5 Easy Steps to Launch Your Passion Project in 2021

We can spend so much of our time on everyone and everything else that we sometimes neglect to refuel ourselves. When you don’t provide yourself with the mental maintenance to ensure your well-being is intact, it’s easy to become deflated, disengaged, and disgruntled. If this is a good description of what you have been living through, it may be time to take a pause. This season is perfect for reflecting on goals and creating a plan for your passion project in 2021. While it’s our duty to care for family and support our friends, there is a bigger issue brewing. Some of us take care of everyone else but neglect our part that needs mental, physical, or spiritual attention. It’s imperative that we prioritize our sanity and take more control over what we so willingly give away that is irreplaceable: TIME.

A few years ago, I wanted to write a book and didn’t know when or how I would get it done. One day after feeling defeated by always giving my time with no end in sight, I decided to “steal” an hour from my day to focus on my book. I woke up earlier or went to bed later than my family to research and write. I started to look forward to my project time, and what may have started as a sacrifice soon became my sanctuary. It took three months to complete my first project, but with Amazon self-publishing and an investment in myself, I got it done!

Before you can think clearly about your plan, you have to give yourself the mental space to breathe. Creating a mental break can be as simple as taking a bubble bath, running an errand without the kids, or carving out a couple of hours to read a book because this soothes your soul. Taking care of yourself can also mean completing the degree you have put off for years, starting the business you regularly mention, or publishing the book you have inside you. I’ve learned that if I don’t make myself a priority, I won’t be a priority on anyone else’s list. It’s not that those close to me don’t care, but rather it’s about communicating what I want and outlining boundaries for the space I need. However, little time this may be, even an hour can go a long way if you plan it. The reality is, if people don’t know what you need, they can’t help you.

We can be an enemy to ourselves because saying “I’m too busy” will not eliminate the need to replenish our spirit. Some of us understand the importance of carving out “me time” and can simply say, “I’m taking this time for me,” and do it. Then there are others who will not heed the advice and will crash before they realize it’s OK to take time for themselves. Suppose you are challenged with following through on personal goals and need something more formal and structured. In that case, this article may inspire you and give a gentle push in the right direction.

5 Easy Steps to Launching Your Passion Project

If you want a practical way to find and focus on a passion project in 2021, here are 5 easy steps to get started:

• Create a quick outline for your project plan and document your overarching goal at the top: I will spend (whatever time) doing something I love that feeds my passion.
• List the things you are passionate about and determine how much time you can contribute to this activity each week. The items on your list are just a brain dump of everything you have a passion or interest in. You can look at the logistics next.
• Rank the list in ascending order, with #1 being the priority or thing you are most interested in. Review each activity for how likely you will be able to start reasonably soon (give yourself a deadline). If the item proves too challenging now to commit to, move it to a “parking lot,” a separate list, and revisit it later.
• Remove your parking lot items and renumber your list, starting with the highest interest first. Next to each item, write a day and time you can commit to it and select one thing to begin your project.
• Communicate to your immediate circle that you will be “working on a project” (whether it’s one hour or one day a week). Share with family and friends that your project time is imperative to your sanity, and then set your boundaries.

Make a promise to yourself that you will schedule around whatever comes up (not including emergencies, of course).

After your first experience with any item on your list, note how you felt and any special preparations needed to execute this activity.

If you felt that it took a lot of effort to prepare but you enjoyed it, explore how it can be easier.

However, if you did NOT enjoy it as much as you thought, start the next activity.

Resources to Manage Your Time and Your Passion Project

Time management skills can help anyone with organization, communication, and goal achievement (yes, you can develop new skills while enjoying yourself). Check out these resources to help you organize and stay on track:

Time Management Ninja (Stitcher: 6 Min) — In this podcast, Craig Jarrow succinctly provides the “Top 10 Life Benefits of Time Management”.

How to Gain Control of Your Free Time (Ted Talk: 11 Min) — According to Laura Vanderkam, there are 168 hours each week, so how do we find time for what matters most? This time management expert studies how busy people spend their lives. She offers a few practical strategies to help find more time for what matters to us, so we can “build the lives we want in the time we’ve got.”

Real Happy Mom (Apple Podcasts: 22 Min) — Grab a cup of coffee and join Tracy Morgan for the Real Happy Mom Podcast. This episode, “creating goals you’ll actually achieve this year” includes time-management and self-care strategies for the busy working mom.

