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How to Overcome Obstacles to Your Career Success

Posted May 21, 2021 By GuestSpot

Most of a person’s life is spent working; working to provide for themselves and their family. A career can have many disappointments and successes. If not already, there will be many obstacles that present themselves during your career. The most important things you can do to overcome these obstacles are to identify what you can contribute, increase your confidence, and admit what you don’t know.

Learn What You Can Contribute

Every individual has a unique set of skills that is invaluable to a company. As an individual, you need to identify what makes you special and what you can contribute to the success of the company. If you are good at communication and leadership, own those attributes and help ease the burden of other team members. If you are better with technical aspects, focus on a career path better suited for your talents. You will find the most enjoyment and success in your career when you pursue what you are good at and passionate about.

Increase Your Confidence

A major indicator of success in the workplace relates to the confidence you carry. Managers are attracted to those who are confident in who they are and what they do. Simple changes to your wardrobe and physical look can increase your confidence. Just making a general dentist appointment can increase your confidence by improving your smile. When you look good, you feel good. As you display confidence, you are more likely to be given additional opportunities for promotion and success.

Admit What You Don’t Know

One day, admitting your weakness will be your greatest strength. Admit what you don’t know or are not familiar with. Then commit yourself to learn from others the skills you are lacking to be successful at your job. Continue to educate yourself on your industry by taking classes, seminars, or certification courses. Ask coworkers that are particularly skilled in certain areas to share their talents. Showing humility and eagerness to learn will help you stay ahead of changes in technology and policies which will help you stay relevant.

Becoming successful in your career takes time. Growth and development do not happen overnight. However, progression is what makes us better humans and keeps us motivated day to day. When you learn what you can contribute, increase your confidence, and admit what you don’t know, you empower yourself to overcome obstacles and succeed in your career.

Read this next: How to Get Back from an Accident at Work

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How to Know When It’s Time to Call Quits on Your Career

Posted May 18, 2021 By GuestSpot

Let’s face it – COVID-19 tossed everyone a “curveball” in 2020. But those who were already unhappy with career choices or were in the middle of a transition hit with a “double wammy”. As we are rounding the corner with some senes of “return to normal”, I have started getting more calls about folks who want to engage in a career transition or change.

This is part of a new series on Career Transitions

You have been with your job for years. It’s been hard for you to focus lately because of everything that’s going on around you. You want to fulfill your purpose, but it has become harder, and you aren’t seeing the success you once did. If you find yourself in these positions, it may be time for you to quit your career and seek a different path.

You Aren’t Accomplishing Your Goals

When you first start a career, you likely set goals for yourself to achieve the impossible. However, now that the career landscape has changed, you have found yourself unable to reach your carefully considered goals. While some goals may be too optimistic, yours seem like they should be possible, but they aren’t happening.

Occasionally, an employee will get caught in a rut. They sometimes get through them, but other times they find a different path. They acquire new skills and become remarkably successful at what they do. But this can’t happen if you are trying to force an old career to work. It happens because you leap to another promising option.

You’re Concerned About Your Health

Many industries can be strenuous on your physical or emotional health. If you have worked there for long enough, you may already see some of the negative health effects of the job. Some industries are inherently dangerous with workplaces full of hazardous warning labels.

It is perfectly normal to be wary of dangerous work situations. Choosing a different path can provide more satisfying and less stressful work that is also productive. Having a great career isn’t worth dying for, and if you feel that your boss hasn’t given proper safety protocol, you should shut the door on the job.

You Need Change

There is some value in having a passion for the job you are doing. While you don’t have to love your work to make it happen, it makes your life easier and more pleasing. Change is a big part of life, and you can highly likely find better purpose and renewed interest in working. Talk with your manager before you consider quitting. Ask them if there is any job you could do to diversify your skills. If you think you may be in a dead-end position, it is time to do job hunting.

Quitting your job is no small feat. It can be hard to leave your current working conditions remaining unsure of what you need to do. Changing careers is a healthy and risky thing, but it could be the right call for you.

Read this next: How to Treat Your Falling Self-Confidence in Middle Age

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How to Create a Safe Working Environment for Your Employees

Posted May 17, 2021 By GuestSpot

When you go to work, do you stop and think about the hazards you’ll encounter while you’re there? Every job has some level of hazard, with some being more dangerous than others. As an employer, it’s your responsibility to create a safe working environment for your employees. So what can you do to achieve that?

Require Regular Training

Some aspects of safety seem like they should be common sense. For others, it’s obvious that a certain amount of training is necessary. Of course, what fits into which category will depend at least in part on the level of experience your employees have. For the sake of your business and their safety, it’s best to assume that everything will require training. There are multiple benefits to regular safety training. Among others, it will make sure that all of your employees know how to do their part to keep the workplace safe.

Identify Hazards

One of the important things your safety training should cover is the hazards that are present at work. Some hazards may occur naturally due to the nature of the business and industry you work in, while others may be due to human error or mechanical failure. Classifying and identifying the hazard is the first step to take in preventing these things from becoming dangerous. It’s important to regularly conduct worksite inspections so you can identify hazards and find ways to mitigate them.

