FAB Homework: Self-Awareness Challenge!

FAB Homework: 

Today I challenge you to dig deep within yourself and identify, analyze and address the following: 

• How do you define happiness and what is ultimately going to make you happy?
• Identify 3 of your vulnerabilities and face the most uncomfortable aspects of yourself. How are you going to deal with it?
• What do you love about yourself and how are you going to celebrate what makes you unique?

Screw It . . . Live on the Edge & Follow Your Dreams

 

Who cares. Don't depend on stability. Don't worry about how it will all work out. Just go. I challenge you to live your truth. I challenge you to do what your heart calls you to do. I challenge you to make a sacrifice for today to live for tomorrow's victory. I challenge you to identify your life's purpose. Life's challenges come in various forms and if you're going to fight either way, why not fight for what truly makes you happy. Don't over think your decision or analyze the details. Take a leap of faith. Give God something to do. He wants you to trust in Him by allowing His greatness to manifest in your life.

• Jump today. Just do it.
• Stop contemplating and make a decision
• Surround yourself with those that will love and support your decision to "find your purpose"
• Work hard and pray harder
• Be proud that you are living an authentic life
• Learn how to handle challenges with faith, patience and perseverance
• Identify how you want to chase your passion by creating a well thought out plan, however leave room for flexibility and edits
• Go!

The first step in following your passion is to believe that you can do it. The second step, is to take action and never look back!

:30 FAB Homework

Read inspirational passages or quotes at least once a day. Internalize the message. Let it marinate. Think about it. Make the thought your own. Feeding your mind and spirit with positivity helps to keep you motivated and encouraged.

P.S. Pinterest is a great source for inspirational quotes!

:30 Homework

Go through your emails, phone book and planner and think about all of the people that you have NOT touched base within 3 months or more. Send them an email asap and set up a lunch or drinks and get back in touch. It is very important to maintain your relationships and continue to stay in touch. Make the first move! Get set. Go!

I challenge you . . .

Tonight, I challenge you to ask yourself what makes you happy. I ask that you really think about it and clearly define your answer to yourself. The first step in achieving happiness is to be able to define it on your own terms.

Get your CAREER JOURNAL and write out your thoughts concerning your personal and professional world. What should stay? leave? continue? What do you need to make you smile?

Sounds like an easy tasks, but we all know some of the easiest things turn out to be quite daunting at times. Don't over-analyze tonight's tasks, just let your thoughts flow.

Get set. Go.

:30 Homework

The end of the year is approaching, I encourage you to get your CAREER JOURNAL and to complete the following tasks:

• Think about 1st quarter 2011, make a list of your goals and who you need to professionally connect with in order to successfully jump start the year. If you have not already, begin reaching out NOW so that when January 2011 hits, you are already on their radar. Be proactive, versus reactive.
• Wrap up any last minute goals that you want to accomplish in the next month. Don't be discouraged by the short amount of time remaining in 2010, instead use this time to make huge strides in this last month and half.
• Make a list of everyone you want to send holiday wishes too. You'd be surprised how sending a card/note makes a huge difference in building and maintaining business relationships!
  
• Cross reference the goals you set for yourself this year and see what you have accomplished and what goals are outstanding. Based on this info, decide your plan of action and how you're going to move forward.
  

:30 Homework

INSPIRATION - I encourage you to find your find a THING or PLACE that gives you a source of inspiration and tap into that well of positivity this week. Get into your "FAB Zone" and begin planning your goals for the Fall. The end of the year is approaching, set yourself up for success! P.S. Be sure to utilize your Career Journal while making your professional development plans.

:30 Homework

It's imperative that you expand your mind by constantly expanding your resources. Your homework is to research and sign up for 2 new professional resources including but not limited to email blasts, e-newsletters, magazines, etc. How are you going to learn SOMETHING new?! GET STARTED ASAP!

:30 Homework

Reach Outside of Your Circle: I challenge you to build 3 NEW business relationships this week! It is up to you as to how you develop the relationship (whether it's over email/phone/in-person), but it is your duty to reach outside of your comfort zone and make 3 connections!

*Growth is the result of us opening our world to new possibilities. Start TODAY!*

:30 FAB Homework

10 Ways that Make You Feel FAB . . .

GET YOUR CAREER JOURNAL and write down TEN ways to TREAT yourself! Then, DO IT!!!! We all work so hard, both mentally and physically, and we often forget to treat ourselves in the midst of our dedication to press forward toward our goals. The only way to keep up our momentum and bring a fresh perspective to the table every time is periodically, yet consistently, take a breather to enjoy our lives, our friends, our families, our hobbies, the quiet moments, longer showers and strolls in the park and all the other activities we neglect because we are so focused. You deserve it! Take a break. Have fun. Be FAB!