How To Manage Your Time & Get More Done (YouTube: 55 Min) — How do you achieve the goals you want while managing a busy schedule? Is it possible to be more productive within the time you have? In this whiteboard session, Chris Do, Founder and CEO of “The Futur” shares what he does to get more stuff done.

Work Smarter Not Harder (Coursera: Free) — In this course, you will gain and apply your knowledge and understanding of personal and professional awareness. Learn from Margaret Meloni, Ph.D. as she illustrates tools, methods, and techniques for goal setting to overcome time management challenges and enhance productivity.

The goal of this article is to help you find the thing that refuels you and does not feel like work. Set yourself up for success by researching your topics, taking a foundational knowledge course, and using productivity tools to stay on track. Make a 30-day challenge to fail fast and not waste time. Update your list often and try new ideas if you have not found something you enjoy. Focusing on your passions, interests, or any activity that stimulates your mind aids in fostering learning, growth, and mental health.

Please let me know if you are working on your passion project and how you did it!

~Stacey 

Your Most Important Project: You

We can spend all of our time on everyone and everything else that we sometimes forget to refuel ourselves. When you don't provide the mental maintenance to ensure your own well-being, that is akin to a stalled car sitting on the side of the road waiting for a jump start or a tow. Getting a jump start is not the issue if you really need it, but most times it's poor planning on our part that ushers us into a predicament, creating the need to get back on track. The larger issue that some of us encounter is not taking care of self, making it a priority to nurture our soul and replenish what we so willingly give away that is irretrievable: time. 

Taking care of self can be as simple as getting a massage, running an errand without the kids, or taking a couple of hours to read a book because that soothes our soul. Taking care of self can also mean completing the degree that you have put off for years or starting the business you regularly mention to those close to you. I've learned that if I don't make myself a priority, I won't be a priority on anyone else's list. It's not that those close to me don't care, but rather it's about my lack of communication and boundaries for what I need and want. The reality is, if people don't know what you need, they can't help you. 

We can be our own worst enemies by doing the thing we admonish others not to do: taking time for self. "Being busy" is NOT an excuse and will not eliminate the need for you to refuel or replenish your spirit. Some of us understand the importance of carving out "me time", and can simply say, "I'm taking this time for me", and do it. There are others who will not take heed and will be the car on the side of the road waiting for a tow. If you are challenged with following through on personal goals, and need something more formal and structured, then this article may give you the push to getting the self-therapy you need.  

If you want a practical way to jump start your focus on S-E-L-F, here is a quick and easy project plan to get started.


Getting Started:

• Create a quick outline for your project plan and document your overarching goal at the top:  I will spend (whatever time) doing something I love that feeds my passion.

• List the things you are passionate about and determine how much time you can contribute to this activity each week. Your list is just a brain dump of everything you have a passion or interest in, you can look at the feasibility or logistics next.

• Rank the list in ascending order with #1 being the priority. Review each activity for how likely you will be able to start or sustain. If the item proves too challenging now to commit to, move it to a "parking lot" and revisit later.

• After removing your parking lot items, renumber your list with highest priority first and continue to work down the list. Write next to each item a day and time you can commit to it and select one to get started.

• Communicate to your immediate circle (family, friends, or anyone who may potentially violate this time) that you will be busy.

• Make a promise to yourself that whatever comes up, you will schedule around it (not including life threatening issues of course).

After your first experience with any item on your list, make a note of how you felt and any special preparations needed to execute this activity. If it took a lot of effort to prepare but you enjoyed it, then see how you can make it easier. However, if you did not enjoy it as much as you thought, look at the next activity on your list. The goal is to find something that refuels you but it should not feel like work. Update your list often and try new things. Spending time on you is just as important as anything else.

5 Tips To Manage Your Career Like An Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs have the right perspective for what it takes to excel simply because they hold the keys to their success. While the definition of success depends on the individual, the characteristics to deliver excellence remain the same. For one who is strategic, consistent, and driven, the ability to prioritize and invest in the right areas can bring a positive return whether you are an entrepreneur or not. Today, companies need employees to deliver value more than ever, and this is where managing your career like an entrepreneur can propel you forward.

The characteristics of an entrepreneur are not exclusive to those who have shrugged off the idea of working in a corporate environment, employees can leverage those same qualities to excel in their career, too. A business plan keeps an entrepreneur on track for achieving his or her goals, and likewise, a career plan can provide the check and balance you need to stay in alignment. Just as a business owner captures his/her strategy in a business plan, your career plan should outline your career goals and the approach for accomplishing them. 

