Journal of Office Workers
Archive for October 6, 2014
3 Easy Ways to Get Healthier at Work
Originally posted on TIME:
This post originally appeared on RealSimple.com.
The average employed American adult spends well over a third of the day working—and more often than not, those eight-hours-plus aren’t healthy ones, loaded with sedentary behavior, sugary office snacks and bleak cubicle walls. The good news? A few simple tricks can improve your on-the-clock well-being.
Go Green at Your Desk
In a recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, researchers found that office plants were linked with a 15% productivity boost. Scientists in the UK and Netherlands studied offices over several months, and their research showed that greenery increased employee-reported levels of satisfaction and concentration, as well as subjective perceptions of air quality. So go ahead and get a low-maintenance plant for your desk (just don’t forget to water it!).
(MORE: 11 Superfoods You Should Know About)
Look Out the Window
In June, researchers at Northwestern Medicine
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The Provision Shop @ Everton Park
Originally posted on The Ordinary Patrons:
The Provision Shop at Everton Park looks like another indie cafe with vintage decor. It is, however, an establishment of the Unlisted Collection which also operates the hip Esquina and swanky restaurants like Ember, Jing and Majestic Bay Seafood in their stable.
The Provision Shop is set up as a gourmet deli to serve salads, sandwiches and snacks with set lunches on weekdays and a rotating menu of weekly dinner specials.
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What Are the Top 5 Books You Must Read?
Originally posted on TIME:
I post about a *lot* of books. Most people don’t have the time to read them all but a number of readers have requested a post where I break down my must-reads.
I have a number I want to cover so I’ll do it over a few posts. Obviously I’m posting only books related to the blog’s usual subject matter — don’t be upset there’s no James Joyce on here.
1) Influence
What is it?
Most consider it the single best book on the psychology of persuasion.
What did I learn from it?
There are universal principles that make something influential: scarcity, authority, social proof, liking, reciprocity, and consistency.
This video is a great introduction to Cialdini’s research:
Check out the book here.
2) Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
What is it?
The best, most accessible research-based book on what motivates us.
What did I learn…
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Is It Ever ‘Too Late’ To Get Your Dream Job?
“Am I too old to get my dream job and do what I love?” she asked earnestly.
Related: 3 Smart Ways To Escape Your Life-Sucking Job
I’ve done the same thing for the past 17 years, and I feel like it’s time for a change…
But I don’t know where to start?
Is it too late for me to pursue my passion?
This is one of many emails I get on a weekly basis asking different variations of the same question…
Is it too late for me?
(Hint: there’s a great resource at the bottom that will help you with direction & clarity)
Some people are five or 10 years into their career, while others are close to retirement and just don’t feel ready to stop working yet.
This can be a really difficult time, and it’s a real pain point for a lot of people.
I’ll be honest with you… I’m 26 years old. So, I can’t tell you from experience that it’s not too late for you.
What I can give you is what I’ve learned from people much wiser than me…
And what I believe to be…
The Truth About Your Dream Job
In my own moments of crisis, I’ve spoken with people who are 10, 20, 30… even 40 years older than me…
And I’m constantly surprised by their take on life.
I’ve been told over and over again by my elders:
“Don’t worry. I’m still figuring out what I want to do with my life… so you’re just fine.”
Combine this response with one thing I know for sure about life…
Which is that things NEVER stay the same.
People, relationships, careers… life in general is ALWAYS evolving.
Forever growing.
So the truth is this: There is no one final dream job. It doesn’t exist.
So What Do You Do?
You go with the flow. Trust in the process. Evolve. Grow.
Know that what appeals to you right now will not last forever.
And as you grow, your dream job will change.
I’ve lived a quarter-century, and I’m already on my 2nd “dream job.”
And I fully expect that to evolve and change as I grow.
It true: Knowing what to do is easier said than done… so here are three questions to help guide your way:
3 Questions To Help Guide Your Way
- If you were on your deathbed right now, what would you regret NOT doing?
- If you could be known for one thing, what would it be?
- How can you tie your strengths, values, and passions into something that makes an impact in the world and an income for you?
Answer these questions honestly, and trust in the process and evolution of life.
It’s NOT too late for you, and it never will be.
However, it may be time for you to get your next dream job.
I wish you the best of luck on your journey, and if you want a little help with figuring out and getting your next dream job, then check out the free video I put together alongside my mentor here.
It contains three practical job seeking strategies you can apply today, as well a resource for finding some of the best companies to work for today - who are making a profit as well as a difference in the world.
