How Do You Define Success? NEW Video

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure to participate in an amazing video series called Self-Made Successful Women, hosted by Saloua Ibaline.

SMSW is a platform on which inspirational women share their personal journeys and really open up about their life challenges. Most importantly, they give us a clear vision of the true meaning of success.

I had the chance to chat one-on-one with host Saloua, and share my story of how I define success [HINT: it's about alignment], and how I overcame a pivotal challenge in the re-branding of my coaching business.

I invite you to watch the video interview and let me know how YOU define success!

Keep a Photo Journal to Reduce Your Stress

Did you know that journaling can help reduce stress? Studies have shown that journal writing has led to reduced anxiety, worry and depression.

Yet, sometimes even words aren't enough to fully express your emotions, thoughts -- let alone to fully document your goals or vision. Like they say ... a picture is worth 1,000 words!

Wouldn't it be great to have a site that allowed you to photo journal your goals and start your vision board?

I'm so excited to let you know about a NEW photo journal and vision board tool created by ShutterCal!

ShutterCal is an online, calendar-based daily photo journal (and vision board!).

As a coach, I think it's really important to keep track of your goals, intentions, and life vision -- for your own accountability and to get support from your network of champions and advisers.

Let's say you've set a goal in the next 30 days to lose 10 pounds, or to get physically active at least 4 days per week, or to meet 15 new people to expand your network, or to do ANYTHING that's important to you!

You can use your photo-a-day journal to track your goals in a creative and FUN way. It just means taking a moment each day to:

• STOP
• BREATHE
• NOTICE SOMETHING
• TAKE A PHOTO

ShutterCal will keep your photo journal / vision board organized. The ShutterCal community will keep you inspired with comments and feedback. And, through your daily photos, you will watch your story unfold into something truly amazing!

Deepak Chopra says: "Whatever you pay attention to will grow more important in your life." Use ShutterCal to pay attention to something you care about -- and create a visual timeline of your best moments!

Check out the site and let me know in the comments area below what you think -- and share your link when you sign up so I can watch your story unfold!

PS -- since the ShutterCal team and I are all LEAN Startup Weekend graduates, I'm able to offer you a 5% discount on their digital membership and a 10% discount on their print membership!!

How Do You Define Success? Find a NEW Way July 16

Have you ever asked yourself: "What does success mean to me?" or "How do I measure my success in life?"

The answers that shape your reality in today's New Normal may be much different than the answers would have been in the past. This process of self-exploration may be more challenging as our paradigms continue to shift and we find that our old definitions of success and leadership don't serve us in quite the same way anymore.

The GOOD NEWS is that you can get access to experts and resources to help guide you on your journey towards your unique, wonderful definition of success!

My colleague, Kate Siner Francis, founder of the Life Fulfillment Formula and the Larger Visions non-profit, is presenting the World Changing Success Summit from July 16-27. Each of the 12 teleseminars will teach you skills and lead you to insights aimed at answering your most important questions about how to improve your leadership abilities and realize your vision all the while feeling empowered to do so.

The best part – it's FREE to register! Listen in from wherever you are by phone or on your computer. It's just that easy!

The World Changing Success Summit brings together visionaries and leaders like YOU, and the helping professionals who want to find a heartfelt answer to what will bring you more satisfaction and joy in your life. These experts include Suzanne Evans (on Authentic Marketing), Anne Merkel (on Balancing Mind-Body-Spirit) and Gayle Joplin Hall (on Busting FEAR). You will be taught powerful tools and essential skills that will help you:

● Lead from a more empowered place
● Effectively deal with conflict or other work challenges
● Create more prosperity in your life and business
● Inspire yourself!
● Collaborate and partner most effectively for your vision
● Clearly see how you get stuck and how to get free

I'm so excited to be a part of the incredible line-up of 12 fantastic speakers who are ready to help you make the difference you were born to make. My session is Reconnect to Your Purpose: The Benefit of Doing Less with More. We're all sharing powerful and practical tools to create the life you have always wanted to live! There is no other time than NOW.

Mark your calendar and sign up now because this amazing event starts July 16th. Join us for the World Changing Success Summit! Learn from these master teachers and creative experts how to flourish living the life you were meant to live!

Communicate for Impact: Our Differences Do Matter

Did you know that 75% of the people who are critical to your happiness and success are DIFFERENT from you in SEVEN key ways?

Communicate for Impact: Video Intro

More PowerPoint presentations from Colette

To find out why it matters and how you can still be successful in business, join me as I share tips with  savvy women entrepreneurs and founders on Tuesday, March 27th at Wix Lounge.
 
