by Solange Lopes | Dec 1, 2016 | Career
What could you do in 21 days? Or even better, what couldn’t you do?
Research shows that it takes 21 days to develop a habit. 21 days to get on a consistent exercise routine, or start a meditation practice, or even stop sleepwalking to the cheese section of the fridge in the middle of the night (still working on this one)…
What if you could use 21 days to change your career? Not by logging in extra hours, playing dirty office politics, or even hunting for a better job…But simply through the power of gratitude!
There are a gazillion different pieces of advice out there about improving your career. Yet very few talk about how much you can change it by being grateful for where you already are. That can be challenging, considering most of us are constantly on the run, hardly able to stop and appreciate what we have. Not to mention that most of us are paid to solve problems and face obstacles, which leaves us to look at work as this giant, thankless pile of things to do, start and never quite really finish…
Gratitude at Work Is Not Just About Being Nice, It’s A Mindset!
And it’s not just about being nice, bringing cookies and coffee to the office, or even being pleasant to those you happen to work with…It’s a mindset, rooted in the fact that you can only attract what you put out in the world. The more gratitude you put out for that paycheck, those collaborative co-workers, the resources that allow you to pursue the things you love, the more these very thing improve to the point of transmuting themselves into the career you really want…
Have you ever thought to think about how some people get to be in positions of leadership, when all the conventional signs don’t really point to them to lead? How someone who may have as many degrees as a thermometer may not fare as well in their careers, as someone with less credentials? At the core of it all, it’s a mindset. One in which gratitude plays a monumental role…
If that sounds too woo-woo for you, think of one of the greatest self-help books of all time, Think and Grow Rich, in which author Napoleon Hill describes gratitude as one of the ultimate means to reach absolute success in life. But you must practice it on purpose, so its power can really affect your life and work. Which also means building a habit of stopping and recognizing what you are grateful for, on a consistent and active basis…
Think of What Is Working Well At Work…
In your own career, that may mean many different things. From your resources, to the connections and friendships you’ve built over time, to the experience you’ve acquired, not to mention the failures which may have taught you much more than the successes…
I went through the same process when my career was hitting lows, and I wasn’t quite sure what to do. A consistent practice of gratitude not only helped me acquire a different mindset, but also a different attitude and perspective. Circumstances could only follow after this…
That’s why I created this 21-day guided Career Gratitude Journal, complete with guided questions and fillable sections to prompt you to think of things, events and people in your career that you’re thankful for. These will force you to maybe consider aspects of your current job or career that you may overlook on a daily basis. Those little, and medium-sized, and big things we come to think of as normal, but could really change our lives if we didn’t have them…
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR 21-DAY GRATITUDE JOURNAL!
I hope you can use it for 21 days, and keep re-using the questions in there as prompts to motivate you to build a consistent habit of gratitude…
Share with us your results using the 21-Day guided Career Gratitude Journal!
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 30, 2016 | Career
‘Tis the season for holiday gatherings and events at the office. Festivities are in the air, and a sense of celebration is pervading through Cubicle Land. But despite all the cocktails and good cheer around, it’s still work. Which also means there are some unspoken rules to follow to navigate any holiday event in the workplace this season:
Unspoken Rule#1: It’s all about balance!
While many will tell you holiday event or not, it’s still work (which basically means zero fun), there’s still a healthy balance to be kept between the “strictly professional”(read talk about the monthly fiscal report during the entire event), and the fun stuff.
Although you should keep it as professional as possible, there’s also something to be said about showing a lighter side of yourself. Try as much as possible to be relaxed while still maintaining a professional attitude, and let some of your personality shine. This is about getting to know your colleagues better, and allowing them to get to know you better as well…
Oh, and the whole balance thing includes being careful how many glasses of wine you consume to…You’d never want to be remembered as the one who told the boss what she really thought of him after a few drinks…
Unspoken Rule#2: Yes, it’s an Opportunity to Network!