P.S. You'll be surprised how your FAB "down time" will re-invigorate your passion(s)!

:30 FAB Homework

Get your CAREER JOURNAL and make a list of your GOALS, OBSTACLES & PLAN OF ACTION. For every goal, there will be challenges. Stop complaining. Learn how to persevere and overcome trials. Here's the BIG question . . . Are you prepared? Your CAREER JOURNAL should have 3 columns: GOALS - OBSTACLES - PLAN OF ACTION. If you are able to foresee issues and are proactive in your approach, you will not only save your self time and energy, but you will reach the finish line a lot quicker. Get Set. Go!

Good Luck!

:30 Homework

Get your CAREER JOURNAL! Start planning for your SPRING GOALS by listing your to-do list in 1 month intervals. What are your goals for April? May? June? In 3 months, your life can be completely different.....more advanced (to say the least). If you start planning NOW, you will have made significant progress by summer. Ask yourself these questions and then thoroughly answer them in your Career Journal.

Questions to Ponder/Answer:

• What is my 1 month, 2 month, 3 month professional goal?
• What are the tools I need to accomplish my goals?
• How do I get the tools I need?
• What exactly do I need to DO in order to see growth & tangible results?

Provide detailed answers to these questions, as they will help you to structure your thoughts to give you an organized to-do list.

Get set. Go. Good Luck!

:30 Career Advice

RESEARCH & READ! Go online and research trade magazines, articles, books, journals, & e-newsletters that you should subscribe to in order to FULLY immerse yourself in your area of interest. In order to truly be a fierce competitor, you should be educated on trends, sales, events, organizations, companies, professionals and industry language. Expand your knowledge today by READING!

Take time to . . .

Treat Yourself to 10 Must Haves . . .

• Read inspirational material (books, magazines, articles) --> Reading positivity helps to keep you centered, focused and invigorated.
• Engage in some form of exercise (run, jog, walk) --> Working up a sweat helps to release stress and built up anxiety
• Dream (while you're awake) --> Thinking of new ideas prevents you from becoming stagnant
• Write (in a journal) --> Self reflection is therapeutic and fun!
• Create blank space --> Carve out time where you have nothing to do (just be!)
• Laugh (loudly) --> Having fun helps to keep you balanced
• Travel (anywhere) --> Putting yourself in new surroundings keeps your thoughts and spirits fresh
• Find a hobby (any type) --> Everyone needs a release just for them
• Try new things (anything) --> Be open to stepping outside of your comfort zone
• Build relationships (all types) --> Bringing meaningful people in our lives is soup for the soul

Invest in yourself. You're worth it!

What comes after BRAINSTORMING?

Steps to Consider:

- Write all your notes down in your CAREER JOURNAL (strictly to be used for career development)
- Write your goals (1 month, 6 months, 1 year goals)
- Who do you need to connect with (mentors, professionals, friends, colleagues, new contacts, dream wish list, etc.)
- To-Do List (what are the immediate tasks you should be focusing on?)
- Research (how are you going to connect the dots and learn more about how to achieve your goals? websites, organizations, blogs, books, magazines, google, informational meetings, etc.)
- Be creative (how are you thinking outside the box to get to the next level? how are you challenging yourself to expand your network, knowledge and dreams?)
- Inspiration (what are you doing to stay inspired? what keeps you motivated?)
- Surroundings (what's in your surroundings? is your circle enabling your success or failure?)

Think about these steps AFTER you brainstorm.

Brainstorm. Hustle. Succeed.

FRIENDLY REMINDER: Speed Career Counseling!

FRIENDLY REMINDER: Career Counseling Opportunity!!!

Hello Everyone!

As you know, most of the FAB offerings and events are centrally located in NYC; however I have GREAT news for EVERY member . . . you DO NOT have to reside in NYC to participate in the Speed Career Counseling taking place on Saturday, January 23rd!!!

To all the FAB Members outside of NYC, you will be able to schedule a phone appointment. I will make provisions so that you will have the opportunity to gain access to this exclusive opportunity. We will accomplish TONS, promise!!

To all the FAB Members that can't make it on Saturday, January 23rd, but are truly interested in booking an appointment, please contact me directly to set up a special appointment date/time. Note, the appointment MUST take place this week or next week (offer ends Friday, November 13th)!

After your appointment is confirmed, you will receive FAB homework, which will thoroughly prepare you for our one-on-one session. Please make sure you read and complete carefully!