BTW, a People Style assessment is included in your registration for my Communicate for Impact interactive workshop.

HOT Off the Presses! CRAVE New York Guide

You've heard the rumors, and yes it's true. There is a NEW guide to the HOTTEST women entrepreneurs in New York City -- the CRAVE New York Guide is here!

Check out these pics from the June 16 Launch Party of the CRAVE New York Guide held at the beautiful home of  Joan Hornig, founder of Philanthropy is Beautiful. Merging women's passions for jewelry and giving back, her company's unique model leverages the "power of the purse." With 100% of the profit on every sale donated to the charity of the purchaser's choice, women are empowered to use beauty and fashion for the benefit of others.

And, Joan is just ONE example of the savvy businesswomen in this guide!

None of this would have been possible without the vision and tenacity of Melody Biringer, founder of The CRAVE Company. A self-professed startup junkie with more than 20 businesses to her credit, Melody understands that when encouraged to thrive, local businesses enhance communities and provide rich experiences not usually found in more mass-market enterprises.

She believes that being an entrepreneur can be the most rewarding and thrilling choice a woman can make in her career. If you'd like a peek into this sister's entrepreneur mind, check out her NEW book: CRAVING SUCCESS for the up and down lessons of being an adventurous, independent businesswoman!

Back to the celebration! Believe it or not, this is NOT a stack of CRAVE New York Guides! If you had tried to turn these pages at the party, you would have received a very sweet surprise! This is the fantastic celebration cake for our launch party created by Miriam Milord of BCakeNY, a custom cake-design studio dedicated to creating specialty cakes for any occasion. By bringing special attention to your celebration and causing everyone to say WOW!, Miriam believes anything can BCake!

And, by participating in this launch, I've realized that anything can be possible -- by leveraging the expertise, resources, and talents of like-minded people.

In the guide, when asked: What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat? My answer was: "Thinking I could do it all by myself." In 2011, I've really learned that asking for help (and also sharing what I'm up to ... or would like to be up to) does show strength and it allows others to contribute their talents to create even BIGGER, better possibilities!

So, get ready to explore the hidden gems, new hot spots, and familiar favorites in this exciting new book. CRAVE New York City the Urban Girl's Manifesto 1st Ed is now available on Amazon.com!

Plus, stay tuned for my upcoming book signings and events on my BookTour.com page!

What's Your 2011 Success Plan?

Does it seem a bit early to be talking about 2011 goals? Not really, if you think about it. Once the holidays are underway, you'll be thinking about LOTS of different things. So, why not take some me-time now to begin planning your 2011 Success Plan.

Of course, everyone has their own definition of success -- at work and at home. Our team measures its success by the degree to which we help YOU meet (and exceed) your professional and personal goals. You know we believe in offering POSITIVE, PRACTICAL, and STRATEGIC solutions to help you succeed in today's New Normal.

Let's make a deal -- if you tell me more about your 2011 goals, I'll let you know how I can help. I've created a brief survey to get a better sense of your priorities.

Can you put aside 10 minutes this week to answer 10 questions that will jumpstart your 2011 Success Plan? At the end of the survey, you'll find out how you can arrange an introductory call with me to review your plan and see if it's a right "fit" for us to work together on achieving your goals.

I believe it is possible to create a career and life plan that aligns with your interests, talents and values. It just may not be as linear as you'd originally imagined. I think we're all beginning to learn and accept that lesson as we continue to navigate today's New Normal. What do you think? As always, comment here or tweet me your thoughts, challenges and success stories on Twitter.

How's Your Want-To? Get Inspired for FREE through Nov. 30

Have you been looking for a little boost these days? Or, searching for insights to keep you motivated as you continue to navigate today's New Normal? Good news -- right now, there's a FREE online Leadership & Influence Summit happening! Originally scheduled to end today, the event has been extended through November 15th.

This online event features brief, inspirational and informative videos from over 30 of the top experts on business and leadership including: Marshall Goldsmith, Michael Gerber, and Keith Ferrazzi. And, they're all "on-demand" so you can watch them on your own time, at your own pace.

I first learned of the program from my good friend, Kevin Carroll (8/31!!!!), who is also part of the Summit. His presentation is about how we can maximize our Human Potential. The great thing about Kevin, though, is that he keeps it real and shares insights from his lessons on the playground and from his grandparents.

