Susan Caine, “The Power of Introverts”  TED.com talk  19:04  (click on the link to view and hear this powerful presentation)

While it was great to see the seamlessly talented Meryl Streep receive her well-deserved Oscar nod, it was disappointing to not see the highly talented Viola Davis get hers.  When it comes to the non-famous majority, we too confront changes and disappointments—unfairnesses if you will.  If you don’t catch yourself, you could mistakenly tell yourself that because you didn’t get the brass ring at the end, the successes weren’t that great and any tough times weren’t worth it.

3 Questions to Ask Yourself After Any Weighty Endeavor:

1. Yes there were some hard times, but did I give fully of myself and enjoy at least some big junks of this journey?
2. Have I grown in any way that may have rounded out my skills and taught me more about what I’m capable of?
3. How can I acknowledge myself for the gift of my sharing and be pleased that I had this opportunity?

So in moments of unrecognized public achievement,  instead hold up your head, stay strong in your heart and feel good about what you did.  And while no doubt others did receive some value from your contribution, even if they don’t directly attribute it to you, you know you made a positive difference.

It’s easy to get fired up with career ideas and be disappointed when work or clients don’t come quickly or easily and you feel like you’re stagnating.  Accept where you are and do your best to let go of worry about where you’re not yet.  Steadily move ahead by putting one step in front of the other, even if you’re taking small steps towards your intended outcome.  Since you never know where openings will come from or who will give you leads, it’s being diligent in your in-between actions that count.

Here’s 5 such actions that have helped me:

1. Talk to others about your plans, not your disappointments, to keep your own internal fire stoked.
2. Keep current on your industries trends and determine what other resources you may need.
3. Expand your contacts and schedule meetings with business peers to talk over possible liaisons or ask for referrals.
4. Build on former successes through re-contacting and nurturing former business clients.
5. Continue your marketing efforts and hone in and become expert on what works best, minimizing other marketing avenues if finances and time require this.

Stay optimistic that your in-between steps will bring you your desired results – they will!  And if you have difficulty staying steady on your path, consider hiring a professional coach who can help you see your path and escort you down it.

When it comes to love, while you may not think want to think yourself a softy or prone to public displays of emotion, it can  sometimes catch you off guard…and isn’t that great!

Yesterday I had my little 9-month old doggie, Tula, spayed.  During surgery, it was discovered that she was in heat due to a false pregnancy, the exact cause being unknown.  She’s fine now, but I’m reflecting on how I felt and behaved yesterday, when my heart swelled for her in immeasurable proportions and I was teary with others and her doctor.

You never know where or how love will grab you. Sometimes it seems you’re in very capable and consistent step with your daily life and then something will come along and shake your foundation, and before you know what has happened you’re feeling vulnerable.

I’ve learned there’s nothing wrong with this state of being and it doesn’t work to fight it.  It’s often said that these kinds of times determine the true character of a person.  Whether anxious, frustrated or moody, do you hang out too long in those emotions or do you allow yourself to feel them and what’s occurring and then gather yourself up to do what’s needed? (more…)

If you are repeating the expression, “I’m never off the clock,” my first question to you is, “How is that working for you?”

Does it feel like your workload is heavy and maybe even increasing, and you have to run to keep up?  If you feel it could become unmanageable without your finger constantly on its pulse, then there are several things you might be doing wrong.  Ask yourself these additional questions to double-check:

1.  Are you taking too much on yourself and not delegating enough?

2.  Are you uncomfortable with the responsibility of managing others for the actions they take on your behalf?

3.  Do you have difficulty prioritizing and focusing on higher-level, more important work, first?

4.  Do you feel overly responsible or a strong a sense of obligation for the outcome of projects? (more…)