Happiness

Little Steps, Big Changes: Reboot Your New Year’s Resolution with a 30-Day Challenge

23 Comments / Career Change and Fulfillment, Everything, Happiness, Procrastination & Productivity, Relationships, Transitions /

Did you make big, audacious New Year’s Resolutions this year?

First, congratulations on taking the time to self-reflect and commit to a change!

Now—are you overwhelmed, disillusioned, or discouraged yet? If so, you’re in good company.

Mid-January is a time when that fresh resolve that This is the year! starts to flag for many people, as we jump back into all of the responsibilities and to-dos and habits that are still waiting right where we left them at then end of December. …

Little Steps, Big Changes: Reboot Your New Year’s Resolution with a 30-Day ChallengeRead More »

Little Steps, Big Changes: Reboot Your New Year’s Resolution with a 30-Day Challenge Read More »

Interview: From Software Programming to Public Policy

2 Comments / Career Change and Fulfillment, Everything, Happiness, Interview, Transitions /

“You can quit your job and do something else…one is not as locked in as one thinks.”

Matt tells the story of the morning carpool ride that set him on the path to a total career change. “I got to work, and went up into my office, and sat down at my desk, and said, ‘So what am I doing?’” …

Interview: From Software Programming to Public PolicyRead More »

Interview: From Software Programming to Public Policy Read More »

Are the If-Mores Holding You Back?

2 Comments / Everything, Happiness, Transitions /

One of the nastiest beasts that keeps people stuck is what I refer to as the “If-Mores.”

We tell ourselves that if only we had more (fill-in-the-blank), we would be able to do something that we long to do.

This can become an excuse not to take action.

Oh well, we say. I guess I just can’t have that.

This is usually accompanied by some major Poor me energy, along with a grumble or two of comparison to others who have the thing we wish we had more of.

Today, I challenge you to begin a journey to banish the If-Mores by doing the following exercise. …

Are the If-Mores Holding You Back?Read More »

Are the If-Mores Holding You Back? Read More »

Handling the Holidays When You’re in Transition: 7 Steps to Take Care of Yourself

9 Comments / Breakups, Career Change and Fulfillment, Everything, Happiness, Relationships, Transitions /

No doubt about it—the winter holidays can be particularly poignant when you’re in transition.

This time of year is a common “taking-stock” time. As you go to festive parties or head home for the holidays, you can’t help but think about what your life was like this time last year, and the year before, and the year before.

If things were better last year—you had a job you loved, or you were in a great relationship, or you were happily single instead of dealing with the fresh heartbreak upon you now—the comparison can feel really sad, frustrating, or overwhelming.

On the other hand, holidays can be a time of deep awareness of what hasn’t changed.

If last year you vowed that this would be the year you finally (fill in the blank), the realization that it wasn’t can hit hard.

If you were stuck last year, and you’re still stuck now, still feeling in transition, you can get sucked into a defeatist mentality. “I’ll never figure it out.” “I haven’t made any progress.” “I guess I’m just the messed up sister.” …

Handling the Holidays When You’re in Transition: 7 Steps to Take Care of YourselfRead More »

Handling the Holidays When You’re in Transition: 7 Steps to Take Care of Yourself Read More »

Interview: From Barista to Fundraiser

2 Comments / Career Change and Fulfillment, Everything, Happiness, Interview, Relationships, Transitions /

“I thought I would do things that made me happy, but I never once imagined any of them making me any money.”

Rae and I discuss her career journey from “slinging coffee” to being a non-profit fundraiser, and how she ended up finding her passion in a job she landed in—a path she describes as “random, to say the very least.”

You’ll hear about:

  • the importance of champions and mentors
  • identifying and packaging your transferable skills
  • how to make yourself happy (she’s talking to you!)

…

Interview: From Barista to FundraiserRead More »

Interview: From Barista to Fundraiser Read More »

Why You Can’t Get Yourself Out of Bed in the Morning: 7 Questions to Help You Kick Your Snooze Button Habit

12 Comments / Everything, Happiness, Procrastination & Productivity, Transitions /
Just five more minutes…

Ever since I was a little girl, I have struggled with getting out of bed in the morning.

If you’re engaged in a never-ending battle with your alarm clock, you’re not alone. So many people share this struggle!

Especially when you’re in transition—working all day at your regular job and then all night on your “second job” of transition; dealing with the emotional upheaval and exhaustion of a breakup; not feeling compelled by your current career or the demands of your daily grind—it can be hard to get yourself up and into action each day.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you get to the bottom of your eternal challenge, and to break the habit. …

Why You Can’t Get Yourself Out of Bed in the Morning: 7 Questions to Help You Kick Your Snooze Button HabitRead More »

Why You Can’t Get Yourself Out of Bed in the Morning: 7 Questions to Help You Kick Your Snooze Button Habit Read More »

6 Ways to Shift Your Attitude Toward Someone Who Drives You Crazy

7 Comments / Career Change and Fulfillment, Everything, Happiness, Relationships /

Is someone on your team at work driving you crazy?

Is another member of your club or association significantly impacting your enjoyment of the activity?

If your job or activities require you to spend time with someone who continually pushes your buttons, it’s time to go back to the age-old, sometimes-annoying-but-always-true fact: you can’t control anyone but yourself.

Instead of focusing on what the object of your irritation is doing, choose to change your own approach to the situation.

Irritation can reinforce itself; if you don’t shift your thoughts about the person, your frustration is bound to increase, and it will likely have an impact on how you are showing up and acting yourself.

Here are six tips for tricking yourself out of annoyance and into proactive transformation.

…

6 Ways to Shift Your Attitude Toward Someone Who Drives You CrazyRead More »

6 Ways to Shift Your Attitude Toward Someone Who Drives You Crazy Read More »

5 Ways to Improve Your Workday (That Have Nothing to Do with Work)

2 Comments / Career Change and Fulfillment, Everything, Happiness /

Struggling to get out of bed in the morning because you’re dreading what the day holds?

Dragging your heels as you get ready for another day at a job you don’t love?

Here are five tips you can use when you’re not at work to transform the time you are there. …

5 Ways to Improve Your Workday (That Have Nothing to Do with Work)Read More »

5 Ways to Improve Your Workday (That Have Nothing to Do with Work) Read More »