© Carole Kanchier, PhD

 

Happy and Blessed US Thanksgiving Day

Thursday, November 19, 2020 is Thanksgiving Day

It is a Federal holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States of America.

Traditionally, this holiday celebrates the giving of thanks for the autumn harvest.

The custom of giving thanks for the annual harvest is one of the world’s oldest celebrations and can be traced back to the dawn of civilization.

However, it is not commonly a major modern event and arguably the success of the American holiday has been due to it being seen as a time to give ‘thanks’ for the foundation of the nation and not just as a celebration of the harvest.

The American tradition of Thanksgiving dates back to 1621 when the pilgrims gave thanks for their first bountiful harvest in Plymouth Rock. The settlers had arrived in November 1620, founding the first permanent English settlement in the New England region.

This first Thanksgiving was celebrated for three days, with the settlers feasting with the natives on dried fruits, boiled pumpkin, turkey, venison and much more.

Thanksgiving didn’t become a nationwide holiday until President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November a national day of Thanksgiving in 1863. Every year following, the President proclaimed a day of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving was switched from the final Thursday in November to the next-to-last Thursday in November by President Roosevelt in 1939 as he wanted to create a longer Christmas shopping period to simulate the economy which was still recovering after the Great Depression.

This caused widespread confusion with many states ignoring the change until Congress sanctioned the fourth Thursday in November as a legal holiday in 1941.

The holiday has evolved into what Americans now know as Thanksgiving. It is a day to gather with loved ones, celebrate, give thanks for many blessings and, of course, eat. The traditional American Thanksgiving meal includes turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, yams, and pumpkin pie. The meal stems from that eaten by the pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving.

In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October.

Celebrating Thanksgiving

How are you, your family and friends going to celebrate Thanksgiving?

What can you do to give thanks to a friend, family member, co-worker, neighbor, relative, protective service worker or other who has contributed to making your life, work and community better?

Ways to give thanks

– Invite someone for dinner.

– Write a letter to a friend or family member thanking him/her for … .

– Create a thankful video.

– Share pictures or videos of precious memories

– Donate something to a needy person or cause.

– Volunteer at a charity organization.

– Plant a tree.

– Visit a hospital.

– Provide Thanksgiving dinner for a family in need.

Wishing you, your family, co-workers and friends a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

Carole Kanchier

 Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, keynote speaker, coach and author of award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963  Kanchier has taught at University of California, Berkeley and Santa Cruz, University of Alberta, and other institutions of higher learning, and worked with varied individual and organizational clients. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential. Carole is available for consultations and interviews

 

Contact: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; http://www.questersdaretochange.com

© Carole Kanchier, PhD

How Resilient Are You? 

How do you react to unexpected challenges? Are you resilient? Do you rebound from major setbacks stronger than before? Or, do you play the victim, blame others?

It’s essential to strengthen resilience to adapt and succeed in changing times. What does this quiz say about you?

How resilient are you?

Answer “yes” or “no.”

1. I like trying new ways of doing things.

2. I find it challenging to recover emotionally from losses.

3. I adapt quickly to new situations.

4. I can’t tolerate ambiguous situations.

5. I’m persistent when working on challenging projects.

6. I’m a sequential problem solver.

7. I’m comfortable being myself.

8. I’m cautious.

9. I’m usually non-judgmental about people.

Scoring: One point for each yes to odd-numbered statements, and each no to even numbered statements.

Interpretation: 7 or higher, very resilient; 4 to 6, moderately resilient; 3 or lower, consider suggestions below.

Resilient people, like Questers, thrive on challenge and change. Confident, creative, and growth-oriented, they turn setbacks into opportunities. They use both left-brain and right-brain thinking styles, and maintain optimism during tough times.

Developing Resilience

Resilience is learned. Below are tips for strengthening flexibility.

– Look upon something different or unknown as an opportunity to challenge yourself. If you don’t try something new, how will you  find out you can do it? Expect things to work out. View mistakes as learning experiences.

– Note what you’ve learned from a negative experience. Indicate how it has made you stronger, wiser. Identify early clues you ignored, and what you’ll do differently.

– Detect and dispute inaccurate thoughts and causal beliefs. Are you or your circumstances responsible for your beliefs? Are your beliefs based on fact or fallacy? Why or why not?

