Control... Where do you have it ?

By Coach Sean

There are some things that we simply cannot control. We can’t control what our customers will or won’t purchase. or what our bosses will decide on any particular issue.

Instead of worrying and fretting over those things, focus on the things you can control.

You can control your work ethic, how you respond to situations, and your attitude.

If you focus your energy and resources on those things, you’ll find yourself moving forward.

Thomas Edison said, “The reason a lot of people do not recognize opportunity is because it usually goes around wearing overalls looking like hard work.”

Maybe your current situation is full of things that are out of your control. But, if you’re willing to put in the work and control the things you can control, you just might be surprised at the opportunities you will see open up in front of you. Plus, you’ll find that you’ll spend less time worrying over things you can’t control and you’ll be using your time better to produce real results.

How to Unplug on Vacation

By Coach John

If you are reading this blog, you are most likely a motivated individual who works hard, values growth and can sometimes get stuck in the chaos.  If that is you, then vacations and rest are absolutely essential for you to maintain a work/life balance. 

Have you noticed things about yourself on vacation? Is it hard to put your phone away? Not check emails? Or truly unplug? 

If that’s you, here are some hot tips on learning how to vacation well: 

1. Give yourself some space before your vacation begins, especially if you’re traveling. Plan far enough in advance so you’re not stressing out right up until the moment your vacation begins.

2. Engage in activities early in the vacation that will help you break up with work, putting your focus on rest and fun. Go to a theme park, plan a hike, go to a movie, etc. It helps to do something that takes all of your focus early in the vacation in order to divert your attention away from work.

3. Set some boundaries for “checking in” with work while on vacation. If you must keep tabs on work, do it at certain times/days. You’ll never rest your mind if you aren’t able to unplug. Turn the phone off for the morning. Ask someone to hide your laptop for several hours. Be present on your vacation.

4. Make a plan for re-entry into work. If you’re traveling, consider giving yourself an extra day to get back on your feet before jumping back in at the office. If you have family, they will also be thankful you don’t abandon them as soon as you all walk back in the front door. This extra time helps your mind and body end the vacation and prepare for shifting gears.

As you rest and vacation, you’ll learn more about yourself and what truly works for unplugging. This will make your vacations more purposeful. You’ll get better at leaving the office behind and enjoying your time off. 

Goodbye Distractions

By Coach Sean

How do we get done what really matters? 

We all have those things and people that distract us and shift us away from our important, strategic work, or what Cal Newport calls,” deep work” in his phenomenal book, Deep Work.

Cal talks about the need to be strategic in creating rhythms and systems. This helps us focus on the work that really matters and to limit exposure to the things that distract us.

Instead of trying to protect an hour here or there to focus on deep work and being open to distractions all day, what if you created short blocks of time for those distractions, and gave more protected time and focus to deep, strategic work? 

How much more productive could you be if you increased the amount of time you give to deep work by an hour or two each day? Consider limiting those things that distract you, like Instagram scrolling, the long email list, or the menial tasks to short, scheduled times each day.

5 Tips for a Successful Interview

By Coach Louanne

Job interviews can be intimidating. 

Instead of stressing, use these tips to help you embrace the interview with enthusiasm and confidence. 

These five steps will set you up for a successful interview: 

1.  By all means, be on time, preferably early.  This shows you are responsible and dependable. If you are a generally tardy individual, consider what obstacles might get in your way, and then plan around them. 

2.   Dress for success.  This can be frustratingly subjective, so err on the side of looking professional.  An unfortunate reality is that people will form an opinion of you within seconds of seeing you.  So, save the stained shirt for Netflix night and pull out that snazzy button down. 

3.  At all costs, be prepared!  The most important piece to an interview is being prepared.  The interviewer knows within the first couple of minutes if the prospective candidate has put quality time into doing their homework on the company and role. Having done your homework will help you answer the questions presented with knowledge and confidence.

4.  Be a positive communicator. During the interview, whatever questions are presented to you, avoid responding in the negative.  For example, if you are asked about a problem you've encountered with a co-worker, explain the situation as objectively as possible and always end it with a positive resolution. 

5.  Know the company that is interviewing you.  Be able to present them with information on the company's history, what they do, their mission, and values. 

These tips will help you to be on your way to landing the job of your dreams!