Project U. Blog

"SMART" Resolutions Create Success

Posted by Catherine Saar on Thu, Dec 29, 2011 @ 02:32 PM

What do you want to accomplish for yourself in the New Year?  Even though making new years champagne iStock 000018550149XSmallresolutions is a good start, it’s not enough.  Getting results requires motivation and action.  Most of the time, we have a vague notion of what we want and absolutely no plan for getting there.  Is it any wonder that we fail? So how can you be more effective this time?

1) What’s your motivation?  First and foremost, answer this question:  WHY is it important for you to make this resolution happen?  A clear motivation will keep you going on the tough days.  Can you see the difference between saying, “I want to lose 15 pounds,” and saying, “I want to look hot, hot, hot at my 20th reunion in June –so I’m going to lose 15 pounds!”  One is only a goal, the other, is a motivation with a goal attached.

2) Turn resolutions into “SMART” goals that are specific, measureable, actionable, realistic and time-oriented.  Once you know what you want and why you want it, get specific.  Don’t just say I want to increase my income so I can afford a new car.  Specify how much more you are going to earn, and create a do-able plan for how you are going to make it happen.  Here’s an example of how you can break a resolution down into SMART goals:

  • Specific- Exactly what do you want?

    • I want to make $15,000 more by the end of 2012.

  • Measurable- How much and by when?

    • By May 1, I want to consistently earn  $500 more a week for the remainder of the year

  • Actionable– Can it be done? 

    • Can I increase my income by $500 per week starting in the first week of May? (I have the time to invest so it seems do-able if I implement a marketing plan early in the year.)

  • Realistic– Are you confident that you can take the necessary action?

    • I can add five client hours per week at $100 per hour and I can create and implement a marketing campaign no later than February 15th.

  • Time-Oriented– What will you do when?

    • Each week I will invest four “unpaid” hours in marketing and five more hours in client work to get to $15,000 or more by end of the year.

3) Manage obstacles.  You will face obstacles – we all do.  Sometimes obstacles live in your mind – like fear of the unknown.  Sometimes, they will be real, for example, you might need resources, information or time.  Brainstorm your obstacles.  How might you deal with them?  Who or what can help you?  Don’t be afraid of obstacles.  Work through them.

4) Return to your motivation.  Know that you will have difficult moments. Every time you feel like giving up, think about the outcome: how you will look and feel driving a brand new shiny, dependable car, or how great you will feel when you look fabulous at your reunion.  Keep your vision in mind – or draw a picture and post it. Re-work your plan if need be.  Set new, additional goals  weekly and measure your progress.

5) Congratulate yourself for everything you do.  Every step toward your goal is progress.  Focus on what you achieve, not what you haven’t done!

So, have fun writing resolutions, but if you want to get them done, make sure you have a plan and make sure you don’t blow yourself out of the water by creating goals that are unrealistic or unattainable.  Small and steady can win the race. 

DOWNLOAD a SMART RESOLUTION SUCCESS WORKSHEET now, to help you realize your dreams in 2012!  

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Tags: dreams, goal, SMART, accomplish, motivation, create success, manage obstacles, download, free worksheet, vision, progress, realistic, achieve, win, plan, new year resolutions, measurable, congratulate

How to Benefit by Turning Your Job Search into a Project

Posted by Catherine Saar on Thu, Dec 08, 2011 @ 08:51 AM

Looking for a new job is a project – and it can be a streKozzi man smiles at desk 644x806ssful one, especially if you’re currently unemployed.  To make it better, I suggest you treat your job search as if it were a part-time job.  Being organized and getting dressed everyday – as well as taking time for lunch and getting exercise, can help relieve stress.  My experience is that a healthy, less stressed job seeker is usually more effective and more energetic - and that often translates into better results.  

Here are some tips and guidelines to consider when putting your project plan in place: 

  • Set a goal for daily and weekly hours for working on your job search.  If possible, set regular office hours for yourself. 
  • Don’t overdo it.  Forty hours a week may be too taxing.  Considering starting with 20 to 25 hours a week and adjust as needed.
  • Create an organized, professional workspace for yourself. Sitting in front of the TV with a bowl of cereal in your hand and a notepad on your lap may not be the best strategy for clear thinking.
  • Make yourself presentable.  You’re valuable.  Treat yourself as such.  You don’t have to dress-up in business clothes, but looking good contributes to a positive outlook. 
  • Each week, set goals and create a project plan for what you want to accomplish during your office hours.  Here are some activities to consider:
  • Spend time on your personal brand if you are making a career shift or change.  Take time to take career surveys, do informational interviews and develop a clear awareness of what you want from your next position.
  • Network in-person, on the phone and online.  Online networking is important, but don’t overlook high touch contact.  
  • Develop new contacts by joining groups and attending industry-networking functions.
  • Follow companies and apply for positions using targeted online job sites. There are many to consider, so pick the ones that suit you.
  • Update your resume and cover letters as needed.
  • Volunteer or take classes that improve or increase your marketable skills.