Related Posts
5 Exciting Career Moves That Will Change Your Life
10 Inspiring Quotes About Career Success
Beware: The #1 Myth About Getting Your Dream Job
About the author
Ryan Niessen is a keynote speaker and co-creator of The Gateway Method: a simple, proven way to gain inside access to the world’s best employers and get your dream job. Connect with him on LinkedIn or Facebook.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert. You can learn more about expert posts here.
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9 tips to land your dream job
Originally posted on FLXHUB:
By Erika Fry
Nine great tips from talent experts on how to fine-tune your career and land the perfect job—now.
Ah, the dream job. Just as work has been reshaped by technology and globalization, so too have our professional fantasies. While jobs atop the corporate ladder haven’t totally lost their luster, more and more Americans are seeking work-life balance. And now that leaner, recession-tested firms are hiring again, they’re looking for something different too. Given the new landscape, we asked a few experts—career coaches, headhunters, and recruiters—to weigh in with their best, most relevant tips for today. The old rules still apply—network, network, network!—but here’s the latest on how to land that ideal job, whatever it may be.
1. Define what you want
Before you network, and certainly before you step into an interview, know your goals and what you’re dreaming to do. That sounds like a no-brainer, but our…
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Nurse Reveals the Top 5 Regrets People Make on Their Deathbed
Originally posted on Of Whiskey and Words:
For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.
People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learnt never to underestimate someone’s capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.
When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all…
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Demanding Job? 5 Tips For Maintaining Work-Life Balance
Ah… work-life balance. It is elusive, and some would argue that it is downright impossible to achieve.
Related: 5 Time Management Secrets To Being Stress-Free
I offer a workshop on work-life balance, and it is a topic that is intriguing because it is, in fact, complicated, complex, and feels so illusive to so many. Part of the dilemma, of course, is that it means different things to different people. What might feel balanced for one feels overwhelmingly out of balance for another.
I also believe that men and women view work-life balance differently. If you are a man, your idea of work-life balance may be that you go to work, do your job, and then you come home and hit the couch for some down time before engaging with your wife or the kids. You are happiest if no one talks to you for about an hour because you need to decompress from work. You may want to catch whatever game is on TV. You don’t really care what game… you just need something to watch that can take you away, at least for a while, from the cares of the day.
If you are a man, you may also consider work-life balance as doing well at work and also having quality time with your family. Vacation time may be part of your definition of work-life balance. Having time to keep your lawn mowed and the hedges trimmed might also be part of your overall ideal of work-life balance.
For women, the ideal is more complicated, I believe. As a result, it may feel a little (or even a lot) more difficult to achieve. In spite of the fact that we live in a 2014 society where many women work outside of the home and sometimes have jobs that are even more demanding than the jobs of the men in their lives, women still carry the brunt of the work load at home.
Unless she is married to an exceptional man, the woman of the house is still mostly responsible for meal planning and preparation, laundry, childcare, and keeping the home picked up and clean. Women in a particular economic demographic may be able to hire nannies for childcare and cleaning ladies for some of the household duties, but at the end of the day, most women don’t have the luxury of hiring that kind of help.
So, what does one do if they are feeling that time is slipping away and their lives are grossly out of balance? The first order of business is to recognize the problem and make a decision to do something about it. Only you have the power to make a decision about how you want to live your life. You can let life dictate how you spend it, or you can decide that you are going to take charge of your life.
It is also important to remember that work-life balance is different for everyone. Having said that, there are five things you should start doing today if you want to create a greater sense of being in control of your life:
1. Schedule time for the important things and stick to your schedule.
Stephen Covey talked about the importance of “first things first.” The “first things” are your family, your friends, and your other significant relationships. Don’t let those key relationships suffer because you have a busy work schedule.
2. Think in terms of what you want to achieve and for which you want to be remembered.
David Brooks offers a powerful TED Talk about the difference between living your resume and living your legacy. Understanding the distinction helps snap things into perspective. I recommend taking a few minutes to watch it and consider its message.
3. Stay healthy by taking care of yourself.
I offer a whole workshop around the things you should do in order to manage and reduce your stress. They include staying hydrated, eating well for good nutrition, getting the amount of sleep you need, working in some physical exercise, and remembering to breathe properly throughout the day. These are not new techniques that you haven’t heard before… but they are important to implement each day for optimum performance—and a sense of balance—at work and home.
4. Create a practice of prayer or meditation if you don’t already have one.
Increasingly, studies are showing that those who have a regular practice of meditation or prayer built into their routines are more grounded, more centered, more productive, and… happier. Wouldn’t it be worth the effort to explore if the pay off were to be happier with your life?
