One characteristic common to top performers is an ability to set and reach their goals. They don’t have more time than anyone else; they share a clock with the rest of us, a straight-up 24 new hours every day. But they use those hours effectively and that ensures their success. Accomplished professionals know they can’t do it all. They learn to specialize, prioritize and then capitalize in order to succeed.

Dr. Anne Moore at Tria keeps my family’s aches and pains at bay --no small feat in a household comprised of avid athletes and old people. People trust Dr. Moore because first, they like her, and, importantly, she specializes: she focuses her professional time and energy on sports medicine. She might also have knowledge about music and art and staining a deck, but if she tried to be an authority on each of those topics, it would hinder her from becoming an expert in the area that matters most to her.

A recent discussion on LinkedIn asked, “What’s your favorite motivational quote?”  The responses were many and varied and interesting to share. Motivational quotes can keep us going when the going gets tough, inspire us to achieve more, or remind us to have some fun once in a while.  Sometimes, simply seeing a quote in front of you every day can actually make you believe something about yourself and your capabilities that you didn’t believe before. 

What’s written on your wall?  Are you motivated by practical, common-sense sayings, deep and thought-provoking quotes, or funny one-liners you can repeat to your friends?

What does last year’s W-2 look like?  This is an employment interviewer's politically correct way to ask your salary requirement.  And it’s among a candidate's worst nightmares.

Last year, you were partially employed, maybe for cash, and in November you took a retail job just to muster up a couple of holiday gifts for the kiddos.  "Last year's W-2" has as little to do with your current salary expectations as... well... as that partial employment had to do with your career plans.  So, how does one answer such an immaterial question?  Do you:

Some say what is on a desk is a direct reflection of what is in the head of the person who uses it.  Put the paper down and look around for just a minute.  What surrounds you?  And what does that say about how you work?  Creating a more favorable workspace is easy to do, and can actually improve a person’s ability to achieve great things.

Jared has one of those spaces that make people shake their heads.  He seems disorganized, but he will be the first to tell you, “Everything is important.”  The head shakers suspect Jared could be more efficient if he worked differently.  But Jared is not disorganized; he just comes across that way.  The word organize suggests file folders and ladies’ magazines.  Let’s change organize to establish, and see what we can make happen in your space.