So what entrepreneurial qualities can drive success in your career? Here is a short list for building your plan:

Communication

Being able to effectively express yourself (written and verbal) is paramount to "selling" your ideas and capabilities. Delivering presentations, proposals, and even project updates in an articulate, engaging, and informative way is the beginning of getting supporters for your work product. Knowing your audience is critical to being perceived favorably, and your content should be delivered in a manner that can be understood by everyone. If not careful, you may alienate some if the motivation is to demonstrate your "expertise". Make it a priority to find a training program for writing and/or public speaking to develop in this area.

Critical Thinking 

The phrase "think outside the box" does not begin to scratch the surface of what it means to think critically about problems and proposed solutions. If "thinking outside the box" is a blue sky or blank canvas opportunity to brainstorm or problem solve, then critical thinking is the ability to observe, synthesize, evaluate, analyze, and reason the content, problem, or solution to meet the needs of not just self, but for the good of everyone involved. As businesses take a consumer-centric approach to products and services, more than ever critical thinking will be a valuable skill to have. 

Confidence 

I know you've heard the phrase "fake it until you make it", and while this might work for some, the only way to generate real confidence is to know yourself and the content or subject area. Self-confidence comes when you take the necessary time to prepare for whatever it is you have to do. It is the assurance that you have what it takes, and have taken the time to delve into your area of focus with an unshakable determination to succeed. In addition to having knowledge of the subject and a solid performance, it can also help to wear attire that is congruent with what your audience will appreciate. Remember, you are always being observed, from up close and afar. 

Collaboration

Having a good idea can become better when you collaborate and build allies to support you. Being able to collaborate effectively says you have the  chops to build relationships, take constructive feedback, lead through ambiguity, and successfully deliver. Even more, collaboration can help you to develop the "thick skin" needed to shrug off disappointments and setbacks, pushing you to dismiss personal differences and seek out those who can truly help the cause.

Courage 

Entrepreneurs take"calculated risks" often to grow their clientele. Along with calculated risk-taking you have to be courageous to take your plan to the next level. This is not only intellectually knowing you are making a sound decision, but also being brave about what you will encounter good and bad, and staying the course. It's important to note that having courage does not mean the absence of fear, but the fortitude to continue, not allowing fear to paralyze your plan.

Whether you are an entrepreneur or not, knowing your strengths, your value, and your audience is key. Like an executive summary in a business plan, having a solid professional summary that compels your clients or colleagues to seriously consider what you have to offer is how opportunities arrive at your door. As part of your career plan, strive to create a professional summary to reflect your experience, your strengths, and your niche. The goal is to illustrate your competitive advantage, matching your skills and experience to business opportunities to provide value. To accomplish this, you have to help people help you by demonstrating your capabilities and potential. The moral of this article: Think like an entrepreneur and take control of your career. 

Stacey Rivers is an IT professional, mom, wife, and the author of the book "50 Essential Tips to Getting & Keeping The 'Right' Job". For more on career management, check out the Career Bluprint Magazine.

Questions To Gain More Clarity In Your Career

Questions To Gain More Clarity In Your Career

I attended an event for aspiring authors seeking to compare my personal process with how others were successfully getting it done. The panel of women authors, which consisted of mothers, doctors, wives, and entrepreneurs, were all forthcoming with different avenues to publishing. What engaged me most was their candid admissions for why they decided to become authors and the various situations they had to navigate through. A newly published author myself, I was enlightened by the fact that none of us have the time to do what we love, we just get it in where we can fit it in. I thought I was the only one writing late at night, early in the morning, standing in the check out line at the grocery store, or sitting in the waiting room at the doctor's office. What I discovered was I'm not alone, there are many more women who are seizing whatever time they can to incorporate their passion into their lives daily. I realized that whether you are married, single, have kids or not, there is always something competing for your time. Prioritizing what is important to you will make it easier to choose how you manage your day and what you can accomplish.

With the popularity of social media also comes the regular flow of advice from everyone who wants to tell you what to do. While it's great to be advised in areas where you may struggle, any advice is merely just a suggestion for you to consider. Ultimately only you can determine what is best for you. What works for me may not work for you for a myriad of reasons. The insight social media provides is knowing someone else has the same or similar challenges and have figured out an approach that works, which means you can too.