You can network anywhere. Especially at a work holiday event. While this shouldn’t be your entire focus the whole time, take this opportunity to build stronger connections with your colleagues and leaders.Leverage this time to informally network with your peers and leaders, and position yourself in a positive light.
If you’re not sure how to go about this whole networking thing, here are 50 networking questions you can start with.
Unspoken Rule #3: It’s Ok to Get Personal!
Ok, now don’t confuse getting personal with teetering on the edge of TMI (Too Much Information) Zone! This is supposed to be a joyful event, so don’t be afraid to step into a more personal zone, minus any cringe-worthy details about your last indigestion or your ex-best friend’s college antics.
Let your colleagues and leaders see a more private side of yourself, by sharing personal details like where you went on vacation last or some of your family traditions, for instance. In addition to revealing another side of you, it’ll also help you relate to your co-workers and managers on a totally different level.
Unspoken Rule #4: Follow Up!
One aspect of navigating holiday events at work that gets rarely discussed is actually what happens after the event. It’s one thing to enjoy holiday events at work, and get to know your colleagues and leaders while doing some positive networking. It’s another to actually take all this great connecting and networking beyond the event, and actually keep developing the relationships you’ve just made.
You can do this by simply sending an email to someone you’ve connected well with the next day or so, to let them know how much you’ve enjoyed your conversation and invite them for coffee. Or stopping by their cube or office, and saying hi. The point is not to stalk people you’ve enjoyed the company of the evening before, but to keep and reinforce the connection.
So many times, we end up meeting people only once, and never seeing them again or barely interacting with them afterwards…Just follow up, you never know if you’ve just interacted with your future manager, mentor or friend…
What other unspoken rules do you have around holiday events at work?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 25, 2016 | Career
In this post, I’m rounding up the Black Friday sales for my favorite workwear brands. Check it out below!
- Ann Taylor is having a 50% off sale site wide;
- Loft is also offering sales up to 50% off;
- Nordstrom is having amazing deals on top women’s clothing brands + an extra 20% off on most select sales prices;
- The Limited is cutting its prices by 70% + Free Shipping (use code HOLIDAY);
- Neiman Marcus is offering 60% off its prices TODAY ONLY;
- Last Call is cutting prices 40 to 80% off TODAY ONLY;
- Bergdorf Goodman is hosting its women and men’s designer sale with discounts up to 40% off;
- Saks Fifth Avenue is holding its Designer Sale with price cuts up to 40% off + other promotional offers;
- Dorothy Perkins is discounting its merchandise up to 50% off;
- ASOS is slashing off all its prices by 20% off;
- Uniqlo is offering all kinds of promotions on cashmere sweaters and more;
- Topshop is offering up to 30% off on their shoes;
- Famous Footwear is giving away 15% off coupons over the Balck Friday Weekend + BOGO (Buy One Get One Free) + Free Shipping with code BLKFRI.
Happy Black Friday!
Cheers,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 23, 2016 | Career
Wear to Work: Pleated Ponte Dress – Photo credit: shopstyle.com
Our Wear to Work feature showcases a piece of attire for business and professional women.
If you ask me, the new LBD is the LRD (Little Red Dress). Nothing says “power dress” like a red dress that can literally take you from desk to wine in a cinch. Like this J. Crew pleated ponte dress, in a breathable and comfortable knit fabric.
Love the easy, flattering silhouette of this dress that you can slip on in less than 3o seconds and move around in for the entire day. The long sleeves are perfect for the Fall/Winter season, while the pleats add a touch of chic sophistication to the dress. It’s $128 at J. Crew.
As alternatives, I also like this resume dress, also from J. Crew (although only available in Tall sizes). Or this office-ready Ellen Tracy pleat ponte fit and flare dress from Nordstrom, available in emerald and red.
Petite sizes.
Michael Kors petite sheath dress- Photo credit: shopstyle.com
Speaking of LRDs, this Michael Kors petite ponte sheath dress from Macy’s is your instant ticket to sophistication with its subtle flounce hem and easy silhouette. Similar to this, this Ann Taylor drop-waist flounce dress is both feminine and flattering.