– Approach problems from different perspectives. Ask for feedback from people with diverse backgrounds. Take things out of their ordinary context and create new patterns for them. Notice the number of ways you can use eggs or milk cartons. Develop a playful, childlike curiosity. Ask questions, experiment.

– Build self-confidence.  Make a list of everything you like about yourself. Include personal traits and accomplishments. Post this where you can see it.  Set your own standard of excellence. Realize that perfection is an unattainable goal. Accept the ideal as a guideline, not to be attained 100 percent. Work toward improving your performance each time.

– Be authentic. Your actions should be consistent with your thoughts and feelings. Don’t succumb to peer or family pressures.

– Develop meaningful, supportive relationships. Link up with like-minded people with whom you can share feelings and receive positive feedback and assistance.

– Continue to learn. Keep updated on local and international news. Buildknowledge in your discipline. Develop critical thinking skills. Ask questions. Compare and contrast, link ideas, and evaluate possibilities.

– Learn to risk.  Identify three successful risks you’ve taken. What did you do to make each turn out well?

Take small risks daily.  Experiment with a different hairstyle or food. At work, offer new ways of tackling a problem. Reduce risk by developing back-up plans.  

What can you do to strengthen resilience today?

Chapter 3, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Carole Kanchier, offers additional strategies for strengthening resilience and other Quester traits; and develop a master plan for life career success. Get a copy of Questers Dare to Change: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/15r-Life/dp/08408963 

Request a pdf complementary review copy from Dr. Kanchier.

 Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, keynote 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, and worked with varied individual and organizational clients. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential. Carole is available for consultations and interviews

 

Contact: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; http://www.questersdaretochange.com

© Carole Kanchier, PhD

Successful Job Search Strategies

Victoria wanted a job that would enable her to use her creativity. After assessing personal traits and exploring compatible options, Victoria decided to establish her own boutique.

When Murray lost his job, he started searching immediately for a similar position.

Although there are individual differences, these stories underscore some of the traditional differences between how men and women tend to manage career transitions and job search. To make a satisfying transition, combine the strengths of both genders. Use the androgynous approach.

– Self-Appraisal. Women usually take more time than men to process feelings, understand themselves, explore options, and clarify goals. Many men don’t want to waste time. 

A balance between contemplation and action usually works best. Men could benefit from taking time to reassess personal characteristics and explore compatible career options to determine whether they’re in the right niches. While self-appraisal is necessary, women shouldn’t delay job search too long.

Both genders need time to express feelings and thoughts. It’s helpful to write about your concerns and plans. Meet with others to vent anger, generate ideas, and receive encouragement and feedback. Reassess needs and strengths you want met in your next venture. Explore options and clarify goals.

– Developmental issues. Age seems to affect values men and women bring to the decision-making process. The 20s are times when both genders focus on building their careers. During the 30s, women and some men begin placing more value on quality of life than career advancement.

Women in their 40s are more willing than men to confront stressors and honor important values and goals. Men often delay this process until the 50s or older. Societal programming, family obligations, or high career aspirations often influence men to focus on career advancement at the expense of emotional and spiritual development. Men, who plunge ahead without reappraisal, are susceptible to depression and illness.  

For developmental issues adults face throughout the career and life cycles, please refer to Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life. https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

 Regardless of gender or developmental challenges, it is essential to periodically reassess values and goals.

– Expectations. Women tend to look for positions that will enable them to balance personal, family, and career obligations. Men are more strategic, objective, and tend to focus on career progression.

Before accepting positions, both genders would benefit from ensuring the potential position will meet desired needs.  Know the company’s mission, and identify potential challenges. Learn about new products, markets, technology, systems, and procedures.

– Networking.  Women tend to develop more lasting networking contacts than men. While motivated to establish job leads, women are also willing to exchange ideas and help others. Men tend to use a network. They make contacts, get needed information, and move on.  

Women often hesitate to ask for help from senior executives, but excel at follow up after meetings and sending thank you notes. Men tend to be less considerate about following up, and remove people from their networking lists when they have nothing to gain.

Expand your network. Attend professional meetings and volunteer. Learn about people’s career needs, and find ways to help.  

– Clarify goals, and develop action plan. Break your plan down into small steps, indicating completion dates, activities, and required resources..

Keep abreast of new developments in your field. Ask for introductions. Develop a support group.

