. Frequent lying and
fear of exposure keeps your body’s “fight or flight” response on.
Long term activation of this system may result in health conditions like heart
disease.
The Pinocchio Effectalso kicks in when you lie.
The temperature in the muscles around the nose becomes hotter, according to Emilio Milán and Elvira López at the University of Granada. There is corresponding
action in the insular cortex of the brain which controls emotions. Fear of
being caught in a lie increases activity in the insular cortex, leading to more
heat emanating from the nose. The researchers called this the Pinocchio effect.
In Walt Disney’sPinocchio, the boy puppet’s lies are
revealed whenever his wooden nose grows.
Lying damages a
person’s self respect and credibility. Dishonesty also affects company
productivity. Using company time and stealing small items add up. Honest
employees pay for others’ lack of integrity through stricter rules, or other..
Why
people lie
Children learn
to lie. Many don’t view cheating on exams as unethical. Dishonest behavior is
encouraged when schools fail to show disapproval of students’ cheating. The
same message is given when parents cheat on taxes. Children learn all methods
for achieving goals are justified.
We fib because
we need to appear competent, want to avoid hurt or conflict, desire to protect
our jobs, or not rock the boat. Some workers may lie about a sick child to
protect themselves from taking another business trip. Others who call in sick are tending to personal needs. Not
all supervisors understand employees’ need for family or relaxation time.
Business behaviors such as not disclosing pertinent information or selling
defective goods are rationalized along the same lines.
Political and business leaders have lied for
centuries. Recent studies conducted by Paul
Piff, social psychologist, at the University of California, Irvine, found
that self-interests tend to spur the elite to lie and cheat.
Lies have hidden
costs, not only in productivity and teamwork, but in a person’s self-respect.
It’s difficult to stop, once you start exaggerating the truth. People who lie
don’t remember who knows what. A major consequence is damaged credibility.
Some workplace
situationsfacilitate untruthfulnss.
Employee dishonesty may be a sign of outdated company policies. Workers may
take time off for questionable family needs because the employer has no flex
time or personal care days.
Demonstrating
Truthfulness
William Shakespeare offers sage advice:
“Honesty is the best policy. If I lose mine honor, I lose myself.”
– Love and accept yourself. Know what you
want. Surround yourself with supportive people who accept you for who you
really are. Don’t compromise your integrity and reputation by associating with
people whose standards of integrity you mistrust.
– Speak the truth. Communicate in an open and
honest fashion. Exaggerating your ability to meet expectations will hurt your
status and business more than being honest up front. Truth and trust go
together. Lies erode others’ faith in you.
– Say what you mean and mean what you say. Present both
sides of an issue to ensure objectivity. Simplify your statements so that
others understand your message. Tell people the rational behind your decisions
so that your intent is understood.
– Keep promises. If there is a genuine
reason you can’t reveal your position, such as when you’re negotiating,
consider saying, “I can’t discuss that now.”
Hold people
accountable when their actions don’t match their words.. If you have a personal
bias or a conflict of interest make it known to people with whom you are
interacting.
– Avoid compromising situations. If your boss
tells you to lie about a given situation, gently decline saying you’re not
comfortable with the idea, or offer an alternative way to achieve the
goal. If you find yourself in many
compromising situations, think about moving on.
– Shift mindset.Lying is a
learned survival strategy that can be unlearned. Note what triggers your decision to lie. What fear (e.g., being
wrong, hurting someone) is behind this choice? Why do you believe the lie will
have a better outcome, and for whom? Reflect on your answers to uncover your
motivation, and make needed modifications.
When you sense yourself
crafting a lie, ask yourself. “What’s the worst that can happen if I tell the
truth?”
– Visualize your ideal picture of yourself. Focus on this image ofyour honest self to maintain truthful
behavior in all situations.
Additional tips for being
truthful are in award-winning, Questers
Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Dr. Carole Kanchier: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963
Please review sample book
chapters: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/book/excerpts, and Carole’s
blogs: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/blog
Based on ongoing
research, Questers helps people
understand change, and empower themselves to manage uncertainty.
