4 things you should STOP doing this year

goals

2016 is here.  New year brings new opportunities and new energy. It's time to accomplish all of the goals we've set out for ourselves and in order to do that, we also need to change some of the behavior that did not work out too well for us lastyear.

Here are 4 habits that need to be left in 2015 in order to get the most out of 2016:

1. Trying to be perfect. The best opportunities are often the ones that take us out of our comfort zone.  We will be tempted to wait until we get it 'just right' or until we are 'ready', but this kind of thinking is a subtle form of procrastination.  Commit to moving forward with your goals RIGHT NOW and stop waiting for some perfect time to arrive.
2. Being a flake.  If you say it, do it.  The fastest way for a boss chick to lose credibility is to continually break her promises.  Be thoughtful in what you commit to.  If you know you are already stretched to capacity, then you will have to decline any new commitments.  Be up front and honest with yourself and others as to what you can handle on your plate.
3. Comparing yourself to others.  This is a big NO NO! You are your only competition.  It's a complete waste of valuable time and energy to worry about what someone else is doing. You don't know their story, their challenges or what they went through to get where they are.  Instead keep focused on what you want to achieve and what you need to do to get there.
4. Toxic relationships.  Holding on to people that are negative and bring you down will drain you of your energy.  If people doubt you or try to talk you out of achieving great things, you don't need them around you.

BONUS: Dwelling on the past.  It happened. Now move on.  If you want true success you have to press forward. There is nothing to gain from being stuck in the past.  All of your past experiences have helped shape you into the incredible woman you are today so there's no use harping on a bad decision or situation you've dealt with.

You are truly the only person who can design the life of your dreams.  Believe in yourself and stay focused.

4 Habits of Successful Job Seekers

January is the BEST time to search for a new job. 

Not only are individuals thinking "new year, new me"  - a lot of companies are thinking the same way as well.

Everyone is back from holiday parties and vacations and they're ready to get back to business. January is the time when many hiring managers and HR departments are all set to begin their search for fresh new talent.  Budgets are finalized, new positions have been identified and all that's left is for YOU to get your foot in the door at your dream company!

Now, before you start submitting your resume to every job board you find in your Google search - STOP. If your goal is truly getting an offer to work at your dream job, then checkout four habits that successful job seekers utilize during their search.

1. Get Your Mind Right. Whether you are unemployed, underemployed, or just plain ready to slap your current boss in the face, you must be in the right frame of mind to start your search.  YOU ARE NOT DESPERATE.  No matter what your current professional situation looks like.  Successful job seekers are high potential, top performers and very aware that there is always an employer out there looking for exactly what s/ he brings to the table.

2. Don't be Lazy.  Searching for a job is more than just submitting your resume online and updating you LinkedIn profile.  You have to GET UP and DO THE WORK!  The average job seeker spends 1-2 hours a day searching for jobs - if you want to be successful, you should be on the job hunt between 3-5 hours per day.
3. Think outside the box.  Looking for a job does NOT have to be boring.  Looking for a job doesn't just mean scrolling through job boards and updating your resume. Successful job seekers are also setting up informational interviews with key people in their industry, reconnecting with old acquaintances and researching potential companies they feel could be a great fit for them.
4. Get Specific.  It's one thing to say "I need to find a new job" and it's something else entirely to say "I am looking for a job as a data programmer for a boutique technology firm in the NYC area." If you don't really know what you're looking for, then what are you really hoping to find?
   
   The job search process can often feel like a shot in the dark if you aren't adequately prepared - but it doesn't have to be. Once you've implemented the above habits, you'll find it won't be long until you start to see those interview invites rolling in.