Last but not least, make time outside of your project schedule to connect with friends and share a few laughs.  Because looking for a job is a job, you will benefit by taking time to recharge your batteries. 

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and successful hunt.   By the way, what job search tips have worked well for you?

Tags: professional, network, results, change, goal, skills, part-time job, relieve stress, valuable, career shift, exercise, how to, resume, benefit, successful, unemployed, project plan, marketable, job sites, recharge, cover letters job search tips, happy, project, stressful, job search, online networking, industry

Stop Wasting Time Now!

Posted by Catherine Saar on Thu, Oct 13, 2011 @ 08:42 AM

What is the top goal you have for yourself?  Do you need to find a new job?  Stress less?  Earn more money?stop wasting time

Okay, sit quietly.  Be aware of your breath for thirty seconds and decide to release all that you don’t need.  Then visualize and feel the feeling you will get once you have accomplished your most important goal.

Got that feeling?  That picture?  Hold onto it.  Breathe it in, savor it. Breathe out and let it go.

Now, make a to-do list for today, or this week.  On it, include at least two important tasks that you can do that will help you get closer to your most important goal.

  • Look at your calendar. How can you make time today, or this week to get at least two of your goal related items started?  How much time can you give the important goal item today, or this week?  Start small if you need to.  Even fifteen minutes can be a great start!

Consider all of your time and how you spend it:

  • What things do you have to do (obligations and commitments) today or this week?  Are they important?  Must you do these things?  Do you want to do them?  Can they wait?

  • Are there less important things on your to-do list (or on your calendar) that can be postponed or eliminated? 

  • What less important things can you delegate or request of others? 

  • Allocate time to work toward your goals.  I don’t care if it’s think time, or gym time, or updating your resume; it doesn’t matter what it is. Schedule the time and stick to it, even if it’s only 15 minutes.   

At the end of this process, remember the feeling of satisfaction, happiness, ease, (whatever it is) that you felt when you pictured yourself having accomplished your goal. Enjoy it again.

Take a deep breath and get to work.  Start your day.  At the end of each day, ask yourself, did I invest time into the activities that are most important to me and will further my goals? 

If yes, give yourself a pat on the back. If not, ask why not?  What is getting in my way?  What can I shift or change in my life (or in my mindset) that will allow me to get to work on the things that what I care about?

Tomorrow, try it again.  Your time is your currency.  Invest it well.

Tags: new job, ease, change, goal, to-do list, accomplished, stress less, satisfaction, activities, invest, enjoy, happiness, more money, tasks

Are You Done, NOW WHAT?

Posted by Catherine Saar on Thu, Sep 08, 2011 @ 03:39 PM

A common question I hear from coaching clients is, “Why can’t I make a decision?”   Frequently, the answer is, because you are not ready. Either you need more information or you need to deal with the root cause of what is holding you back – like fear.   Rest assured, you will make a decision when you are ready to make it.  Usually, your gut knows when it’s time, like the gal in my video “Done”.  Often, you will commit to take action once the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of making a change.

For most people who have decided, or who are in the process of deciding whether to make a big change, small steps are a good way to start, especially if the change is a scary one.  For example, if you suddenly want to change your career, you might not want to quit your job until you have done a little research and possibly some preparation.  Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. I hear many stories about people who just up and quit and do very well for themselves, but if you are not one of those personalities, then here’s a process for you to consider:

1) Create a vision of your outcome or goal.  See it in your mind’s eye as if it is already real.  Tap into the feeling of already having what you want: joy, satisfaction, thinness, safety, whatever it is.  Keep that feeling in your pocket. Revisit it from time to time, especially during times when you need motivation.

2) Think through, brainstorm and diagram all the steps you can take to get to your goal.  Consider various options and possibilities.  Try using a mind map a vision board or sticky notes…whatever works for you to map out a path.

3) Break each step or item down into small steps, and those down into even smaller steps.

4) Commit to taking consistent action on one or more of your small steps daily or weekly.  If needed, work with a buddy or a coach, and set up accountability for yourself.

5) Keep track of your progress, pat yourself on the back, and adjust your plan as needed.

Before you know it, one small step will lead to another and you will arrive at your envisioned destination.  In short, you are done - until it’s time for your next project!

Tags: coaching, vision board, mind map, commit, change, goal, decision, motivation, fear, vision, coach, brainstorm