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March 31, 2009
How to Become More Confident
We can sabotage ourselves with negative thoughts.
Scientists have shown that for every positive thought we have in an hour we have 75 negative thoughts. And that's in normal times -- not under the rough economic conditions we're experiencing today.
Dr. Martin Seligman, Chairman of the University of Pennsylvania Positive Psychology Center, has created a program that studies the science of positive psychology.
On a recent Oprah, talk show host Montel Williams discussed his experiences with having MS for the last decade as well as other health problems. He stated that, when he changed the way he looked at his experience with MS, he realized it was an opportunity instead of something that was "out to get him."
Each of us has a challenge: to achieve a "confidence" balance -- a balance between possibility and reality, between hope and despair. Relying on unachievable hope and unrealistic possibility makes us just as ineffective as being barred from action through unrelenting despair and unrealistic pessimism.
Listen to a three minute presentation about achieving such a balance by Park J. Palmer, founder and senior partner of the Center for Courage & Renewal.
To find your confidence balance, start keeping a "gratitude journal." Write in it at the end of each day -- even if you can think of only one small grateful thing at that moment. After awhile, you'll begin to see how being grateful opens your thoughts to another way of looking at the world.
Read about how Dan TeVelde has addressed this balance issue in "What My Experiences as a Mainframe Computer Programmer Have Taught Me"
Then, join this week's discussion on the eSight Networking Forum by replying to this question:
At what time in your life did you find your confidence grow?
Posted by Liz Seger at 01:38 PM | Comments (4)
March 17, 2009
Getting the Right Fit
This week, we've heard another disappointing story from Wall Street.
It's just another example in a string of incidents that have us questioning the state of corporate leadership and values not on only in North America but world wide.
As job seeker you may want to reconfirm or rediscover the following values in today's current business environment:
- Honesty, Integrity, Morality.
- Adaptability and Flexibility.
- Dedication, Work Ethic, Tenacity.
You probably never thought of looking at an employer's values.
Seeking an employer who best matches your temperament and life style is like looking for a good marriage partner. You first need to know yourself and what is important to you before you start making some decisions.
I don't know if there are any short cuts in that process. Finding the right career for yourself is a personal journey no one can travel for you. And it takes time -- time that often takes years.
Read more about how you can find employers who best match your temperament and life style in "Match Your Temperament With the Corporate Culture of Prospective Employers." It could save you time and effort - and put your career on the right track.
Then, join this week's discussion on the eSight Networking Forum by replying to this question:
What's the best way to tell whether you'll fit in with a prospective employer in terms of guiding values?
Posted by Liz Seger at 03:40 PM | Comments (3)
March 11, 2009
Challenges of a New Job
In this economy, unfortunately we hear all too often of job losses. Today, I'd like to share a success story with you.
Last week, Brenda told us about a job she wanted. She wrote:
"It is exactly what I have been looking for. It deals with working with clients (veterans) and assisting them in applying for veterans programs and services/benefits that they may be eligible for.
"It also deals with public relations in letting people what services the Veterans Affairs department offers."
Today Brenda tells us, "I start in two weeks. Thank you for the ideas and advice!"
Please join with me in congratulating Brenda Henige on the successful completion of her job search.
Brenda, we all wish you the best of luck! You have worked hard and we are all delighted to learn about your success.
If you have a success story of your own, we would like to hear about it. Please e-mail us about it at MemberServices@eSight.org and remember to include your phone number, so we can call you for further information, if needed.
I'd like to offer some advice from an old friend who has contributed significantly over the years to the success of eSight. Fernando Botelho has often said:
"Success and solutions to problems are often not simple. However, the attitude you need to succeed is simple. Just be positive and persistent and follow your dreams. Do what it is you want to do -- do what makes you happy."
Please consider this issues Brenda now faces as she prepares for her new job, and then reply to this question:
What tip do you have to offer to Brenda (or anyone else), who is beginning to work at a new job?
Posted by Liz Seger at 05:04 PM | Comments (6)
March 04, 2009
How Do I Track, Organize Information?
Sunday March 8 will be the 32nd celebration of the United Nations' declaration of International Women's Day.
It is a day when women celebrate the accomplishments of women around the globe and discuss the important issues women are still experiencing: domestic violence, education for women in the emerging economies, workers' rights, sexual abuse and equality.
In my particular little community, it’s a day when women of all ages come together to celebrate where women have been, where we are now and what we hope will happen in the future.
And, for women with disabilities, this is the one day once a year where we can discuss the particular issues we face.
We recently received a note from eSight member Brenda about questions she has in the light of the current employment situation she faces.
So, this week may be the opportune time, in the spirit of International Women’s Day, for us to collaborate online in the eSight Networking Forum to offer Brenda the advice she is seeking.
Brenda writes:
"I completed my second interview for a veterans counselor position (in the country in which I live). I already work within the court system for the same county, and the position was posted for internal candidates.
"I am hoping I will be offered the position. It is exactly what I have been looking for. It deals with working with clients (veterans) and assisting them in applying for veterans programs and services/benefits that they may be eligible for.
"It also deals with public relations in letting people what services the Veterans Affairs department offers.
"I am legally blind and have some vision in my right eye. I use microscopic lens (thick eye glasses) to read the computer screen, use a CCTV sometimes, and a 5X handheld magnifier.
"I am wondering if anyone knows a veterans counselor who is blind or has some visual limitations. I'd like to talk to someone and learn how he/she accesses and organizes all the information regarding veterans benefits, programs, and services.
"There is a 2,000-page reference book called "Veterans Benefits Manual 2008" that is updated each year or every other year. It appears it is also available on CD-ROM. I know there is much more reference material.
"There also is a week-long training, after which a test is taken. I need to pass the test in order to be an Accredited Veterans Counselor. Once I take the test and pass it, I would go to yearly training for continuing education but would not need to take the test.
"There are also many online resources, as you could imagine, and laws and processes are constantly changing.
"How do people organize the information?
"Also, what devices or systems have people used to organize their many contacts? E-mail address book, hand-held device, cellular phone? I have never owned a Blackberry-type device, so I don't know how helpful it would be to me.
"If anyone holds a similar position and could provide some advice, I would appreciate it."
Posted by Liz Seger at 04:24 PM | Comments (4)