To book an appointment or if you have questions, you can reach me by phone or email at 646. 596. 9201 or contactfab@thefabnetwork.com.

The career consultation will provide you with encouragement, structure, insight and thought-provoking professional career advice!

Time: 10 am - 3pm (appointments will be scheduled in 30 minute increments)
Place: Marriott Hotel in Times Square, 8th Floor (1535 Broadway, cross streets are West 45th Street and West 46th Street)
Cost: $60 for Professionals; $50 for Students
RSVP: Please email contactfab@thefabnetwork.com to set up and confirm a counseling session. If you are a student, please use your student email address. Once you have a confirmed time, you will be emailed a link to pre-pay and will receive a confirmation payment receipt. Your appointment is not officially confirmed until you receive the payment receipt.
*Note: Time slots are limited, so please rsvp early if you are interested.*
Homework:
Once you have a confirmed appointment, you will be assigned a homework assignment to be completed prior to career counseling session.

:30 Career Advice

Are you staying connected??? Pick FIVE people to reach out to THIS WEEK and contact them via email, phone or in person. You figure out the topic of discussion, just make sure you re-connect with your professional and personal contacts. Make your list and connect TODAY!!!!!!!! The only way to build a robust working and relevant rolodex of contacts is to make your relationships count. What's the point of shiny business cards if you NEVER use them?! P.S. Make notes in your Career Journal ---> Name of the person you contacted, company, email address, phone number and the date you emailed/called (include the purpose of outreach if applicable). Homework time, good luck!

Quick Tips: Pre-Interview!

Quick Tips to Remember:

• Research the company (know the important details: year it was founded, president/ceo, recent advertisements, competitors, know the website, departments, sales, & mission)
• Know your interviewer (their full name, position, responsibilities, your relation to their position and how the position your interviewing for will support their job, the department and company at large)
• Google the position you're interviewing for (i.e. sales assistant) and see what terms are typically linked to that specific position (companies in your industry and in general). Make sure you are able to use industry terms, be prepared to give appropriate examples of your relevant experience, and be able to describe your idea of what this position entails)
• Bring at least 3 copies of your resume and cover letter
• Always bring LOTS of business cards
• Always carry a notebook & pen
• If you have one, a portfolio (work samples) would be icing on the cake!
• Dress for the occasion (your research of the company will help you to determine dress code). Better to be overdressed, rather than under dressed.
• Make sure your resume is connected to the position you're applying for (don't bring a cookie cutter resume, customize it with your experience, industry terms, volunteer work, organizations & skills specifically relevant for that job position). Trust me, this step MATTERS!
• Last but not least, be confident, engaging and professional. Just relax and go for the gold!

Good Luck!!!

:30 Homework

Get your CAREER JOURNAL and write 5 things (related to your career) that you would like to accomplish in the next MONTH and the resources needed to achieve your goals. Once you have your list, get to work!

Example:
1. Get a mentor (contact my friend, her mom works for my dream company).

2. Follow up with contacts that I haven't spoken to in awhile (go through my emails).

3. Start a blog (reach out to someone that has a successful blog).

4. Work on getting some freelance jobs (search craigslist).

5. Start making a to-do list each day of tasks to complete (keep my career journal with me everyday).

How are you preparing for the NEW YEAR?

NEW YEAR'S REALITY CHECK:

It seems like the masses plan for the new year, creating flashy lists of what they intend to start doing, stop doing and how their lives will have a fresh start as they execute their newly formed plan. Somehow the thrill of a new year gives us a sense of hope that every aspect of lives can be rejuvenated - our spirituality, our finances, our personal and professional lives. The promise of a new year makes us want to try harder on all the goals we slacked on and pushes us to forget our trials and focus on the ideal that NEXT year will be even bigger and better. If 2009 was good, 2010 will be GREAT! And it can be, but how?! If we continue to make false promises to ourselves and formulate a plan with no action, we will continue to have the same results. So again, I ask, how are you preparing for the new year?!

If you're not sure where to start, FAB has a few tips just for you!

Tips (and thoughts) to help you make your New Year's Plan of Action come to life . . .

- Write down your wish list without hesitation. What would you like to accomplish if it were the ideal world?

- How can you break up your wish list into buckets: 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months?

- What are the resources you need to make your goals a reality?

- At the end of this year, what is your #1 goal that you want to have accomplished?

- What do you want to START, STOP and CONTINUE doing in the new year?

- What is going to be your source of inspiration and motivation to achieve your goals?

Lastly, make sure you WRITE DOWN your goals in your career journal BEFORE 2010 so that you have a full 12 months to make your dreams a reality!

Good luck and best wishes on a FABulous new year!