I also love the asymmetrical waist and flattering silhouette on this Ellen Tracy seamed ponte sheath dress from Nordstrom.
Plus Sizes.
Ponte-Knit-Plus-Size-A-Line Dress – Photo credit: shopstyle.com
My favorite LRDs in this ponte sheath dress include this beautiful A-line number from Old Navy, available in sizes 1X through 4X.
I also really like this Eloquii color block peplum dress, available in sizes 14 through 28.
Eloquii Plus Size Colorblock Peplum Dress – Photo credit: shopstyle.com
Which one is your favorite?
Cheers,
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 21, 2016 | Career
The first business coach I ever worked with had me started with this gratitude exercise. I was to invest in a gratitude journal and log in at least 10 things I was grateful for every day. Which after I was done logging in all my family, friends, health, shoe collections, and other blessings I was thankful for, left my career up for grabs…
Sure, most of us are thankful to have a job that pays the bills and even allows for the not-so-occasional shoe shopping spree. But unless you’re working the job of your dreams (which in this case gets upgraded from J-O-B to an exercise in self-fulfillment), expressing more than basic gratitude for your 9-to-5 may seem daunting…
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“The more grateful you are about something, anything, the more abundance you create around it in your own life!”, was my coach’s take on the whole career gratitude thing. In other words, if you want to improve your career, you must start by being thankful for where you’re at professionally. Regardless of whether you think you’d much rather be hiking the Himalayas or translating the Thesaurus in Latin, than writing that hundred-page long report…
Easier said than done when your “work cup” is running over (in terms of to-do’s and deliverables that is)…Or when you’re facing challenges with your team or boss. Or just dreaming about a totally different career as you’re parking in your assigned spot in the morning. Or even because of that long overdue vacation you haven’t yet taken this year…
The point is, it’s not just about uttering a few thank you phrases here and there, or even passing out some of your leftover candy from Halloween as a (sweet) token of appreciation…It’s really about understanding the power of gratitude in your life and career…Think of it as a muscle, the more of it you practice, the stronger it becomes. And the stronger it becomes, the better whatever you’re grateful for becomes…Kinda of the gift that keeps on giving…
As Thanksgiving is approaching and tradition has it to throw some thanks in the Good Fortune basket of our lives, your career should be included in the mix too…Whether you’re highly satisfied with your current job and want to scream it out loud for everyone to hear… Or you’re daydreaming of escaping to Maui, alone…
And before you start rolling your eyes at me, here’s a quick reality check on why giving thanks may actually just be what your career needs right now (in addition to you putting down that smartphone):
You’ve got a job which pays you money you can invest in doing what you love. You’re welcome.
So here…That paycheck you earn every couple of weeks or every month is allowing you some financial freedom to enjoy what you really love. Whether it’s spending time with your family, go kayaking in the Great Lakes, or fund that side hustle of yours, most of the activities you do on the side require money. Having a day job allows you to earn that money, while having some financial peace of mind in the process.
Looking for a change? Sure. But in the meantime, appreciate the fact that you don’t have to stay up all night wondering how to pay the electric bill…And feel free to enjoy life and work on bettering yourself and your career, minus the money headaches and financial stress…
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Working with other humans is challenging. Learn from it. You’re welcome.
One of the common misconceptions around work is that it’s not really the work that makes work challenging, but rather the people. Well, isn’t that the point?
Seriously, if work didn’t involve people, then it wouldn’t really be work…Whether you’re selling products, advocating for a cause, or writing the next great American novel, most likely, you’ll have other humans involved…Challenging? Yes. Filled with opportunities to learn and grow? You bet.
Think of how many learning opportunities you actually have when working within a team at your current job. From learning to network, whether formally or informally, to learning the art of negotiation and compromise, you can take a wealth of knowledge from your current job to your future self, business or dream.
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Got career setbacks? They’re here to teach you a lesson. So stop and give thanks.
