Helene Lerner's Blog, page 110

What to do When You're Feeling Unmotivated

[image error]Ask anyone with a specific goal whether he or she is facing challenges in attaining it. Most likely the answer will be “yes”. Whether you are seeking a promotion or lateral move at your job, or trying to maintain a fitness regimen, you may encounter bumps in the road or have times when you feel “stuck.”

Today, I invite you to take inventory of what is holding you back. What are the real challenges you are facing? What role does motivation play in the amount of work you are putting into achieving your goal? Are you feeling unmotivated, and if so, ask yourself some questions:

1.What triggers a lack of motivation in you?

2. What activities do you engage in that are not self-supportive and are not conducive to your success?

3. When you engage in those types of activities, how do they affect your level of motivation?

4. Instead of your goals, what do you focus on when you feel unmotivated?

5. What do you wish you could accomplish?

6. How much further along would you be at this moment if you had been feeling motivated?

7. What excuses are you making for yourself and why?

8. What is one thing (however small) you could do today to give you a sense of accomplishment? 

By responding to these questions, you become more mindful of your typical patterns and can more easily key in to what holds you back. If for example, you find yourself less motivated to run errands after 3pm, taking note of this will help you schedule your day more productively. If you are making excuses for why you haven’t reached a goal, honing in on those blocks will help in identifying ways to get past them. By engaging in one small thing, you get the ball rolling again and allow yourself to experience a little victory. Once you’ve had one, you want to keep the momentum up!

Victoria Crispo, Career Coach, Career Services USA

Futurist Edie Weiner on New Trends and Transformations

We recently spoke with futurist Edie Weiner, president of Weiner, Edrich, Brown. She laid out for us some of her fascinating insights about the five most important social shifts she predicts will take place over the coming years. We will be posting them as a series this week, starting with Edie’s predictions about the economy.

The first important shift is the fundamental transformation of the global economy. This has happened before in our history—we went from hunter-gatherer to agricultural, then industrial, post-industrial, and it shifted again in 1992. We're now going through another transformation, which began about eight years ago. These transformations are caused by disruptive technologies that come together and synergistically create efficiencies that throw a lot of people out of work. And those people don't find work until the new businesses and new industries are created out of those new technologies, and then they're absorbed back in the workforce and we go on. Everything changes when those economies change. There are whole new ways to create products and services and to make money on products and services.

We were tens of thousands of years in the agricultural economy, 200 in the industrial, 45 in the post-industrial, and in 1992, we knew that we had maybe 12-15 years' half-life before we entered another economy. So we predicted that between 2005 and 2007, we would see major layoffs around the globe and structural unemployment. So one of the important stories for today is that the economists keep talking about a recession, but it is not and never was. It is a fundamental, global economic transformation.

The unemployment is structural and everything will change. As part of the changes in the economy, you can't make money on what you used to make money on because of the efficiencies. If you remember back to the first hand-held calculators that Texas Instrument came out with, they cost $1,500. Now, you get more computing power in a singing birthday card. Remember the first portable telephones that came out in the early 90's? They weighed a lot, they cost a lot of money, they were huge, now you can give them away for free, you can't make any money on them. And so, the important thing when you go through these transformations is to know what the new value propositions are going to be.

Well Wishes for Our Community Part 2

Last week, we posted a video sharing our well wishes for our community. It was so popular, we decided to make another one. Here it is. Enjoy!

Video Editor--Chloe Motisi

When your job title is "Mom"

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Maybe you left the work force for several years to devote time to raising your family and are out of the work loop. You may feel you have little to contribute to conversations with your friends in the corporate world. Does water cooler gossip mix with sandbox antics?

Your sense of apprehension may be for different reasons: you’re ready to venture back to the workplace and are not sure how to play up your skills or explain your hiatus. Or perhaps you have “Mompreneur” dreams and are unsure of how to get started.

The skills you use to manage home and family life--leadership, time management, organization, crisis management, these count! When you are ready to present yourself as a job candidate, keep these skills top-of-mind, with concrete examples that demonstrate times you’ve effectively used them.