Here's a suggestion: If you are searching to gain clarity in your career, you have to be ready to ask yourself the difficult questions. Before you can make a solid decision about your career, knowing your starting place and your desired state will give you a map to keep you on track. In essence, when you make a choice to do one thing, you are saying "no" to something else. Life is a series of choices which shapes who you are, and in the end creates your legacy. 

• Taking time out for introspection to ask yourself the hard questions can remove doubt, creating the freedom to confidently move forward.

• Knowing what you are not willing to give up can narrow your choices, making a clear path for your plan.

• Defining what success looks like will put your decisions into perspective.

So, start with answering the question, "How do I define success?" Once you determine this, you may begin to understand what you need to be content and fulfilled. Capture your thoughts and be confident in your answers before taking action. The questions below will help to bring clarity for your career decisions. If you choose, discuss with a confidant, mentor, or career coach to get feedback on your thought process.

Questions

• What will be different in the job market 10 years from now?
• Where do I want to be in my career in the next 3 years? 
• What will it take to accomplish this? 
• What am I willing to sacrifice? 
• Why am I doing this? 
• Do I have the support I need to accomplish my goal?
• Will this really make me happy? 
• What do I expect to gain in the end? 
• What if it doesn't work out as I intended?

 For additional resources on this topic, check out more articles written by Stacey:

• How To Infuse #Passion Into Your Everyday Routine
• 3 Questions To Getting What You Want In Your Next Job
• Starting Your Most Important Project: YOU 

Stacey Rivers is a strategic project leader, mom, wife, and the author of the book "50 Essential Tips to Getting & Keeping The 'Right' Job". For more on career management, check out the Career Mom Bluprint Magazine or StaceyRivers.com. 

3 Questions To Getting What You Want In Your Next Job

I love to engage people about how they are approaching their careers, and over the past few years I've had some interesting conversations. The question that is simple on the surface but not so simple if you haven't done the homework is, "What do you want to do?". The responses I've heard have ran the gamut from "Not sure" to "My plan 'A' has to work". While there is no one correct way to approach career planning, the pitfall most of us fall into is not answering this question with the specificity needed to obtain the results we are seeking. 

In order for you to have an effective strategy for your career, you must answer at least three questions:

1) Who Am I? - This question is at the very essence of your existence and the key to what will fulfill you. Let's look at it this way, if your values become your compass, your strengths serve as the steering wheel, and your motivations translate to the engine that drives you, then where are you going?

Answering this first question can give you the information you need to make decisions that align with where you want to go. Having your values, strengths, and motivation point you in the direction that is best for you should make it easy to answer question #2.


2) How Do I Define Success? The word "success" is overused and at times overrated. Let's describe this question as the ultimate state you desire for your life that will satisfy you. What will be fulfilling to you may change at different phases of your life, so let's focus on the next 3-5 years and make it a simple effort to scope. 

Complete This Sentence: I would be satisfied if I _________ in the next 3 years. 

Start here and reverse engineer what it will take to achieve your goal within the timeframe you choose.

3) What Am I Willing To Do To Obtain It? This is where you find out how committed you are to obtaining the state you say you want in question #2. Be realistic about what is achievable so that you have a workable plan. If you can't commit to what is required then revise it until it is feasible. Small and consistent progress is better than grand intentions any day!

I am not minimizing the fact that there are more questions that come into play before you can finalize your plan. Most times when people can answer these three questions, there is no doubt they have done the introspection required to confidently move forward.

When I was first asked the question "What do I want?" by an executive, my response was embarrassing because I didn't have an intelligent answer. The realization that I really didn't know what I wanted hit me like a ton of bricks. I stumbled to find the words to tell her and while she didn't say it - we both knew I wasn't ready. Since then I have created a career planning template that I still use today and while details of my plan may change from time to time, I'm never at a loss to state or explain the path I am creating for myself. My advice to you is simply this: Take the necessary steps to discover what you want and then be able to articulate it in a way that engages anyone who asks. People won't know how to help if you can't effectively state what you want.

If you are beyond this phase, congratulations, keep pushing toward your goal! However, if you need help determining what you want in your next job, then take the time to answer these three questions and get intentional about your career plan - this is your future. 

Stacey Rivers is a strategic project leader, mom, wife, and the author of the book "50 Essential Tips to Getting & Keeping The 'Right' Job". For more on career management, check out the Career Mom Bluprint Magazine or StaceyRivers.com.