I would be
delighted to send a pdf version for review, and be available for consultations
and speaking engagements. Sample interview questions which could be the basis
for an article or presentation are attached.
Dr. Carole Kanchier, registered psychologist,
career and personal growth expert, is author of award winning, Questers Dare to
Change Your Job and Life. Carole Kanchier inspires
people to realize their potential and look at career growth in new ways succeed.
Dr. Kanchier pioneered the unique model of lifelong growth and decision making
which she shares in award winning, Questers
Dare to Change.
www.questersdaretochange.com. Dr. Kanchier’s forthcoming book, Arouse
the Force Within You, will be
available next.
Our Earth rotates on its axis once each day, producing the cycle of day and
night.
At the same time, the Earth moves around the Sun on its orbit over the
course of a year. However, the axis of rotation of the Earth is not lined up
with the axis of motion around the Sun. Instead, it is tilted slightly at
23.44°. This is sometimes referred to as the ‘ecliptic’.
This tilt means that during one half of the year the North side of the
Earth is tilted slightly towards the Sun and the South is tilted away. For the
other half of the year the reverse is true.
At the exact moment that the northern hemisphere is most tilted towards the
Sun, the northern hemisphere experiences its summer solstice while the southern
hemisphere has its winter solstice. About six months later, the northern
hemisphere has its winter solstice while the southern hemisphere is at its
summer solstice.
These key points in the year, along with the equinoxes, help to determine
the seasons on Earth.
The world ‘solstice’ comes from the Latin solstitium meaning ‘Sun stands still’, because the apparent movement of the Sun’s path north or south stops before changing direction.
Celebrating the Solstice
Since humans began using the Sun as a timekeeper, particularly when it came
to the cycle in farming, the summer solstice has been marked with varying
degrees of importance.
Perhaps most famously, the ancient monument Stonehenge
has for some time been the center of a ritual celebration. This comes from the
fact the stones are lined up to frame the rising of the Sun on the solstice,
perhaps suggesting a connection to the day and as a celebration of Sun. However
it isn’t clear if marking summer solstice was indeed its purpose. The stones
also mark the position of sunset on the winter solstice, and so may instead
indicate a place to request the return of the summer months.
In any case, many modern day religious groups gather at the site to mark
the occasion: it is also one of the rare times visitors are allowed to walk right
up to the stones.
Elsewhere around the world, celebrations range from the biannual appearance
of the feathered serpent shadow on the pyramid at Chichén Itzá in Mexico to a range of floral-themed events in
countries like Sweden and Latvia.
In the southern hemisphere, where the summer solstice occurs in December,
the day is instead strongly associated with Christmas, having once been the day
of its celebration until various calendar changes shifted the dates apart.
Celebrating the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere
Celebrating
the beginning of summer can be simple and fun. Here are some ways to enjoy this
solstice.
–
Meditate.The summer
solstice is a great time to reflect on the past season and set goals for the
season ahead. Take a few moments for yourself to relax and meditate. Take time for silence, communicate with nature. Learn to just “be.”
–
Go for a swim.The summer solstice
is a good time hang out by the pool, teach children to swim, walk near a lake
or river, or exercise in the park or your backyard.
–
Play
outdoor games with family or friends. Set up a sprinkler and play a
fun game of tag; or set up an obstacle course by repurposing items you have
around your house like toy animals, hula hoops or bicycle tires.
– Have a bonfire. (Ensure you put it
out before retiring.)Play music, sit
around the fire, and enjoy snacks such as nachos, toasted marshmallows, or pineapple
chunks, pick wild flowers and enjoy these at home in a vase.
– Start a garden. Prepare your soil to receive plants by
tilling and mixing in compost or fertilizer. Select plants from your local
garden shop, or ask your friends or neighbors for cuttings from their gardens.
Then dig holes large enough for each plant, and be sure to leave enough space
for the plants to grow. Gently place the plants in the holes and fill in the
space with dirt or fertilizer. Water the newly planted flowers or vegetables
gently, and enjoy your garden.
– Share additional summer activities
with friends, co-workers, and neighbors.
Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally
recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, speaker, coach
and author of Questers Dare to Change
Your Job and Life. Kanchier has
taught at University of California, Berkeley
and Santa Cruz, University of Alberta,
and other institutions of higher learning. Dr. Kanchier is known for her
pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.
Can we create our own reality? Can thoughts,
meditation, visualization, faith and intentions help us achieve desired career
goals?
Research suggests that our mind can influence our
physical reality. When the body is in peak condition and the trained mind is
completely focused, an individual can achieve the miraculous.
Athletes, who do mental training along with actual
practice, show greater improvement than those who only do physical training. Tiger Woods mentally pictures his golf
ball rolling into the hole. World class figure skaters mentally rehearse their
routines.
Moreover, ordinary people have learned to shrink or
eliminate tumors and undergo surgery without medication using similar
techniques.
Some use mind power to achieve desired career
goals. Barbara, a former Silicon
Valley technical writer, imagined herself tending her herb garden and teaching
in Hawaii.
She’s currently living her dream.
You too can train
your mind to achieve desired life career goals.
You are the director of your life. You create your
own life script by your mental attitude, the thoughts you think. Mind has unlimited potential, but like other
muscles, it has to be built up.
You need to practice mind building skills such as
relaxing, breathing, meditating and visualizing desired outcomes. You must also
have faith that you’ll achieve your
goal and work hard.
Your subconscious mind holds the key to your
potential. It takes orders from your conscious mind. To strengthen mind power,
learn through relaxation and meditation exercises to slow your wave frequencies
at the alpha or subconscious level to seven to 14 cycles per second (the
conscious mind functions at 15 or higher cycles per second). Then practice
techniques such as visualizing outcomes and stating affirmations to help you
achieve desired goals.
Seven
goal attainment strategies
1. Write your goal
and deadline. Have a clear, precise picture of your desired
outcome. Ensure your goal is consistent with your purpose. Write a paragraph
indicating why you want this goal. Include all the benefits to yourself and
others. INTEND to achieve your goal.
2. Practice
imagery daily. Imagine
yourself living your goal today. Do this in a relaxed state, when your mind is
at the alpha level. Visualize your goal clearly; include details. Don’t limit
yourself by thinking about money, responsibilities or other externals. Hold
your desired outcome firmly in your mind.
Experience achieving your goal. Notice how it
feels, smells, sounds and looks. If you find this difficult, make a collage or
take a photograph depicting your goal.
3. Identify barriers
that may hinder you from reaching your goal. Write
down how you can overcome these obstacles. Include all the people, groups,
resources, personal strengths, and tools that can help you overcome obstacles.
4. Develop an
action plan. Every day do at least one activity that will lead
you to your goal. Use a daily organizer to plan activities.
Focus on your goal. Concentration is like a lazer
beam that cuts through obstacles. Work hard. All your activities should lead to
your goal. Ask yourself, “Is what I am doing moving me closer to my goal?” Turn down
promotions if they’re not compatible with your goal.
Consider failure a
learning experience as you move toward your goal.
5. Have faith you’ll attain your goal.
Faith consist of desire, belief and expectancy. Desire is the initial
motivation, the force that pushes you towards your goals. Belief is what
sustains you between desire and expectancy. Expect to achieve your goal.
Avoid negativity. Think
and talk about things you want, not those you don’t want. Eliminate negative
thoughts and feelings such as such stress, worry, hate or anger. Replace negative thoughts with positive
statements or pictures. Avoid phrases
such as, “I can’t.”
If there is the slightest hesitancy in your mind,
you’ll not achieve your outcome. You’ll also fail if you try too hard because
this suggests you have doubts.
6. Develop a
support group. Meet often to review your progress and to get
encouragement and suggestions. Avoid negative people
7. Keep your mind,
body and spirit in top working order.If you use you’re
mind you’ll get what you want. Make sure you know what you want.
Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Your Life by Carole Kanchier provides additional tips to clarify and attain
desired goals. https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963
Review sample book
chapters: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/book/excerpts, and Carole’s
blogs: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/blog
Based on ongoing
research, Questers helps people
understand change, and empower themselves to manage uncertainty.
Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, educator, speaker, registered psychologist/coach, and author of award-winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life and forthcoming Arouse the Force Within You! Dr. Kanchier has taught at University of California, Berkeley and Santa Cruz and University of Alberta, and other institutions of higher learning. Carole Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential. Contact Carole: carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questersdaretochange.com
Summer is the
perfect time for vacations, sunbathing, outdoor sports, spending time with
family and friends, and enjoying outdoor barbeques.
The summer season may also
be a good time to evaluate the degree of satisfaction we have with our lives. Kirk, who has been in his current job
for four years, still loves his work. He also has good friends, and enjoyable
leisure activities.
Job satisfaction is linked
to our satisfaction in all segments of our lives: work, relationships,
spiritual, personality, leisure, and financial.
Are you satisfied with your life?
Check statements that best
describe you:
Usually
happy
Anticipate a bright future
Rarely upset over trivial
disappointments
Rarely bored?
Usually agree with partner
on important issues/Communicate well partner about most things
Enjoy companionship with
warm, respectful friends
Happily involved in work
Enjoy getting out of bed on
work days
Can attain desired career
goals by working with current employer
Participate in enjoyable
leisure activities
Have enough time and money
for leisure
Accept constructive
criticism well
Proud of accomplishments
Have a sense of inner peace
Derive meaning and purpose
in life
Feel healthy, energetic
Maintain good exercise,
nutrition, relaxation and sleep habits
Earn sufficient income to
meet needs
Have few financial concerns
Scoring:
One point for each checked statement. The more statements you checked, the more
satisfied you seem to be with life. You appear to be well-adjusted, confident,
and satisfied with your job, relationships, and lifestyle. You may have a sense
purpose and are healthy. If you checked seven or fewer statements you may be
unhappy with the way things are going in your life.
Tips for enhancing lifestyle
– Work. Manage
your own career. See yourself as someone who has inner strength and choices. Do
some self and job analyses. Is your job satisfying your needs? If not, why? Can
your needs be satisfied by staying in your job? List other personal qualities
(purpose, interests, skills) you want expressed in your ideal job.
Explore options that are
compatible with these. Investigate such options as redesigning your current
job, taking another position in your company, changing organizations, or
shifting occupational fields. Consider self-employment, a sabbatical, or
continuing education.
– Relationships and Intimacy. Develop warm, supportive relationships .
Respect others and value their opinions. Develop a close, supportive and caring
relationship with at least one other person. Enjoy his or her company without
demands or expectations.
Enhance communication
skills. Practice listening. Clarify by asking questions when you’re not clear
about something. Reflect content by summarizing what you hear the other person
say. Reflect feelings by letting her know you hear the emotional content of his
or her words.
– Spiritual.
Nourish your soul. Seek solitude and quiet times. Meditate, pray, enjoy nature,
listen to music, or write in a journal. Listen to your intuition.
Clarify your purpose. Look
for themes that emerge from the following: your strengths and accomplishments,
contributions for which you want to be remembered, how you would spend time if
you were a billionaire, activities that absorbed you as a child, and a
recurring dream. Identify and pursue activities that are in harmony with your
purpose.
– Personality: Strengthen confidence and optimism. Love and accept yourself. Acknowledge your accomplishments.
Prepare a list of positive achievements and personality characteristics. Post
this where you can read it daily. Depersonalize failure. View setbacks as
learning experiences that will enable you achieve goals.
Don’t compare yourself to
others, or care about what others think. Practice positive self-talk. Look for
and expect good things to happen.
– Leisure:
Make time for enjoyable activities. Relax. Don’t schedule every minute of your
day. Listen to music, or read a book while commuting. Daydream. Play. Let your
inner child emerge! Take weekends off.
– Financial.
Minimize monetary concerns. Create and stick to a budget. Adopt a cash-only
policy. Reduce living standards. Find new income sources such as part-time
work, shared accommodation, or updating skills to increase income.
– Balance. Live a harmonious life. Become involved in a variety of
activities. If you create an identity in only one life component such as work,
you’ll feel empty and helpless if you lose or are dissatisfied with your job.
