5 Ways to a Healthier, More Efficient New Year

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With the New Year quickly approaching, many of us decide to make a list of resolutions to work on in the coming weeks. Often times, we abandon most of them before January even comes to a close. So why not pick a few that are easy to incorporate into your work day? Try one of these (or all 5) to make 2012 a great year at work. These 5 things can make a BIG difference in your work day.

1. Take a walk. Sitting for long periods of time can not only cause aches and it pains but believe it or not, it can be energy draining. Commit to getting up every hour or so, even if it is just for a quick stroll around the office. If you have the time, try to find a reason to walk to another department (hand-deliver a reports, get some face time with other employees, grab some water). For even more bonus points, when weather and time permits use part of your lunch time to take a walk outside. You don't even have to break a sweat (but even more bonus points if you can!) to get the mental benefits of having a change of scenery and the physical benefits of being outdoors.
2. Drink one additional glass of water. If you don't already drink water, now is the perfect time to start. There really is no better beverage. No added chemicals, preservatives or sugar. If you already drink H20, adding one more glass will be a good thing since most of us do not quite get enough. Plus, it gives you and excuse to go to the break room and squeeze in #1. Drinking enough water can naturally support energy levels, as well as keep you from snacking when you are not really hungry.
3. Eat a nutritious afternoon snack. If you are really hungry, try not to head to the vending machine for a snack filled with preservatives, sugar and most likely filled with saturated fat. Your afternoon snack (if you need one), can be the perfect opportunity to get an extra serving of fruit of vegetables in your diet, while giving you a natural energy boost.
4. Pick your most challenging task for the day and do it first. Usually, we put the most challenging item on our to-do list for the day off at least until late morning once we have had the time to sort of "wake-up" and settle into our day. But consider doing that item first. Not only will it get that item off your list but you will most likely be motivated to knock a few other things off your list, too. Plus, when 5:00 p.m rolls around, you will not be scrambling to finish that task before you can leave the office.
5. Set a timer. Get your stopwatch (or clock or iPhone app) ready and set it for 5, 10 or 15 minutes and work on only one thing for that period of time. Of course, if you have to answer the phone and it is urgent, that is fine but don't answer a call or email unless must be prioritized over what you are currently doing. Multitasking can be great in a lot of situations but when you need to get something done quickly, often times working on only that task will allow you to check the "completed" box sooner.

Making just a few small changes over the course of your day can really add up in the long run.

What are your work resolutions for 2012?

Reverse Mentoring in the Workplace

Photo credit: Ambro

Typically, we think of the workplace mentoring model as one where the senior employees guide the newer hires through the ropes. However, the model seems to be changing.


This Wall Street Journal article highlights the reverse trend where younger employees are mentoring the more seasoned veterans on topics such as technology and social media.


What do you think of this trend? Does your workplace have any sort of mentoring programs in place. Or is it more of an informal approach? Have you mentored some one or ever been a mentee?

How Your Resume Is Reviewed In 15 Seconds

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Believe it or not, you only have about 15 seconds to impress a recruiter with your resume. Only 15 seconds?  That is not much time at all, is it? But that is all you have--like it or now.


Recruiters are very busy with many jobs to fill, many candidates to research and even more resumes to sort through. That limits the amount of time they have to initially scan your resume.  Sure, eventually the "ones" that make it past the first round will be reviewed more thoroughly, at some point. But if your resume is not picked-up initially, then there is no second round for it to be considered.


What can you do to clean up your resume to make sure the right things shine, when it is being quickly scanned?  View these tips from reCareed.com to see what you can change now, that make get you a call back!

What a Job Seeker’s Twitter Bio Should – and Shouldn’t – Look Like

Now that social media is an integral part of your professional image, it is important to portray yourself in a way that could land you the job. Even on Twitter. 

You would never want your bio to turn people away. So what can you do to make your bio really stand out.  Try these tips and log into your Twitter account now and a few quick changes that will make a BIG difference.

Discover Your Unique Talent

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Knowing your strengths and (weaknesses) is an integral part of your personal and professional development. But do you know what your unique talent is?  Find our how to pinpoint it, here.

7 Tips for Surviving & Thriving at Networking Events

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It seems like face to face networking has taken a backseat to social networking site; however, you should not overlook this valuable resource.  Especially when you are conducting a job search. Not only can you create an in person connection but it also allows you to in turn, expand your social media circle.

Here are 7 tips for making the most of your next networking function. If you do not have an upcoming networking meeting scheduled on your calendar, now is a good a time as any to find one!

10 Things To Do While Between Jobs

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How do you make the most of the time between jobs, Whether you are looking for a new gig or have some time before your next project starts, how ca you best utilize your time?


This article from JobMob gives you ideas on the best ways to maximize your time in transition.


Why project are you most proud of completing in a time of transition?

Business Advice: 14 Things I Wish I Could Have Told Myself at 25

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As we grow professionally, hopefully we grow personally as well. If you had the chance to sit down and write a letter to your younger self, what would you say? Professionally? Personally? Would their be some overlap of universal "rules" to break or follow?

Here, Jeff Haden shares 14 things he wishes he could have told his younger, 25 year old self. What would your list look like? What would be at the top of the list?

6 Ways to Discover Your Authentic Work

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Are you doing what you love?  Whether is be your full-time job, hobbies or volunteer work you participate in on the weekends. Do you have a connection with one of your passions?


This article gives you 6 ways you can tap into your talents and connect with what you were born to do. 

How to Break Into an Unfamiliar Industry

Photo credit: Salvatore Vuono

In today's workforce and economy, it is rare for employees to stay with a company for 25+ years , as use to be the norm. Or, even for an individual to stay in the exact same industry. 


Perhaps they continue to work in sales, but move from medical (chemical and supplies) to medical (device). Very often it is imperative to break into a different industry, or even a different sub category as new trends arrive on the horizon. 


We have to be willing to go with the flow, when it comes to change. Some industries will become obsolete and if we are not ahead of the curve, we could be left behind. An example in the news recently? With the rise in popularity of eReaders and the change in economy, Borders book sellers are closing their doors, leaving 10,000+ employees looking for a job, most likely in a different industry.


But how exactly, do you being the process of breaking into a new industry?


This article, from Brazen Career has some great tips on adjusting your sails, so you can stay on coarse in your career.

Learn to Like Your Job

Photo credit: Ambro

Can changing how you respond to others make your work experience more positive? Can altering your approach allow you to appreciate what you have?


Read this article and decide for yourself.

8 Words That Should Never Appear in Your Twitter Bio

Yesterday, we discussed maximizing your use of LinkedIn. Today we focus on Twitter, arguably one of the most popular social media tools. Once we establish our account, our main focus tends to be our Tweets (and Retweets) but what about your bio?

Read this article, to review the 8 words that should never appear in your bio. What are your thoughts? Are there any other words you feel don't belong in a bio?


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