How To Infuse #Passion Into Your Everyday Routine

If you are working a job that may not be your ultimate role, that's quite alright because most of us have to work to eat. What is not conducive to your well-being is working without getting some sense of fulfillment either on or off the job. We know there is good reason to utilize passion to spark engagement, excitement, and a sense of purpose, and that is where self-motivation can be the catalyst to realizing our goals. Self-motivation is the drive to keep going despite your circumstances, and an easy way to get motivated is to do something you love.

Here are a couple of suggestions to fill the void while you are working towards your dream job: 

A) Create a proposal to incorporate your interests at work, expanding your role or adding tasks to your responsibilities.

•  Make sure you understand the company's vision or strategy and align your proposal to it.

• Discuss your ideas with a mentor or colleague who can help steer you in the right direction.

• Your proposal should make good business sense and you should have the qualifications and bandwidth to deliver on your request .

• Ask your manager to pilot your request before committing if that makes her more comfortable with the change.

Ensuring alignment with the company's strategy and the benefit(s) for the business is core to your proposal being taken seriously. Make sure your assignment will give you new skills to add to your resume.

B) Launch side projects outside of work to provide the release you need. 

• To get started, one question that will measure your passion is, will you do this job for free? Money is an important factor but not the only one. If you have an income, use this time to do something you may not be paid for but enjoy.

• Developing skills outside of your role at work can provide new opportunities, even a new career! What would you do if you could do something different?

•  Make sure your choice is not a conflict of interest with your paying job, e.g., you work for a news agency and your side project is being a lobbyist for a political party.

•  Join a group of like-minded individuals who can share information, resources, or just be a sounding board for your ideas and challenges.

These options can lead to new connections, new experiences, and new opportunities, while minimizing feelings of being unproductive or disengaged. Using this approach gives you the option to showcase your talents and illustrate to others that there is more to you than on the surface.

The ability to incorporate your passion into your schedule, even if it's not a source of income, feeds that part of you that brings elation, productivity, and enrichment to your life. By investing in something you enjoy, you are planting seeds for new opportunities to manifest. Whatever you choose to do, know that you will have to get out of your comfort zone, and that is the beginning of your growth.

Inspired to find ways to add #passion into your everyday routine? For more articles on #passion, check out the Career Mom Bluprint Magazine: The #Passion Issue on Flipboard. 

Stacey Rivers is a strategic project leader, mom, wife, and the author of the book "50 Essential Tips to Getting & Keeping The 'Right' Job". For more on career management, check out Career Mom Bluprint or StaceyRivers.com.

7 Essential Tips To Finding The "Right" Job

If you are looking for your next job opportunity, then it is very timely that you are reading this article. The takeaway for you will be to translate this advice into practical wisdom to find the right job. Before you change your approach, it's imperative that you are sure about what you want directionally from your career. Knowing what you want now and in the future is the groundwork on which you will make your choices. Being confident about this foundation empowers you to move forward without hesitation. In addition, defining what "winning" means to you gives you a criteria for success that any employment offer can be judged against. Consider having more depth for your decision-making than just receiving a job proposition, but one that also leverages your skills and the opportunity to grow your career.

Take a moment and review the questions below. Think about how you would answer if interviewed today.

• Who are you? (Tell me about yourself)
• What are your skills and expertise?  
• When have you been passionate about your work? 
• Why do you want to work for Company X? 
• How will you support the company or department in attaining its goals? 
• Do you have any questions?

Change Your Perspective

All interviewers ask the general questions listed above at some point during the process. Having a solid understanding of your career goals can change your perspective for the interview and place you on a level playing field with the recruiter and hiring manager. Knowing your career plan will minimize doubt for how to answer questions as well as what information will be important to extract during the exchange. You should be able to make an informed decision about whether this is the right situation for you, not if your answers are what they want to hear.

The Interview Defined 

An interview, at the very essence, is a conversation between you and your potential employer. It is a reciprocation of information that may culminate into a partnership agreement. You should know your strengths and weaknesses, what you want and don't want in your next job, and prepared to ask the strategic questions during the interview that will aid in your decision to accept the offer. The "agreement" is only a success when both parties are transparent and forthcoming with the information each need to know. At the end of the day, it is absolutely okay to graciously decline any offer that will not meet your needs. 

Of all the articles you have read and all the advice you have been given, let's focus on 7 essential tips that will take the headache out of preparing for your next interview. Remember, this approach is effective when you are building upon a solid plan for your career.