Remember that “staying at home” is a choice and one choice is not “better” or “worse” than any other. When you make choices in line with your values, there is no need to be apologetic! Many times, at-home moms present themselves as though they have a “deficit” in the professional world due to their decisions. Focus on your values and you will find that therein lies the strengths and convictions in your choices, rather than “faults”.

Take some time to explore your answer to “what do I want to be when I grow up?”
Your response may surprise you and might be quite different than what is was even just a few years ago! Give yourself time to daydream- the practical applications can come a bit later! Think of your values, ethics, ideal work/life balance, interests, skills, personality traits, and strengths. Next, start researching careers that match the items on your list.

What if you don’t have experience?
If you find as you explore options that your interests lie in areas in which you lack experience, now is the time to get strategic. Read articles from reputable resources. Scour the internet for free (or low-cost) webinars and get up to speed. Take an introductory class, find a mentor, or connect with someone who would take you on as an apprentice. Set up an informational interview to learn more. These suggestions also work for aspiring Mompreneurs. Find other Mompreneurs or Presidents of WOBs (Women-Owned Businesses) who can take you under their wings and share their best practices.

Consider Volunteering
Volunteer for a charity event, do administrative work at your favorite not-for-profit, or participate in the PTA or a community association. These are viable experiences that you can include on your resume or professional profile and help build your credibility and your experience.

There are countless other ways to develop your arsenal to effectively venture back into the workforce. Take the pace as slow or as quickly as best suits you. Make sure to enlist your champions and mentors to help you along the way. Best of luck in your search!

Victoria Crispo, Career Coach, Career Services USA

Warm Weather Wardrobe Essentials

Spring/Summer 2014 Cheat Sheet

Looking for fashion advice? Pamela will answer your questions.

Send them to administrator [at] womenworking [dot] com.

We all want to look fashionable 24 hours a day, but adding an element of style between 9 and 5 can be a challenge. Me being the consummate multi-tasker that I am, I have tackled this challenge many times, volleying between very corporate clients and much more laid back, casual clientele where jeans and a T-shirt was the standard. I am happy to share with you some work-appropriate tips to help incorporate some really cool spring trends into your office looks without getting a call from HR. And most of them are multi-functional as great day-to-night pieces.

As I followed the runway shows and studied the similarities in color and cuts, it became apparent that this year’s spring/summer trends were going to have loads of party-ready crop tops, sheer skirts, and peekaboo mesh as trend front-runners. Now unless you have a really cool boss or work at a fashion magazine, you likely will not be able to wear these styles at the office. But fret not! There are quite a few work-appropriate trends to opt for. Here is a quick cheat sheet of chic spring trends you can totally wear at work.

Add pastels

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Wearing a full on pastel dress with neutral shoes or accessories is a great idea for the office. Or if that’s too much for you, try adding a pastel to one of your separates like a work-friendly blouse or button-up shirt. It's a fashion-forward way to bring spring to an otherwise boring navy or dark suit. Little changes like this will breathe new life/freshness to that classic year-round skirt or pant suit.

Wide-leg trousers

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Also known as soft pants or pajama pants, these billowy bottoms have always been a favorite of mine. And now after so many seasons of skinny pants, they are back on the scene…..hooray! They will come in a wide variety of patterns and solids so pick your poison. Just know the larger the pattern or print, the larger your backside will appear, so tread lightly if you’re a pear shape or heavily endowed downstairs. These easy pants are great complements to almost every style of top, but to keep it office chic, I would wear a well-tailored shirt and blazer with it to balance the fluidity of your lower half.  

The midi dress

If your ever worry about buying into a trend and being stuck with it after only a few months, never to wear it again, then listen up because this is the anti-trend trend you have been waiting for. The midi dress is a timeless classic and is PERFECT as a crossover from work to play. This trend was a highlight in summer and fall fashion shows so it’s a keeper for your closet through the seasons change. Buy one classic navy and you’re all set, or go for it and add a patterned midi, too. Have fun with pairing it with demure footwear during the day and sexy stilettos for the night; change your lips to a fiery red or cool coral and a quick handbag switch for a perfect date night evening.
 
