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 

Why Most Applicants Underestimate This Job Prep Tactic

How do you know if the company you are applying to will meet all of your needs? Why do you think you are a fit for the role? What don't you know about the company's culture that may derail your career plan? 

Getting the answers to these questions before accepting a job with a company is imperative to creating a successful career plan. Applicants usually make the mistake of not talking with professionals in the industry or employees at a company where they desire to work to find out if the job or the culture is a fit. As part of your interview preparation process, it is important to uncover what you may not know. Like the mock interview, an informational interview is an underutilized tool that can give applicants essential insights and great connections before starting with a new company. Most people don't use this tactic because they fear people won't accept the invitation.

This is the one job prep tactic you can't afford not to try. Most people will share what they know as long as you are professional in your approach. Find out what you can do to gain the information you need and build relationships. 

Things to consider before you get started:

Conduct your own research about the company before you engage anyone for the informational interview. You have access to public information about the company via the internet. This will eliminate wasting time for data that is available and will inform your questions for more in-depth answers.

Approach every interview with the intent of making a real connection. Coming across superficial, opportunistic, and self-serving will immediately send red flags to your contact who may either reject your invitation or be reluctant to share real experiences that can give you the insight you need.

Be flexible with your time since it is you who is seeking information and insight. Time is money; your contact can surely use his or her time for something else.

IMPORTANT: Be professional and approach the informational interview like you would a real meeting. At every stage of the job search process, you are being observed by those you encounter along the way. Making the mistake of being unprofessional, too casual, or using poor judgment can hinder your opportunity to join the company you are targeting.

LOCATING AND BUILDING CONNECTIONS

The easiest way to find contacts who will share insights about their company is to look at who you already know. If you have been actively networking, you should either have a connection with the company you are targeting or know someone who does.

1) If the contact is in your network, invite him or her for coffee, lunch, or "virtual coffee" to talk about the company.

2) If a contact in your network knows someone who works for the company, ask them to make a formal introduction through email. As soon as the email is sent, "reply all" to keep your contact on the email for support.

Introduce yourself and ask to meet via conference call, coffee, or lunch. Make sure you allow the contact to share their availability and convenience.

3) If you nor your contacts know anyone, search LinkedIn to see the profiles of those employed or previously employed. Send an Inmail to let them know you are considering employment with the specific company and would like to assess whether the culture is a fit for your needs.

4) Before attending the interview, make sure you are familiar with your contact's profile (background, experience, accomplishments). Research could be conducted via LinkedIn, Google, or your immediate colleague if they provided you with the contact.  

DURING THE INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW

1) Introduce yourself and have a resume prepared for the contact

2)  Come with documented questions

3) Don't ask personal questions unless the contact shares his or her information first

4) Don't take more time than you scheduled, keep track of time and close out the interview a couple of minutes before the end
 
Once you have met with your contact, thank him or her with an email or written note. Make sure to keep track of all the details you are gathering from your conversations and compile your records. It's important to schedule the time to talk with a mentor or career coach about your findings.

Don't forget to connect via LinkedIn with your new contacts and determine how you can return the favor. You should use this connection as an opportunity to add to your network and build relationships.

~Stacey

Connect with me on Twitter or Follow Me on LinkedIn for more career advice tips.

How To Use Your Friends To Land The Job You Want

Recently I helped a friend land the job she wanted, which is not a simple process, especially when you know what you want and don't want in your next role. Identifying a company with a position that will leverage your skills and offer stretch assignments can take months to uncover. While we were strategizing about her approach, I decided to blog about our process so others can gain insight on how to strategically use the mock interview. It's easy to play "answer some questions" with your friends and not take this tactic seriously, but if used correctly, the mock interview is your dress rehearsal before the big day. 

