I read an article last month which incensed me. It was entitled “15 things you can do today to get up earlier tomorrow”. Initially, it was because I thought that it promoted the “hit the day early and you’ll be more successful” approach. However, on reading it, it was more practical than that, ostensibly encouraging us to break bad habits e.g. arriving late for work. Perhaps it should have been entitled “15 things you can do today so you will get up tomorrow”.
It can be all too easy to forget that your body, while amazing, is not infinitely resourceful. We all need food, sleep and space for our brains to process things. So when you're working, trying to find a new job and looking after family, passions, interests and chores, how do you find time for you...?
I live in North Devon, in the West of England. It's rugged, not overly developed and lacks many of the refinements of our friends a 90 minute drive away on the south coast of the county. Perfect!
I seem to remember a (long!) time ago that one of the DIY retail chains used the slogan 'Don't move, improve!' in an effort to get the DIY-inept like myself to purchase wood, plaster and tools to create a mess that would require a real professional to sort out. However, my plea in this instance is likely to result in a better outcome, as you will be better placed and equipped to undertake the suggested task.
I, like you, get regular nudges from LinkedIn to 'congratulate' someone on their 'work anniversary' or to 'see who else is celebrating'. Does anyone celebrate their work?
Most say Benjamin Franklin* gave us the somewhat depressing feeling that life had little certain to offer except an ending and an obligation to give away your hard earned cash. Whilst I can't disagree about the inevitability of those two elements, I am also convinced they are not the only things certain affect to every human on planet earth.
For some dedicated Bicycle commuters in Boston, MA, the recent incredible snowfall was the ultimate test, not just of their enjoyment of their daily employment but also of their team-working ability and commitment.
NB: I wrote this article some time ago now so LinkedIn has slightly changed it's format. However, the tab you're seeking still exists (top centre on browser version and bottom right on mobile device) so the rest of the article is valid. Happy hunting - Frank
One of the least used parts of LinkedIn could be the most useful to you. I'm constantly finding users for whom it's a major surprise. I wonder if you can guess what it is?
My wife took up photography a few years ago. Our children had left home and were much less dependent on her, and she was looking for an outlet for her creative energies. She’s produced some great shots over the years and many of them adorn our walls at home. However the true value is one we did not anticipate.
... and still be as passionate, if not even more so, at the end as you were at the beginning. I urge you to be inspired by the story of Jiro. It's all about achieving mastery in your chosen field.
If you get a little lump in your throat at some point when watching this exceptionally well-crafted video, you'll be in good company. Perhaps it will inspire you about where you are now and where you could be. Thank you Ernst and Young.
There’s possibly only one thing worse than hearing nothing back after having sent out a barrow load of CVs. That’s being rejected for the role that you had interviewed for and thought you’d got.
You'll recall the previous post in this series, where I suggested that the business of finding a job is such a challenge that it is not one you should face alone.
The potential for finding friends or colleagues for mutual encouragement or to provide a sounding board for you, is a real practical way of sustaining yourself through the process.
I was struck last week by an article online from the Telegraph, talking about the anxiety people feel when the next working week seems to loom large on the horizon.
