What to do when youre distracted and cant focus

What to do when youre distracted and cant focusWhat to do when youre distracted and cant focusDo you struggle to finish yur tasks? Are you always distracted by bedrngnisifications, gossiping, or anything thats random?In that case, you and I are alike. Because focusing on a single thing is one of the hardest things at work.Theres always something that interrupts you, right?Another personA callA meetingA false emergencyYour catA strangers catNews about last nights NBA gameSure, you can blame those things - but thats weak. You and I both know that those things cant interrupt you without your permission.That means every time youre not focused youre giving someone or something permission to enter your mind.Scary, isnt it?Thats how I look at interruptions. But I have to admit that I cant maintain my focus all the time. Sometimes, I give in. Its not good.Your life doesnt benefit from gossiping, looking at Instagram 439 times a day, watching 49 YouTube videos, and reading negative news arti cles.So, what can you do to improve your focus? Here are 2 things that I always do when I find myself not being able to focus on what matters.1. Eliminate. Eliminate. EliminateEvery day, we accumulate stuff. Im not only talking about the stuff youre buying like clothes, kitchen equipment, house decorations, toys, gadgets, or whatever.We accumulate ideas.Have you ever thought about that? Were exposed to so many ideas that we adopt some of them, and make them our own.For example, many people have told me to create more YouTube videos. My family, friends, team members, readers, students - everybody has ideas. And they want to help.Likewise, I also share my ideas with others. Ideas about how you can improve your life, career, business, or relationships. We all do it. And theres nothing wrong with that.It only becomes a schwierigkeit if you dont filter the input you get from people. So after I heard from people that I should make YouTube videos, I thought to myself Hey I should make You Tube videosIve been thinking a lot about that for the past six months. And I also invested a lot of time in creating a strategy. What should my videos be about? Where should I record them? How should I edit them? What music should I use?Ive been working on it a lot. And I recently published a video as well. The response was positive.Theres only one problem It consumes too much of my time and attention. As a consequence, I can spend less time on writing, podcasting, and creating new courses.And those are exactly the things that I want to do. I started a blog for a reason I love to write, and Im good at it. Therefore, the work is easier, compared to creating YouTube videos, which Im not that good at.Plus, I thoroughly enjoy writing articles, books, and material for my online courses. When the work gets hard, I dont mind.But when I was working on YouTube videos, I got frustrated a lot. And again, my focus and work suffered from it.What did I do when I lacked focus? I asked myself this questionWhat thing(s) should I eliminate to make my life so simple that its easy to focus?In this case, I stopped focusing on YouTube. Elimination is a key strategy that I use for many aspects of my life.We accumulate so much unnecessary baggage throughout the years that we consistently need to eliminateIdeasProjectsWorkObjectsAnd so forthIf you find yourself struggling to focus, try this strategy. Make your life so simple that its a breeze to live.And lets be honest here. Who wants to live a life thats impossible? Life is already hard enough. Dont make it harder.2. Think about past successThinking about past success and happiness stimulates the production of serotonin, a chemical nerve our cells produce.Serotonin is the key chemical that affects every part of your body. Serotonin plays a huge role in our bodily functions. But it also helps to reduce depression, increase libido, stabilize mood, control sleep, and regulate anxiety.Serotonin also plays a massive role in our general we ll-being.But heres why serotonin matters to your focus. Serotonin also regulates delayed gratification. When your serotonin activity goes down, it can lead to a lack of focus on the long-term. You are less likely to act on your plans.When you lose focus, theres a big chance that your serotonin activity is low. Thats why you are giving into short-term pleasures like going out, drinking, shopping, having sex, watching TV, or anything else that gives you short-term pleasure.To improve your focus, boost your serotonin activity. Research shows that exercise can do that. But something else, thats equally effective, and a lot easier is a simple mind-exercise.All you need to do is remember positive events that happened in the past.Alex Korb, a neuroscientist at UCLA, and the author of The Upward Spiral, explains why remembering positive events helps you to focus on what mattersAll you need to do to increase serotonin levels is remember positive events that have happened in your life. This s imple act increases serotonin production in the anterior cingulate cortex, which is a platz just behind the prefrontal cortex that controls attention.When serotonin goes up, your focus goes up. Ultimately, thats what you should do.I know that it sounds cheesy, but when something is wrong, you must fix it.When I cant focus, the first thing I do is to acknowledge that I have a problem that needs a solution. Some people go through life without even acknowledging that they have problems.No, its not normal to check your phone every 2 minutes.No, its not normal to gossip all the time.No, its not normal to be bored.Focus on your life. Think about what matters to you. Then, do those things and dont get distracted - stay on the path.Good luck.This column originally appeared on DariousForoux.com.

