There Should Be a Rule About That…

Good intentions are great, but to get where you want to go, you have to have a plan and a policy.

This year, my intention is to (fill in the blank). We’ve all made our goals and are embarking on 2010 with great intentions. Maybe you want to reduce your debt and invest more for retirement. Maybe you want to develop a deeper spiritual life or a better relationship with your spouse and children. It’s likely that since you’ve penned your 2010 goals (you did write them down, right?), something has already come up to throw you off track. Read more

Gearing up for a Great Year

As we begin to wrap up 2009, I want to take a few minutes to encourage you to start planning for 2010. The end of the year is a natural time to consider where you are, what you’ve accomplished, and, most important, what you want to accomplish in 2010—and beyond. Here are a few tips on how to make this the year that you achieve your goals. Read more

Creating Job Security by Becoming the Boss

I recently received an e-mail from a business owner and new author whose book release has been delayed by the publisher. She says the book explains how to turn a product idea into a profitable business, but the publisher and booksellers are telling her people simply aren’t taking “risks” right now.

Undoubtedly, it’s more important than ever to be cautious with our income and assets. But starting a business can be a very wise investment of your time and money — if you do it right. And with the uncertainty of the economy and fewer “secure” jobs available, becoming an entrepreneur or independent professional is an option many women are examining more closely. In our recent poll, more than half of you said you were either starting a business or taking on freelance or contract work in an effort to create financial security in your life. Read more

Make an Impression

One of the most common misconceptions about searching for a job is that the person with the most or best experience is the one who gets hired. The truth is: You’re more likely to be hired for a job based on your connection with the interviewer than on your qualifications. And the best way to forge an instant, powerful connection with your interviewer is to define and communicate a strong job-seeker personal brand. Read more

Hometown Heroes

At a time when money seems to be in short supply, Jenny Jones is giving $1 million away — for the second time.

The former talk show host says success isn’t about money, but about individuals doing what they’re meant to do. “To me, success means being fulfilled, but that doesn’t mean financially,” Jones says. “You can be struggling financially but still feel fulfilled because you are doing something good — something that matters.” Read more

How are Your New Year’s Resolutions Holding Up?

It’s the beginning of February: How are you doing on your resolutions?

Are you still exercising, avoiding cigarettes, eating dinner with your family, saving money, packing a lunch instead of eating out, making those extra sales calls, volunteering regularly and (fill in the blank)?

You’re not alone if your commitment to your goals has faltered; it’s easy to slip back into old habits. One of the keys to staying on track is to write down your goals and put them where you’re reminded of them daily. If your weight-loss goal is posted on the fridge, you’ll see it when you’re in the mood for a late-night snack, and you’ll be forced to make a conscious decision about whether you really want that second (or third) brownie.

Another key to keeping your resolutions is creating new thought patterns. One of the best ways to do this is to read idea-inspiring books. Whether it’s the biography of a person whose success you admire or a book on how to achieve your goals, feeding your mind with positive, thought-provoking messages can change your life.

Here’s a recommended reading list for February:

48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller. Check it out at www.48days.com.