I had the wonderful fortune to meet and travel with Kevin during my work on the Turning the Page leadership development training for public librarians. His keynote presentations inspired me every single time I heard them (over 25 times). And, I must admit, that recently I've had to check my "want to"-- that's his grandfather's expression for passion and drive -- as it's been a little worn down. Yes, even the Coach has to do some soul searching every now and then! Kevin reminded me that I am courageous by staying committed to building my business even in the uncertainty of today's New Normal.

Listening to Kevin on the Summit has helped. I also discovered a new potential inspirer, Jon Gordon, whose video is about Positive Leadership. His soup analogy made me recall my grandma's macaroni and cheese -- it wasn't the type of cheese she used that made it so good, it was all the love that was baked in.

When you have the chance, take a look at the videos on the Summit, and let me know what are your favorites! You can share them here, or feel free to tweet me on Twitter (their hashtag is #landisummit).

How Do You Respond to Change?

One of my associates came across an interesting animation today from Movement Vision Lab on dealing with change -- and the power of having a clear vision.

Finding tips/strategies to manage and respond to change has been a frequent request from clients this year. So, I thought you also might find some value or insights in this brief video. You know, it might make you go, "Hmmmmm ...."



What are your thoughts, reactions? Can you recognize the various characters on your team? Comment here on the blog below or tweet me on Twitter @Coach_Colette.

Nonprofit Leaders: Are Your Clients & Volunteers Telling Your Story?

Once upon a time ... So, we know that storytelling is important to building relationships with potential supporters and volunteers. People want to know more about what your nonprofit organization does, and what impact it's having in the community. The more they learn, the more they will begin to trust you -- and that trust can lead to support in the form of their money, resources, or time.

So, what can make it difficult? One challenge for nonprofit leaders is finding those compelling anecdotes that make great stories. How can you capture the success stories that demonstrate the value you're adding to your constituents?

One of my clients helped me to discover one resource that may help you: GreatNonprofits.org.

This site enables nonprofits to share their profile with clients and volunteers who then post reviews about their experiences with the organization. GreatNonprofits.org intends to "help other people discover trustworthy nonprofits that are making a difference."

This could be a great way for nonprofit leaders to collect first-hand accounts from clients and volunteers and extend their nonprofit organization's online presence (there's even a connection to Facebook). If you work or volunteer for a nonprofit organization, take a peek at GreatNonprofits.org and see if your organization is listed -- there are over 1 million listed nonprofits, and 2,800+ organizations that already have been reviewed.

Has Your Team Defined its 2010 Vision?

Join Coach Colette for FREE Team Visioning Teleseminar: January 28, 2010

Coach Colette is Back in the Classroom

It's Back to School season, and the Coach is back in the classroom - virtually and in person! In addition to my client seminars (and the upcoming PLA "Tour"), I thought I'd share info on two upcoming public events. Would be great if you're able to join me.

1) Tuesday, September 15 - 12:00 PM EDT

Guest on Power Women Magazine - Blog Talk Radio Show

You can listen to me chat LIVE with host Deb Bailey at www.blogtalkradio.com/powerwomenmag. Dial in to ask me questions about how you can achieve sustainable results in your career and personal life: (646) 929-0160; or TWEET ME your questions in advance of the show and I'll respond on-air.

Power Women Magazine is an online publication about women by women for women on issues that are important to women worldwide.

2) Tuesday, September 22 - 6:30 PM EDT

Speaker at Downtown Women's Club - NYC Chapter Fall Kick-Off

What has poor communication cost you in your career, business or personal relationships? Learn how to Achieve Communication Breakthroughs! Join me for an interactive presentation as I develop your skills to:

• Resolve interpersonal challenges diplomatically
• Communicate goals and expectations clearly
• Motivate others to share in your vision

DWC-NYC is a chapter of the Downtown Women's Club business network that makes professional networking affordable, effective and fun!

I look forward to seeing YOU in September! :)

Change Your Thoughts to Spring Into Success

Believe it or not, Spring arrives on Friday. Are you ready?

As the seasons change and the temperatures get warmer, are you thinking about ways to get back in shape? And, perhaps, have you started to feel guilty for the "comfort" foods you ate during the winter months? If so, STOP the negative thoughts and flip the script now!

I invite you to tune in to a new podcast I've published with Cynthia Stadd, a holistic nutrition and healthy life coach and founder of Cynfully Healthy. It's called No More Brain Candy: Change Your Thoughts, Improve Your Health. We talk about how your thought patterns connect to your overall health and wellbeing.