Get a copy of award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life. Questers will help you clarify life career goals, and develop a master plan for successfully moving forward.  https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/15r-Life/dp/08408963

 Request a complementary review copy of Questers from author, Carole Kanchier, PhD

 Maintain a positive attitude and persevere. This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life!   

 Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, keynote 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, and worked with varied individual and organizational clients. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential. Carole is available for consultations and interviews

 

Contact: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questersdaretochange.com

© Carole Kanchier, PhD

carole@questesdaretochange.com

Are You Lucky?

Do you look at the bright side of life and anticipate good fortune and success? Or, do you feel that you are missing something when it comes to good luck and fortune? Do you have winning personality traits?

Do you have winning personality traits?

Answer “Yes” or “No”

1. I expect to win.

2. I often follow my intuition.

3. I see the bright side of a problem.

4. I seize opportunities in unexpected situations.

5. I’m open to new opportunities.

6. I’m optimistic.

7. I take steps to improve my life.

8. I live in the present

9. I’m usually relaxed.

10. I’m open-minded.

Scoring: Add your Yes responses. The higher your score, the luckier you perceive yourself to be.  You probably create your own good fortune, expect to win, are alert to new opportunities, and do what it takes to improve your life.S

 

Tips for Creating Luck

 

– Review the fortunate experiences you’ve had over the past five years, and note when you’ve had good luck. List people, circumstances, and resources that influenced your luck. Talk to others about their good luck, and identify what they did to facilitate good fortune.

Develop a success journal.  Write down your successes weekly. Note the role luck played in achieving them, and the strategies you used to influence your luck.

– Be flexible, open to new experiences. Recognize opportunities and take advantage of them. Perceive patterns, and make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas, objects or events. View commonplace things in new ways.

Take advantage of unexpected good fortunes. Don’t procrastinate. The window of opportunity may not last long. 

– Dare to risk.  Every new venture has an element of risk. You can’t grow and succeed without stretching, risking. Explore new opportunities. Don’t fear mistakes. Ask yourself, “What’s the worst thing that could happen?”  Decide whether you could live with the worst scenario, or take steps to reduce the chance of it happening.

Look upon something new, different, or unknown as exciting — an opportunity to challenge yourself and to grow. If you don’t try, how will you ever find out if you can do it?

– Set goals, and develop an action plan. Break the goal down into small steps. Every day do at least one activity related to achieving it. Know resources that can help you attain the goal. Work hard. Focus. Expect success.

– Build networks to exchange ideas and offer assistance. Opportunities to create chance experiences are greater with a strong network of contacts and resources. Attend professional and community meetings. Plan to meet at least two new people at each new gathering. Take the initiative. Follow up and show appreciation for help and contacts.

– Challenge assumptions.  Examine your belief system. Question why things are done certain ways. Challenge conventional truths and the status quo. Seek new alternatives in developing problem resolutions.

– Prepare for, and welcome the unexpected. Recognize opportunities that might have eluded you previously. Believe in your ability to create luck.

Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life offers numerous other suggestions for creating luck.  http://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963    

Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Carole Kanchier, PhD, offers other tips for creating luck and develop a a plan for moving forward  https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/15r-Life/dp/08408963  

Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, keynote 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, and worked with varied individual and organizational clients. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential. Carole is available for consultations and interviews

 

Contact: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questersdaretochange.com

   

* 3 tips for fearless speaking

– See yourself as a powerful person who has something to contribute. Speak from your heart

– Know the purpose of your talk, main points a their logical sequence

– Connect with your audience. Greet some people as they arrive. It’s easier to speak with friends than strangers

– Practice makes perfect. Gain experience. Join a local Toastmasters group or develop a support

Review the many suggestions offered in award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life which redefines lifelong career decisions making. Paperback edition: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Check audible edition: htps://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

 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@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questersdaretochange.com

© Carole Kanchier, PhD

carole@daretochange.com

Are You Headed for Burnout?

Are you irritable, usually tired, feel powerless about your job? Hate going to work? If so you may be headed for job burnout.

Occupational stress has been defined as a “global epidemic” by the United Nations’ International Labor Organization. As for business, The World Health Organization estimates that stress costs American businesses billions of dollars a year in absenteeism, low productivity, staff turnover, workers’ compensation, and other stress-related expenses.

Low salaries, lack of opportunity for advancement, and heavy workloads top the list of contributing factors.