If you ask me, failure is the one single most powerful motivator to success. There’s nothing like having to pick your face up off the floor to teach you a lesson or two about breaking your own and others’ barriers to achievement…
What your current job is teaching you through the setbacks you may be encountering, is to build the tools you need to beat those roadblocks in your way. Without those setbacks, you wouldn’t be ready for the promotion you’re expecting, or the business you’re striving to build, or even this career change you’ve been considering. So stop and give thanks for the great tips you’re learning on the way to where you’re going…
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Not sure how to be more thankful at work? Here are a few suggestions:
Start or keep a gratitude journal.
Grab that notebook laying around on your office desk, open the first page, and write on top: “Gratitude Journal”, with your name on the side. This is the beginning of a new journey for you…
I know you may be rolling your eyes but now, but take five minutes each day to write at least five things you’re thankful for, including around your job. Don’t think, don’t rationalize it, just do it. Every.single.day.
It takes three weeks to build a habit. Do this for three weeks, and watch your life and career change…
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Say thank you to someone at work.
Whether you just walk over to a colleague’s desk, or send them an email, or go one step further and buy a nice thank you card, take the time to say thank you. Someone may have helped you with a project, taken some responsibilities off your pile of work, or just said a kind word in your favor. Acknowledge it and say thanks.
Even better, say thank you to someone who may not be getting any thanks for what s/he does. Someone like the janitor, or that security guard who signs you in every time you forget your badge…
It’s not just about making someone else feel good. What you get out of it is that satisfaction and fulfillment of making a difference. And just that is taking your career to the next level…
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Show appreciation to your team.
How about bringing some cookies to your team once in a while? Or organizing a team event? Find ways of showing your appreciation to your team. Not only does it bring morale up, it’s also helps you re-discover the purpose of work and your mission as a whole…
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How do you think being thankful for your career will improve it?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 18, 2016 | Career
Kate Spade New York Bunny Sweater – Photo credit: shopstyle.com
Our Weekend Wear feature showcases clothing and accessories for stylish business and professional women to sport on week-ends.
I’ve been obsessed with graphic knit sweaters these days…There’s just something about the fun patterns and graphics that puts a smile on your face, no matter what you may be doing. Like this Kate Spade New York Bunny Wool Blend sweater from Nordstrom.Love the sweet embroidered bunny face on this otherwise classic sweater, that I’d pair with leggings or jeans on the weekend. It’s $268 at Nordstrom.
I also like this Lauren Moshi flamingo v-neck knit pullover, also from Nordstrom. This fun white snowman face slouchy number from Zulily is also perfect for the season, while this quirky “Holiday” sweater from Target is as festive as it looks.
Which one is your fave?
Cheers,
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 18, 2016 | Career
This is our weekly career and lifestyle news roundup, where we round up exciting news of the last week and we let you have it…ahem, news-wise that is…
Think of it as your career gossiping section on steroids…
And while you’re at it, follow us on Facebook, Twitter,IG, and Pinterest!
Here we go…
- A special homage this week to political reporter and “PBS Newshour” Co-anchor Gwen Ifill who lost her battle to cancer, she was 61;
- This week, I attended an amazing event around issues affecting the future of women post-election in America, sponsored by Ellevate Network. Read my recap HERE;
- Speaking of the elections, Ellevate Network‘s Chair Sallie Krawcheck writes about what Trump could mean for women in business (and it’s not what you may think);
- Are you an introvert? Work It Daily reveals one job search tip you may not want to hear, but really need;
- As you’re gearing up for Thanksgiving, the Lindsey Pollak Blog confirms that gratitude is totally work-appropriate;
- Business Insider lists 32 things you should never say to your boss, even if you’re friends;
- Falling asleep at your desk? The Muse describes the 2-minute exercise that will wake you up;
- Are you facing changes in your life and career? Ellevate Network tips you off on how to manage changes and transitions successfully;
- Black Friday is right around the corner! Entrepreneur lists the best Black Friday deals;
- For all the vegetarians out there, Love and Lemons cooked up a series of Thanksgiving sides for you.
Cheers,
The Corporate Sis.