4 things this famous little girl can teach adults about a strong work ethic

4 things this famous little girl can teach adults about a strong work ethic4 things this famous little girl can teach adults about a strong work ethicToday, were gonna do aoil changeThats what an adorable young girl said in zu sich latest video as her hands sprang above her head with joy- on the Little How To Girl Youtube channel,posted Monday.Appropriately called, How To Do An Oil Change (Episode 8), she literally walks viewers through the process step-by-step. Her channelcurrently has more than 3,800 subscribers and shes a mere three years old.Other videos of hers include How to Change a Lock (Episode 2), How To Fix a Leaky Faucet and How To Make A Bedtime Snack and Fix a Headlight (Episode 6).But heres the thing no matter how many years its been since you were three, there are a few things you canapply to your career.1. Dont forget how capable you areYou really can achieve anything. This little girl didnt let her age get in the way of walking viewers through the process with a ge nuine smile.At one point, she gets a little frustrated with a tool used for taking off the oil filter.No I cant do it But then shepushed forward anyway, triumphantly declaring, yes, I can.This ties into the concept of self-compassion.According to a 2003 article in Self and Identity, self-compassion entails being kind and understanding toward oneself in instances of pain or failure rather than being harshly self-critical perceiving ones experiences as part of the larger human experience rather than seeing them as isolating and holding painful thoughts and feelings in mindful awareness rather than over-identifying with them.The article went on to state, results indicate that self-compassion is significantly correlated with positive mental health outcomes such as less depression and anxiety and greater life satisfaction.2. Take comfort in multitaskingTime to unscrew the drain plugHer very cute and correct adviceAlways use a plug while unscrewing the drain plug, and then you can eat a c ookie while you wait for the oil to drain outThe oils draining, my lordShe then launches into her very own rendition of the religious song Kumbaya complete with a few words about the oil change process- as the oil seeps outand she clutches a cookie.Theres nothing wrong with taking on a few things at the same time, and finding ways to spice up your work process.3. Enthusiasm will always be in styleLittle How To Girl is not lacking in the enthusiasm department- you dont have to be either, but if you dont love your job now, there are ways to find purpose in it.In a 2016 Motto article, Adam Poswolsky draws on the advice he provided in his book The Quarter-Life Breakthrough Invent Your Own Path, Find Meaningful Work, and Build a Life That Matters.If theres a project that aligns with your purpose or something that gets you excited, do it. If theres an initiative you want to be involved in, get involved. Dont wait for an invitation to start loving your job, make it happen yourself. Be pro active and ask your boss. If your boss ignores you, ask someone else, Poswolsky writeson not waiting to find meaning in your position.4. Break barriersEspecially gender barriers. No matter how you identify, feel free to pursue any position you choose. Little How To Girl flawlessly shows us that even though women dont hold the majority of auto-related jobs, theres no shame in her game.Catalyst reported in 2016 that in the US, women make up 21.2% of automobile dealers and 7.3% of automotive repair and maintenance employees, citing specific data.The next time youve lost passion for you career, oreven feel burned out, remember Little How To Girl.