Determine what resonates with you from the list below and discover how you can enhance your interview approach. 

1) Personal Board of Directors - Create a circle of your colleagues who you trust and utilize their expertise to help build your plan. From creating the perfect interview packet to providing feedback using the mock interview format,  your circle of experts should support you in your goal to be polished and presentable. Contact your personable board with as much lead time as possible to engage them in your plan.

2) Research - Know as much as you can about the company you are targeting. Finding out who they are and the actions they have taken can be as simple as a Google search. From a finance perspective, if it is a publicly traded company, access filings with the SEC for their fiscal health. Arm yourself with info about who you may be going to work for and draw out the hard to find nuggets from your interviewer with questions about the company.

3) Resume - I have read hundreds of resumes and found that creating an effective resume is more challenging than you think. Contrary to popular belief, this information is not just for providing your work history, rather it is an extension of you and your capabilities. The key is to write and organize the details in a way that will capture a recruiter or hiring manager's attention. Other than your work experience, important sections such as the objective, skills, accomplishments, and community service all tell if you are a potential fit. Investing in a professional resume service can be worth the price if you need help and want something that really illustrates who you are.

4) Profile - Review your profile and make sure the message is positive and it's congruent across all social platforms. What you have in your LinkedIn profile should translate to your resume. Google yourself and know what is discoverable, mitigating the opportunity to be surprised by what you can be asked about.

5) Attire - Have you heard the advice, dress for the role you want, not the job you have today? This can be applied in a few different ways, but let's be practical about what is feasible and reasonable for you. A great percentage of the interview process is to determine if you are a match for the role (skills and culture). "Fitting in" should be important for you as it is for the hiring manager. Connect with those who can give you insight into the company's culture and couture. If you don't want to wear a tie everyday, why apply for a position where a tie is required?

6) Presentation - Never come to an interview empty handed. At a minimum, have a copy of your resume and any samples of your work. Based on your field, work samples will look different for everyone. Think of it as a tangible example of your best work. For strategic or executive roles, highlighting ways to address challenges in the area you are interviewing for can showcase your expertise. Gauging the questions asked or reaction to your work samples can also give you insight into what performance expectations may be once hired.

7) Mock Interview - The mock interview is an invaluable tool to help you prepare for the real thing. If possible, use colleagues who have experience interviewing to walk through the process with you. The session should be as realistic as possible, but the bonus is you get immediate feedback about anything that could derail your interview. Everything from eye contact, attitude, nervous behaviors, and the quality of your answers should all be observed to give you insight into where you can improve.

 For more career insights, check out my new book "50 Essential Tips To Getting & Keeping The 'Right' Job" or at StaceyRivers.com.

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Why You Should Celebrate Your Accomplishments In 2015

I attended a women's entrepreneur event recently and met a young lady who was experiencing the most remarkable things. She planned to complete her MBA within a month, had just published a children's book, created an interactive companion app for the book, and was on a mini marketing tour for PR. As I sat next to her in an adjacent booth stuffing bags for the event patrons, I launched into interview mode for the next 15 minutes. The more we talked, the more I became impressed with her humbleness as she described what she had accomplished and the plan she was starting to work on. During the conversation I complimented her achievements, and as she downplayed the magnitude of being a newly published author, I realized that she, like most of us, don't stop to appreciate our wins that got us here.

In 2015, Take Time To Celebrate Your Wins - Big And Small!

As you look back over your life surveying your accomplishments, did you stop to celebrate and appreciate your achievements as they occurred? The saying "stop and smell the flowers" is as relevant now as ever and should be the sign hanging on your mirror, refrigerator, vision board, or where ever you look to get instant inspiration. I, too, have fallen victim to looking forward to "the next thing" that I rarely gave my self time to revel in what ambition and drive allowed me capture as part of a growing portfolio. There are certain things we should do to fully engage in the process of achieving our goals and now is a great time to assess how we can enhance the journey.

First, focusing on just the destination, and not stopping to celebrate once you arrive, can be a symptom of a bigger issue. This is when self-awareness becomes really important, and if you are not, I encourage you to start using situations like this to understand who you are. Learning about who you are while you are going through the peaks and valleys can help insulate you against what any naysayers or negative thoughts may try to tell you.

