How to Get Through Bad Days at Work

How to Get Through Bad Days at WorkHow to Get Through Bad Days at WorkWhether your presentation doesnt go as planned, you learn that youre not getting the raise you were hoping for, or your co-workers are in terrible spirits, tough days on the job are bound to happen every now and then. Its just the way it goes.But just how schwimmbad those days go can really depend on how you handle them. Though we all know how difficult powering through a challenging day at work can be, motivating yourself to stay positive when things arent going as planned is a real workplace superpower that can help you rise above the rest of the pack. Read on to learn how you can turn lemons into lemonade for yourself while building major morale for everyone around you, too.1. Stick to Your ScheduleThough unexpected events or information are often at the heart of a bad day, having a schedule in place can keep you focused on your goals and direction. In fact, starting in the early hours by implementing a solid mo rning routine is often cited as a smart tactic that can directly impact success. The reason why? Willpower has proven to be highest during AM hours, and powering through a productive morning can help you set the tone for the rest of the workday, no matter what should come your way.This can be especially important when your work involves engaging with other people, or if there are outside factors that can make you feel easily sidetracked. When I dont have a set schedule for my day, I tend to feel unproductive and unmotivated- no matter what happens. So, when I encounter a difficult gatekeeper, it takes a toll on my attitude, says Ben Garcia, an independent Agent with Aflac Insurance Company. If youre like me, setting a schedule will allow you to accomplish your tasks throughout the day and help you feel productive in every circumstance. You can also consider shifting your schedule to a format mora conducive to riding the wave of a bad day. For example, start each morning by eating yo ur frog, a term coined by success coach Brian Tracy that represents your toughest, worst, or fruchtwein procrastination-inducing task. The last thing youll want to do after an upsetting call with a customer or a bad meeting with your boss is that task youve been dreading, so make sure you get it out of the way before your day gets away from you. 2. Be Resilient (and Dont Take it Personally)Some days simply require a thicker skin. You might get turned away, turned down, told no- maybe even repeatedly. Refusing to quit isnt easy, but doing it can make a huge difference in reaching your goals. In fact, taking strides to become more resilient can help you overcome the toughest moments in your career. As Sheryl Sandberg poignantly shared in her powerful commencement speech, You are not born with a fixed amount of resilience. Like a muscle, you can build it up, draw on it when you need it. In that process you will figure out who you really are- and you just might become the very best vers ion of yourself. Experts suggest that, though everyone is different, you can begin to build your resiliency muscle over time by viewing failures as opportunities to learn, maintaining a positive attitude, and being comfortable with not controlling everything. Andrew Zolli, who wrote a popular article about resilience for The New York Times, says you should build your muscle to the point that you can roll with the waves instead of trying to stop the ocean.If youre in a role that faces direct feedback and rejection, knowing how to roll with it and keep your head up can be extra important. Holly Johnson, an Aflac District Sales Coordinator, says she had to learn to be resilient right from the start in her role, where she spends day in and day out educating potential clients on how Aflac insurance policies can benefit them- and often getting the answer she doesnt want. She notes, Ive learned that no doesnt always mean no. Just because you got five nos doesnt mean the next one cant be a yes. A no might mean I dont know or even not now. Learn More About Sales Opportunities at Aflac3. Find PerspectiveBad days have a way of making it feel like the world is crashing down- in fact, its been proven that troubling experiences affect us much more strongly than positive ones do. An experiment conducted by Harvard Business School prof and co-author of The Progress Principle Using Small Wins to Ignite Joy, Engagement and Creativity at Work Teresa M. Amabile showcases the power that a setback can have on how you feel about a day of work.In the study, as explained by The New York Times, 238 professionals working on 26 creative projects answered questions over a few months to share how they felt about their day. Turns out, employees who felt like they were prevented from making progress had the worst days at work. On the flip side, participants who felt that they were moving forward (even with just a small step toward their goals) recorded good days at work. The takeaway? Findin g a way to remember and work toward your measurable, overall goals (despite upset or interruptions) actually can help prevent you from deeming the day a complete downer.For Julia Burns, a District Coordinator at Aflac, perspective is all about remembering why she took her role and why its important for her. My why and my vision board always help me re-discover my motivation during the most stressful of times, Burns says, Its the core of my geschftlicher umgang and the reason I get up each day. It puts all of those happenings into perspective and reminds me exactly why I do what I do and why I love what I do.For others, remembering the big picture comes back to the idea of not letting little stressors or small mistakes get you down. Richard Carlson, author of Dont Sweat the Small Stuff, wisely wrote, Even though we often mess up, most of us are doing the best that we know how with the circumstances that surround us. In moments when everything seems to be going wrong, try to bring the things that have gone right to the front of your mind.4. Surround Yourself With PositivityAs the Harvard Business Review reports, positive work cultures are more productive. So if youre not getting good vibes from your team on a super challenging day, take a moment to remind yourself that setting the tone is your job too. Challenge yourself to find good things around you- and if they dont exist, create them yourself.To start, do your best to provide support to your teammates and treat them with respect, gratitude, trust, and integrity, no matter the circumstances. Harvard research shows that doing so can immediately affect workplace positivity, which in turn is contagious. If you need another incentive to treat the most miserable person in the office well, its also been shown that demonstrating care for others can help lift your own spirits. Another option that might work? Burns suggests, Surround yourself with uplifting things. It could be motivational signs or quotes in your offi ce, self-help books, uplifting music, a beautiful picture of your happy place. Anything that motivates you to drive your business and keep the future on your horizon. When you feel frustrated, look at your board and remember what you are working toward.Figure out what works for you and nail down your personal go-to strategy for staying motivated during tough times on the job. It might take a little bit of practice, but once you know how to lift your spirits back up and keep your momentum going, youll be golden. Not to mention, an inspiration to everyone around you.Photo of woman working courtesy of Oscar Wong/Getty Images.