5. Finally, don’t forget the importance of having FUN!
Life isn’t meant to be endured… it is meant to be enjoyed, and at the end of the day, in general, the things that bring us the most joy are times spent with our families and friends. Staying in the moment, listening to the laughter of your baby—or your grandbaby—who has just discovered her toes… watching the sun set over the horizon with that person with whom you have chosen to live your life… those are the moments that add up a life well lived… and a life in balance.
At the end of your life, someone will start pulling together the things that people want to say about you. They may or may not comment on how hard you worked and all that you achieved at work. They will most certainly talk about what type of person you were and how you made them feel.
Are you kind? Are you thoughtful? Do you make the people around you feel valued and worthwhile? Are you patient? Are you generous with either your time or your money or both? Do you care about other people? Or are you mostly interested in yourself? Do you take the time to be present when you are in a conversation, or are you thinking about where you would rather be or what you would rather be doing in that particular moment? Are you a person who will be truly missed when you are gone? What will your life legacy be?
If you haven’t considered these questions, I invite you to do so now. They can help you decide how to create the life of balance that you seek even though you have a demanding job.
Related Posts
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About the author
Kitty Boitnott, Ph.D., NBCT is a Certified Life Strategies and Stress Management Coach and is an ICC at CareerHMO. Visit her coaching page here.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CareerHMO coach. You can learn more about coach posts here.
Photo Credit: Flikr
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8 Simple Interview Questions To Ask Hiring Managers
When you go on an interview, you’re going to get to the “Do you have any questions?” question. You might not know it, but this is actually one of the most important interview questions.
Related: 6 Questions You MUST Be Prepared To Answer During Interviews
This is a big opportunity for you to not only stand out to an employer, but also to dig deeper to see if this position is really a good fit for you. You may be tempted to say something like, “Nah, I think I’m good!” Or, even worse, you might want to inquire about salary, benefits, and/or vacation time. Don’t! Questions about these things will look very self-centered to an employer, and you should not bring them up during the first interview.
So, what should you ask about? There’s a strategy that you should be using when you have this opportunity to ask questions. Here are four goals you need to have in mind:
- Connect with the employer/interviewer
- Learn about the company culture
- Understand the company challenges
- Close the conversation
Now that you know what your goals are, you can start firing off questions. Here are eight important questions you need to ask during an interview:
Questions For Connecting
- How did you come to work here?
- What do you love most about working here?
Questions About Company Culture
- Who has been the most successful person to work here and why?
- Who has been the most UNsuccessful person to work here and why?
Questions About Company Challenges
- What’s the biggest challenge the company will face this year?
- What will I be able to do to measurably make a difference this year?
Questions For Closing The Conversation
- Is there anything about my background or experience that you would change to make me a better fit for this role? (With a smile)
- What are the next steps in the process?
There you have it! Good luck!
This post was originally published at an earlier date.
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Photo Credit: Shutterstock
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10 Habits To Energize Your Workday
Balancing “highly focused work effort” with adequate rest and recovery is invaluable in any performance venue - work, athletics, sports, hobbies, and so on. Without adequate recovery time, we stress our bodies physically, emotionally, and mentally. Energy levels suffer and peak performance is impacted. But how can you energize your workday?
Related: Hump Day Treat: 5 Quick Tips For Better Productivity
Recovery time not only includes planned vacations and time away from work on the weekends, but also daily “rituals” designed to regroup and recover from the stress associated with your day-to-day work demands. High performance periods throughout the day MUST be balanced with recovery periods throughout the day. Without those recovery periods, performance tends to ebb substantially due to inadequate physical, emotional and mental energy availability.
Daily Recovery Rituals To Energize Your Workday
- At the beginning of each week, load a desk drawer up with healthy snacks - nuts, low-sugar fitness bars, and so on. During the day, take a 10 minute break to eat a snack from your snack drawer and drink a bottle or glass of water.
- Stand up and stretch for 10 minutes.
- Walk a floor or two in your office; stop briefly to chat with a colleague or two for a few minutes.
- Ride down to the local Starbucks or coffee shop with just a blank pad of paper. Drink a cup of coffee and “unload” anything on your mind onto the pad.
- Call a good friend or family member and chat for 10 minutes.
- Close your door and read something “fun” for 15 minutes.
- Close your door and write a handwritten “thank-you” note or two to someone.
- Go for a 10 to 15 minute walk outside.
- Browse a nearby bookstore for 10 or 15 minutes.
- Close your office door and “tweet” some friends.
Rules To Follow During Your Recovery Ritual
- Close your office door, when possible.
- Turn off your phone(s) or forward your calls to voicemail.
- Turn off your computer screen and your computer volume.
- Turn off your e-mail Inbox “bell” or “tone.”
This post was originally published at an earlier date.
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Photo Credit: Shutterstock
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