Of course, stress is a factor in every one’s life, particularly during major events such as marriage, divorce, or buying a home. But according to the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory, which rates the levels of stress caused by such events, many of the most stressful events are related to the workplace: mismatch between personal characteristics and job, business readjustments, firings, changes in financial status, altered responsibilities, switch to different line of work, trouble with superiors, variations in work hours, retirement, and vacations.

What does this Stress Quiz say about you?

Answer “yes” or “no:”

1. I’m irritable

2. I’m usually tired

3. I have little to say to people

4. I have no time for leisure activities

5. I’m inefficient

6. I use of drugs to cope with job pressures

7. I feel powerless about my job; lack feelings of success or challenge

8. I forget appointments, deadlines or personal possessions

9. I have insomnia, headaches, colds

10. I hate going to work

11. I’m pessimistic

Scoring: If you answered “yes” to 6 or more, you may be stressed.  Fortunately, stress is preventable and can be a catalyst for growth. Try some of the suggestions below.

Tips for Managing Stress

• Seek challenges at work or in leisure activities.

• Engage in positive self-talk. Tell yourself, “I’m OK just as I am…” Realize you don’t always have to prove something.

• List job energizes and stressors. Focus on positive responsibilities; intersperse negative activities with short breaks and rewards. Avoid unnecessary meetings and delegate.

• Keep problems in perspective.  Failures can be learning experiences.

• Rejuvenate yourself using strategies like meditation and creative visualization. Sleep at least seven hours.

• Eat well, exercise regularly, develop support systems, and play. Try hosting a costume party or playing a game you enjoyed as a child.

• Listen to yourself. Attend to dreams, sorrows and beliefs. If you want time to watch your children grow, don’t play golf with colleagues.

• Consider a job shift or seek professional consultation.

• Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Carole Kanchier, PhD, will help you clarify life career goals, and develop a master plan for moving forward. Get a copy of Questers Dare to Change: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/15r-Life/dp/08408963  

 Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, keynote 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, and worked with varied individual and organizational clients. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential. Carole is available for consultations and interviews

 

Contact: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questersdaretochange.com

Your Career and Life Cycles

© Carole Kanchier, PhD   

Your Career and Life Cycles

Do you feel restless? Are you wondering what to do with life?

My research on occupational change, described in award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, suggests growing adults experience cycles of discontent every five to ten years with the average cycle occurring every 7.5 years. https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963
 
Although we all have our own rhythms of change, we generally proceed through alternating developmental and transition periods. Transitions are times we question who we are and where we want to go. During developmental periods we make commitments to and work toward desired goals.
 
Simultaneously, we experience the career cycle of entry, mastery, and disengagement. During entry, we enthusiastically learn new tasks. In mastery, we’re confident and productive. If our work is no longer challenging, we lose enthusiasm, productivity, and confidence. This disengagement stage of the occupational cycle tends to parallel life cycle transitions.
 
Individuals, who feel they’re no longer deriving desired rewards, may change jobs or pursue other options. Al, 40, was bored with his systems analyst job. Few job perks, parenthood, and the death of his mother, precipitated reevaluation of goals. Al decided to pursue his passion, farming.
 
Some adults stay with the same job, but create new challenges. Eva, a retail manager, always finds new ways of improving productivity.

Traumatic experiences such as illness tend to precipitate re-evaluation. When Mark, a fast track executive, was 30, a series of jolts including political hassles and serious illness forced him to reassess goals. He decided to establish his retail business.

With an average life expectancy of 85 and growing, it’s possible to change positions or create new challenges at 40, 70, or older, and still have years of happiness. Recently widowed, Beatrice created her bookkeeping business at 89. 
 
Are you experiencing a transition?
Answer yes or no: 1) don’t have a sense of purpose; 2) I’m often bored; 3) I’m not productive; 4) I often think of quitting my job; 5) I have few growth opportunities at work; 6) I can’t attain desired goals with current employer; 7) I’m not in good physical shape; 8) I don’t have a healthy lifestyle; 9) I have a birthday within two or three years of 0.
                               
Six or more yes responses suggest you may in a disengagement stage of your career cycle. You may also be experiencing a life cycle transition.
 
Take advantage of growth opportunities your transition provides. Reassess goals and make needed modifications.
 
Career and Life Stages
The Beginning Career
Late adolescence, ages 18 to 24 or older, is a critical period. Adolescents try on different roles to assess appropriate fits. Decisions they make about career and life goals affects their life careers.
 
