work – Page 5 – Personal Growth Cafe

March 12, 2018January 7, 2018

Do not hire a man who does your work for money, but him who does it for love of it. – Henry David Thoreau

March 6, 2018January 7, 2018

How to Improve Communication with Your Boss

Good communication allows many life situations to run smoothly.

However, there are certain relationships that deserve extra attention, such as the relationship you have with your boss.

You and your boss have drastically different roles, and when each of you fulfills these roles with a hard working and understanding attitude, you’ll both feel fulfilled.

Get To Know Your Boss

As in all personal and professional relationships, it’s important to understand how others communicate.

Everyone has their own set of likes and dislikes, and everyone has their own unique personality types and communication styles.

Once you understand their preferences, you can adjust your style and methods of communication to best suit their needs.

Understand Your Relationship

It’s important to develop a good business relationship with your boss.

Find out what he expects and what his goals for the business are, that way you can both be working toward the same goal.

The following tips can help you further improve your communication with your boss:

1. Avoid being too It’s important to be friendly, but only to a certain extent. You’re not true friends with your boss.

While it may seem like a good idea at first, it can lead to some uncomfortable situations.

Your boss might have trouble giving you negative feedback, or your co-workers may develop jealousy.

2. Schedule meetings with your boss. Your boss may or may not be scheduling regular meetings with you.

Regardless of this, take the initiative to schedule time with your boss if you feel the need.

Your boss will know that you’re serious about developing your business relationship and that you really care about your job and the company.

3. Problem solving. Find out if you can help your manager with any problems that need attention.

While you don’t want to step on any toes, your boss will surely appreciate you taking the initiative.

Doing so will really give you the chance to stand out.

4. Maintain patience.

Perhaps you would’ve done things differently than your boss or you strongly feel that one of his decisions won’t turn out right.

Develop the wisdom to know if you should keep your mouth shut and go with the flow, or if you should politely speak up.

5. Shift your perspective.

You can improve your communication with your boss and feel less frustrated just by putting yourself in their shoes.

Imagine what everything is like for them; they likely have more burdens and pressures on their shoulders than you realized.

Be Prepared

Even if you’re not quite sure what to say all the time, as long as you prepared and honest in your communication, your boss will surely notice.

So if you have to reflect and write down your thoughts ahead of time, so be it. That level of preparation will benefit you in the long run.

With any relationship, good communication skills are a huge benefit.

Strive to work on strengthening these skills every day and it will help your career to flourish.

In the end, your positive attitude and willingness to understand others will help you forge stronger, more permanent bonds.

How can communicating with your boss have an impact on your work?

How can you work more efficiently because of this?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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February 23, 2018January 5, 2018

I have the ability to moderate the portions of food, work, stress, and time on my plate.

I manage my time effectively and proportionately for all areas of my life.

My time is precious to me and I am proud of my ability to manage my time without neglecting any areas in my life.

I take the time to make sure the foods I eat are healthy and I take the time to prepare and enjoy them.

I manage my time at work so I can accomplish my tasks efficiently and professionally.

I take the time to relax and relieve my daily stress so I can be recharged and rejuvenated.

I guard my energy level and make sure it stays high enough to accomplish my tasks without feeling exhausted.

My time is precious and I am worth managing it well.

My life is more effective overall and I am better able to enjoy my life because all the areas are included.

I feed my energy by eating well and relaxing as well as getting exercise.

I reduce stress by relaxing and making sure my time at work is well spent.

I am able to be efficient and effective at work because I am well nourished and de-stressed.

As I manage my time well, I am improving every area of my life because everything is connected.

Today I will make sure I have planned my time wisely and have left nothing out.

I will take the time to eat healthy foods, manage my time at work, take time to relax and feed my energy level.

I love myself by managing my time.

How have you taken the time to eat right and feed your energy level?

How have you utilized good time management skills at work?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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January 16, 2018January 5, 2018

Regain Important Family Time by Leaving Work at the Office

On days when your spouse comes home from work irritable and grumpy from a bad day, try telling them jokingly, “Go back and come in again.”

In our high-stress society, sometimes it’s hard to keep work and home separate.

Work worries follow us home so we’re never really free of them.