Second, so what the journey is challenging on the way to the destination? Don't get discouraged or let discomfort rob you of realizing the lesson and who you are becoming as a result. The ability to be cognizant and appreciative of the obstacles you are overcoming along the way is an indication of growth and resilience. You will miss this value in the process if your only focus is rushing towards the destination.

 

In 2015,  consider what you can do different to enhance your journey while working towards your goals:

DO

• Make a mental note or journal about your thoughts during this time. Reflect on the lessons you are learning along the way. 
• Thank those who encourage and support you now, not later. People don't know the value of their actions unless you tell them. 
• As you learn, share your lessons with someone else to encourage them while you are going through your process. This alone can give you a sense of purpose and make the journey enjoyable.

DON'T

• Be threatened or feel apprehensive about others who may reach their goals before you. We are all on different paths and your time will come to claim your success.
• Dismiss how you are feeling, positive or negative. It is strategic to understand the "why" behind your feelings and embrace change. 
• Minimize what you have done to get to where you are. Have a healthy balance of humbleness and confidence. Talk positively and candidly about yourself, opening the door to help others who may be in a difficult place.

I see accomplishments as a tool to drive you to your greatest you. The mere fact that you set a goal and accomplished it is evidence of your potential and desire to grow. What is not embraced is the friction, uncertainty, awkwardness, or uncomfortable feelings we experience as part of the process. What we are not aware of is that this is the very essence of what it means to be "accomplished", "an overcomer", or "a success" because you grappled with the resistance in the process to realize the benefit. 

Analyzing and learning more about you during the journey makes the accomplishment even sweeter in the end. Reflecting on what you made happen and sharing your unique story of triumph can fuel you on to create new goals. Even more, your behavior becomes a model and encourages others to pursue and accomplish their goals too, and that is the definition of a real influencer.

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Take time in 2015 to think different about your approach for accomplishing your goals. Celebrate your wins and reflect on lessons learned to create a richer experience for you and those around you.

Does Your Network = Your Net Worth?

In my article "Why Exiting Your Job Can Make Or Break Your Brand", I discussed the importance of keeping your brand intact for future opportunities. A major part of your brand includes the breadth of your network and the ability to call on the right resources at the right time. Your net worth directly correlates to the importance you place on your professional relationships and the ability to make time to foster a common bond.

Let's take a quick temperature check for how well you engage others:

• How many people do you have in your network? 

• Using this list, how many have you interacted with in the past 90 days? 

• Have you found resources that were valuable in your time of need?

• Have you been a valuable resource to someone in their need? 

Your answers to these questions can be a good indication for how well you engage with your connections. If you believe your network equals your net worth, then are you making time to share yourself with others? 

Networking can mean different things, to different people, at different times, but it does not lead to a real relationship unless you take the necessary steps to put others first. At most, it is a superficial exercise that can come across opportunistic. When you look through your contacts list (digital or otherwise), you will find that networking can easily amount to nothing more than a list of professionals who you really don't know. Developing strategic relationships from your list is the distinguishing factor for how you value your connections, and through this process you also create the ability to be resourceful and deliver results.

How Can I Help You?
If you know the value of relationships then you know that networking is not relationship-building. Networking can bring immediate short-term gains, however it does not take the mid to long term benefits into consideration. If you have networked with someone recently and want to develop a professional relationship, then the strategic question you should be asking is, "How can I help you?". This simple question is the beginning of cultivating a genuine relationship and the reciprocal process of a partnership.

Do You Give Back or Forward? 

Sometimes you can't avoid being the first to call on your network for help. This should be understood, and hopefully one of the reasons why your network exists, to provide assistance in your time of need. If you believe in the universal law of "reaping what you sow", then how many good seeds are you planting? The simple act of  contacting those in your network to "offer help" can go a long way for strategic collaborations in the future. If you can't pay back those who have helped you along your journey, then pay it forward by helping someone in their time of need...you were there once too!

How Do You Build Your Net Worth? 

As you look through your list of contacts, find those who you have not connected with in a while or those who you want to develop a stronger professional relationship. Send a brief message offering your assistance. If you receive a response for help, hopefully you have the expertise or information that is useful. If not, take this opportunity to introduce her to one of your connections who can assist. You may be surprised at the response you receive from this transparent gesture and even what may develop for you professionally as a result of reaching out. 

Ultimately the goal should not be giving to get back, but genuinely offering help to others for furthering their goal. The payback for you will be the reciprocation of quality, professional relationships which can have endless possibilities for your career success.

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Stacey Rivers - Career Advice Blogger