Tips for Landing a Side Gig

Tips for Landing a Side GigTips for Landing a Side GigPerhaps youre saving for a new car, a trip to Jamaica, or early retirement. Whatever your reason for wanting to earn more, landing a side gig can definitely help you achieve your goals.Whats a side gig? A side gig or side hustle- once known as moonlighting- is a job that allows you to earn extra cash while working flexible hours that accommodate your full-time job or daily responsibilities.When finding a side gig, its best to evaluate your skills and draw on those. Are you a skilled writer or photographer? You would have the most earning potential by drawing on those talents while working on the side. However, if you cant identify your talent, dont let that dissuade you because anyone who has transferableprofessional skills, like typing or communication, can potentially land a side gig.Follow these tips for landing a side gig to boost your bottom lineMake a list of your skills.Consider your list and determine which skills are most marketable and useful to others. You dont necessarily need a degree directly related to askill to make money from it.Are you good at data entry or typing, organizing, or communicating? Write those down If youre stumped when making your list, ask your friends and family members to identify what skills you have.Once youve compiled the list, consider each skill carefully to select the one youll want to spend time doing as your side gig. Wouldnt it be great to find a high-paying side gig?Share the news.Tell your friends and family that youre looking to earn extra cash with a side gig. Networking with others is an efficient way to find a gig for cash.Do you have a friend who owns a business? Maybe they need bookkeeping, cleaning, or customer service help- be sure to tell them youre available Even if they dont have any work for you, they might know someone who does.Update your schmelzglas signature.Once youve determined the type of work youll do for your side gig, add a tagline at the bo ttom of your email signature to help spread the word.For example, adding Im a proofreader for hire or Need a photographer? Ask me about my reasonable rates will draw the readers attention.Become a member.At , there are literally thousands of flexible jobs posted to the site. The site features jobs with varying degrees of flexibility, including freelance, short-term, part-time, telecommuting, temporary, and more. No matter what line of work youre interested in, landing a side gig is possible with.

How to Handle the Holiday Season as a Telecommuter

How to Handle the Holiday Season as a TelecommuterHow to Handle the Holiday Season as a TelecommuterWhile telecommuters may fantasize about shedding all those work-related, holiday obligations like office parties and secret Santas, unfortunately, they cant afford to do that. Even mora than their counterparts back at the office, people who work from home need to use the holiday season to network and build bonds with their coworkers, supervisors, and clients. This is the time to nurture relationships that dont benefit from the daily, face-to-face interactions that those who work in the office have. At the same time, home-based workers need to take extra care to make sure their home lives and professional obligations dont collide due to the added pressure of the holiday season. ansicht fivesimple actions will help you make the most of the holiday seasonwhen you work from home. Attend Holiday Events When you work at home, do you really need to attend the annual holiday office party o r staff luncheon? After all, its such a busy time of year, and making a trip to the office is the last thing you want to put on your holiday to-do list. The answer is a resounding yes Whether its a simple lunch with your closest coworkers, a company-wide holiday party or an event with outside stakeholders or clients, telecommuters should make their best effort to attend any and all holiday events. Even if attendance involves overnight travel, consider carefully before declining. This is the time of year to growprofessional relationships. Others are forging new connections and friendships. Dont let this opportunity slip by. Participate in Office Gift-Giving If your coworkers or clients give giftstoffs at the holidays, you should too. It may seem like a burden to join in an office holiday gift exchange when you work at home. You may have to mail your gift or make a special trip into the office to deliver it, but declining to be involved makes you look like Scrooge. Now, you are un der no special added obligation to give gifts just because you work at home. Its important to know the culture of your workplace and to participate in the same way that everyone else does. If you manage people or you have outside clients, it may be appropriate to give presents outside of a gift exchange. Be sure that you give appropriate business gifts. Send Cards and Notes If gift giving isnt a thing in your office (or even if it is), sending a card or note of appreciation is always a well-receivedcourtesy. The holiday season comes at the end of the year. This makes it an especially appropriate time to look back and express positive observations to your coworkers, clients, and supervisors. Since you are remote, sending a card through the mail is convenient for you and, at the same time, a nice treat for the receiver. A hand-written, short note will always make more of an impact than an email Be sure your cards are appropriate for all in a business setting. They dont have to be holiday themed. In fact, if you make it a New Years note, you have more time to get it into the mail. Know and Respect the Offices Holiday Schedule Dont take liberties with your schedule during the holiday season that your coworkers back at the office cant. This is a sure way to create resentment. If you do need to take time off during the day, make a request like anyone else would. Dont sneak out and hope no one will notice. On the other hand, know what is happening back at the office so that you can take advantage. For instance, if the office closes at noon on Christmas Eve, theres certainly no reason you should continue working. This is one reason it pays to nurture those relationships with people back at the office. Theres nothing more disappointing for telecommuters to find theyve been forgotten and that everyones gone home and didnt bother to let them know. Make Plans for Child Care If you are a work-at-home parent of a school-age child, you will need to make arrangeme nts for childcare when Christmas vacation begins. Dont figure that during the busiest month of the year you can multitask your way through watching children and keeping up with your professional obligations.

