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4 Critical Mindset Adjustments You Need to Thrive in Today’s World

Written by Hollis Nelson on . Posted in Achievement, Personal, Personal Growth, Success, Workforce Development. Leave a Comment

With the explosion of AI in virtually all aspects of our lives, including the workforce, how you decide to respond to it is up to you. You can choose to resist the tsunami of change or embrace it and begin preparing yourself for success in the face of change. In terms of the workforce, in addition to developing the technical skills you will need for success, having the proper mindset is also a critical factor in the process.

These suggestions are not new, they are reminders of what you instinctively already know. They serve as either kick starters to get you going, or confirmations to keep you going. Here are 4 key mindset adjustments you’ll need to continue or adapt to increase your chances of success in this new AI centered world both personally and professionally:

  1. Embrace Life-Long Learning

    Photo by Hurix Digital

In a world where not only technology, but knowledge in general, evolves rapidly, adopting a mindset of continuous learning is critical. This means making an active decision about acquiring new skills, staying updated with industry trends, and being open to new ideas. Life-long learning is not just about formal education but also about being curious and eager to grow.

Suggested Strategies:

  • Allocate time each week for learning something new, whether it’s a new software tool, a professional course, or something related to personal growth and development.
  • Attend webinars, workshops, and conferences to stay informed and network with like-minded professionals.
  • Get into the habit of reading—books, articles, research papers—related to your field, or some other topic of interest.
  1. Develop Resilience

If there is one thing that is for certain, it is setbacks and disappointments are going to occur in life. Developing the ability to bounce back from setbacks is a defining trait of successful individuals. Resilience includes maintaining a positive attitude in the face of setbacks, managing stress effectively, and viewing failures as opportunities for growth rather than unbeatable obstacles.

Suggested Strategies:

  • Create a regular practice, daily, if possible, of stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, exercise, yoga, or whatever works for you.
  • Look back on past setbacks and remember what you learned from them. Many of us can remember experiences that, while upsetting at the time they occurred, turned out to be one of the best things that happened to us.
  • Build a support network of colleagues, mentors and friends who can offer guidance and encouragement. There are few things in life as valuable as great relationships.
  1. Be Solution Oriented, Not Problem Centered

Are you a glass half empty of half full person? The cultivation of a solution-oriented mindset means approaching challenges with a positive attitude, focusing on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. This mindset is a choice and fosters innovation, creativity, and problem-solving, all of which are essential skills in a dynamic work or personal setting.

Suggested Strategies:

  • When faced with a challenge, consider a variety of potential solutions before deciding on the best course of action. The key is to focus on finding a solution rather than searching for who to blame, or wallowing in woe is me thinking.
  • Utilize your resources. You are not alone. Tap into your support network and create an environment where everyone is comfortable sharing ideas and offering possible solutions.
  • Celebrate your small wins and move forward towards solving bigger challenges to maintain motivation and momentum. This serves as a reminder that you have overcome obstacles in the past, and you will overcome them again.
  1. Prioritize Time and Energy Management for Productivity

One of my core values is the effective, efficient use of time. Effectively managing your time involves recognizing and honoring your values, setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks, and using your best tools and techniques to manage your workload efficiently.

Suggested Strategies:

  • Find a productivity tool you like such as a task manager app, calendar, or project management software tool to organize yourself and your work.
  • Break down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks and set time goals for their accomplishment.
  • Practice working in time blocks using such tools as the Pomodoro Technique or some other time blocking system to maintain focus and prevent burnout. Balance is the key here.
  • It helps to recognize when your peak hours of energy are present. Are you a morning person, a night owl, or somewhere in between. Schedule your most important task for the time of day when you are at your peak energy level.

Personal and professional success requires more than just technical skills—it demands a fundamental shift in mindset. By embracing continuous learning, developing resilience, focusing on solutions, and prioritizing time management, you stand a much better chance of navigating the complexities of modern life and achieving long-term success. Remember, a positive/growth mindset is a powerful tool. Cultivate it effectively, and you’ll find yourself thriving amid the rapid changes in both your professional and personal life. [

Want to Achieve Your Goals? Understand This Principle!