How to Recognize Youre in a Work Rut

How to Recognize Youre in a Work RutHow to Recognize Youre in a Work RutSometimes, it can be difficult to know if youre settled or if youve settled. While some workers may feel ready for a promotion every year or two, there are plenty of others who find themselves in a role they wouldnt mind doing for a long time. Whichever of these best describes you, weve found three ways to recognize whether youre in a work rut- and several ideas for how to get out of it1.Youre Not LearningIts common to hear that being bored means youre in a work rut. While this may be true, doing certain time-consuming tasks can also indicate youre in a work rut- and you might not realize it. If you come into work and find yourself doing a majority of mindless tasks, this can be an indicator that you arent being challenged enough and that your skills arent evolving at work- or even being used. And while some roles include more mundane work than others, if your skill set isnt growing, then its time to look for a c hange.A simple way to fix this problem is to determine which skills would make your job easier and then narrow them down to three or less. By identifying your areas for improvement, you can set yourself up to take initiative in your current role. Acquiring new skills will make you happier in your current role and help you build a stronger rsum that will aid in any future job searches.2.Theres a Lack of OpportunitiesConsider the type of projects you were assigned in the first couple of months in your role, and then compare them with the ones you are engaged in now. Are they the same or just slightly different? If the answer is yes, then its time to seek out new opportunities. Being assigned advanced projects is a sure sign that your teamberater trusts you and wants you to grow at the company. If this is lacking, then growth at the company might not be in your future.While it may be difficult to take on new opportunities- especially if you feel swamped with your current responsibiliti es- its important to look at ways in which the opportunities can engage you in new, more difficult work. If your manager presents opportunities in meetings or through emails, chime in and volunteer for ones that will help you grow in your job. However, if no volunteer opportunities crop up, then it could be time to sit down with your manager and express interest in being involved in more complex projects. Make sure to explain why you would do a great job and why you are interested in a given project.3. You Arent Applying to Open RolesStaying motivated to constantly grow at work can be exhausting- and its easy to see why we become unmotivated sometimes. Getting stuck in a comfort zone happens to many, especially if the pay, hours, amount of work, or lifestyle of the company suit your own. And while these are perfectly fair reasons to stay at a company, you should not stay in your current role if youre bored or unhappy. If the company suits you, then consider other roles there that yo u could apply for that will expand your career.If you dont wish to remain at your current company, then look at what you do in your current role and think about which direction might be next for you. Scan job titles that seem to be a level above yours and read job descriptions at companies of interest to you. Knowing which direction you wish to grow in will make your job application process easier and more straight-forward.