During the Age-20 Developmental Period, a person’s first full-time job is undertaken. Needs for expansion, career mastery and self-motivation prevail. Little self-evaluation occurs. Lifelong patterns may be established.
 
The Developing Career
The Age-30 Transition, approximately ages 28–33, marks the beginning of the developing career. Values, priorities, and goals shift; a more balanced life is valued. Short- and long-range goals are pursued. Productivity, fulfillment, excitement and creativity are enjoyed. Job and other life changes may occur.
 
The Maturing Career
Age-40 Transition, ages 37–45, marks the beginning of the Age-40 Developmental Period. Need for job satisfaction heightens. Creative leadership peaks, and interest in guiding the young blossoms.
 
The Strengthening Career           
The Age-50 Transition, ages 48–53, marks the beginning of Strengthening Career. During the Age–50 Developmental Period needs for job satisfaction and a balanced life deepen. Innovative leadership and mentoring activities continue.
 
The Continuing Career
The Age-60 Transition, ages 58-63, leads to the Continuing Career. Many Questers in this stage tend to flourish. Many individuals explore and evaluate varied career options, including retirement and travel.
 
The Flourishing Career
Age-70 Transition, ages 68–73, marks the beginning of the Age-70 Developmental Period. Decisions to continue paid employment, volunteer, or pursue education or a more leisurely lifestyle, are contemplated and made.
 
The Enriching Career
Age-80 Transition precedes the Age-80 Developmental Period. Inspiring stories of Questers show how they continue to grow. Career advancement includes making varied contributions to humankind including social service and educational activities.
 
The Enduring Career
Many outstanding people did not reach their prime until 90. Dr. Helen Flanders Dunbar, psychoanalyst, and pioneer in psychosomatic medicine at Columbia University, called people in their 90’s “nimble nonagenarians.” Questers in their 90s are adaptive, authentic, and whole. Their wealth of experience, knowledge and practical skills can teach younger generations a great deal about life if they take the time to watch, listen, ask, and respect.” 
 
The Actualizing Career
During The Age-100 Transition and the Age-100 Developmental Period, Quester Centenarians continue to be in control of their life careers. They’re involved, productive, creative, authentic, healthy and wise. Dr. Euphgraim P. Engleman, University of California San Francisco’s longest tenured professor, was going strong at 103.
 
Take Charge

What transition are you experiencing? Would you like to make any changes in your career and lifestyle? Is there something you have always felt drawn to but have not yet pursued?

Remember, contemporary career development is a continuing quest to improve the fit between your evolving personality and developing career. Only you can establish your own rhythm of change. It is never too late!
 

Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life provides inspiration, information and guidelines to show how to realize life career goals: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Audible Questers; https://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, keynote 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, and works with varied individual and organizational clients. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.

Contact Carole; Carole is available for consultations, interviews and speaking engagements: carole@daretochange.com; http://www.questersdaretochange.com

 

© Carole Kanchier, PhD

Winston Churchill once said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Research shows that, on average, human beings are hardwired to be more optimistic than not.

Optimism is an attitude that can positively affect a person’s mental and physical health. Optimism can also help reduce a person’s stress and increase longevity.

Being optimistic is defined as expecting the best possible outcome from any given situation. It thus reflects a belief that future conditions will work out for the best. For this reason, it is seen as a trait that fosters resilience in the face of stress.

Optimism doesn’t mean engaging in wishful or fantastic thinking. It’s a way of looking at the world that gives more agency to the optimist as being at least partly responsible when life is going well. Optimists have healthier outlooks and tend to live longer than their more pessimistic counterparts; they also are less susceptible to the negative effects of illness, fatigue, and depression. However, an unrealistic belief that a person’s future will be full of only positive events can lead them to take unnecessary risks, particularly with their health and finances.

Optimism is a good trait to develop as we face the varied challenges of the coronaviris pandemic

Research indicates that optimism is vitally important in overcoming defeat, promoting achievement, and improving and maintaining health. Studies show that optimists do much better in school, at work, and on the playing field. They regularly exceed the predictions of aptitude tests, and when they run for office, they are more likely than pessimist to get elected. Their health is very good and they tend to live longer.

How Optimistic Are You?

Answer yes or no.