Written by Hollis Nelson on . Posted in Achievement, Community, Training. Leave a Comment

Very few people would argue against the value of goal setting. It’s also no secret that many people fail to achieve goals they set for themselves. Failing to reach a goal can happen to anyone, and it is better to try and fail reaching a goal than failing to try at all. The real question becomes, is there a way to improve one’s chances of achieving the goals they set? The answer, yes!

One of the key reasons people fail to achieve their goals is because they set goals without including two critical components: an understanding of the discipline equation and developing a measurable system of achievement. These three components all work together as a symbiotic system of goal realization. The system does not guarantee success, but it can certainly increase one’s chances of success.

Let’s take a quick look at this process.

The Goal

It all starts with the goal. Clearly defining what it is the one wants to achieve. When setting a goal, it is important that there is a real belief that reaching the goal is possible, and that it is internally motivated by the goal setter. It must be something you really want and believe you can do.

 The System of Achievement

The system of Achievement is where you determine what needs to be done to achieve the goal. It lays out the overall picture and decides what new habits need to be formed, and what daily actions need to be taken to achieve the goal.

Discipline Equation

Steven Bartlett author of Diary of a CEO provides one of the most concise explanations of the discipline equation process I’ve come across. Bartlett breaks the equation down into this simple formula:

Discipline = The Value of the Goal + The Reward of the Pursuit – The Cost of the Pursuit.

  1. What is the value, meaning, or benefit of achieving the goal you’ve set for yourself?
  2. No matter how challenging it may be, do you find the process of pursuing your goal enjoyable and psychologically rewarding? This element is directly connected to the system of achievement.
  3. Finally, one must also honestly assess if the cost of pursuing the goal is not enjoyable or psychologically rewarding. This determines if one will be able to persist through the challenges encountered in pursuit of the goal.

 

The discipline equation simply states: if the psychological and emotional cost of pursuing the goal is greater than the enjoyment experienced in the system of achievement, the discipline required to achieve the goal will not be strong enough to make it. The pursuit of the goal will inevitably be abandoned.

 

The opposite side of the equation of course is if the psychological and emotional value of the goal and system of achievement are greater than the pain experienced in pursuit of the goal, the discipline required to achieve the goal will be strong enough to increase the chances of success.

 

Growth, success, achievement, whatever term you use requires going through fear, anxiety, doubt, and uncertainty, and moving forward anyway. One of the key reasons people fail to achieve their goals is not taking how much of that they are willing to endure into consideration when setting out to pursue their goals.

 

Want to increase your chances of success in pursuing your goals? Have a clear picture of what it is. Keep that vision of achieving it in the forefront of your mind.

Develop a systematic process of the daily action steps you’re going to take to reach the goal, and if the psychological and emotional joy of the pursuit is greater than the pain experienced in the process your chances of success will increase exponentially.

 

It’s time to set a goal, develop the system of achievement, get going and enjoy the process. I believe in you, and if you believe in yourself, there is no stopping you.

Namaste.

Determined to Succeed

Written by Hollis Nelson on . Posted in Achievement, Training.

The challenges of raising a child in a single parent household are well known in our society. What we don’t hear enough about are those that rise to the challenge, set goals for themselves, head out, and achieve those goals despite the obstacles. Artoneil Rodney is a person that fits that description.

Artoneil is training to become an electrician, a profession that you do not see many females pursuing, so taking on tough challenges is something she has embraced. What impressed us the most about her is that in addition to her electrician training she decided that obtaining Microsoft Excel skills would also be beneficial, which lead her to the Greater Paterson OIC.

Her desire to learn and her commitment to achieving her goals were evident from the start. Taking classes at OIC in the afternoon, caring for her daughter, and attending electrician classes at night was a full load, but she was determined to succeed. And succeed she did.

We were elated when Artoneil successfully passed her Microsoft Office Specialist certification exam in Excel and joyfully celebrated with her. She is a testament to what a person can do when they make up their mind to accomplish a goal, take on the challenge, and overcome any obstacles that get in the way. She is progressing in her electrician’s training and has decided to pursue obtaining her driver’s license as well.

We have no doubt that she will reach both goals and make a better life for herself and her daughter. We will be there to lend our support along the way.

Three Keys to an Effective Career Change

Written by Hollis Nelson on . Posted in Jobs, Personal, Training.