Provide Protective Equipment

Among the tools you have at your disposal to reduce the dangers presented by workplace hazards are the different types of protective equipment available. As an employer, it is your responsibility to provide the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for your employees to do their jobs safely. When used correctly, PPE can provide protection against injury, reduce the severity of injuries sustained, and in some cases may prevent deaths due to workplace accidents. Make sure all of your employees at every level in your business are using the right PPE correctly at all times so everyone can enjoy the benefits and protection it offers.

Every employee deserves to be able to go to work and earn a living in as safe a working environment as is reasonably possible. You can help create a safe working environment for your employees by providing regular safety training, working to identify and mitigate workplace hazards, and providing protective equipment that your employees can use to protect themselves. These actions will show your employees you care while reducing the rate of accidents in the workplace.

Read this next: How to Get Back from an Accident at Work

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How to Transition Out of an Office Career

Posted April 16, 2021 By GuestSpot

Working in a traditional office structure can have plenty of benefits, but eventually, you might want a change of scenery. Sometimes it’s a change in interests, passions or opportunities not at widely available as they were once before that prompt this new thinking. For many of us, a year of working remotely has shifted our priorities around work/life balance. The reality is that it doesn’t matter how you got to this place — it is what to do once you have come to that conclusion, and faced with many options. The first thing you need to determine is what career path to turn to next.

Work from Anywhere

One option to consider is finding a job where you can work from anywhere. This type of job allows you a lot more freedom and flexibility. You have the option to set your own schedule, work at your own pace, and even move around without impacting your job. When finding a remote job, you should start by networking. This can be done in person or online. However, searching online may be more beneficial to you. While you search, make sure you have clear expectations for what you’re looking for. This can help you find a job you’re suited for. It’s also important to know what potential employers are looking for. For example, you may need to be well-versed in certain technology. Take time to learn these skills so you can be better qualified.  

Go Into Blue Collar Work

Once you leave office life, you might want to consider a complete change and enter the blue-collar workforce. One major draw of blue-collar work is that you will be more active than you were sitting behind a desk. Blue-collar jobs are also fairly stable since they are essential and will always be needed. If you don’t currently have the qualifications for a blue-collar job, there’s no need to worry. Trade schools are much cheaper than a college education and you can complete your training much faster. You can begin working soon and you also have the opportunities for advancement that allow for higher pay. However, you should be aware of the commitment necessary. Master plumbers earn more, but it requires years of training to get to that point.

Start a Business

If you’re really ready for a change, it’s likely that you aren’t as passionate about your career as you once were. Starting your own business is a great way to recapture your passion. You have creative liberty over the direction of your business, and it can lead to a great deal of personal satisfaction. You will also be the one calling all the shots. You can determine your lifestyle because you pick the hours and the requirements. You have the chance to embrace independence.

After years in an office career, it can be intimidating to make a sudden change. However, doing so can help you feel reinvigorated. Sometimes a career change can have countless benefits on your mental and physical health as well as your life overall.

Read this next: Working from home does not mean forgetting your time off

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Tips for Maintaining a Professional Appearance as You Age

Posted February 25, 2021 By GuestSpot

Despite what the beauty industry would have you believe, aging is a natural, normal part of life. That doesn’t mean it’s without its challenges though. It takes a toll on your appearance and can mean you need to make adjustments in how you present yourself to maintain a professional appearance. 

Update Your Wardrobe

How someone dresses can have a distinct impact on how they present themselves. Your clothes can give you confidence, which impacts everything from your posture to how you speak. It can also be a subtle indicator of your age. While age discrimination is illegal in the workplace, it still happens, even if only subconsciously. Give yourself a helping hand by updating your wardrobe. Get your clothes fitted to suit your body shape. Choose colors that work well with your skin tone. If you wear glasses, opt for trendy frames that fit your face shape. Opt for dressier shoes when possible. If you’ve been rocking the same hairstyle for a while, visit a stylist you trust to help you give your hair a fresh, updated look that will help you look younger.

Personal Hygiene Practices

Your hygiene serves as a basic foundation for your appearance and will be essential if you want to stay looking professional. Adopt good skin care practices. You should use sunscreen and a moisturizer at a minimum. Your hair will likely change in thickness and texture as you age, so take care to alter how you wash it as needed. Take good care of your teeth too. Teeth tend to dull and yellow with age, so a trip to the dentist may be in order. There are multiple services commonly offered by dentists that can help you maintain the appearance and health of your teeth.

Protect Your Health

Similarly, your overall health will have a strong impact on your professional image. Being in poor health or even being overweight are some of the things that can age your appearance unnecessarily and make it harder to keep up a professional look. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and participate in regular physical activity. Get plenty of rest and take time to look after your mental health. The better care you take of yourself, the easier it will be to maintain a professional appearance, regardless of your age.

While appearances aren’t everything, they still play a significant role in how you are perceived by your fellow professionals. Taking measures to update your wardrobe, keeping up on personal hygiene practices, and protecting your health can help you maintain a professional appearance as you age. The earlier you start, the better off you’ll be and the less you’re likely to find yourself facing ageism in the workplace.