This year has been a period of transition for many of us - whether it's been a change in your employment status, business growth/revenue, or personal relationships. And, if you've spent time during the winter "hibernating" a bit from the elements, it can be easy to get trapped in feelings of anger, guilt or frustration.

Take care - as we enter the second quarter, you may be "should-ing" all over yourself - I should be farther ahead by now; or I should have accomplished more of my goals by now. If so, STOP the "should-ing" and flip the script now! It may have a negative impact on your health. As Cynthia and I discuss on the podcast, even if negative/self-doubting thoughts aren't centered around food or body image, they can still create bad habits such as "mindless eating."

• Take advantage of the Spring to get a change of scenery - can you eat lunch outside, take walks in your neighborhood, or visit local parks on the weekends?
• Think about one important goal. Take some time to envision what it will be like when you have achieved it. It’s important to create a clear vision of your success.
• Keep the image/feeling in your mind and make at least one positive, affirming statement about it. By defining and articulating your success, you’ll help to attract the resources you’ll need to make it a reality.

And, if you're still a little skeptical -- after you listen to the podcast, you may want to read a related article by Darrin Steen called What You Think & Speak Can End Your Life or Save It. He probably doesn't mean to be so dramatic ... or does he? Share your comments and thoughts here or tweet me on Twitter.

How Do You Keep Your Brand On the Grid?

What are you doing to keep your brand - personal or professional - on people's radar? Given that we're all being bombarded with messages from so many sources, how do you keep people in your network informed (but not overwhelmed) about your goals?

I'd invite you to listen, download and share my latest podcast called: How to Stay on the Grid: Networking 2.0. This is a discussion with Adrian Miller, President & Founder of Adrian Miller Sales Training.

In this podcast, we discuss the new rules of the game of networking 2.0 - which is about more than just using various social media tools, like Twitter or Facebook. Adrian and I talk about the difference between linear and circular networking, and explain which approach can be more effective in helping you to become a true connector. And, when you listen, you'll find out why being a connector is a crucial component to your personal and professional success.

So, take a listen and get some concrete tips on how to take your networking skills to the next level. You may also want to read an interesting article on Identifying Your Networking Strengths and Weaknesses by Ivan Miser.

After you have listened to the podcast and read the article, share your networking success stories - tweet me or post them in the comments.

Healthy Habits for Your Mind, Body & Spirit

It's a new year -- you want to be productive and focus on your goals and priorities. To improve your personal and professional success, you must look at yourself as a whole person: MIND, BODY & SPIRIT. Let's take a peek at some tips and tools to help you develop Healthy Habits for a Healthy Mind, Body & Spirit!

Your health is one of your most important assets. Being healthy increases your likelihood of achieving all the other goals you've set for yourself. Have you thought about your health coverage? Most of us have coverage through our employers; but employment is not a guarantee for health insurance these days. And, if you have recently experienced a change in your employment status, you want to ensure that you will be covered for basic checkups, and/or for unexpected events. Check out a few strategies from the Dolans on how to Get Healthy and Wealthy in 2009.

Let's face it: you're more creative when you're not stressed out. Reducing your stress can improve your health. Why? Stress can cause changes in your body and make you more likely to get sick. Learn about the connection between some common ailments and stress.

The goal is not to do away with stress, but to learn to lower your arousal levels and develop active ways to manage with it. A lot centers around how you perceive your situation when you encounter one of your triggers. Your mind will go through a series of internal questioning and processing:

• "Have I experienced this challenge before?"


• "What are the 'stakes' in the outcome?"


• "How confident do I feel about my ability to resolve this?"

All of these factors will determine what your reaction will be to the situation. These can include physical responses (such as tension, aches, pains or breathing problems) and emotional responses (such as poor concentration, anxiety, or sleep disturbances).

Health Resources & Tools

Assessments can help you track progress towards your goals and make healthier decisions.

The Wellness Inventory is a "whole person" assessment that can give you a holistic view of your emotional, physical and spiritual state of being. Learn more about how one investment can give you access to the inventory, personal action plan, Wellness Journal and other tools to support your personal growth for the whole year!

The Stress Management Health Assessment can help you recognize situations that cause you stress in your different roles, and identify how people around you do or do not provide support. Learn more about a comprehensive tool to help you recognize your stress triggers and identify how they may be impacting your health.

Want to incorporate some of these healthy-living strategies into your plan? Through health assessments, interactive workshops, and coaching sessions we can help you take action steps to acheve your health and wellness goals. Contact us today to discuss our individual and group coaching programs!