Even though work is such an intertwined part of life for everyone, it’s essential to leave your work problems at work so your home can be your sanctuary.

Here are some effective tips to help you leave those work issues back at the office so you can enjoy your time at home:

1. Schedule your day.

Plan ahead for how long you’re going to be at work.

When you’re “closed” be closed, even if it means ignoring the phone or emails.

The world won’t stop spinning if you sit down to dinner with your family and let the machine get the phone.

You know that you’ll pick things up the next day, so accept that the work can wait until you get back. Train yourself for this.

If you have to initially schedule family time or alone time, do it.

You’ll soon begin to enjoy the rewards of scheduled time off.

Turn off your cell phone, blackberry, or beeper when you walk in the door.

Your messages will still be there in the morning when you start your workday again.

This idea might prove a little tricky for stay at home moms, but learn how to set boundaries for your children.

After you put them to bed, tell them Mommy hours are over, and it’s time for you to relax.

Most children respect these parameters, and other people who need you will learn to respect your boundaries as well.

2. Change your clothes.

Work attire has certain standards and, when you change into comfortable clothing at home, you give yourself a chance to relax.

Whether you wear a uniform or business wear, changing your clothes is a mental indicator that work time is up.

Keep a cozy pair of slippers by the door so you can get comfortable immediately after you come into the door.

3. Give yourself time to de-stress.

You can just sit in the chair, read a good book, or fix a drink.

Whatever your method is to de-stress, make sure you’ve spelled out ahead of time that you aren’t to be interrupted until you’re ready.

If you know you don’t want to be pummeled by your kids the moment you walk in the door, arrange with your spouse or kids to allow a few minutes to de-stress.

Use your commuting time to de-stress, especially if you use public transit.

Listening to your iPod or just daydreaming out the window can make a world of difference in your mood once you get home.

Don’t stay in de-stress mode, however, for the entire evening!

Still take part with the family once you’ve cleared your mind for a bit.

4. Separate your work area.

As more and more people begin working from home, it’s harder to separate the two lives.

In order to help you distance yourself from work once work hours are over, keep your work area physically separate from your family area.

Establish your work area in a dedicated workroom, or separate your work area with a wall or a room divider so you’re not pulled back to your work area when you’re interacting with your family.

If you work with a laptop, don’t be tempted to bring your work into your family space.

It’s too easy to get distracted by work when your family needs you at the end of the day.

You’ll find so much peace of mind once you realize that you’re in control of your schedule!

Don’t let the boss run your world outside of work.

You’ll be happier, healthier and more productive when you take time for yourself and your family.

Treat yourself with the respect you deserve!

How can you carve out more time to spend with your family?

What can you do today to show your family that you appreciate them?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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December 12, 2017

How to Make Yourself More Valuable to Your Employer

It’s always a good idea to make yourself a valuable asset to your employer.

The truth is, if you produce more value than your cost, you’ll be less likely to be let go.

There are certain things you can do beyond just doing your own job really well.

While you should remain friendly, motivated and hard working, there are specific actions that will impress your employer.

Try some of these value-enhancing actions:

Find a Way to Increase Profits. Even if you weren’t specifically assigned the task, keep an open mind and brainstorm ways that the company can work more efficiently.

Perhaps you could bring an idea to your manager’s attention that will boost sales or reduce costs.

Your boss will remember your creative thinking and appreciate that you took the initiative.

Be Willing to Cross-Train. No matter what your job is, there are ways that you can learn new things in different areas.

You should show interest and actively learn the ins and outs of other jobs in completely different departments.

This way your employer will know that you have a deeper understanding of the business, which could lead to bigger or better opportunities.

Sharpen Your Skills. Spend time to delve deeper into your current skill set.

Chances are that things are not as mundane as you might think.

Keep your mind open to developing your skills in a different or better way.

For example, if you work in online advertising, continue to search for different ways you can advertise or different networks to display your advertising.

You may end up greatly improving the company’s return on investment by thinking outside of the box, instead of going with what has worked in the past.

Take on Additional Responsibilities. When you take on additional responsibilities, you add value to your position within the company.

While you may not be issued a different title, your employer will see just how valuable you are.

If cutbacks need to be made, you’d be less likely to go than someone with fewer responsibilities.