The oxford shirt-dress

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It’s another awesome option for the office with little effort and big results!  It’s more popularly known for weekend wear to the Hamptons or the beach but the oxford has reinvented itself with just a change of fabrication to have a more fitted and tailored look; great for the office. Pair it with a blazer or a great necklace and pointy flats or go the other route and wear a great espadrille wedge and roll up the sleeves a little to have some fun with this flirty casual turned corporate twister. Make sure to keep the dress AT or BELOW knee length to stay office appropriate.
 
The pleated skirt

This jewel from the 60’s is still as American as apple pie. The pleated skirt reminds me of the classic TV show “Happy Days,” when showing just your waistline was enough. The pleated skirt is a great silhouette for almost any shape, however I wouldn’t recommend for the women under 5’5 unless you made it a mini pleated skirt. This spring’s return to the classic skirt is an easy complement to almost everything in your closet from a sweatshirt paired with brogue or oxford shoes or to a little more serious tone, by pairing it with a tailored blazer or fine-knit sweater layered over a collared shirt and heels.

For those who swear shopping is tedious or it’s just impossible to figure out how to look great in this world of constantly changing trends, let me give you a word of advice. Mixing up what you already have is the KEY! There is no Ultimate Fashion Rule for Style (now taste is another story). Customize your style just for you. Listen to the advice of professionals like myself on proper fit and take notes on suggested guidelines on trends and finesse YOUR STYLE STATEMENT. Have fun! Try adding a new trend item into your wardrobe one piece at a time and if it doesn’t work, no worries, take it back but keep trying something new and little by little you will find your most flattering style.

It’s all about the journey; finding the right mix for you is essentially the KEY TO LIFE. It applies to everything; from finding the right career, the right mate and even the right wardrobe for you!

Pamela Watson is an experienced stylist who currently works as the trend expert for Builders of Style, where she prepares A-list clients for red carpet events, music videos, concerts, and award shows.

Why You Need to Create a Personal Brand

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You've likely heard about "personal branding." Creating a brand is no longer a concept only for powerful companies--it is a tool accessible to you and me.

How does one do this in a way that is authentic, professional, and unpretentious? What aspects of your skills, attributes, and personality should come to the forefront?

What is the benefit of having a personal brand?

These days, it’s not enough to just list your accomplishments and abilities on a resume or state them in an interview. You must demonstrate them through examples of previous wins. By developing your own corner of the internet that showcases your accomplishments and presents your brand, you are taking control of what the world sees about you and establishing yourself as an expert in your field.

With so much opportunity for customization regarding the visual aesthetic, it’s definitely wise to make your space unique and congruent with your “personality.” Think about the visual elements that best describe you.

As you’re creating your brand’s “look,” also ensure that it is in line with the personal characteristics you want to portray to your audience. Have a uniform message throughout, and bring it to your daily life, in addition to your online presence. Perhaps it’s a statement piece of jewelry or a quirky pair of glasses that will be a visual representation of your personal brand. Decide what you want to be known for and include a visual element that is in line with your message

I observed a wonderful instance of personal branding at a workshop I recently attended. Rather than conduct the workshop over the standard meeting table and chairs, the presenter made the room her own by selecting a table runner, coasters, and drinking glasses that fit her “personal brand” perfectly. She used the space as a visual representation of her brand’s personality. It is those finishing touches and details that will bring your own personal brand to life.

-Victoria Crispo, Career Coach, Career Services USA

 

CNN's Fredricka Whitfield on Family, Success and Courage

We recently spoke with journalist Fredricka Whitfield, anchor of the weekend edition of CNN Newsroom. She shared with us her insights on career success, her definition of courage, and more.

Your father was an Olympic runner. Did he encourage you to set high goals?

My dad didn’t boast about being an Olympian. It was funny, we would always get the new editions of Encyclopedia Britannica and my brother, sister and I thought it was amazing when we’d open it up to “W” and see his name. By virtue of who he is, he encouraged us to reach high. He went from being a boy with nothing, no material wealth whatsoever, to being highly successful.

How did you know that journalism was your passion?

After his Olympic years, my dad became a diplomat with the State Department. We were based overseas and I spent my earlier years in East Africa. A number of our family friends worked for the Voice of America, the State Department’s radio news outlet for American expatriates and anyone who wanted to know about what was happening with the American government. So I interacted with a lot of foreign correspondents and journalists early on and it was intriguing.