Top 28 destinations for 2019 (Part 2) Diving deeper

Top 28 destinations for 2019 (Part 2) Diving deeperTop 28 destinations for 2019 (Part 2) Diving deeperIn choosing our picks for the most intriguing destinations for the upcoming year, we decided to dive deeper, considering destinations with intriguing sites and experiences. Thecomplete listis divided into four segments, including both domestic and international destinations and something for every travel style. Last week, we focused on seven newsworthy destinations and youll find that posthere.Now we turn our attention to the Diving Deeper category which includes Kobe, Japan Belize Faroe Islands Reno, Nevada Tasmania the Cambodian Coast and Ica, Peru. Each destination has a lot to discover and are all off the beaten path. Heres why theyre our top picks for 2019.Kobe, JapanWe know it for its Kobe Beef Cattle. Its also the setting for James Micheners novel, Sayonara, which detailed the challenges and rewards of cross-cultural relationships in the mid-1950s. Perched on a hillside and sl oping down to the sea, Kobe is one of Japans loveliest cities. Be sure to visit Nankinmachi Chinatown and, after dark, the bustling nightlife districts around Sannomiya Station will keep you entertained. For architecture enthusiasts, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge linking the city of Kobe with Awaji Island is the worlds longest suspension bridge. The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Museum functions both as a memorial to the disaster and a solution for reducing future risks.Allow time for relaxation while experiencing the rich cultural history and wellness benefits of Japans oldest hot spring town, Arima Onsen. Located within the city, Arima welches founded 1300 years ago. It has served for centuries as a timeless retreat for emperors, court nobles and visitors from around the world.BelizeBelize has long been a favorite destination for scuba enthusiasts but go beyond the stunning reefs and experience the countrys unique culture. To really immerse yourself head to the Toledo District in the southernmost part of the country. Here youll find jungle eco-lodges where you can harvest cacao and make your own bean to bar chocolate.When youre ready for adventure, head to Blue Creek Cave for a swim. Locally known as Hokeb Ha which means where the water enters the earth, a short hike takes you to the opening and a beautiful azure pool. Swimming inside you are enveloped in the darkness of a different world. This isnt your everyday ordinary swim as youll be navigating the waters and waterfalls inside this 300-million-year-old cave wearing a headlamp to guide you. Along the way your guide will point out the evidence of ancient Mayan sacrifices of the human variety. Its a challenging adventure but one youll never forget.While in the Toledo District, be sure to visit Lubaantun. Its the largest Mayan site in southern Belize with 11 massive structures towering over five main plazas and three ball courts. Dating back to 700-900 AD, the site is unique in that the limestone blocks have n o mortar holding them together.Faroe IslandsSitting in the North Atlantic Sea, the Faroe Islands are a place of mystical beauty. Here waterfalls plunge into the frigid sea and volcanic mountains tower over sheep grazing near colorful homes with grass-topped roofs. This archipelago comprised of 18 islands is home to only 50,000 residents- not counting the sheep. The islands are connected by a network of bridges, tunnels and ferries. Located halfway between Iceland and Norway, its one of the most remote places on earth- and ripe with discoveries.Get to know the Faroese people through Heimabldni which translates as home hospitality. Youre welcome to join them at their dining table to experience traditional homemade Faroese food. As you dine, youll be regaled with intriguing stories of country or village life on the islands. Hoymabit takes the in-home dining experience in another direction with private concerts by notable Faroese musicians. The music continues with Summartnar (summer tu nes) which has an extensive program of concerts scattered across the tiny island from May through August featuring local artists as well as internationally acclaimed Faroese performers.The Faroe Islands have recently garnered international attention in the culinary and fashion worlds and tourism numbers are on the rise. In 2017, KOKS restaurant was awarded the countrys first Michelin star for its inventive adaptation of traditional Faroese cuisine. The award was retained in 2018. Growth followed the attention and the restaurant recently relocated to the waterfront in an 18th-century farm building. The culinary scene continues to grow with a number of new restaurants opening in the city of Trshavn- the worlds smallest capital.Reno, NevadaLas Vegas isnt the only city that glows in Nevada. Often referred to as The Biggest Little City, Reno has plenty to offer on its own. Go beyond the neon lights of the casinos and step outside for a stroll along the Truckee Riverwalk downtown. Art lov ers and foodies will be pleased with the excellent selection of galleries and restaurants.Housed in a four-level 70,000 square-foot building architecturally inspired by the geological formations of northern Nevadas Black Rock Desert, the Nevada Museum of Art focuses on the ways humans interact with their surrounding landscapes and environment. Located on the museums campus, the Center for Art + Environment is a research library with archive collections from over 1,000 artists and organizations working on all seven continents.Originating from the automobile collection of William Fisk Harrah of Harrahs Casinos and Resorts, Renos National Automobile Museum is ranked one of the top 10 auto museums in the country. Dedicated to preserving the American automobiles heritage with an emphasis on the collection of Mr. Harrah, the museum offers educational exhibits and experiences year-round.The surrounding mountains and nearby Lake Tahoe provide abundant outdoor recreation from boating in summ er to skiing in winter. And whatever you do, dont miss the annual camel and ostrich races in nearby Virginia City.TasmaniaYup, those little devils are still around, and you can see them at places like Bonorong Wildtife Sanctuary alongside wombats, kangaroos and the deceptively cute Koalas. But theres much more to this island at the edge of the world including a burgeoning foodie scene particularly in Hobart. Chefs from across Australia have relocated to the islands capital city to take advantage of the abundant local produce. Housed in beautifully repurposed old buildings such as banks, storefronts and even a former automotive showroom, unique restaurants are opening and serving inventive seasonally driven cuisine. Its a fusion of big city style and small-town charm.The Taste of Tasmania Festival originated to ensure that crews finishing the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race had a reason to celebrate. It has now evolved into the largest food and wine festival of its kind in Austral ia with an estimated attendance of more than 220,000 people. Booths showcasing the very best of the food and beverage landscape are situated against the sparkling backdrop of the waterfront which is dotted with magnificent yachts. The festival happens the last week of the year and into the new year making it the place to be for New Years Eve.After youve indulged for days, work off the extra calories on one of the states new hiking trails. Or explore your dark side in the subterranean galleries of Tasmanias Museum of Old and New Art where passion, death and decay are on full display. It may be small, but Tasmania has plenty of varietyCambodian CoastTheres no question Cambodia is an empire of temples- all worthy of admiration. In recent years, however, the Cambodian coast has emerged from years of neglect and isolation to become a favored destination. Palm-fringed beaches dotted with resorts and beautiful offshore islands with the occasional fishing village invite sunbathers and swimm ers to once again enjoy the beauty of the Gulf of Thailand. Travel a short distance inland through rural landscapes of flooded rice paddies and swaying sugar palms to find national parks and impressive mountain scenery.Ica, PeruHands down Machu Picchu is the biggest draw in Peru, but Ica, located in Southern Peru is worthy of a visit all its own. For one thing, its at the heart of the Pisco Trail and who wouldnt want to imbibe a few Pisco Sours while visiting this fascinating country? Located along the Central Coast, Ica is best known for its spectacular sand dunes and the mysterious Nazca Lines.Etched into the vast desert, the Nazca Lines are a collection of giant geoglyphs- designs or motifs depicting various plants, animals and shapes. Best seen by air, the 2,000-year-old lines were left by the ancient Nazca culture in South America. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, the Nazca Lines are still a mystery to researchers- even after more than 80 years of study.More to Come Next week well share more about the destinations weve chosen for the Cultural Explorations category. Stay tunedThis article was originally published on Travel Squire.