Read this next: How to Treat Your Falling Self-Confidence in Middle Age

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Mask Up America

Posted February 19, 2021 By Frank Strona

From Zombies to film heroes, the CDC is using the power of science, art, and film to engage us to take action in our health as a country.

The latest is the #maskupamerica clip in partnership with the @adcouncil

https://youtu.be/RD7e8mJJv6o

Filed in Engage! Post
          

When the next generation take to the academic journal pages

Posted February 13, 2021 By Frank Strona

A new generation podcast exploring a #queerperspective in public health with Arden Castle and Joseph Lee on the new podcast from The HPP Journal

Listen here http://ow.ly/hG8550DuWOP

 

Health Promotion Practice Journal welcomes you to a podcast featuring authors, board members, the editor-in-chief, and more!

healthpromotionpracticenotes.com/
twitter.com/TheHPPJournal
www.linkedin.com/company/hppj/
www.sophe.org/journals/health-promotion-practice/
journals.sagepub.com/home/hpp

#theHPPPodcast #HPPStorytelling

 

 

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Working from home, does not mean forgetting your time off.

Posted February 12, 2021 By Frank Strona

You know we all have had this kind of thing happen at work. Know when to disconnect..

 

@corporatenatalieThe breadcrumb trail wasn’t enough? #corporate #presidentsday #workfromhome #millennial #fyp♬ original sound – CorporateNatalie

 

Filed in Engage! Post
          

Linktr.ee Profiles

Posted January 26, 2021 By Frank Strona

How to Treat Your Falling Self-Confidence in Middle Age

Posted January 26, 2021 By GuestSpot

When you’re young, it can be easy to feel like you’re ready and able to take on the world and everything it has to throw at you. You haven’t had the life experience yet that teaches you that sometimes the world throws haymakers that knock you on your backside and make it pretty hard to get back up. For a variety of reasons, whether it’s life experiences or personal circumstances, you may find your self-confidence suffering as a middle-aged individual. Fortunately, there are things you can do to treat it.

Review Your Achievements

You know how you always feel like there’s too much to do and not enough time to do it? While on the one hand that can mean that you spend a lot of time feeling like a chicken running around with its head cut off, it also means that you’ve probably managed to do some great things with your time. If your self-confidence is suffering, take some time to do a review of your life. Look at your career, your relationships, your education, your finances, and do a life audit. Sure, you’ll probably find some things you’re dissatisfied with, but look at the successes you’ve had too. You’ll realize you’ve accomplished more than your negative thoughts might suggest.

Reevaluate Your Goals

After looking back, it’s time to look forward. You probably have some goals in mind for things you want to achieve in your life. Take the time to examine and reevaluate your goals periodically. Are you making progress more quickly than you anticipated? Awesome! Move your timeline up. Maybe progress is slow though. In that case, you’ll need to identify why you’re not progressing as rapidly as you hoped and adjust your plans accordingly. Unforeseen circumstances have a way of cropping up and can throw a wrench into even the most careful of plans. Reevaluate your goals to adjust to changing circumstances and keep yourself on track to achieve them.

Consider Cosmetic Treatments

For better or for worse, self-confidence is often tied to physical appearance. Since society often seems to value the beauty of youth over the wisdom of age, losing your youthful appearance can wear down your confidence in your perceived value. Some effects of aging do more than just take a toll on your appearance. They can harm your health too. There are many common vein diseases that can afflict people as they age. These diseases can lead to discomfort, pain, and illness. In the case of varicose veins, you may suffer from the appearance of unsightly, ropey veins in various parts of your legs. Lifestyle adjustments can alleviate them, but if you want them to go away, you’ll need to seek medical treatment. Treatments that address the negative impact aging has on your appearance can give you a temporary boost of confidence. If you want your confidence to last, though, you’ll need to work on your mindset too.

Change Your Mindset

Ultimately, your mindset is directly tied to your self-confidence. How you perceive yourself and the world around you translates to how confident you feel about yourself. Changing your mindset may be the single most effective way to give yourself a lasting confidence boost. Develop a mindset that values lifelong learning. Having a sincere desire to learn and an open mind makes you teachable. Viewing yourself as a learner instead of someone at the pinnacle of knowledge can help you perceive challenges as opportunities rather than threats. You’ll welcome the chance to grow and will find greater value in failures, being in a better position to use them as a tool for learning.

Take Care of Your Body

Your physical condition has a significant impact on your mental condition, including the degree of confidence you feel in yourself. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep helps you feel better physically, look better, and puts you in a better position to think positively about yourself. Investing time and effort into your grooming can also have a positive impact on your confidence. You are the one person you should be able to count on to take care of yourself no matter what. Feeling inadequate when it comes to doing so can take a toll on your confidence in yourself regarding other areas of your life. Address that by taking the time to take care of your body. After all, you only get one.

Taking the time to improve your self-confidence as a middle-aged person can have a huge payoff. You can give yourself a new lease on life by adjusting your mindset and taking better care of yourself. Remember, when you feel better physically, it’s easier to feel better mentally. Build your confidence in yourself to set yourself up for success throughout the remainder of your life.

Read this next: How to Have a Successful Career While Living With Anxiety

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