1. I usually count on good things to happen.

2. It’s easy for me to fall asleep.

3. I’m usually confident I’ll achieve my goals.

4. If something can go wrong for me, it will.

5. I’m always hopeful about my future.

6. I enjoy my friends and family.

7. In uncertain times, I usually expect the best.

8. I don’t usually expect things to go my way.

9. Overall, I anticipate more good things will happen to me than bad.

10. I don’t get upset too easily.

Scoring and Interpretation: Give yourself  2 points for responding yes to items 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9; and 2 points for responding no to items 4 and 8. Add your points. The higher your score, the more optimistic you seem to be.

Tips for Becoming Optimistic

You create your own life script by the thoughts you think, and you have the power to change these. One of the most significant findings in psychology is that individuals can choose the way they think.

Pessimists can learn to be optimists by changing their attitudes and learning a new set of cognitive skills.

So can you!

Practice positive self-talk.  “I like myself because … “  “I can … “ “I will … “  Use positive statements about such things as being healthy, being in control, or being blessed. Write down affirmations. For example, “I can change … “

Don’t criticize or complain. Think of ways to improve the situation. Avoid phrases such as, “I can’t or “I’m too old.”

Read inspirational books and listen to positive message tapes.

Concentrate on your successes. Create a “success” collage by gluing pictures together that illustrate who you want to be and what you want to accomplish. Include the goal you want to attain, how you want to look, and the personal and professional image you want to project. Look at it every day.

View problems as challenges. If you lose your job, for example, consider it an opportunity to pursue your dream.

Count your blessings — not your troubles. Put enthusiasm into your work. 

Write down your negative thoughts and feelings. Indicate why you feel this way. For example, when adversity strikes, listen to your explanation. When it’s pessimistic, dispute it. Use evidence, alternatives, implications, and usefulness as guides. Replace negative thoughts with more positive ones. Each time you catch yourself using a negative phrase, say, “Cancel, cancel.”

Take your mind off your “problems.” Get involved in activities that let you focus your attention away from the problem. For example, go to movies or concerts, meditate, listen to music or invite friends over for dinner, or engage in physical activities.

Greet others with positive, cheerful statements. Smile. This generates enthusiasm, friendliness and good will. Associate with positive, happy people who will give you support and encouragement as you work toward your goals. Make other people feel important — and do it sincerely.

Look for and expect good things to happen. Success is 15 percent aptitude and 85 percent attitude. Your attitude will determine your success in your new venture. Fill your mind with happiness, positive and constructive thoughts, desired outcomes, and helpful ideas. You’re special and have unique talents. You’re a winner.

Research indicates that optimism is vitally important in overcoming defeat, promoting achievement, and improving and maintaining health. Studies show that optimists do much better in school, at work, and on the playing field. They regularly exceed the predictions of aptitude tests, and when they run for office, they are more likely than pessimist to get elected. Their health is very good and they tend to live longer.

Questers described in award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Carole Kanchier, discusses numerous other suggestions for strengthening optimism: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Check audible Questers: https://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

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.

Dr Kanchier is available for consultations and speaking engagements.

CONTACT; carole@daretochange.com; http;//www.questersdaretochange.com

© Carole Kanchier, PhD

carole@daretochange.com

NOV 13, 2020

#CREATIVITY  – #CRUCIAL FOR UNCERTAIN TIMES 

How will work be different in the next decade? What skills will be required to succeed?

The relentless drive toward increased productivity, lower production costs, electronic intelligence, and computerized business solutions are affecting every job and industry.

People can’t compete with digital solutions in achieving productivity objectives. Offshoring and downsizing are just temporary steps on the way to massive global change, say authorities.

So what can you do? One possibility is to change your mindset. Prepare for and create jobs requiring mental and social interaction skills that can’t be easily automated. Skills for tomorrow, called “hyper-human,” “meta”, or “ultra” skills, include  research, critical thinking, problem solving, intuition, leadership, and creativity.  Consider the following:

Creativity is a quality we’re all born with but may have forgotten how to access. It involves creating something new (a product, solution, work of art) that has some value or usefulness. It includes both originality and functionality.