The Secret to Administrative Resume Examples

The Secret to Administrative Resume Examples In addition, you can learn more on the topic of administrative careers on Monster. Open Up Your Job Description Showcase due to the fact that many skills as you are able to. When you wish to land that ideal job then you need to have a stellar resume. Furthermore, you can look for legal assistant jobs on Monster. Remember there is not anything more important in your career like writing to have a job. There are a number of online job portals which give you different resume tips that need to be followed. The secret to successfully landing a job which you love is to produce a resume that can help you stick out from the crowd. The secret to successfully landing a job which you love is to make a compelling resume that can help you stick out from the crowd. Studying resume samples is among the absolute most efficient ways to get ready for developing your own winning document. Realize that the search could possibly be long. Resume sam ples are available freely. Therefore, an excellent sample resume ought to have a double intent. Administrative skills are required for a selection of jobs, which sortiment from office assistants to secretaries to office managers. Administrative Assistants are liable for a wide variety of office tasks that vary depending on the industry they work in. They might work for one person or an entire office division, which may affect their duties as well. They should be able to handle multiple projects at once and should be adept in commonly used office equipment and software. Administrative assistant positions often call for a high amount of attention to detail and superb communication abilities. Administrative Assistants ought to be adept in multitasking and can keep calm under pressure. Client relations managers possess a degree of intuition thats second to none. Experience will stay a factor for consideration when recruiters search for talent in any business. Perhaps you are applauded for your strong customer service skills that resulted in company achievements. Beyond a sheet of paper, you would like the manager to learn how valuable youre. The usual mistake job applicants usually commit is by rambling on about how being in the business can nourish their career rather than vice versa. Keeping a positive attitude in the surface of unemployment may be a difficult, but necessary job. The very first step to applying for employment is making a resume. Dont neglect to take a look at the next Administrative Assistant resume sample for more information about how to make yours perfect Organization Administrative jobs of all types need strong organizational skills. The Career Objective is intended to provide the hiring manager a reason to carry on reading your resume. Writing objectives for resumes can be hard. Doing this can allow it to be much more likely for your resume to get noticed by HR managers in regard to that of others. Only you should send an ideal administrative assistant resume to recruiters. Youll get hired for your organization abilities and thats just what you should put together an effective resume. Focus regarding how you will benefit the organization and not on the way that it can help you. Try to remember that nearly all of the samples provided in resume writing sites are complete by professionals, all involved in real issues in the realm of work. Most administrative positions involve a good deal of writing. Some individuals may believe that fancy is better, but in the event of a prosperous executive resume, easy and professional is the best way to go. One of the absolute most effective approaches to produce your resume is to incorporate a resume objective section at the topmost portion of your resume. Remember that even when you have never written a resume, you can begin and compete it with the assistance of a resume template. Youre able to discover a lot on the internet. Resume templates arent a 1 size fits all type of thing.

How to Use Video Screens for Remote Workers - Spark Hire

How to Use Video Screens for Remote Workers - Spark HireWhen your business has invested in hiring remote workers, it is important that you are able to include those workers in the day to day business of your team. Video screens are not only helpful to you during the hiring and selection process. Think of video as a continuous tool that will help you further invest in your remote workers.There are several important reasons you should be using video in your regular communications with your remote employees. 1. Save CostTraveling a remote employee to and from the office is not always an option when you are faced with a tight budget. Also, it is not always the wisest way to use your remote employees time.When you utilize video in place of physical in-person contact, you are still creating a similar feeling to the conversation while eliminating the cost involved with flights, rental cars, lodging and food expenses, etc.2. Show FlexibilityVideo allows more flexibility for you and for your remote employees. Rather than requiring a specific face-to-face meeting every so often, video allows you to accomplish this easily, without the hassles that in-person meetings require.Employees are interested in working with businesses that offer flexibility. Your remote employees will appreciate the fact that they are able to see and speak with you without having to leave the comfort of their home to do so.3. Display Company CultureCommunicating with your remote workers via video allows you the opportunity to give behauptung employees a good feel for your company culture. Without actually seeing the office environment and co-workers, it can be difficult for your remote workers to connect with your business on a cultural level.Video screens allows your remote employees to see and interact with your team while understanding the cultural environment.4. Create Personal RelationshipIts difficult to build strong, personal relationships with your remote employees. The distance and lack of face to face interaction on a daily basis can make this seem almost impossible. However, video allows you the opportunity to easily make that eye contact with your remote workers, creating a stronger working relationship with them.Likewise, video can help to build a strong team environment overall. When your remote employees are able to visually interact with your in-house employees, you will see closer relationships built amongst your team. It is very difficult to foster a close team environment simply through phone and email.Whats keeping you from using video to communicate with your remote workers?

