Ready, Set, Go...

I’ve recently taken up bike riding. I bought a cute hot pink bike and an awesome helmet that has an urban landscape on it. One of my first times riding was in Prospect Park, and there was this huge hill that I started peddling up. I changed gears to make it easier, but still, my legs were burning, my heart starting beating rapidly, and I was gasping for air. I was so out of shape. I pulled over to the side and felt like I could cry. It was frustrating because I just wanted to enjoy a nice ride in the park and I couldn't. I ended up walking my bike back home.

I thought about giving up for about a day, but then I pulled myself back out there and did a little more each time I went out for a ride. Last weekend, I biked 25 miles around Jamaica Bay and it was amazing! I felt tremendously satisfied. And yes, there were a number of hills, but I pushed myself right through them. The truth is that many people give up after they experience a setback, but you have to push through it because of the amazing rewards that are waiting for you.

I think about my bike experiences every time I am about to try something new, like a career opportunity I'm considering or a dance class I took last month. It's scary to try new things, take on new projects, or build a new skill. But after you've done it -- and endured some potential failures and picked yourself back up -- you'll feel like you can do almost anything.

Let this be a lesson to all of us who want to try something new, but are too afraid to do it. You have to push through it, because you can only have opportunities when you put yourself out there and take risks. While you are doing these new things, remember to enjoy the ride! The ride can take you to places where the opportunities are limitless.

Gaining Experience for Your Dream Job

If there is a job you really want, but you lack the experience to get it, then go ahead and volunteer. For example, if you want to become an animal trainer, then volunteering for an animal shelter will surely be helpful in getting you some valuable experience. This experience can help you land your dream job. Unlike going back to school, volunteering is free. It's also a great place to meet people who share your passion. The people you meet through volunteering might know people who can also help you get into your chosen profession. And, you'll being doing a good deed. Go for it!

Accessorize Your Next Interview

Most people have a basic understanding of what clothing to wear on an interview, but wearing the wrong accessories can ruin your entire interview outfit. Don't let that happen to you! Take a look at these interview accessory tips and raise the bar on your next interview look.

Shoes: When it comes to shoes for an interview, wearing a nice shoe can a little spice to your look and can really finish off an outfit to perfection. If you're not sure, then wearing a classic pump is best. Make sure that your shoe color coordinates well with your outfit. If you're going to wear heels, be sure to pick ones you'll be comfortable with -- interviews are stressful enough, don't let an uncomfortable shoe make things worse!

Jewelry: Keep it minimal and conservative when wearing jewelery for your next interview. Earrings should be small and not over-sized or dangling. Necklaces should not be too long because they can make your look too busy and they may get caught in your suit buttons. Bracelets aren't necessary, because it's simply best to wear a classic watch.

Handbags: If you need to bring a purse, make it small enough to fit in a briefcase. A briefcase makes for a very professional image and can add extra pizazz to your entire look. Keep it safe and go with neutral colors (black, brown, beige, or gray), and coordinate your briefcase with the rest of your look. Make sure everything you have inside is organized and easily accessible during your interview so things run smoothly -- you don't want to go crazy searching for your pen! Both shoulder or underarm briefcases are appropriate -- just feel comfortable with your choice.

Note: Make sure your accessories are polished, clean, and looking like new.

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.

Five Ways to Reward Yourself

You just got your dream job, a high profile project, a promotion, or a stellar performance review. You feel great. You worked hard to achieve your goals. Isn’t it time you rewarded yourself? If you did already, then that’s fantastic, but if you didn’t, what are you waiting for? Nobody is going to do it for you. Here are five sure fire ways to celebrate “you.” After all, you deserve it.

1. Spa it up with a massage and facial at a fancy spa. Bliss is always a contender.
2. Buy something special for yourself. Perhaps a charm from Tiffinany.
3. Plan a long weekend getaway with some girlfriends or your partner. Expedia and Orbitz make trip planning quick, easy and effective.
4. Sign up for a fun class to make time for a hobby you’re always putting off.
5. Throw yourself a party to celebrate your success.