work – Page 2 – Personal Growth Cafe

May 28, 2019March 22, 2018

What to Do When You’re Facing Sudden Job Loss

In today’s economy, the thought of losing your job is a real possibility.

Perhaps you’re already in that situation.

But don’t despair, there are things you can do and places you can go to help you through this tough time.

The first place you must go is to your unemployment agency.

You may even be able to apply for benefits online.

Either way, contacting them is the first step you need to take.

The unemployment agency provides financial benefits to those who qualify and they’ll help you find another job.

Many states are now offering programs that extend unemployment benefits so you can go back to school and learn a new trade or skill.

Be sure to ask your local agent about any special programs they’re currently offering.

Although they can make a significant difference in the short-term, unemployment benefits are usually much lower than your normal salary.

However, there are many other sources you can also take advantage of to help you get by during this rough financial time.

Let’s look at some of your options:

1. Reduce monthly expenses. Take a serious look at some of the things you can live without for a while until you get back on your feet.

Go through all of your bills and expenses and cut out the things that aren’t necessities.

Be honest with yourself – just because you think you can’t live without your cable or cell phone, doesn’t mean it’s true.

Some of the first places to look include:

Television
Phones – both cell and land line
Cell texting or other data communications
Transportation
Eating out
Power usage
Air conditioning and heating

2. Save money by meal planning.

You can save over $100 (based on a family of 4 with bi-monthly pay periods) on each trip to the grocery store simply by planning meals ahead, using coupons and shopping your grocer’s weekly sales flyers.

Not only will you reduce how much you spend on food, but you’ll probably reduce some weight around your waistline as well.

Who couldn’t use that added benefit?

3. Waiting tables. One of the fastest ways to earn some quick cash is to wait tables.

This may not be glamorous, but it can bring in some immediate cash, and many restaurants beef up staff for the summer months.

4. Community agencies. If you’re in dire straits and need assistance right now, there are many local agencies you can turn to for aid.

The United Way and Salvation Army are located in most areas and offer a variety of programs that may be able to help you.

Your area may have different agencies, so check online or in the phone book for the ones in your community.

5. Government agencies.

Besides the unemployment agency, most areas have a Department of Human Resources, Social Services, or Health Department that can help or guide you to assistance.

6. Sell items on eBay. Take a good look around your home, shed, or garage.

How many boxes do you have lying around filled with stuff you never use?

You’ll be surprised at what people will pay for what you consider junk!

7. Have a yard sale. You can make a nice chunk of change by selling off furniture, clothing, and other household items you don’t use anymore.

8. Set up your own online or offline shop. If you can make arts and crafts, sell your items on eBay, Etsy or at local craft fairs.

With some communication, research, and creativity, you can take advantage of your time off to learn a new skill or start a new venture with skills and passions you already have.

Have some fun utilizing your creative ability while making the extra money you need to make ends meet.

These tough financial times don’t have to be devastating.

Use these tips to take advantage of the resources available to you to reduce the negative impact on your life.

You may even look back on this time as the lucky stroke that pushed you toward success in your new career!

What skills do you have that can help you get back on your feet after a job loss?

How can you maintain a positive attitude after encountering this challenge in life?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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May 2, 2019March 15, 2018

Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else. – James M. Barrie

May 2, 2019March 15, 2018

I build momentum by staying on task.

When I focus completely on my work at hand, I find that I build a momentum that allows me to complete my tasks easier, quicker, and better.

Therefore, I strive to prevent any distractions that can interrupt this momentum.

I set my phone to voice mail, let others know I am unavailable, and avoid looking at my emails until my work is done.

Although multitasking sounds great in concept, in reality, I know that trying to do several things at once takes away from the quality of my work.

It also takes me longer to complete all the tasks than if I had focused on them one at a time.

At the beginning of each day, I create a task list of things that need to get done.

I make a daily schedule, being sure to include enough time for my priorities.

I schedule some easy tasks first that I can quickly dispense with and cross off my list.

Doing easy tasks first allows me to quickly build my momentum.

It makes it easy to get started on my work and then move from one task to another very quickly.