15 things are crushing your spirit (so watch out)

15 things are crushing yur spirit (so watch out)15 things are crushing your spirit (so watch out)Your spirit is your light. Its that part of you that shines externally from all the truest and purest part of yourself. Its the part of you the guides you internally no matter whats happening. When you believe in you, that spirit soars.And youve got a human mandate to let that little light of yours shine. Because the things that make you feel fully yourself, energetic, and free are the same things that allow you to contribute meaningfully to your day, to your humans, to your work, to this world. We need you and your spirit intact, fully intact, so we can all do the good work of rising.But lets be real, our spirits are constantly under attack. From the voices in our head, from the voices on the internet, from the cultural structures in place that would rather stay a certain way and not have to change. So, weve got to fight like hell to let nothing, and no one (including ourselves) get i n the way. Move the bullsh-t aside. And move in the energy and inspiration that allows us all to shine. Your spirit is your key to your power. Dim it for no one, ever. So, watch out for these known spirit sinkholesFitting in. Dont do it. Dont listen to the people who ask you to do so. Dont fit the molds. Dont shimmy yourself in anyones container. Live freely and expressed, however and whatever that means for you. Your spirit knows no limits.People who dont show up. Because youll think its you. And youll feel alone. But its not you. Its them. Create space for the people wholl be there without question.Confusion. Seek clarity. Always. No matter what it requires you to admit, change, or walk away from. Seek the truthyour truth.Avoiding the decision. Just do it. Just decide. Decisiveness is lightness.Scrolling. Screw the scrolling. Its not helping. Its chipping away at who you are. So stop.Uncomfortable shoes. Your spirit is made to move. So find soles that let you dance without pain.In secure collaborators. Their insecurity can easily become yours. Look at whats going on. You spend so much time with them. Create a plan to navigate it.Fluorescent lights. Theyre spirit suckers. Get outside. Breath in real, fresh air. Get the vitamin D that will surely be a happy shot to the bloodstream.Fear. You cant control whats to come. So stop trying to rehearse and strategize it. Stay here. Right here. Its all fine right where you are.Negative humans. Out. Get them out right now. Or do everything you can to minimize how much time you spend with them. Its more important than youll ever know. Until you get to the other side of them in your life only to realize you should have done it so, so long ago.Trying to do it all. Housework. Childcare. Homework. Work Work. Party work. Creative work. Drop some balls. Let some of it go. Including your expectation that youre going to get it right all of the time.The news. Shut it down. Limit what you consume. Create instead.Comparing. They are not you. You are not them. Please put on your blinders.Defensive people. Because where theres no real conversation or dialogue, there is no power. If you have to play small in order to stay in the relationship, you can kiss your spirit goodbye.Second guessing. Trust yourself. You are all you need. And youll handle anything thats on the other side of your decision.With your spirit, you can feel the freedom of expression. With your spirit, you can succeed. Come back to yourself and come back to your strength.Thisarticlefirst appeared onMaxieMcCoy.com.

Cover Letter With Salary Requirements

Cover Letter With Salary RequirementsCover Letter With Salary RequirementsWriting an effective cover letter without mentioning anything is hard enough. It becomes even harder when the company asks you to include some information that can affect your chances of getting selected. When they ask you to write a cover letter with salary requirements, it becomes pretty awkward. Applicants become confused on what to write and how to write it.However, there are ways to include your expected salary in your cover letter without hurting your chances of getting selected. Here are some tips on how to write a cover letter with salary requirements.What To IncludeIf the employer specifically mentions to include your salary requirements, be koranvers to mention them in your cover letter. Not doing so will make you look unprofessional and unworthy of the job position.If the employer does not give any specific instruction on how to give your expected salary, provide them with a salary range. It gives yo u and the employer some flexibility. Conduct some research on the salary generally given to that position and decide the range accordingly.Also, mention the fact that the salary requirements are negotiable. You need to tell them it is flexible enough so that it can change according to the need. Emphasize on the negotiable fact. This will give you an upper hand during the time when you will be actually discussing the salary.You can also see Tips for Writing Cover Lettersfor writing cover letters in different circumstances.