Work on Co-Worker Relationships. While the people you work with don’t have to become your best friends, it’s important to maintain a certain level of camaraderie.

Try making small talk occasionally with your co-workers and bosses on breaks or during lunches.

This will help your employer remember that you mesh well with everyone in the company.

Take Classes. While you may already have a degree or diploma in a subject that pertains to your current job, it won’t hurt to keep improving yourself by expanding your education.

Remember, it’s not required to go back to school, but if you have the time and resources available it could be a good idea.

More and more classes are available over the internet too, which is great for people who already work to fit their classes into their existing schedules.

While you don’t have to implement all strategies at once, it’s a good idea to think about doing the one’s that will work for you.

You may even discover that your job satisfaction increases. This becomes a win-win situation to the benefit of all!

Which among the items above can better help you at work?

How can you be more effective at work?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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November 16, 2017

I release the pressure to work outside of my natural limitations.

I am aware that I have natural limitations and I let go of the need to work above and beyond my capacity.

I am happy to work at a pace that is natural for me. In doing so, I can accomplish more and reach greater success.

I am a unique person and I have a unique way of doing things. This fits nicely within my limitations.

I embrace my beautiful creativity and let go of the pressure to work unnaturally.

Limitations are like boundaries. Being able to recognize my boundaries helps me release my stress and pressure so I can work efficiently, yet prudently.

I am not weakened by my limitations. Instead, I am stronger because I am aware of these boundaries that I have to work within.

My boundaries may be different than someone else’s and that’s okay. Just as all people are different, all limitations are different.

I can find peace by accepting my limitations without comparison.

Today I accept my natural limitations and trust in my abilities. I embrace my strengths and uniqueness and I will be a better me for it.

How do you know what your natural limitations are?

Have you accepted your limitations?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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November 2, 2017

Five Ways to Get More Done With Less Work

Many people look at their workdays and wonder how they can get more done in less time.

Although delegation and outsourcing may not always be an option, there are ways to get more done in less time and with less effort.

Getting More Done Quickly and Efficiently

One great way to get more done in less time is to stop. That’s right, stop!

If you’re over-worked and stressed out, you won’t get nearly as much done and you’re more prone to silly mistakes and illness.

Sometimes you need to take a break and completely separate yourself from work.

You’ll find that taking a break is just what you need the most – even if it seems to be the opposite of what you should be doing.

The best part: once you come back to the task, you’ll feel refreshed and more creative!

What Do Your Priorities Look Like?

You need to make an organized and frequently updated list of priorities.

When you prioritize outstanding tasks, you’ll suddenly find that all of the work on your plate really is manageable.

You can prioritize using letters or numbers so you clearly can see what needs to be done and when it needs to be done by.

Combining Similar Tasks

The next thing you need to do is combine tasks that can be done at the same time. For example, plan out your errands so they can all be done in one trip, instead of multiple trips throughout the day or week.

When it comes to work, you can group similar tasks that require the same tools or resources so they can be done more efficiently.

Since you have already organized your priorities, you’ll be more aware of what needs to get done, so you’ll be able to better combine similar tasks.

Getting Help

You can only do so much alone, so ask for help! You will be able to accomplish much more with less time and effort when you work with other talented people.

You may be able to ask a colleague for help or even hire your own personal assistant from a freelance website like Elance. It’s not as expensive as you think!

Having an assistant can help you re-gain your time and save your energy so you can get the important tasks done.

Give your assistant the trivial tasks and save yourself for the rest. You also may find it fun to have someone working with you on a shared task or goal.

Using the Power of Affirmations

Affirmations are another tool that can help you get more done with less work. These simple statements can help you maximize your time by focusing on the positive.

For example, in moments when your work seems overwhelming you can say something such as, “Each simple, completed task propels me towards success.”

Repeating these affirmations will give you a positive state of mind that just may be the extra push you need to get more done with less work and in less time.

What is your first step in making it happen?

What options above can help you be more efficient with your work?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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October 22, 2017

My work is my means for living and I compliment it by actually living it.

October 22, 2017

Balance Your Life by Delegating and Outsourcing

It’s time to reflect on how you’ve felt over the last few months or years. Are you constantly tired? Do the piles of work seem never-ending? Are you feeling too busy?