Once I get a running start like this, the momentum helps carry me through the harder tasks.

This daily strategy is my formula for success.

It helps me build momentum, be more productive, and do a good job on each and every task.

I can finish my work quicker so I can move on to the more exciting parts of my day!

Today, I plan to stay on task by carefully creating a workable schedule and then I follow it through to completion.

How do you keep yourself on track?

How have you made it a point to eliminate distractions when you work?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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April 9, 2019March 12, 2018

How to Work Smarter, Not Harder

Ever since computers have become such a large part of our lives, it seems that workloads have dramatically increased.

Now, instead of things getting easier, we’ve gotten busier and more hectic than ever before.

This may cause you to feel overburdened with your heavier workloads, especially when it comes to tasks you have to do repeatedly.

Finding better ways to accomplish your to-do list can save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.

How do you “work smarter, not harder?” Look at what you do on a daily basis and develop ways to get the same amount done with less effort and struggle.

Here are some ways you can work smarter, not harder:

1. Simplify repeated tasks. Forms and templates can save time on a lot of tasks.

For example, if you have to send out a lot of the same email, create a template email so you can just fill in the specific parts for each person individually.

2. Delegate. Delegate some of your responsibilities to other people.

If you have too much housework, give the kids some chores and set up a schedule.

Four people doing four things will get them done faster than one person doing all four things alone.

3. Automate.

If you’re in a position that requires the same thing done every day, at the same time, then try to find a way to get the process automated so it happens without you there.

An example would be to back up your computer every night, automatically.

4. Eliminate the useless. There are unproductive things you do on a daily basis.

In fact, you probably already know exactly what these distractions are!

Once you identify your time-wasters, remove them from your routine and focus on those tasks that are truly productive.

5. Focus. Stay focused on your responsibilities, not the responsibilities of others.

If everyone focuses on their primary responsibilities first, the large portion of the job gets finished and then minor details can be taken care of later.

6. Learn to say “no.”

Many people take on too much work because they’ve never learned to tell others “no.”

Before taking on extra duties for someone else, make sure you schedule time for your own needs first.

7. Know your limits.

Avoid taking on more than you can handle in order to please someone above you.

If you do this on a regular basis, you’ll ultimately be working twice as hard because you’re not performing at your very best.

Learn how much you can handle while still being productive.

We all have limits, and respecting our own limits leads to greater productivity.

Working smarter, not harder is all about planning, executing and knowing your limits.

Planning saves time and money.

It allows you to delegate and assign tasks to those most qualified to complete them.

Using systems and automation to execute tasks eliminates repetition and assures quality control.

Wisely considering limits prevents burnout and late work.

All in all, working smarter, not harder does just what it says.

Not only does it save you valuable time, but your production levels will soar as well!

How often do you stress yourself out because of work?

How can you make your work lighter yet still efficient?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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March 15, 2019March 13, 2018

I ensure I have the tools I need to complete a project.

In order to achieve my highest possible level of productivity, I make sure I have the tools I need to complete a project.

I take time before I begin to analyze what I need and do what it takes to procure them so nothing gets in the way of my forward momentum once I get started.

Some tools are obvious.

If I’m building a house, I’m going to need wood, nails, and so on.

If I’m writing a novel, I’m going to need a reliable computer (or a hefty stack of notebooks).

If I’m opening a catering service, I’m going to needs pots and pans.

I also need skills. The best computer in the world can’t write a novel by itself.

The most expensive pots and pans will do nothing on their own.

And a stack of wood without a builder is still just a stack of wood.

I make the investment in honing my skills so I can use my supplies to their full potential.

I grant myself the support and mentorship that I need to be successful and I let go of the idea that I should be able to do everything on my own.

I do need help from time to time, and I am grounded enough to ask for it when I need it.

I know that with the right supplies, skills, and support, I can achieve whatever I set out to do.

How can investing in your skills as well as supplies help you become more efficient?

How have you made the effort to find the support you need to make your goals a reality?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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March 12, 2019March 13, 2018

The victory of success is half won when one gains the habit of work. – Sarah Bolton

March 5, 2019March 13, 2018

I work at a constant, comfortable pace.