Possible Danger Signs on What Is the Purpose of a Resume You Need to Be Aware Of

Possible Danger Signs on What Is the Purpose of a Resume You Need to Be Aware Of Possessing a very clear idea about what is asked, gives a better knowledge of your knowledge at the end. On the flip side, the moment the work applicant has strong experience, there is not any need to depend on the academic training any longer and it doesnt need to get mentioned. You also need to tailor your resume to demonstrate the way your work experience specifically meets the requirements of the job which youre applying for. These days, getting your resume to stick out in a flooded marketplace sometimes takes a littlecreativity. Key Pieces of What Is the Purpose of a Resume Now imagine if this SAME resume had had a summary statement on top clearly outlining why youre an ideal candidate. Your resume should be formatted within a simple, professional strategy. In the many cases your resume can supply the outline for no under a big part of your interview. Statements on your resume often act as the foundation for interviews. The primary purpose of a resume is to present an easy and brief overview of your pertinent abilities, education, work experience and strengths that aids the hiring manager to generate a sensible decision in selecting interviewing candidates. Resume objectives can be a little controversial. Resume objectives are occasionally thought to be the old schooltype of resume. As a result, while your resume objective should consist of information on the career that you would like, you also wish to spell out why you are the perfect candidate for the job. The letter ought to be greeted and addressed to the proper person. The resume summary will function as their sales pitch. Your resume gives you the ability to write your very own personal narrative. Resume writing can appear intimidating, particularly if youve never done it before. Other times, you might need to rewrite no more than the personal overview to coordinate with the work description. The rec ruiter doesnt want your autobiography they want a summary of what youve completed thats pertinent to their requirements. When you submit an application for work in person, you could possibly be requested to complete a paper application. Your resume works if you receive the interview. Although resumes are composed using voreingestellt elements, there isnt any prescribed format is effective equally well for everybody. You will discover a lot of different no cost resume schablones out there. Hence, you can select the acceptable work resume templates when youre in need of any. In case the template isnt in an acceptable format there isnt any value of utilizing it. Writing a resume is not so difficult, but it does take some time and planning. To assist you develop your resumes content and writing style for optimum effectiveness, its important to see how theyre used. You might even be in a position to run into a resume design meant for the specific work youre attempting to get. I f you dont find a design thats particular on your job requirement, you find it possible to choose the template that was created for a task very much like the one which you are considering. Thus, give all the needed info in bulleted points so the recruiters may discover your qualities super fast. Tell the employer what youre in a position to do with your desktop publishing skills (for instance, ability to generate attractive brochures at a very low cost). The application will likely also request that you answer questions that will assist the employer get a notion of how you are going to fulfill the position. A good resume gives the prospective employer enough info to believe the applicant is well worth interviewing. Resumes might be organized in various ways. Recruitment is the procedure of inviting applicants which are most appropriate for any particular job, followed by their selection and after that finally appointing the individuals who are most suitable and ready to get t he job done. The recruitment is carried out to seek out the greatest employable candidates out there. So, when applying for work in Greece, the united kingdom, or Denmark, your prospective employer will ask you for a CV. In different parts of the planet, the expression CV keeps its American meaning. Whether youre constructing a CV or a resume, you have to make sure that youre focused and acute in elaborating your abilities and qualifications.

Listen Your Way To A Better Company Culture

Listen Your Way To A Better Company CultureDo you hear what I hear? If youre listening closely, what you hear might be the beginnings of a great company culture. Company culture is extremely important for both productivity and growing your company. Happy employees are also more productive employees and the happier your current employees seem, the more top talent will be attracted to your organization. Theres really no downside to maintaining a top-notch culture at your workplace.So why do so many companies drop the ball when it comes to implementing a great company culture? This might be due in part to a lack of critical listening skills. Listening is fundamentally important, no matter what industry you work in. From the video interview to employee performance reviews, listening is an important part of the life of both employee and employer.With the overabundance of distractions now in the workplace however, it can be hard to concentrate. Theres always a project needing immediate att ention or a smartphone beeping to cut down on the amount we really listen to whats going on around us. If we get too distracted by the audio clutter, were likely to miss out on whats needed to turn a company into a great place to work.Here are some reasons to rely on your ears for a successful company cultureListen for Great IdeasGreat ideas come from many different sources. From the boardroom to the dorm room, its hard to guess where the next great idea might spring. This is why its essential to listen to employees. You never know which employees will dream up your next game-changing concept. Every employee at your company should feel empowered to share great ideas with the company, regardless of where they fall in the corporate hierarchy.More importantly, if employees feel like their ideas are being heard and respected they will come to you with more suggestions. If you implement an open door policy at your company, youll develop a culture where great ideas can flourish and grow.L isten to Shape Company CultureFrom the live video interview to day-to-day communication, listening is essential in order to build trust between employer and employees. Employees want to feel like their thoughts and contributions are being heard and considered. In the workplace, listening to the feedback from employees is the best way to build a company culture employees love.For instance, if your workers love chatting outside work, perhaps schedule a monthly get-together at a local restaurant. If your workers like to keep their bonding on company time, it might be better to schedule this get-together during lunch instead. Dont try to fit a square peg in a round hole. Its important to tailor your company culture to the employees you have instead of forcing employees into a culture you think theyll like. The best way to do this is to listen to how employees feel and what they want from their working environment.Listen to Defuse ConflictsUnfortunately conflict is unavoidable, no matter how hard you try to foster a positive workspace. But this conflict doesnt need to overtake the office or make employees miserable.If you make it known your company is willing to deal with conflict head on in order to resolve it, spats can be addressed before they can fester into feuds. Make sure employees know youre willing to listen to their grievances without judgement. Its important you listen to both sides of the argument and come up with solutions both parties can agree to. Youll be showing employees the culture of your company is open and willing to help, instead of punish.Listening is a key component in building a company culture where employees feel valued. If you listen to employees in order to build your company culture, great candidates wont be far behind. After all, great employees love employers who listen. Give your listening skills a workout so you dont miss your companys next top notch idea.What are some ways you can use your listening skills to build company cultur e? Share in the commentsSOURCE ABC NewsIMAGE Courtesy of Flickr byMenage a Moi