If this is the case, you’ll find that it is time for some serious changes in how you work. You need balance in your life! One way of discovering work-life balance is to enlist the help of others.

More and more people understand the value of delegating some of their responsibilities, but can we actually outsource our responsibilities? Of course!

What Is Outsourcing?

The term outsourcing is a big buzzword in today’s world. Essentially it means to hire someone to do certain tasks so you, the business owner, employee, or homeowner, can have more time to focus on the important aspects of your work and life.

For example, if you’re running your own business, outsourcing allows you to spend more time on money-making tasks. If you’re an employee, outsourcing may give you more time to get the key tasks done so you can spend more time at home.

Or if you’re a homeowner, outsourcing frees up your time from repetitive or mundane tasks like cutting the grass or doing home repair research.

When you first think about delegation and outsourcing, you might initially balk at it, especially if you don’t run your own business.

If you’ve put a lot of effort in your home or job you may be leery of the idea of handing it over to someone else, but the benefits are too great to ignore.

Benefits of Outsourcing or Delegating in Your Business

Focus on the things that matter most to you. Let others worry about the customer service or fulfillment.

Let others tackle the technical issues or tame your email inbox. When you focus on what matters most to you, you’ll be able to get more done.

Focus on what you love to do. If website design and technical issues bore you to death, outsource those activities to people who enjoy doing that type of work.

Doing what you love yields better quality of work and life.

Spend more time with your family. You will be free to enjoy more time with your spouse and kids. Instead of trying to solve all problems at work, you’ll be able to rest easy because another capable person is taking care of it for you.

Save money by hiring the experts. Someone who has vast experience will be able to work more quickly and efficiently than you, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the task. Sometimes it’s okay to leave a task for the experts!

Remember: when you outsource or delegate your responsibilities, you’re effectively buying your time back.

Outsourcing and Delegating at Home

If you’re still wondering how you can outsource or delegate at home, it’s easier than you think.

You can delegate chores to each family member. Not only will the work get done quicker, but you’ll be teaching your children an important life lesson about team work.

Need some other ideas? How about the following:

Hire a landscaper to cut your grass and keep your yard clear of leaves and sticks. Unless this type of work relaxes you, hiring a professional will allow you more time to have fun with your family.

Hire a house cleaner. As children get older and more families have both parents working, less and less family time is available. Why spend your free time cleaning all weekend? Let a professional do the work in half the time.

Hire an accountant to sort through your personal tax information. Reduce your stress by letting a professional figure out which paperwork to fill out and what deductions you qualify for.

Hire a grocery shopper or use an online grocery service. If you hate the idea of grocery shopping, some grocery stores offer an online grocery service where you can place your order online and, within a day or so, your groceries will be delivered to your door.

If that’s not available in your area, you can always hire a responsible neighbor to do the shopping for you.

Hire a neighborhood teen to rake your leaves or shovel your driveway in the winter. This frees up your time and allows the teen to earn some extra spending money.

There may be financial decisions you have to make before you decide if the idea of outsourcing and delegating is right for you.

Make sure that you consider the pros and cons, but if you need to do it, there is no reason to wait! You’ll get more done and you’ll lead a more balanced and healthy life!

When do you feel that there isn’t enough time in your day to do the things you need done?

Have you tried delegating or outsourcing before? How was it?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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October 12, 2017

It is easy for me to exceed expectations at work.

It is easy for me to exceed expectations at work by constantly striving for excellence.

I recognize that it is commonplace to get by with as little effort as possible in the workplace, which means that by investing myself in my job, I am bound to stand out from the crowd.

I have balance in my life and leave work at work for the sake of my family, friendships, and creative personal life.

When I am at work, I give it my total focus. I set up my schedule and my workspace to minimize distractions so I can be as productive as possible.

It is a privilege to be employed and I respect that privilege by using my employer’s resources effectively and efficiently.

I also stand out when I take advantage of self-improvement opportunities, both through work and outside of it. By continuing to learn and develop my skills, I enable myself to surpass my expectations.

How do you exceed expectations at work?

How do you treat your time at work? Do you treat it with the respect it deserves?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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