Three Questions To A Better Workday

Do you know that feeling you get when you're in the "work zone?" Nothing can hold you back from the success you feel coming your way. When you're in the work zone, you have no concept of time and you're simply thrilled with the quality of work you're producing. Also, you feel happy and energetic when you're in the zone. If only you had that feeling everyday!

The question is -- how can you keep that momentum going? Although you will not be in the zone all the time, you can take some steps towards building that momentum back up. You don't have to sit back and let that work zone feeling dissolve. Even the most successful people have days where they don't feel so motivated, but they do something about it and pick themselves back up. Ask yourself the three questions listed below and they will surely make your workday better and brighter!

Three Questions To A Better Workday:

1. What do you want to get out of your day? First thing in the morning, ask yourself what you want to get out of your day. This question will give you a sense of purpose that you'll feel throughout your day.
2. How's your day going? During lunchtime, ask yourself how your day is going and evaluate where you want the rest of your day to go. Evaluating how things are going in the middle of your day will give you a chance to pick things up and keep that momentum going for the rest of the day.
3. What went well today? At bedtime, ask yourself what went well for you today. Recognizing all of the good things you accomplished throughout your day is a must. You will sleep better and will wake-up feeling more refreshed.

Try these three questions out and let me know how they impact your day.

Instead of quitting your job...

you can take other steps during these tough economic times. I know you might hate your job, you might drag your feet everyday to get to work, and Sunday nights are painful because you know you have to go back to the job you hate, right? With the economy and job market not being in tip-top shape, quitting your job with no backup plan now may not be the best decision for you right now. Let's face it, it's going to take you a lot longer to find your dream job. Having faced the reality that this time might not be perfect for quitting your job on the spot, there are still several steps you can take towards your future goals. Using this time effectively will help make your not-so-great-job easier to manage. You have options -- even if quitting isn't one of them, there is so much you can do now!

1. Build Self Awareness: Figure out your next career move. Take a career assessment, research careers and companies, and figure out what's right for you.

2. Network: If you're going to find another job while at your current job, it is most likely going to be in the hidden job market. Most jobs are not posted online, they are found through networking.

3. Grow: Develop yourself for the opportunity of your dreams on your company's dollar. Many companies pay for master's degrees and other formal training programs. Take advantage of this benefit now and get developed for your next career move.

4. Work hard: Performing well on the job will make you feel better and make your days easier. If you perform well (even at a job you don't like), your stress level will decrease. Taking care of business helps you lift that heavy weight off your shoulders. Also, performing well gives you a much better chance of keeping your job for the time being.

5. Volunteer: Find a volunteer program that helps you utilize the skills you expect to use in your dream job. Also, meet new people and build up your network. For example, if you aspire to be in the fashion industry, you can volunteer to work at Fashion Week.

6. Take care of yourself: Treat yourself to something special ... more often. Exercise more, go to the spa more, and be healthy.

When the economy picks up... and most experts say it will, between 2010 and 2011, you'll be ready to get out there and land your dream job.

Get Focused Fast - 5 Tips

Whether you're looking for a job or working in an office, staying focused can be very challenging. Trying to get focused can almost feel impossible when your brain is scattered in a thousand different directions. The truth is, you can't force it - it's not as easy as turning on a light switch (wish it were). To make yourself stay focused, you need a sense of purpose and a vision that you are constantly working towards. Follow my tips and get re-focused - fast!

5 Tips for Getting and Staying Focused:

1. Set your vision - What are your long-term goals? What makes you get out of bed in the morning? If you cannot answer these questions, then you need to figure out your life purpose and set a vision for your future. Once you can see your vision and your direction, getting focused is so much easier.

2. Create Daily Goals - Weather you want to call it a task list, to-do list or daily goals sheet, it really doesn't matter. What matters is that these daily "to-do's" are aligned with your ultimate vision and long-term goals. After you complete each goal, cross it off your list and you'll feel a sense of accomplishment. Review your to-do list at the end of the day to reflect on everything you achieved. Whatever didn't get finished today can get finished tomorrow.

3. Prioritize your daily goals - Making sure you know what needs to be tackled first will give you the ability to manage your time better and focus on what's most important.

4. Emails - Don't check your personal emails first thing in the morning. Personal emails can take up precious hours from your workday and distracting you from doing what's really important. Wait until you have a few things crossed off your list before you start checking your personal email.

5. Clear desk clutter - A cluttered desk leads to a cluttered workday. You will breathe better and feel better without all those piles on your desk.