If you are not sure where to start or how to use it, let's first define what the mock interview is strategic for: 

1. Judging the quality of your performance and responses to questions
2. Identifying where you can improve
3. Creating a plan to tie up the loose ends
4. Setting the stage for what interviewers will experience
5. Improving your confidence level through preparation and practice

Don't be deceived that a mock interview is just a one-time event where a few of your colleagues ask you job-related questions, and there is more that goes into it than you realize. Think about this; there are several candidates who are in the same process as you, at the same time, vying for the same position:

• How do you stand out? 
• How do you communicate why YOU are the right selection for the role? 
• How do you demonstrate your potential with this limited interaction you have with the recruiter, hiring manager, or interview panel? 

The mock interview sets you up for the job you want by planning out every detail including the "thank you" note after the meeting. While it will take some effort to do this right, the pay off is making a great first impression and getting on the hiring manager's short list for the job you want.

There are a few resources you will need to create a successful mock interview:

• Colleagues who are experienced in recruiting or interviewing and committed to helping you through this process

• Companies you have identified as places where you want to work. If you have you applied, you may not have enough time to work this plan effectively. General Rule: Be prepared to get a call to interview the same day you apply (happened to me)

• Access to a connection at the hiring company or a network with leads who can introduce you to someone who works there

• Updated resume, social profiles, and work samples (if applicable)

• References who are intimately knowledgeable about you, your accomplishments, and your capabilities

Now that you have the basics - let's take a brief look at how you can prepare for a real interview.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

• Prepare a list of questions for your connections at the hiring company to gain insight into the culture, organizational structure, technology platforms, software tools being used, and any other information to help you effectively engage the interviewer
• Have a colleague schedule two mock interviews: a one-on-one and a panel interview
• Make sure you provide your colleagues with the job description so they can create challenging interview questions that align with the responsibilities
• Create a checklist of areas for your colleagues to observe and provide feedback: eye contact, nervousness, responses that didn't communicate your thoughts, etc.

DURING THE INTERVIEW 

• Dress appropriately and show up just as you would for the real thing
• Bring copies of your resume and any pertinent information you plan to share 
• Be prepared with any technology that you will use during the meeting
• Practice your introduction or elevator pitch
• Ask the questions you plan to ask at the interview to gauge the quality of your selections
• Make your exit as you would in the actual interview  

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

• Send each of your colleagues a "thank you" note for the interview
• Have one colleague contact the others for a reference for you as well as check your social media accounts to provide unbiased feedback
• Schedule a debrief meeting with your colleagues to discuss your performance and where you can improve
•  Use the feedback to make changes and plan for another mock interview

It's imperative to have a 2nd mock interview with your colleagues to ensure you progressed in the areas they identified. While this preparation takes some effort, you will be glad you invested the time. 

It's never too much effort for the role you want, and when you land the job, you can take your friends out to dinner and drinks, on you!

Want more tips on interview prep and other career strategies? Connect with me on Twitter or Follow Me on LinkedIn.

~Stacey

Why Your Face Can Be Career Limiting and What To Do About It

I am about to give you a gift. Someone gave it to me early in my career and it has served me well.

When I was a new supervisor, I got along pretty well with everyone on my team. Not yet fully understanding the importance of non-verbal cues, I unconsciously gave away how I felt about someone's question, suggestion, or comment, without really listening to what they were saying and why. Now don't get me wrong, being engaged is good, but when you disagree,  you have to be careful for what your face is communicating.

Once during a weekly team meeting, my manager at the time said to me, "Stacey, you didn't like that idea, did you?" I responded with surprise for how she knew, when I never actually spoke a word of disagreement. Then she gave me the gift. She said, "When you don't like what someone has said, your face shows it". She mentored me on the importance of listening (not hearing) and really making an effort to understand my teammates' perspectives. She challenged me to be more in control of my non-verbal cues, and encouraged me along the way until she saw improvement. 

Through this process, I learned that over the course of your career, you will work with many, many different personalities. Gaining understanding now for the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) can be the catalyst for your career success.  Learning how to effectively engage with people, build meaningful relationships, and keep your relationships intact, should be the foundation of your brand.

