5 Ways to Add More Purpose in Any Job and Gain Success

One of the greatest challenges faced by most workers is finding meaning and purpose in their careers. It is one of the most common reasons individuals "job hop" and seek coaching support. According to some studies, nearly two thirds of Americans are dissatisfied at work. And to add to this conundrum is that most are working more hours with less resources in this post Great Recession of 2008 era. In fact, a 2014 Gallop poll indicates that half of all full-time workers indicate they typically work more than 40 hours, and nearly four in 10 say they work at least 50 hours. The 40 hour work week is really a 47-hour work week (not including travel time to and from work).

However, whether you work in a hospital or supermarket, YOU CAN make your job more meaningful. And while you probably need your boss to approve a raise or a bigger office, these are some adjustments you can make on your own. Take a look at these 5 ideas and implement them to add more purpose and fulfillment into your job.

• Help your coworkers. Our relationships with our colleagues play a big role in our happiness at work. Pitch in with assembling press packages or proofreading the presentations. Share your sandwich when your office mate is stuck on a conference call during lunch.
• Create a great customer experience. You can brighten someone's day by going the extra mile to help them feel delighted with their purchase. Take time to answer their questions and point out helpful features. Thank them warmly for doing business with you.
• Advance the organizational mission. If your employer benefits society, you can find gratification in being part of the team. Maybe you raise awareness about lung cancer or design safer cars.

You are responsible for the talent that has been entrusted to you! ~ Matthew 25

• Strengthen your communication skills. It is a "must have" in your success toolbox. Ask for feedback about how you come across in writing and in person. And make appropriate adjustments.
• Practice your leadership skills. Strategic thinking and inspiring others are valuable traits at every stage in your career. Welcome projects that give you a chance to rehearse for future challenges.
  
• Sign up for training. Once, when I was bored with the monotony of my job, I took a course to become a web master. This was in the early 2000's when someone had to actually program a website. (Now-a-days you can create a site by dragging and dropping.) That insight paid off. Two short years later, I applied for a job as a Marketing Manager for new websites the company was developing. I was the only candidate that had experience in web technology. Take advantage of opportunities to learn something new. You can create opportunities for your future success while growing and enhancing your overall well-being.

• Upgrade your presentations. Make the most of your reporting responsibilities. Dazzle your supervisor with a multimedia presentation and compelling graphics when they ask you to research vendors or conference venues.
• Start an ambiance committee. Attractive and neat surroundings aid productivity and morale. Suggest forming a committee to make recommendations on how to beautify the office. Coordinate a company-wide cleanup day.
• Share your hobby. Welcome your passions into the workplace. You could bring in flowers from your garden or take photographs at special events.

When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down "happy". They told me I didn't understand the assignment. I told them they didn't understand life. ~ John Lennon

Tony Hsieh, the founder of Zappos.com, Inc. built a billion dollar company on the principles of happiness and having a fun work environment. What can you do?

• Plan a party. Organize birthday parties for your department. Offer a surprise breakfast to celebrate National Dance Like a Chicken Day.
• Promote good health. Encourage friendships and fitness. Put together a company softball team. Negotiate a group discount at a local gym.
• Look at the funny side of things. Search for the humor in any situation. Look forward to the customers and clients who bring in pictures of their cats.

• Network extensively. If you believe it's time to look for a different position, you can still use your time constructively. Try to make more contacts with those who can help you advance your career. Attend meetings and volunteer at the nearest chapter of your professional association. Invite people out to lunch and send them articles they might be interested in.
• Document your accomplishments. Record achievements that will sound impressive on your resume. Adding value during your last days on the job will keep you motivated and energized.
• Facilitate the transition. Remind yourself of what you like about your job and why you're grateful to your current employer. Think of how you can create a smooth transition for your successor while you go off to find a new job, return to school, or start your own business.

Even trivial tasks feel significant when you understand why you're doing them. Feeling more content at work will reduce stress and add more meaning to your life. If you've got to be at work then be PRESENT while you're there!

Turn opposition into opportunities and boredom into stardom by taking advantage of ALL opportunities to grow and provide service to others. What you give out comes back to you! Don't delay in implementing these suggestions to create more fulfillment in your job and experience greater SUCCESS!

Top 6 Excuses That Limit Your Success and Solutions to Overcome Them

It's a new year and most likely you've created a list of resolutions. You are determined that this time will be different. You won't quit. You won't get distracted. You're going to stick with your plan for a new start. However, sadly enough the odds aren't in your favor. The fact is only a tiny fraction of people keep their resolutions. University of Scranton research suggests that just 8% of people achieve their New Year’s goals. What's the common denominator? EXCUSES. For most individuals, it's much easier to think of ways something can't be done versus how it can be done. Many of us have a series of excuses that we can pull out of a hat at a moment’s notice. We make excuses mostly to protect ourselves and to justify our current circumstances. But these limiting beliefs cripple our chances for success. Consider these excuses and commit to the solutions.

(1) “I DON’T KNOW HOW.” This common excuse gives you permission to not even try.

• SOLUTION: Get support. At no time in the history of mankind has there been so much information and resources available. Want to start a charity? There are hundreds of books on the subject. Need to lose 100 lbs? There are thousands of CDs, videos and blogs to support you. Want to change careers? Consult a coach or mentor. Or simply try and then adjust your approach based on your results.

(2) “I’M AFRAID.” Who hasn't been afraid to try something new, to step out of the box, to move beyond their comfort zone? Most of our fears are socially based and have no real consequences.

• SOLUTION: Ask yourself what’s the worst thing that can happen. Once you have determined the worst case scenarios you’ll realize that the fear is a disguise to kill your dreams and stifle your growth. Then list the best things that can happen. You’ll recognize that your success is more important than the fears that are holding you back.

"Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and FOCUS on what could go right!"

(3) “I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH TIME.” If your heart is in it then you will make the time for what’s truly important to you.

• SOLUTION: Create a list of the things you do on a daily basis from the moment you awake until the end of the day. Record your activities in 15 minute blocks. Include everything from talking on the phone, surfing the internet to watching television. After doing this for one week most people are able to find at least 3 hours to dedicate to a new activity or adventure.

(4) “I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY.” There is usually a way to work around a lack of financial resources.

• SOLUTION: Find alternatives. For example, if you’re looking to increase your skills but can’t afford college tuition there are other ways to enhance your credentials. For instance, volunteer at a non-profit organization; get certification in a particular skill or intern for a small company on your days off. If you are business owner, consider bartering (trading your services or products). There is always a way. You just may have to work a little harder to find solutions to support your growth.

(5) “IT’S TOO LATE FOR ME.” It’s never too late to become what you might have been. A person climbed Mount Everest in his 80’s. People have gone back to medical school in their 60’s. Getting a late start might be less convenient and more challenging, but there’s nothing wrong with that.

• SOLUTION: Figure out what interests you, influences you and motivates you. Build a plan for the challenges that are really important to you and take one step at a time to complete your goals.

(6) “IT’S TOO HARD.” Some endeavors are certainly more difficult than others. But claiming that something is “too hard” is really just another way of admitting that you’re afraid. People with limited resources and talent can still be extremely successful.

• SOLUTION: Set your mind on success! Those with motivation and stamina are really the ones who succeed. Get an accountability partner. Read encouraging stories. Practice affirmations. Do what’s necessary to keep your thoughts and energy centered on a successful outcome.

"The way you eat an elephant is one bite at a time."

Your success is dependent on effort. No action, no results. Break your tasks into small assignments and keep going until you've achieved your goal. It’s time to make some changes. Transformation isn't always easy but it is necessary for your success. Remind yourself of the reasons why started in the first place. And have the courage to put aside your excuses and go after what you truly want. You’ll be glad you did!

Listen to my podcast interview with Jerod and Friends!

For support to reach your goals for success connect with me at coachadrean@gmail.com or schedule here for a free consultation to discuss how I can support you in achieving your maximum potential.

Retire Now!

Rashard Mendenhall, a running back for the NFL, announced that he is retiring after only six seasons, walking away from the opportunity to earn millions of dollars. Rashard wrote, in a post titled "Why I Retired At 26" that he doesn’t want to play anymore. As for the question of what he’ll do - Rashard says, “I will live! I plan to live in a way that I never have before, and that is freely, able to fully be me, without the expectation of representing any league, club, shield or city. I do have a plan going forward, but I will admit that I do not know how things will totally shape out. That is the beauty of it! I want to travel the world and write!” Rashard is doing what most people only imagine. He’s following his heart to pursue his passions.

If you want more out of life -go get it! Don’t allow the fear of failure, the fear of the unknown or the opinions of others suffocate your dreams and desires. The only person who will suffer from the inaction is you. You were created you to THRIVE not just survive. You are a DIVINE design- engineered to SUCCEED. You were made for EXCELLENCE! Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect!

Like Rashard, when you follow your passion you may not have all the answers. You may not even know where to start. But what you do know is that you have to do something different. Many people have started with much less and achieved remarkable success. The only difference between them and others is that they believed in themselves and were willing to risk losing in order to gain in the future.

RETIRE the limiting beliefs that have held you back from pursuing your dreams. Make a decision now that you will do one thing that moves you forward in achieving your goals. Every accomplishment starts with a decision to try. What will you try today?

 

10 Ways to Build Trust and Credibility for Career Success

Do you remember playing the "TRUST" game when you were a child? You stood in front of someone, held your breath and hoped that when you fell backwards they would catch you. It was nerve wrecking to let go and to rely on someone else to keep you from getting hurt. But after they caught you the first time you were more willing to stand in front of them again and again and lean back without fear. That’s because they earned your trust.
 
As adults that same kind of trust is important to build solid relationships for business and career success. Trustworthy people are invaluable to organizations. They are influencers that consistently demonstrate a pattern of behavior that enhances their credibility. Take these action steps to increase your leadership abilities and capitalize on opportunities of advancement:
 

1.     KEEP YOUR WORD! Your promise should be as binding as a contract.  Reliability is a primary component of trust.

2.     KEEP GOOD COMPANY! Surround yourself with people of high integrity. Your net worth => Your network.

3.     KEEP THE PEACE! Learn how to disagree without being disagreeable. Recognize the value in the opinion of others.

4.     KEEP CONTROL! It’s not only what you bring to the table it’s how you serve it. Professionalism is important. Manage your emotions when you are stressed or under pressure.

5.     KEEP THE VISION! You gain more by making others look good than singing your own praises. Sometimes it not all about you. Remember the overall goal.

6.     KEEP IT A SECRET! Words spoken in confidence are words spoken in trust. Open lines of communication are essential for your success.

7.     KEEP IT HONEST! Admit when you are wrong. Others don't have to guess your motivations or intentions when you're open and honest. You’ll be respected for truthfulness and transparency.

8.     KEEP YOUR PROMISES! Follow through on every commitment you make. Always under promise and over-deliver.

9.     KEEP RECORDS! Ask others to write a recommendation for you. Use their words to build your reputation.

10.  KEEP QUIET! Be a good listener. When people are speaking give them your full attention.  Your silence will speak volumes.

 

Gaining credibility and trustworthiness doesn’t happen overnight. KEEP these action steps in mind and demonstrate trusting behaviors to support you in getting there faster. Don’t get dismayed if at one time or another you let someone down. No one is perfect. But your history will speak loudly of your character if you’ve established a trusting foundation.