You’ve reported on Hurricane Katrina and from places like the Persian Gulf. What helps you maintain composure during emotionally intense stories?

I stay focused and don’t think about myself or my emotions. I’m there as a messenger. I want to tell the story, not become the story.

But there are times when, as a human being, something just touches you. Right after I returned from maternity leave, we reported on violence at a mall in Nairobi, Kenya. One of the victims was a pregnant woman. It really affected me both because I was born in Nairobi, and because I was a new mother.

What are the most rewarding aspects of your career?

I get to learn something every day and, by virtue of that, I’m learning about myself. I go places few people get a chance to visit. Most of us hope that our jobs will bring us personal growth and enrichment, and this is one of those occupations that does that.

What’s your definition of a courageous woman?

You have to give yourself a chance to grow personally so that you know who you are, what makes you happy. When you have that perspective, you’re more willing to take chances and go outside your comfort zone.

Also, when you're faced with challenges, courage means taking them head-on. At one point in my life, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. When I went to see the doctors, they couldn’t find anything, they said everything was fine. So I had to insist that they do more tests. I said, 'I know what feeling good is and I’m not feeling right.' After having surgery and recovering, I look back on it as one of the greater things that happened to me because I had to rise to the occasion and face it.

When You Need to Take a Risk

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Throughout life, we all experience times when the outcome of a circumstance will be unknown to us. Even the least risk-averse person may experience twinges of fear and uncertainty before plunging into (or tiptoeing towards) risk.

When you are deciding whether to take a leap, consider the following:

Identify the severity of the risk. If you take this risk on, what changes will result from it? Of those, which will create waves in your current life and to what severity will they change the status quo? For example, if you are looking to go back to school, how much debt will you incur? How will your loan payments affect your current lifestyle? Will you be able to keep your quality of life the same or will you need to make sacrifices?

Anticipate all possible repercussions. Don’t think solely about one issue (ex: financial burden of going back to school). Consider the risk from all angles. Will you have the time available not only go to class but also complete your academic work each week? What other sacrifices may you have to make for your dream to become reality?

Keep a pros/cons list. Once you’ve identified what might occur as a result of taking the risk, start outlining the pros and cons. What is the worst that can happen if you take the risk? What is the worst that can happen if you don’t? Not every “con” will necessarily result in a negative impact on your life. Not every “pro” will lead you to your next step. 

What are your basic needs? What are your basic survival needs? Where might you be able to cut corners and what are your “non-negotiables”?

What is “failure” to you? If the risk does not result in your intended outcome, will you view that as a failure? Or, will the new strengths and knowledge you gain, your growth, and your resilience be indicators of success?

Is the pain of staying in the same place greater than the fear of moving forward? In most instances, that is a strong indicator that it is time to take a leap!

What is your contingency plan? If all else fails and you encounter each worst-case scenario, what is your plan for disaster relief?

If necessary, modify. In some cases, your pros and cons list may lead you to NOT take the risk. So consider alternatives. For example, if now is not a good time for you to take a student loan, consider a lower-cost, non-credit training course that gives you an introductory overview.  Talk to other people who have already taken the risk you were considering. Gain insights from their experiences. Revisit the risk again at a later date, and leap when ready!

-Victoria Crispo, Career Coach, Career Services USA

Career Coach: Welcome to June

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Victoria Crispo is a career coach known for bringing a vivacious and dynamic element to her clients’ job searches. She currently works at Career Services USA, a full-service career coaching company for job seekers and career changers of all levels and abilities. She propels job seekers towards taking control of their job searches and moving through fear, uncertainty, and other blocks to career success. By providing perspective and a listening ear to those who feel lost in the job search process, she empowers them to develop plans of action that are easy and fun to implement. In addition to assisting with resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, networking techniques, and career exploration, she guides job seekers towards discovering and maintaining their confidence throughout the process and presenting themselves in a way that “wows” employers.

Well Wishes for Our Community

Our messages resonate with so many people around the world. Thank you for being with us on Facebook and Twitter. Here are some of our sincere wishes for you and the women in your life you care about.

Video Editor--Chloe Motisi