2022 is here! As the year begins the COVID 19 pandemic is still very much in play, and new variants continue to pose serious challenges. There is a small glimmer of light at the end of the of the tunnel. While there are still restrictions in place, we can still return to doing some of the things we enjoy. In terms of the job market, things are also beginning to pick up. Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has the current 4.6% unemployment rate at its lowest point since the outbreak of the pandemic in March of 2020.

However, one interesting occurrence in the job market was the number of people who decided not to return to their previous occupations. The BLS estimates approximately 4.4 million people have quit their jobs, and contrary to what some believe, this is not due primarily to anti-vaccination, or mandated vaccination issues. That is a small part of it; but there are deeper, more personal issues at play here.

Photo By: Gatot Adri

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we work, and as a result, enabled more reflective time to consider meaning, value, and “work-life” balance. It gave people a different experience, and time to slow down and reflect on what is important to them. Yes, some jobs did not return after businesses closed due to the pandemic, but millions decided that they no longer wanted to return to their previous way of life especially in terms of their work lives. Some will pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, while others will seek to make career changes and make a fresh start. They want to find and do work that provides meaning and value to their lives and the lives of others.

I want to share a few thoughts for career changers to consider as they embark on making that fresh start. There are at least three things I think you should make a part of your career change process.

First, consider your passions. Think about the things you enjoy doing in your own time, such as hobbies or things you do just for the pure fun and enjoyment of doing it. I believe this is a critical part in setting a direction for career change. For example, I am a tech enthusiast. I enjoy building gaming and business productivity PC’s and learning about new technologies and how they impact our lives. What you enjoy may be entirely different but identifying what you enjoy and have a passion for is important. You can have one passion or multiple passions; it doesn’t matter. Taking those passions into consideration as part of your career change is what is important.

This leads to the second thing to consider in making your career change. Ask yourself some key questions regarding your passions. They would include: What are the things I am skilled at in my passion? Am I learning new things and developing new skills in the areas of my passions? These types of questions are essential to the third aspect of the effective approach to career change.

The third piece would be to identify what industry your passions fall under. Is it the tech industry? Maybe its culinary, fashion and beauty, botany or the environment, retail sales, automobiles, just to name a few. By identifying your passions, skills, and industry, you have the foundation on which to build a satisfying and meaningful career shift, instead of pursuing a “job” because you need to pay bills – as so many do – finding yourself working but stressed and unhappy.

I have encountered many people who have jobs they hate but go through the motions every day because bills got to be paid. Impactful career change is about finding that right match of passions, skills, and industry. The career change search begins with establishing which companies are in the industry where your passions lie. You are probably already a customer with one or more of these companies. After you’ve assessed what your key skills are in your passion, you explore to find if there are positions available with companies in the industry that match your skills, and if not find out what skills are in demand that you may need to develop. Learning new skills centered around things we are passionate about comes naturally, so that’s an easy obstacle to overcome.

The key takeaway here is that career change is more than just searching for a new job. Doing work that brings meaning, personal satisfaction, and benefit to others involves finding that right combination of passion, skills and industry.

Of course, paying the bills and meeting the needs of life are important, but if you can do it in a space that has these three elements, you are more likely to experience career growth, rather than seek career change. I hope that 2022 will be the year that more people find careers that bring these three elements together. We will all benefit as a result. Namaste.

This article was first published on Transformation.net

The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Paterson OIC, its Board of Directors, or any other group or individual affiliated.

Goals Achieved!

Written by Hollis Nelson on . Posted in Achievement, Training.

The staff of the Greater Paterson OIC would like to congratulate Aura Lopez on her remarkable accomplishments in our Small Business and Office Management training program.

Aura came into our training program seeking to make a career change. She has a passion for business and wanted to strengthen her skills in order to pursue better opportunities. She was accepted into our Small Business and Office Management training program, which includes the opportunity to earn industry recognized certification in Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) or Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) in Excel.

Aura wasn’t satisfied with just one, she went on to earn both. Her commitment to achieving her goals and the work she put in to reach them was impressive to witness and speaks highly to the quality of her character.

We are confident that Aura will succeed in whatever endeavor she pursues next. We are grateful that we had the opportunity to work with her and we wish her all the best.

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