Inspiration to Pursue Your Childhood Dreams

Last evening, I opened a link I'd received to the Last Lecture given by Randy Pausch, the esteemed Computer Science professor from Carnegie Mellon University who recently passed away due to pancreatic cancer. I couldn't believe how touched I was, on so many levels, by his commentary on life.

On a personal level, watching the connection between he and his wife caused me to wonder when I'll be blessed with such a great love. I also was re-inspired by his suggestion to "wait long enough and people will eventually impress you." In all honesty, patience is one virtue I consistently must cultivate; however, there have been times when giving people a little more time and space has worked out well.

On a professional level, I was intrigued by many concepts -- including the head fake [the concept of "tricking" people into learning complex things by teaching them something else fun and engaging]. As a trainer and even a coach, that premise resonates really well with me -- how can I help people have their "A-HA!" moments without making it so obvious that that's what I'm aiming to do?

I also relished his ironic interpretation of challenges and obstacles: "Brick walls are there to let us prove how badly we want something." There's something so basic in this concept and yet so compelling. How often have we scaled different "walls" despite our fears or reluctance? Or, when have we walked around other "walls" because they really have blocked the path to our true desires?

All in all, Randy's consistent dedication to helping his students and colleagues to pursue their childhood dreams is inspiring. The manifestation of my childhood "dream job" has changed a bit; although it's still in the realm of helping people. This became clearer to me as I was writing the purpose statement for my company about five years ago [to help people use their knowledge and abilities to achieve great things]. Although, I still believe I'm on a journey to find my ultimate purpose in life ... but, enough of my rambles (for now).

• What are your dreams?
• How are you pursuing them?
• Are you scaling the "walls" that get in your way?
• What "head fakes" have helped you have your A-HA! moments?

Do watch the video when you have the chance. And, thanks for sharing your thoughts! :)

A String of Pearls for 2008

Happy New Year!
I've been agonizing a bit about what to write in this first post of 2008 ... partly because I'm alternating between writing a proposal and a capabilities presentation ... yes, I'm writing to you as my "study break!" ;-)

And, also because I felt like the first post had to be profound (you know, the coach has to share a big "A-HA!" to start off the year with a bang). I've also been wrestling with where to come down on the whole resolution thing. It's true that my coaching and training programs center around defining goals and priorities. However, we coaches know that sustainable growth comes from behavior changes that often result in small successes -- which when strung together can lead to fantastic transformations.

So, while your resolution may be to lose 25 pounds or get a new job in a given timeframe. A small, successful behavior change may be to replace your 4:00 pm candy bar with raisins or nuts -- and to do it daily so that it becomes one of your good eating habits. On the professional front, it might be to identify one new industry website or periodical -- and to read it on a weekly basis so that you stay informed about your target industry.

Neither action alone will get you to your end goal. However, when "strung together" with other good habits, you'll be surprised at the changes you'll see ... the first day the pants seem looser, or the first time you're noticed for sharing a relevant anecdote at a meeting or event.

I share this with you because I too have some medium and large goals I'd like to accomplish on the business and personal frontiers (this being an anniversary year and all). So, let's make a pact to focus on creating pearls of small successes that when strung together lead us on the way to our larger goals. What do you think?

Job-Hopper or Re-Careerist: How Often Should You Switch?

Thanks, Ram, for sharing your thoughts. It's cool to know that this NY-based blog can "ping" people in India!

Your comments about people with "high competencies and knowledge" who "want to venture in life, try new ideas, bring creative thoughts, [and] implement them" with different employers made me think. I can remember back-in-the-day when HR folks used to label people who changed jobs frequently as job-hoppers.

This typically didn't convey a positive image -- the connotation was: "This person doesn't have the ability or stick-to-it-ive-ness to hold down a job." Job-hoppers often were pre-judged to have been the cause of their own "demise" -- be it an attitude problem (didn't get along with the boss), a skill-deficiency (couldn't do the work) or a work-ethic issue (didn't get to work on-time).

Not to belittle the importance of the career success factors I just mentioned, I believe the hypothesis about people with high competencies and knowledge [like readers of this blog!] may be correct. Perhaps you've changed jobs to find the right "fit" (with your manager, team or company). Or, maybe you've made lateral moves to gain a cross-section of experience within a company.

These thoughts made me recall an MSN article I read last year about re-careerists. It didn't offer an exact definition, but suggested that re-careerists "challeng[e] established ideas about education, jobs, and careers, and [find] new opportunities for personal and financial growth in the changing job market." That's what Competent Advantage TM is all about -- people who are proactive about building their strengths to secure positions that enable them to achieve great things.