At the end of the day, the type of work that you do will constantly change, but it's the relationships you create that will far outlast any job or role you may have.

Paying it forward: So, the gift that I have for you? It's simple but can make a huge impact: Get immediate feedback now about what your face is doing. I'll explain:

• Have a close colleague watch your face to see what it does while in various situations at work (team meetings, one-on-one conversations, group discussions, etc.) 
• The objective is to identify if you are unconsciously allowing yourself to express negative emotions while you are talking in a professional setting, or someone else is. 

Most times, non-verbal cues are much "louder" and more effective at communicating a person's real thoughts than words can ever be.

Sometimes the lack of emotional intelligence starts with your belief system. Before you can begin the work of investing in EQ, think about what you have convinced yourself to be "true" but can actually hurt your brand. 

Below are some common myths that I have heard from colleagues. If one of these resonate with you, I challenge you to stop believing myths that can falsely lead you to think you are doing the right thing for your career:

Myth #1 is what I commonly hear from employees,  "I am keeping it real" (being true to me). While you may disagree with what is being said, managing your non-verbal cues is not betraying your feelings, but it can compromise your relationships. 

Myth #2 is the rationalization that your colleagues know you mean well. Your colleagues in your immediate circle may know you, but if you work cross-functionally, there are many people who don't know you as well. You have control over whether others develop a negative perception of you based on how you directly interact with them or the behavior you display with others.

Myth #3 is the belief that "knowing my job well is all that matters". Most people think that how well they execute their tasks are what will take them to the next level in their career. Expert knowledge will not compensate for a lack of professionalism; bad behavior is bad behavior, and will keep you from advancing in your career. 

Your feelings about a directive, proposal, suggestion, or question, can be premature until you've had time to process what you are hearing. In a business environment, communicating a response based on feelings alone, instead of intelligently collecting and synthesizing information, can lead to bad judgement and decision-making, two very important skills for effective leadership. 

Be Diplomatic - Learn to listen objectively, and if you don't agree with what you are hearing, be diplomatic about your position until you can communicate the "why" with justification. It's not what you say, but how you say it that will keep the relationship intact. 

Be Strategic- Think of your career holistically and not just the tasks you perform daily. "PIE" is the acronym for "Performance, Image, and Exposure", which helps you determine how much investment you should make in three critical areas that create your brand. 

Be Cognizant of Your Brand - At the end of the day, you have to remember that everything you say and do collectively creates your brand.

Preparing For Your Next Job Is Easier Than You Think

Have you ever been in a job where you wanted to move on but couldn't seem to make any progress?  If you find yourself in this situation, there's always someone who will say, "you need to get the lesson where you are before you can move on"... with no additional insight. I can't tell you that I know what "the lesson" is specifically, but what I can say for sure is, today is about living your best life now, and anything less is a waste of time. 

If you are going to live your best life now, then you have to learn quickly how to leverage the things you are in control of.  Instead of feeling stuck, why not take ownership of the situation and create the lesson yourself? It's all about your perspective and your approach. Let me explain.


Moving into the job you desire can take months, sometime years, depending on what you want to do. However, don't ponder on the time it will take, but instead think about the journey you're on and the value you can create for yourself while you are moving towards your destination. If you consider your current job as "just a job", or a way to make ends meet, this is the wrong perspective. You are missing out on simple tasks that have high impact and can propel you towards your goal sooner (I'll tell you how, keep reading).

Being focused and consistent, regardless of how small the task is, will allow you to take advantage of opportunities when they appear. For every job obtained, you will utilize the knowledge and skills you develop throughout your career, and probably in ways you won't expect. Your experiences, whether good or bad, becomes information which supports learning & development, decision-making, character-building, and ultimately the wisdom you will draw on for the rest of your life. 

YOUR CHALLENGE:

Find areas for development in your current role that will aid your career, then take the opportunity to hone these skills.  