8 Strategies to Get the Most Out of Your LinkedIn Network

8 Strategies to Get the Most Out of Your LinkedIn Network8 Strategies to Get the Most Out of Your LinkedIn NetworkHave you ever wondered how to get the most out of your LinkedIn network?With millions of users using the site to enhance their careers it can be a little tough grabbing the spotlight. Still, your professional network plays a vital role in taking your career to the next level.Not quite sure where to start when it comes to enhancing your network?Give these 8 strategies a try to make sure youre getting the most out of your LinkedIn network.1. The headlineAside from a great photo, your headline will be the first thing that potential connections and hiring managers will see in their search. Try to be specific and if youre an expert at something, own it by adding it to your headline. Put yourself in the best position to be seen with a catchy title or phrase.2. Sell with your summaryThe summary section of your profile is where you can really stand out. Take the time here to sell yourself. No need to be rigid, its okay to get a little personal. Share some of your interests and give some history on your achievements throughout your career. Give others the opportunity to get to know you a little bit.3. Showoff your skillsKeeping your skills up to date is crucial in displaying your industry knowledge and expertise. In your skills section showcase just what you can do to share your value with your connections. Spend some time endorsing the skills of your connections which may lead to them doing the same for you.4. Make the connectionA lasting connection starts with an invite. In order to build your network step outside of your comfort zone when sending a connection request. A generic message to a potential connection wont go a long way. Take a look at the profile before sending a request to learn a little more and make it easier to personalize your message.5. Ask for recommendationsA great way to boost your industry credibility on your profile is to ask for rec ommendations. Feel free to reach out to peers, supervisors or even former clients who can attest to your abilities.One quick suggestion Dont just ask for recommendations. Be a good sport and provide a few recommendations of your own to people you may have worked with.6. Get activeLinkedIn, like Twitter and Facebook is a social networking site. While your goal may not be to become the next big influencer, the benefits of actually engaging with your connections are endless. Write posts of your own and like/comment on others to get your personenname and profile to show up in multiple feeds.7. Join a groupIt is important to connect with other industry professionals and those who share common interests through groups. Continue to build relationships that will have an impact on your personal development. Offer your own advice by giving feedback, tips, and sharing posts that will increase your engagement and drive connections. What you have to say may be just what someone is looking to hea r.8. Share your profileBe willing to take your LinkedIn profile offline or to other social media platforms that you use on a regular basis. Increase your number of connections by steering those you meet through in-person networking efforts to your social profiles. Dont be afraid to ask those you respect if they would be open to connecting with you through LinkedIn.There is enough room on LinkedIn for everyone to be able to grow professionally and enhance their network. While creating a strong profile and engaging with potential connections may seem a little overwhelming at first, the returns can be great.

