Monthly Archives: September 2014

Lucille Ball on Self-Love

Love yourself first and everything else falls into line.  You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world – Lucille Ball

The first step of any goal is believing you can do it and you deserve it.

If you don’t have that confidence, can you move forward anyway and let your actions build your belief?

This follows for professional goals especially. Before you can convince your dream employer to hire you or your current boss to promote you or your ideal customer to buy from you, you need to convince yourself. Confidence attracts, and there are ways to become more confident even if you don’t feel that way right now.

Lily Tomlin on Slowing Down

For fast-acting relief, try slowing down – Lily Tomlin

Such an excellent reminder not to be so harried!

We all know that person who exudes a sense of calm, that grace under pressure. And we all like to be around that person!

From a professional standpoint, executive presence requires that you don’t rush around. To be at your best, also requires regular rest, enough sleep, and actually taking your vacation. You need space to be creative. And, yes, you can take time off and not fall completely behind in your work.

George Carlin on Guilt

Don’t take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is – George Carlin

Are you picking Should’s over Dreams? Do you feel guilty that your ideal day is doing nothing, that your next career move doesn’t mean a raise, that you prefer a leisurely job over training for marathons?

Make choices about your goals based on your values, interests and needs right now. Don’t let someone else guilt you into poor choices.

From a professional standpoint, don’t assume your true passions are impractical. You can translate your interests, whatever they are, to a viable career option.

Joan Rivers on Persistence

If I can’t make it through one door, I’ll go through another door – or I’ll make a door. Something terrific will come no matter how dark the present. – Joan Rivers

Are you feeling stuck on a particular goal? Are you only trying one door? What are 5 other doors to entry?

If you can’t think of alternatives, convene 5 of your friends from different parts of your life. Have a pizza and beer brainstorming party. (Maybe get their ideas before serving too much beerJ)

If it’s a career goal, there are multiple paths into your dream job. Or you can make your own dream job by launching a business. Persistence pays off.

Will Ferrell on Compensation

Aren’t we all striving to be overpaid for what we do? – Will Ferrell

Do you begrudge a colleague for being overpaid? Are you afraid to ask for more for fear of seeming greedy?

It’s better for everyone when you are paid for your value.  You don’t get resentful at doing the work, and your employer or client keeps you happy and continues to get their great results. And because most people are shy about asking, you typically should stretch and ask for more.

Be prepared to promote yourself and negotiate.