time management

Extreme Self Care

Published April 22, 2011

I admit that while I often instruct my coaching clients to take care of themselves, I don’t always follow my own advice. But I recently had to do just that.

Last fall, I decided to get certified in resume writing. Although I’ve worked in HR for most of my career, I wanted to make sure I did the best for my clients. How tough could it be? Well, very very tough! I had no idea how challenging this program would be. Lots of new skills and intense concentration.

I tried to continue my regular schedule while trying (key word) to complete all my homework assignments. I realized how my stress level was quickly rising to new heights. When I make a commitment, I keep it. But it was my resume assignments that were being put on the back burner.

Eventually I decided to look at where I spend my time and cut back. I gave up some church meetings and groups, I stopped going to some optional business networking events, and yes, I even stopped blogging.

The interesting thing is that the world didn’t stop spinning. My church choir continued fine without me (maybe better)! The good news is I got my certification and am now able to once again readjust my calendar.

What I’ve learned is that sometimes you have to do something that disappoints people. Be selective as to how you spend your time. Pay attention to when you find yourself getting angry or resentful–perhaps it’s time to cut back and figure out what you really want or really can do. From now on, I will be more cautious about how many commitments I take on. A good lesson for everyone.

So, if you have missed my blogs, I’m back and ready to go!!

Starting my day off right

Published February 5, 2010

Perhaps it’s because I’m single and have complete freedom to organize my life–but I really enjoy those books with a daily reading.  I keep them on my kitchen table and read them as I eat my breakfast. I’m amazed how many times something that I read will talk right to me.  My all-time favorites have been Deep Breath of Life by Alan Cohen and Wealthy Spirit by Chellie Campbell.   I just received Alan’s new book, A Daily Dose of Sanity and after reading the former books several times, it’s nice to have a new “stories” to read.

Today I read Alan’s post about 86,400–moments in a day.  He challenges us to consider how we spend each moment of our day.  The last few weeks, I’ve been getting reminders to be more intentional about how I spend my time.  Although I feel I am self motivated and very determined, I am starting to question whether I am working on the right things and if there are ways I  could make better use of my time.  I suppose it’s like keeping a food journal when you want to lose weight.  It’s those tiny little “cheats” we don’t pay attention that keep us fat.  Time to tighten up.

How are your 86,400 moments going?  Are there ways you can make better use of them?

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Testimonials

Although I had your business card for a few weeks, I hesitated calling you until one day, I just felt inspired to contact you. Am I glad I did! After applying for literally hundreds of jobs this past year with not even one interview…after sending the résumé you created for me, not only did I get the interview, but I got the job! I feel that God inspired me to move forward and sent you into my life when I needed it the most. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
—J. Bloomfield, Asheville, NC

 

So, thought I'd brighten your day!  My new supervisor complimented my resume. She said she liked the summary at the top. She also commented that she wasn't positive that my background would've jumped out as a perfect match, but it was written in a way that highlighted my skills as a match for her needs. The resume you wrote for me did much more than any of those things, however. It changed the way I view myself.  It supported me, and gave me a confidence that I was lacking at that time. When I first saw your draft, I didn't immediately connect with it, yet I knew it was all truth. It grew on me, or I grew into it. By the time I walked into those last 2 interviews, I had a new confidence. Something deeper than just knowing I could do the job. I knew I was the right choice. That confidence, that knowing, attracted those jobs to me as surely as my credentials well presented.  It was both, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. 
—J. Everson, Bloomfield, KY

 

I just wanted to write and let you know how much I appreciate your help with my resume. It worked!!! I have had 3 interviews, a step I did not reach before. While I have not received a job offer yet, I know it is just a matter of time before I find a position that is the right fit. Your help with the resume made all the difference!
—L. McLamb Asheville

 

I have built my business through satisfied clients so I cherish testimonials. One of the most stand-out testimonials that was given to me was shared by a client I coached to help her with an upcoming interview.

This client told me later, that she had met a woman at a community event. Jen shared about looking for a position and was telling her about the "biz coach" who prepped her for the interview. The other woman mentioned how she found this excellent person to do her resume and that the résumé itself was highly complemented on in her interview. And best yet, she got the job in the end! In a few minutes, they deducted they were both talking about the same person…ME!

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