Writing a Cover Letter That Works for You

Writing a Cover Letter That Works for You Writing a Cover Letter That Works for You A titelseite letter, if its strong enough, may land you an interview on its own merit. Agreat cover letter can even make up for any flaws your resume may have.Why Is a Customized Cover Letter So Important?Anyone can write a general cover letter of introduction. Your cover letter needs to be specific thats what will make you stand out and shine.It is important to note that, similarly to when youre writing your resume, it is essential for your cover letter to be reader-friendly. One of the most common and easily fixable mistakes I see in cover letters is that they are typically long, dense, and hard to read. If hiring managers and recruiters spend an average of six seconds looking at a resume, what makes you think theyll spend even longer looking at your cover letter?How to Format a Cover LetterMy general rule of thumb is to start with a paragraph or two that explainwhy youll be great for the job and why you want it. Then, add a few bullet points thathighlight your achievements or qualifications. Finally, finish with a concluding paragraph.This format makes the cover letter easier to read and evengives the recruiterthe opportunity to skim it. Furthermore, whenyou have bulleted out your achievements or qualifications, the readers eye will automatically be drawn to those bullets. If the reader only notices one section, those bullets will be it and thats a very good thing.Being Specific What to Include in Your Cover Letter- Clearly state your name and the name of the punkt you are applying for within the first two sentences.- Make sure that youanswer the following questionsWhydo you want this particular job?Why will you do well at this job?What can you bring to this role/company?Why do you want to work for this company?- Break up the format a little bit. Give the reader a rest from the long paragraphs I tend to write a paragraph or two, then highlight some qualifications or achie vements in bullet form, and then finish with a closing paragraph. This breaks up the document, makes it more reader-friendly, and draws the eye to your qualifications/achievements.- Finish off by thanking the reader for their time and explaining that you would love to discuss your application further at their convenience.Making Your Cover Letter and Resume FlowUse the same header on your resume andyour cover letter. This is an easy way to make both documents look professional and cohesive, and it will ensure that the documents wont get split up or lost in translation.-A great cover letter comes with a personal touch and shows the reader why you would benefit the company by working there. Make sure you paint a picture for the reader so they can see how badly you want the job and how great youll be if they hire you. If you can capture all of this in your cover letter, you are almost sure to get an in-person interviewMaster the art of closing deals and making placements. Take our Recru iter Certification Program today. Were SHRM certified. Learn at your own pace during this 12-week program. Access over 20 courses. Great for those who want to break into recruiting, or recruiters who want to further their career. Like this article? We also offer tons of free eBooks on career and recruiting topics - check out Get a Better Job the Right Way and Why It Matters Who Does Your Recruiting. document.write(Read more ) in Cover Letter

Tips for Interviewing in a Public Place

Tips for Interviewing in a Public PlaceTips for Interviewing in a Public PlaceEmployers sometimes schedule job interviews in a public place such as a coffee shop, restaurant, or outdoor arcade. It could be because they are hiring for a field position, they dont have a local office, or out of conveniencebecause they are en routesomewhere. It might also be the most practical option if they dont want their current employees to know that theyre hiring a new staff member. How to Prepare Confirm the exact location, including the cross streets or corner. Theres a Starbucks on nearly every street in New York City, and the same holds true for many other national and international chains.For example, confirm that youre meeting at the XYZ diner onthe South Eastcorner of Main Street and 10th Avenue. Make sure you get the interviewers cell phone number so you can call or text them in case youre delayed. Alsobe sure to ask how you will recognize the person youre meeting with and let them know what you look like, or what youll be wearing. Dress professionally, even if you are meeting at a fast food restaurant. You might feel out of place in a suit and tie or dress and heels but you should always err on the side of being too dressed up as opposed to looking like youre going to the movies or your local gym. Prepare just as you would for an office interview. Research the company, have responses ready for typical interview questions,and have a list of questions to ask the interviewer. Bring a portfolio and pad and pen so you can take notes. Or, if youre more comfortable using a mobile device, bring your laptop. Also, bring a few copies of your resume and references, if you have them. Focus on the Interview and Interviewer It may be noisy in a public place due to distractions such as noisy customers, piped in music, and waitstaff coming and going. Try to focus on the interviewer as best you can. Keep the interview focused, as well, by staying on topic. Even if you reservie rung alight snack to go with your coffee or tea, dont think about the food, think about what you need to say to make a good impression. Another common distraction is one that you might bring upon yourself, your cell phone. A ringing cell phone or pinging text message will distract you as well as the interviewer. Be sure to put your phone on mute before you sit down to the interview Watch Your Manners Be careful what you order from the menu. If youre having a meal choose something simple and easy to eat, and never order the most expensive item on the menu. Avoid messy food like spaghetti or hard-to-eat food like a hot panini made with crusty bread. Dont order anything to go (even a cup of coffee) and put it on the interviewers tab, even if the interviewer orders something togo.Dont tend to your hygiene at the table. Excuse yourself and retire to the mensroom or ladies room to pick your teeth, brush your hair, or freshen your makeup. Following Up Make sure you follow-up with a thank you note(just like you would have if you interviewed for the position in a corporate office), and check on the status of your candidacy by phone or email.