For example, if you are in a customer service role, understand what foundational skills embody exceptional customer service, develop it, and then build on it. Whether your clients are external or internal, any company will capitalize on your ability to effectively engage with people. Even more, great customer service is a skill you can leverage for your entire career!

Here Are 10 Easy Tasks You Can Do Now To Prepare For Your Next Job:

1) Subscribe to podcasts for the industry or career focus.

2) Research the role you are interested in by investigating various aspects like salary, trends, and career trajectory.

3) Follow companies where you want to work and learn about their culture.

4) Find a job description with responsibilities that resonate with what you want in your next role.

5) Make a list of the required and desired skills to find your skill gaps.

6) Determine how you can add missing skills to your resume (online learning, certification course, volunteer work, freelance project, etc).

7) Join a meet up group or community of professionals for your targeted role.

8) Conduct informational interviews.

9) Attend conferences to network with professionals in the industry.

AND MOST IMPORTANT:

10) Always showcase your strengths to gain new opportunities.

"Success" does not have to be a status that occurs in the distant future. You create your destiny one day at a time, but you have to be positive, resourceful, determined, and consistent if you want to have a feeling of success today. Develop a strategy to "create the lesson" in any job you hold, and you will develop skills and relationships wherever you go, ultimately benefiting your career. 

Why "Learning" Is the Next Skill You Should Master

Remember the days of grade school when we had folders and subject notebooks for each course? If you are a parent, you're intimately aware of this because of money spent every school season on different colored folders. Teachers have a system that is designed to help students focus and retain knowledge for the specific subject area through organization and memorization. As adults, some of us have figured out our own process for retaining the information we need, and thanks to technology, there are countless apps providing the details at our fingertips.

How effectively you learn a new skill is specific to your learning style, which is the ability to retain information in a way that is practical and adaptable. "Learning" is a skill that is not passive, and requires the same retention process you endured as a child, but now at a faster pace. With the advancement of technologies such as Cloud, AR (augmented reality), VR (virtual reality), AI (artificial intelligence), and Infosec (information security), the way we work is changing rapidly. We have to be proactive about what we are learning and how quickly we apply our newly learned skills.

There are many variables that contribute to learning, and the optimum learning scenario will differ based on the individual preference, the topic of study, delivery method, and consequences.  Yes, "consequence" can be a motivator or stressor because some skills require exams to validate the required knowledge has been retained. The higher the stakes are for gaining a new skill, the more challenging it can be for the learner to process and apply it successfully.

If you have not assessed how you learn best, here are questions to get started:

• What was the last skill you learned that you were able to apply regularly?
• Was it a formal course or an informal arrangement?
• How was the information delivered (online, in person, on demand, self-paced, video, podcast, book, e-course, etc.)?
• How long did it take you to learn it?
• What were the steps you took to retain the info?
• How did you apply what you learned?
• Was the process easy or difficult?
• If difficult, how did you overcome the challenge(s)?
• If you could change how you engage with new information to better suit your needs, what would this look like? 

Once you answer the questions above, you should have some sense of what you liked and disliked about the learning process you participated in. Use these details as your learning preference to ensure the type of training you select provides a foundation for success. Your level of interest in a specific topic area is also a big factor in your learning process. The less interested you are, the less likely you will retain the information. In the end, the pay off comes when the topic is interesting, the environment is engaging, AND you are committed to practicing your new skill. Even further, continuing to research, refine, and solidify your knowledge will take you from novice to expert.

If you uncover your specific formula to master learning, you can create a plan to gain (and apply) new skills regularly. 

Here are my top 5 reasons why "learning" is the next skill you should master:

5. Technology will continue to advance and change the way we work.

4. Jobs will require emerging skills for companies to stay relevant.

3. Higher salaries commensurate with higher level skills that are not easily obtained.

2. Employees enjoy their work more when they have the right skills for the job.

1. You take your skills wherever you go.

Not sure what to learn? We've got you covered, here are the top tech skills in 2018.

Follow Me on Medium or IG @staceyrivers2023