You’ll also fear risking. But if you’re involved in varied activities, your
life will be more complete. You may even enjoy a job that was previously
dissatisfying.
You
have the power to change. To enrich your life, enhance at least one part of
your life weekly!
Questers, described in award-winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life,
by Dr. Carole Kanchier, show how to create your desired lifestyle:
https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963. Get a copy
today!
Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is an opportunity, take it Life is an adventure, dare it!
Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized
newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, coach and author of award
winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job
and Life. Kanchier has taught at University of California,
Berkeley and Santa Cruz,
University of Alberta, and other institutions of
higher learning, and worked with clients representing many disciplines. Dr.
Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.
The telephone is the most
common business tool and its proper use is essential for career
advancement.
Talking with a potential client, customer or colleague on the phone can
sometimes be challenging. Without seeing an individual’s face, messages
can become muddled and meanings misinterpreted.
Are you telephone
savvy?
When
you make calls do you:
1. State your message briefly and clearly?
2. Leave your name, organization and phone number,
repeating these twice, slowly and clearly?
3. Give the full name of the person for whom you’re
leaving the message?
4. State the date and time of the call?
5. State whether you’ll call back or you’d like the
other person to call?
7. Ask for a return call at a time you’ll be
available?
When
you receive calls, do you:
8. Identify yourself?
9. Use courtesies such as “Please hold while I
complete another call.”
10. Offer to take messages when you’re answering
for someone?
11. Repeat the caller’s name and number to make
sure they’re correct?
12. Speak in a professional manner?
13. Does your answering machine have a pleasant,
professional and courteous message? Leave a good impression?
Scoring: One point for each yes. The higher your score, the more positive telephone skills you possess. A score of 9 or less suggests you could enhance your skills.
Review telephone basics
1. Knowledge:
Before you make a call have the required information.
2. Goals:
Know what you want to accomplish.
3. Attitude:
Make the person feel you’re interested in him and the message.
–
Make a great first impression. Show the caller
you’re helpful, confident and competent. If a potential employer’s first
contact is over the phone, she gets cues from your voice. What kind of
impression are you giving?
Influence your listener’s reactions by controlling
the pace, pitch, inflection and tone of your voice. Strive for an energy level that matches your
normal conversation. A soft voice suggests shyness or uncertainty; a loud voice
implies anger or worry. Be alert to your caller’s needs. If he’s having trouble
hearing, speak louder, more slowly.
Speak briskly but pronounce words clearly. When you
talk too fast, you sound hurried or excited and are difficult to understand;
when you too speak slowly, you sound tired, lazy or uninterested.
Inflection adds special meaning to your message.
If, for example, you say, “John needs help with his resume this
afternoon,” you’re suggesting John needs help. If you say, “John
needs help with his resume — this afternoon, — your indicating he needs help this afternoon.
Different tones of voice can make us feel
differently — happy, angry, hurt, etc. Keep your tone attentive, interested
and friendly. Smiling adds a pleasant tone to your voice.
–
Be courteous, respectful. People are turned off
by careless or rude remarks. Always say hello and identify yourself. Ask how
you can help. Use courtesy words, “Thank you for waiting.” If you need to put the caller on hold, ask,
and wait for an answer. If you need to phone back, indicate when you’ll call.
End the call positively, for example, “Thanks
for calling.” Let the caller hang
up first. This gives him control of the ending as well as an opportunity to ask
further questions. Don’t eat, drink, or chew gum.
–
Leave clear, concise messages. State your name and
phone number. Repeat these twice. Give the name of the person you’re calling
and date and time you called. If the person doesn’t return your call, phone
again a few days later. For other message skills, review the telephone savvy
questions.
If an employer
calls, and you’re not prepared for the session, ask the employer if you can
return the call, or if he can call back at a mutually convenient time. This
gives you time to prepare.
Keep
the forgoing in mind when you call or receive phone calls. Your confidence and
career advancement will improve as you hone your phone skills.
Additional tips
for strengthening telephone and other job skills are discussed in award
winning, Questers Dare to ChangeYour Job and Life:
http://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963