Want to never get fired Have a super-long job interview process

Want to never get fired Have a super-long job interview processWant to never get fired Have a super-long job interview processFor job seekers around the world, reaching the promised land of employment is taking mora time than ever.A new report from employer-rater Glassdoor found that the job application timeline - from starting your application to getting the offer - is getting longer globally.Based on over 80,000 interview reviews on its site in 2017, Glassdoor found that the average interview process around the world takes 23.7 days, one day longer than the sites estimate in 2016.But heres the good news A longer interview process means that a company is probably playing for keeps, and it will be harder to lose your job.India has shortest interview process Brazil and France have longestIn some parts of the world, the job application race to the schliff line is longer than in others.If you want to get hired soon, move to India. India had the shortest interview process out of the 25 countries surveyed with its average timeline from apply to yes, youre hired taking 16.1 days. Israel wasnt far behind, with 16.9 days, followed by Romania at 19.2 days.Some theories Romanias quick timeline may be due to a lack of bureaucracy holding up hires. As one German entrepreneur noted in an article for ZDNet, starting a startup there was much easier than in Silicon Valley because overhead and salaries in Romania are about a quarter of those in the San Francisco. As for Israel, maybe theres a strong demand for jobs filled out yesterday as industries grow at rapid rates? According to the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, high-tech sectors are the fastest-growing industries in Israel.If you enjoy twiddling your thumbs as you wait for your recruiter to remember your existence, move to Brazil, France, and Switzerland, the countries with the longest interview processes. (Washington DC made an appearance too, which isnt surprising because of the strict hiring bureaucracy of the U S government.)Glassdoor suspects that labor laws play a big factor. France, for example, does not do at-will employment like the United States does, which may be why it takes about 15 more days to get hired in France than the U.S. Because workers are hard to fire, even for underperformance, French companies need to be more careful about who they hire. This paradox is also why new French president Emmanuel Macron has faced plummeting popularity levels one of his stated goals is to reform the countrys labor market to allow quicker hires and fires, which is an unpopular idea with voters.Glassdoors study found that the more regulatory hurdles companies face within their local labor markets, the more difficult it will be to hire - and fire - employees, directly impacting how long it takes to fill open roles, Glassdoors chief economist, Dr. Andrew Chamberlain, said in a statement.Here are the cities with the longest interview processes. And the shortest.