Test your creativity

Answer “yes” or “no:”

1. I hope to develop a new technique in my fieNOV13,2020ld.

2. I’m a straightforward, uncomplicated person.

3. I like trying new things.

4. When in a group, I rarely offer suggestions.

5. I’m more afraid of boredom than uncertainty.

6. I seldom think of original ways of doing tasks.

7. I like participating in intense discussions.

8. I do a job the way I was taught.

9. I enjoy looking at all sides of a problem.

10. I prefer activities I know I’ll enjoy rather than those I haven’t tried.

11. When I have an opportunity to try something different, I take it.

12. If I inherited my parent’s home, I’d keep it the same.

13. I often question things most people take for granted.

14. When I cook, I always follow instructions.

15. When I read something interesting, I try to learn more about it.

16. When friends come to me with problems, I listen sympathetically.

17. I often have ideas about how improvements could be made at work.

18. I like a peaceful life with a dependable routine.

19. I’d like to celebrate my next birthday by going somewhere new.

20.  I’d terminate a relationship my family disapproved of.

Scoring: 1 for each “yes” to odd-numbered statements, and each “no” to even-numbered ones. Add points.

15 or higher: You’re an innovator. You embrace change and use your imagination to find new ways of doing things.  You’re complex, self accepting, independent, intuitive, and see many sides of a problem.

7 to 14:  You may enjoy creating in your personal life but dislike change in your work routine.  Or the opposite could be true. To enhance creativity, try suggestions below.

6 or lower: You enjoy the status quo, dislike change. If you’re happy, don’t change. If you want to release your creative potential, read on.

Strengthening Creativity

— Use “Hurricane Thinking.” Suppose you had to give a talk about Cape Cod. First, write Cape Cod in the center of a paper and circle it. This is the eye of the hurricane. Then write the first thoughts that come to mind. Place these around the eye of the hurricane. Jot related ideas close to the parent thoughts. Draw lines to connect related ideas. Should a completely unrelated association come to mind, record it on the opposite corner of the page. If this related idea produces offspring, record these. Continue this process until the page is filled with major points swirling around the calm of Cape Cod.

Let your mind roam. Record all ideas. Don’t evaluate them. Then organize your thoughts and research their feasibility.  Extend hurricane thinking to all life components.  Attend to those “crazy” ideas that could be the spark of genius.

— Make friends with your inner child. List things parents warned you about. Examine attitudes and beliefs you developed as a result of these teachings. Do admonitions like “Never question authority,” “Boys don’t cry,” apply today? Examining long-held beliefs opens you up to new ways of seeing things.

— Draw or “Doodle.”  Write a question that clearly states what you want to know. Underneath it, draw whatever flows though your hands. Use your intuitive skills to interpret the meaning and symbols in the drawing.  Note the sequence of steps and your thoughts and feelings as you study the drawing.

— Play mental games like “what if….” These require a willingness to think freely, so don’t close doors on ideas. Resist  thinking, “Don’t be silly!” or “That’s stupid.”

— Lose yourself in an enjoyable activity. Exercise, sew, paint, sing, dance, write, start a scrapbook or photo album. Focus on the activity.

— Devise your own ways of freeing creativity.  Relax. Give the process time. Here are suggestions:

– Ask your dreams for answers to a question before going to sleep.

– Meditate, journal, relax in nature.

– Change routines, for example, write with your non-dominant hand.

– Play the devil’s advocate at a business meeting.

– Take a course on a topic you’ve always wanted to try.

– Play. What can you do to make work or leisure time more fun?

– Have a backwards day, beginning by having dinner for breakfast.

– Ask a child an open-ended question, for instance, “What do you think …”

– Cook with spices you’ve never used.

– Have a costume party where each guest plays the part of a character from a book, movie, the media, or other realm.Award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, offers additional suggestions for strengthening creativity. https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

 

Check audible Questers: https://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

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, and consulted with varied individuals and organizations. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.

Carole Kanchier is available for consultations and interviews. Her team will be delighted to send a complementary PDF of Questers Dare to Change.

Contact: carole@questersdaretochange.com; http:// www.questersdaretochange.com

 

 

© Carole Kanchier, PhD

NOV. 12, 2020

You Are What You Think!

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 and 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 your mind power, learn through relaxation and meditation exercises to slow your brain 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 desired goal or outcomes, and stating affirmations to help you achieve desired goals.

Goal attainment tips

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.

Maintain optimism. 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

Check audible edition: Check audible edition: htps://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

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 and consulted with individuals and organizations world wide. Carole Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential. 

Contact Carole: carole@questersdaretochange.com; http://www.questersdaretochange.com