I figure I'm in my 9th "job" (not counting my teaching or independent consulting gigs while working for other employers) in my career. How about YOU?

More Thoughts on Staying Motivating at Work

On Wednesday, I was on the Martha Stewart LIVING show on Sirius Radio 112. I had a BLAST chatting with Career Talk host Maggie Mistal about ways to stay motivated in the office. People called in from as far away as Indiana!

We talked about motivation from both the employee and manager perspective. Today, I wanted to share my TOP 3 Strategies for Managers to Motivate their Employees:

1. Set appropriate expectations – as you create job descriptions and define project responsibilities. Give people a “line of sight” on how what they do contributes to your company’s success. People want to see where their jobs might take them. Help your employees see the internal career paths so you don’t lose their intellectual capital to your competitors!
2. Keep communication lines open – Talk with your employees to find out how they’re doing on a regular basis, not just during annual performance discussions.
3. Use creative incentives – Effective incentives can include non-monetary recognitions of a "job well done," such as a feature in the company newsletter, or an opportunity to represent your team or company at a special event.

Thanks, again, to Maggie for having me on her show! :-)

Reminder: Get Sirius about Your Career on March 15th!

Just a quick reminder that TOMORROW, March 15th at 6:00 PM EST, I’ll be on Martha Stewart LIVING Sirius Channel 112. I’ll be a guest on the Career Talk show sharing tips on staying motivated in your career exploration.

As a preview, I’d like to share my TOP 5 Strategies for staying motivated in the workplace:

1. Recruit the right team: surround yourself with people who both support and challenge you. This can be a mix of people you work with, friends, family or other colleagues. Pick the RIGHT PEOPLE and you’ll get the RIGHT ENERGY!
2. Create the right environment: figure out where in your office you are most productive. This might be at your desk, in a conference room or the cafeteria. When you need to focus on a task, go to that space to heighten your concentration. If you have less flexibility to move around, envision a FUN WORKSPACE, then CREATE IT!
3. Plan for small successes: “chunk” your projects and goals into short-term objectives. That way, you’ll have little WINS to celebrate along the way.
4. Build rewards into your work plan: celebrate as you achieve your short-term objectives. Remember to value your accomplishments, even as you plan ahead for future endeavors.
5. Do the work: find a way to get started. Start with an aspect of the task that you enjoy or that is simple to complete. Then, work your way up to the less pleasing, more challenging aspects. The sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll be done – “just do it!”

What do you think? Post your questions and comments here, or call into the show TOMORROW at: 866-675-6675.

How will you step out of your "comfort zone" in 2006?

New Year’s is a time for both planning and reflecting. In our last post, we mentioned why it’s important to document our career highlights and low-lights. So, now I’m going to challenge you a bit.

What will you do differently in 2006 to advance your career objectives?

Sometimes it’s easy to coast, to take the familiar road on our way to professional success. There’s a somewhat famous expression (I apologize for not being able to reference the source) about the definition of insanity – doing the same thing, in the same way and expecting different results.

What will you do differently? I have a couple of thoughts or ideas – how about:

• Sitting with a new group of people at lunch (which could be a way to expand your network)
• Taking on a leadership role in a professional association (which could create a “safe space” to try out new skills)
• Learning to speak a different language or use new software (which could increase your marketability)

These are just a few examples. What do you have in mind?? Come on, I dare you!

Spring Forward: Let's Look Back at Your Goals

Hopefully, you remembered to turn your clocks FORWARD over the weekend.

Well, along with daylight savings time comes the second quarter -- a good time to revisit your new year's goals and resolutions. Were your goals SMART?

• Specific -- can you articulate the goal in a clear, concise phrase or sentence?
• Measurable -- does your goal include metrics (numbers) to measure your success?
• Achievable -- given your available resources, will it be possible to achieve the goal?
• Realistic -- given your other responsibilities, is it realistic that you will achieve the goal?
• Timebound -- have you set a due date or deadline?

Setting SMART goals allows you to be clear about what you're trying to accomplish. It also allows you to "chunk" your long-term goals (e.g., getting a degree, moving into a new industry) into achievable milestones, by documenting the interim steps that you'll need to accomplish along the way.

I find it helpful to write down my goals. I even use Microsoft Tasks to document the short-term tasks I'll need to tackle along the way. That way, I can set reminders to help keep me on track.

Remember, you can adjust your goals based on changes in your situation. But, if you don't write them down you won't know where to begin!