3 methods of gratitude that can immediately transform your life

3 methods of gratitude that can immediately transform your life3 methods of gratitude that can immediately transform your lifeIf youre struggling to move forward in your life, the harte nuss isnt your life.The problem isnt your circumstances.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreThe problem isnt your lack of skills and knowledge.The problem isnt the busy and overcrowded marketplace.The problemisyou.No matter the condition of your life or the world, you have the opportunity to 1) be happy, and 2) move forward in the direction you want to go.Without question, the world is crazier, busier, and more complex than ever. Theres never been a harder and easier time to succeed.Its harder now than ever because if you dont learn to manage yourself, then you are basically a ping-pong ball being bounced around by well-designed dopamine hit after dopamine hit. Our world is becoming increasinglydesig ned for distraction and confusion.As Standford psychologist, BJ Fogg, hassaid, Design crushes willpower. Fogg further explains that design crushes willpower in two specific waysIf you design your life and environment right, then you wont need to use willpower to do the right thing (thats the positive part)Other people design things that overwhelm your willpower, and the only way you can get control back is via designing your own life (thats the negative part)So, life is harder now than ever because our world is designed to distract us. Our world is more confusing than ever.This is no secret.Depression and anxiety rates are skyrocketing.Addiction is an epidemic.Obesity continues to rise in America.General unhappiness, numbness, and dissatisfaction are basically the expected norm.If your life isnt moving the direction you want it to go, or if you feel overwhelmed by everything on your plate, then this article is for you.You can apply the methods in this article and see IMMEDIATE resul ts.If you begin to develop a practice to apply the methods in this article, then you will learn how to achieve any goal you set.Gratitude is the mother of virtues.Youve heard that a thousand times.But what does it actually mean to be grateful? Clearly, it isnt writing down a list of what youre grateful for once per year on Thanksgiving. And although that is a helpful exercise, theres a lot more to it. Although it isnt complicated.Gratitude Transforms 3ThingsFundamentally, gratitude is intended to change three thingsYour pastYour presentYour futureIf youre not transforming your past, present, and future, then you arent fully experiencing the benefits of gratitude.Every morning, you have the opportunity to trigger a mental and emotional state that sustains throughout the whole day.If you start your day right, youll be shocked at the momentum you can create.Even more though, if you give yourself some space Im talking 530 minutes of strategic gratitude and visualization, then you litera lly prime your brain to operate at a higher level throughout the day.So heres how to apply the three methods of gratitudeTransform YourPastDan Sullivan, the founder of Strategic Coach, has a very important concept he teaches entrepreneurs he calls itThe Gap and the Gain.Most people are living in The Gap. They always see what is missing. For example, I could get my son a candy bar on my way home from work and when I give it to him, he might say, You didnt get the one I like.Thats the gap.My son didnt notice or appreciate the fact that I went out of my way to get him a gift. He only noticed that the thing wasnt what it could have been.He didnt realize that he just gained something. He only saw the gap.Most people live their entires lives in the gap. Dan teaches his entrepreneurs instead to live in the gain. This is actually quite simple rather than measuring yourself again your ideals, you measure yourself against where you were before.This is very effective for goal setting. Most peo ple dont like goals because being ambitious is emotionally taxing. It hurts to fail and it is a let down to succeed.But these emotional problems come from focusing on the wrong thing.People get emotionally attached to outcomes when they are living in the gap. When you live in the gain, then isall you seeis progress.What you focus on expands.When all you see is progress, then your brain comes to expect it more and more. But you get progress without being attached to specific outcomes, even though those outcomes come with increased velocity.Every day, you could measure the gain. You could look back at the end of your day and think to yourself What were my three greatest wins for the day?Former Standford business professor and university president,Henry Eyring, had a practice of asking himself every night How did I see Gods hand in my life today?Eyring would then spend a few minutes meditating on his day, and he would realize the several instances he experienced miracles or blessings b ig or small. He would then record those in his journal.Now, as much as measuring the gain is key, you also want torememberthe gain.Most people, when they look back on their past, they often remember the gaps. They remember where things didnt go as well as they could have. They think about how their parents didnt show up as well as they could.Its very easy in relationships to be in the gap where all you see is where the other person isnt up to par. Thats a horrible way to be in a relationship. Its also not ritterlich to the other person.Being in the gap forces your brain to think that things cannot change.Being in the gap is how you develop a fixed mindset.So one of the key strategies of Gratitude to apply is reshaping your memory of the past. Yes, you heard that correctly. Your past is not objective. Rather, your past is entirely subjective and is ameaning.You are the person who ascribes meaning to your experiences. You are the one ascribing meaning and context to your past experien ces.Its highly likely that a great deal of your past is in the gap.Gratitude allows you to re-remember your past entirely focused on the gain. When you re-contextualize your past, then you will never be the victim to your past again.Most people, when they describe their current circumstances, point to their past. Im the way I am because of name the experience.Your past does not need to be something you are the victim to. Instead, your past can be something continually inspiring you and propelling you forward.If you truly want to embody and experience the benefits of gratitude, then you must stop trying to be objective about this.You cannot say, But you dont understand, my past really is unique and it was horrible.Im not trying to downplay what happened to you. Nor am I trying to ignore the emotional impact of your previous experiences.What Im showing you is that, quite literally, you are the designer of your past. You get to decide the narrative and perspective and context.For examp le, last year, I launched my first major book,Willpower Doesnt Work. From outside perspectives, the book was likely a huge success. But for me, it was a huge failure I had specific goals and expectations that werent met. I had invested huge amounts of time and money and didnt succeed at the level I wanted.For a long time, my story around that book launch was that it was a failure. Because of that story in my heard, my memory of that experience was in the gap. I wasnt seeing all the brilliant things that came out of that experience.And the truth is, insane amounts of opportunity, learning, and growth came out of that experience.So,Im choosing to remember the gain, not the gap. Im choosing how I remember that experience. And as a result, Im choosing my narrative and my past.Your past is whatever you ascribe meaning to. You can remember the gains, or you can remember the pain.Post-traumatic growth is the opposite of PTSD. You could have any negative experience imaginable and become bet ter from it. This may take time, but if you are conscious about your emotions and conscious about your future, then you can turn ANY negative experience into a lot of GAIN.Your painful experiences become the doorway to growth and experience, as well as service to others dealing with similar problems.Your biggest failures and problems can be if you let them your greatest drivers of success, learning, and joy.But you need to choose how you see and how you remember them.Its entirely up to you.You can remember the gain or the gap.How you choose to remember determines your past.Transform Your Present CircumstancesFocus on circumstances and youll be a consumer. Focus on capacity and youll be a creator. Kade JamesVery rarely are you going to be in ideal circumstances. There will always be friction and challenge to living your dreams.There will always be inconveniences.The problem isnt actually your circumstances, but how youre looking at them.Perfect circumstances are not actually ideal.If you look at nature plants and animals that thrive do so because of difficult circumstances. As the poem by Douglas Mallach statesGood timber does not grow with easeThe stronger wind, the stronger treesThe further sky, the greater lengthThe more the storm, the more the strength.By sun and cold, by rain and snow,In trees and men good timbers grow.You dont want perfect circumstances. You want and need the challenge to grow.But circumstances in general, particularly your current circumstances, need to be reframed. If youre going to pay any attention to your circumstances, you should consciously focus on the good in them.Gratitude for the amazing people in your life.Gratitude for the opportunities you currently have.Gratitude for the chance to live on this beautiful planet.If youre reading this article, then you have access to resources that will blow the minds of most of human history.So, as challenging and limiting as your current circumstances are youre probably living in the gap. An d when you live in the gap, it really doesnt matter what you have, you wont see it that way.You could be a billionaire, and if youre in the gap, it will never be enough.So, part one of transforming the present is appreciating it. Its not about your resources, but how resourceful you are. There are people will far less doing far more with what they have then you are doing.Its not your circumstances, its you.But theres actually a problem with focusing on circumstances at all youre actually far better of focusing on your capability.This is a powerful shift.If you focus on your circumstances, youll find plenty to complain about. But if you focus on your capability, then your only option is to get moving.Your capability is always above your circumstances. There is always something you can do to impact and change your life. To move in the direction you want to go.Gratitude for the opportunity to grow and move forward is how you change your present. You see all the beauty in what you curre ntly have, and you recognize the amazing power you have to improve upon what you have.If youre focused on your capability, then you are more likely to put your energy into creating and moving forward. If youre more focused on your circumstances, then you are more likely to put your energy into consumption and avoidance.How much time are you spending consuming?How much time are you spending creating?If youre consuming, then youre likely living in the gap. Youre likely focused on your circumstances and whats wrong or difficult about them.If youre creating, then your focus isnt on your present circumstances, but your future ones. Youre telling a story about your life and youre the one creating it.This is a powerful way to live.Gratitude for the present and gratitude for what you can do. This allows you to create powerfully.Transform Your Future, Right Here-And-NowYou are the designer of your past memories, your present experience, and your future as well.Every morning during your morni ng meditation and visualization session, you want to experience and fully embody gratitude for your future.Visualization is far more powerful when it is mental and emotional. The more emotional and embodied the visualization, the more you will believe and know that it is true.American novelist, Florence Shinn, has said, Faith knows it has already received and acts accordingly.Gratitude for your future bolsters your faith.It allows you to know that youll succeed, long before you do.While most people are defined by experiences from their past, successful people are defined by experiences in their future.What experiences do you want to have?What events in your future do you want to see occur?Are you living your life, right now, as though those experiences were for sure going to happen?Are you living your life, right now, to consciously create those experiences?Do you have complete peace that your dreams will come true? If not, then you likely wont succeed. Your negative emotional state will stop you from the very things you want.Your emotional state is fundamental to what you create in your life and future.If youre at a place of acceptance, peace, and trust, then you will be able to navigate the challenges youll face toward your dreams.Every day experience complete gratitude for the inevitable success of your future. Then, act the part, here and now.ConclusionYou are the one creating your experience in life.You are the one who shapes the meaning of your past.You are the one who determines how well youll do, regardless of the circumstances you are in.As your past, your circumstances are subjective, not objective. Your circumstances are a meaning which you decide what to do with.Focus on your capacity, not your circumstances. When you focus on your capacity, you realize that you have the power to CREATE your desired future, regardless of what you see in front of you.When you focus on capacity, you stop being bogged down by all of the friction and challenge in your current circumstances.Undoubtedly, your life is hard. Its far from perfect. There are constraints stopping you from actively moving forward. But in large respect, those constraints are in your head.Focusing on the constraints only makes them larger in your mind.Focusing on what you can do about it, right now, is how you change those constraints.You can change your life, one day at a time.Every morning, you can experience huge amounts of gratitude for your past, your present, and your future.If you take a few minutes to really do this, then youll be shocked at how good you feel. Youll be shocked at the hope and optimism you feel for your future. Youll have a desire to reach out and connect with your loved ones, and tell them how grateful you are for them.When you begin operating from a place of true gratitude, youll immediately begin transforming your life and relationships.What are you waiting for?No more consuming.No more focusing on the problems in your life or your past.Instead, take ownership of your experience.Take ownership for your past and your narrative of that past.Take ownership of your current capacity.You have divine potential and unlimited capacity but only if you put the eye of your attention on what you can do, rather than whats wrong.Have a beautiful day.This article first appeared on Medium.