Because I always keep the big picture in mind, I work at a constant, comfortable pace.

I resist the temptation to be like the driver who zips in and out of traffic, endangering others, wasting gas, and taxing his brakes, only to arrive at his destination a mere minute or two ahead of those who cruised comfortably along behind him.

What I learned in physics class holds true in less tangible areas of my life: changing speed or direction uses up energy.

When I find a course I am content with, I proceed along at a constant pace so I can utilize my energy to its optimal potential.

I resist the urge to dart off full-speed.

I pay attention to my limits and create a routine I know I can follow, tuning in to my own needs for rest and refreshment.

In doing so, I avoid energy loss and eventual burn out.

I am far more productive in the long run for having had realistic expectations of my own capabilities from the start.

I let go of the desire to impress others with my skills or speed.

I keep my eye on my goal, set a pace I am confident I can maintain, then I begin.

I know I will have the time and energy to accomplish what I set out to do by consistently moving forward.

How are you becoming focused on your goal and not more concerned with speed?

In what areas of your life can you slow down to maximize your own productivity in the long run?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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March 2, 2019March 13, 2018

My work is my means for living, and I complement it by living life to its fullest.

I am grateful for the blessing of being able to work.

Work is the resource from which I can provide for my family.

I can afford healthy food to eat and clothes to wear because of the money I make at work.

My family has access to the care they need through the insurance I have with my work.

I can travel and take part in unforgettable vacations with my family.

The financial wealth I gain from my job helps me build a wealth of lasting memories with my family.

Although I like my job, I do not live to work.

Work is simply my means for living, not my life itself.

My life consists of a balance between work, relationships, and self.

The money I make is used to finance the other areas of my life.

While I am mindful to save for it, I do not live for the future.

I do not over work myself in the name of saving for later.

Life is not going to pass me by.

I can look back over my life with no regrets.

Today is the only day I have.

I live every day to the fullest because tomorrow is unknown.

My work would be done in vain if I do not take pleasure in the fruit of my labor.

I enjoy my life and I also share it with others.

Sharing my prosperity makes me feel even richer.

Life must be lived and shared. I complement my work by sharing and living my life to its fullest capacity.

How do you show that you value your life over your work?

How are you actively enjoying the fruits of your labor?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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March 1, 2019March 13, 2018

On the highway of life, work does not drive me. I drive work by staying calm and remaining positive.

I am in control of my work and emotions.

I am successful because I am dedicated to my work and passionate about my life.

Therefore, peace and joy follow me wherever I go.

When I am surrounded by pressure, I stay relaxed by keeping the big picture in mind.

If I feel stressed, I close my eyes and envision lying on a beautiful, sunny beach, listening to the waves crashing on the shore.

My cares simply float away.

When I get to work, I embrace my assignments with a positive attitude.

Challenges are welcome in my life because they revive the creativity within me.

I seek out the good in every situation.

If I find myself in a cloud of negativity, I go elsewhere.

I stay calm under pressure.

Another person’s lack of preparation does not constitute an emergency in my life.

I stand up for myself and I know when to say no.

I keep my plate free from meaningless busywork.

I drive my work; it neither drags me around, nor enslaves me.

I am happy to complete my work because it is valuable to me and it makes a difference to others.

Being in the driver’s seat leads me to enjoy my life that much more.

My optimism keeps me miles ahead of my obligations.

A positive attitude causes me to be proactive about the things that need to be done.

What kind of attitude do you display toward your work?

How do you react under pressure?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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January 24, 2019February 21, 2018

Tag: work

What to Do When You’re Facing Sudden Job Loss

Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else. – James M. Barrie

I build momentum by staying on task.

How to Work Smarter, Not Harder

I ensure I have the tools I need to complete a project.

The victory of success is half won when one gains the habit of work. – Sarah Bolton

I work at a constant, comfortable pace.

My work is my means for living, and I complement it by living life to its fullest.

On the highway of life, work does not drive me. I drive work by staying calm and remaining positive.

Many hands make light work. – John Heywood