This boss wants you to work your side hustle while on the job

This boss wants you to work your side hustle while on the jobThis boss wants you to work your side hustle while on the jobBetween the gig economy and Millennials looking to jump-start a new business or pursue a passion, side hustles are officially the new normal. This may prove alarming for bosses who supervise Millennials, who can safely assume that everybodys hustlin in addition to doing the job that they were hired to do.Chris Tuff, an ad executive at 22squared, doesnt see it that way. When he was given a young team to supervise, he took inspiration from Facebooks Fuel and Googles 20% programs initiatives where everyone in the company is given a slice of time to pursue their own thing on company hours, be it a new sport or a nonprofit and decided to create his own program where he would allow his Millennial employees to go after their side hustles at work under his supervision.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraTuff has a structured process for his Millennials before they begin working on their projects. First, their hustle cant compete with the ad agency, and second, it has to satisfy your deep desire of where you feel your individual purpose lies, he told Ladders. I work with everyone on my team to identify their own individual purpose.Ultimately, his team members end up working on their side hustles about 10% out of their workday, but Tuff doesnt exactly keep count of their hours. Its a blurred work-life integration that Millennials understand instinctively, he said.There are few real success stories that have come out of the side hustle program, which is perhaps the point. The program allows for exploration and the sense of possibility that his young employees crave, and the projects often simply run their natural course.Very few side hustles make it past the concept stage, said Tuff. Because just like anything we do in life, follow-through is proba bly the most difficult. The tenacity and persistence that things require are above and beyond. People grow tired and distracted, or passions evolve.There was one hustle, a young woman with an online clothing company, that Tuff helped take out of incubation and into a real-world business, but it didnt make it in the tough world of selling online. Its really hard and expensive to grow and online clothing label, and its really hard to get people to buy using some of these digital channels, Tuff explained. We kind of thought it would be easier.Still, Tuff said, its better to explore, try, and fail while in the safety of a 9-to-5 job than quit to pursue your passions and flame out. In that way, he said, allowing Millennials to pursue a side hustle on the job promotes retention.I think they think they have to leave in order to pursue their side hustle. So we say, you can embrace your side hustle here, and Ill be a resource for you. The grass isnt always greener on the other side.He knows from personal experience. Tuff left a well-paid advertising job when he was 27 to pursue a start-up. It was the hardest year of my life. I lost a lot of money.His second attempt at a side hustle, however, met with considerably more success. While working at the ad agency, Tuff wrote The Millennial Whisperer the Practical, Profit-Focused Playbook for Working With and Motivating the Worlds Largest Generation, about his experience managing Millennials, and decoding their needs and styles of working. The book hit more than one bestseller list.With the success of his side hustle, Tuff said, his life has become more integrated exactly what he thinks his Millennial employees are searching for. For the first time in my life, the lines between my passion, purpose, and professional life have come down.He hopes theyre paying attention to all the hard work it took.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people