Time Management for Life

1.  Make a list of all the things you actually have scheduled into your life (social activities that are not flexible, clubs, sports teams, music lessons, dance, etc.)

-  Determine dates/times as soon as you can and immediately block off time for them in your Calendar or Agenda

2.  Determine what the best time is for you to study and set aside a block of uninterrupted time each day for homework

- make an effort to study at that each day so that it becomes a habit.

3. Use your Agenda to determine what needs to be done each day/week

- Allow time (10 minutes daily if possible) to review material you covered in class that day, or block off weekly time to review material from each subject

- Write down assignments from every class including due date

-  Decide how much time each assignment/project will need, and work backwards to set up your study time

-  Check things off as you complete them

-  Don’t leave things until the last minute – give yourself time to adjust in case something gets in the way

4. Make sure you have everything you need in your study area and get rid of distractions

5.  Turn off Facebook, cell phone, and any other digital distractions that may interrupt your study period – See 1 Tip to Guarantee Productivity

6. Take advantage of open “time windows.”

· Use the time you spend waiting, walking, riding, etc. to review what you’ve learned.

· Just before class, quickly review your notes or readings relating to that class.

7.  Schedule your fixed commitments to leave time time for planned recreation, sports, club activities, etc.

• Enter important dates for your social and family life.
• Leave free time for yourself so you have flexibility.

Some information adapted from www.timeman.com

So how about Linked In?  I have recently had an editorial published in Canadian School Counsellor which addresses this issue – to read the article, click here

What do you think about our teenagers’ use of the internet?  Do you think this is something that is best left to the parent, or should the etiquette be included at school?  I’m curious to hear your comments!

What is familiar and known is comfortable. We know what to expect. We know how the story goes. And we know how we will respond.

Growth, though, lies just outside our comfort zone.  It is hard to grow if you are not willing to risk -  to try something new.

There are times throughout our lives when we must leave what we know, and venture into the unknown.

When you took your first steps as a child, you didn’t know about your “comfort zone” – you fell down, and just kept getting up, trying again and again until you succeeded.  Then you learned to run, ride a bike…

Why is it that as we get older, we become afraid, we question things, we worry – what will others think, what if I can’t do it…..   To heck with all that.  It isn’t what others think that matters, it is what you think!

Mistakes are opportunities to learn and try again – retakes! Learn to overcome that fear, the negative thoughts, and take that leap of faith.

Although there is no map for this vast wilderness, you are not wholly unprepared. You have a guide: your intuition.

Instead of relying on a map to guide you, you learn to “follow your instincts.” And those instincts lead you on a journey that is all your own.   By taking some risks and stepping out of your box, what you may discover along the way is who you really are and what you really love.  Yes, sometimes you may have to give up on some old thinking or a negative thought  that is holding you back (ask yourself – is that pride?)

Unrefined and unmapped, the wilderness of your intuition leads you to discoveries and experiences you never would have had if you stayed where you were comfortable.

What journey will you take that leads you to new discoveries and opportunities?  Imagine what’s out there for you if you venture away from what’s familiar and comfortable and follow your intuition into the vast unknown.

If you are ready to try something new – here is a test you can’t fail…rediscover what is most important to you – take The Passion Test, contact me to learn more about the many ways you can!

To Living Life With Purpose, On Purpose

Karen

Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP, CPRW, CCC
Certified Passion Test Facilitator

Ethical or not, remember that whatever you put online is in the “public domain”, but if you have set up your security so that others cannot view your information without your permission, you do NOT have to give this information.

Feeling pressured? Afraid you won’t get the job if you don’t share it?

My first thoughts are:

1.  Don’t post things you are not proud of, use your social media carefully, and monitor your online reputation … then you won’t have to worry so much if someone stumbles across your online information.

2.  Would I really want to work for an organization that does not value my privacy?

Of course, neither solves your problem of how to deal with such an invasion during an interview so…

This article from Career Realism offers a couple of great suggestions. The Labour Codes quoted don’t apply in Canada, but the privacy principles do, and these answers can still guide you in how to answer.

And if you are looking for a Certified Employment Interview Professional (CEIP) aka Interview Coach, look no further – I can help you with that too!

To Living Life With Purpose, On Purpose

Karen

Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP, CPRW, CCC
Certified Passion Test Facilitator

I, for one, find it really easy to start a project – I get so many ideas and the motivation is strong in the beginning.  I also love to see the final result.  But somewhere in the middle I can start to putter out…  Today I was out in my very neglected garden.  After about 1/3 of the way I saw how much better it was looking, but I had to stop.  But seeing the difference is very motivating and I will be back again to finish the job (or my neighbours may complain!)

How much easier if I had maintained the work last summer instead of waiting until the new spring…  Like a nice hot shower, motivation invigorates you and gets you moving. But it’s not something you do once and then you’re done.  You don’t “get” motivated and “stay” motivated. You have to regularly renew your supply.

And yet, most of us don’t think  about renewing our motivation daily like we think about brushing our teeth or taking a bath. It’s not a daily habit. For many people it’s simply a book they keep on their shelf and reference from time to time, a mantra that lingers in the back of their mind , or a quote they occasionally refer to when their productivity and enthusiasm start to wane.

But motivation is not a fleeting effort.   It is conscious, diligent and consistent.  And the rewards are immeasurable.

So what if you built motivation into your daily routine? How would your life change?

Maybe you post your passions (or pictures of them)  somewhere where you can read them each morning – on the bathroom mirror where you review them while you brush your teeth.

Maybe you commit to read a passage from an inspiring book  each morning, or wake up to your favorite song.

Maybe it’s going for a walk through the park in the early morning hours or taking a break each work day to quiet your mind through meditation .

Whatever it is, make it a priority to do it daily and watch your life change!

As for me, I will finish cleaning the garden out so I can plant some beautiful colourful plants – seeing the colour each day will help me to say motivated to keep it clean (just a good thing green isn’t my favorite colour, or I may have  reverted to letting the crabgrass and weeds grow back!)

I love colour – what do you love?  Find some things that can help you stay motivated.

Until then

Live Your Life With Purpose, OnPurpose

Karen

Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP, CPRW, CCC
Certified Passion Test Facilitator
www.karengirard.com
www.careerplanningforstudents.com

USING PASSION TO INSPIRE ACTION

 I don’t know about you, but I am a people pleaser – I do battle with it all the time, because I know it is impossible to please everyone. Yet I still try!

I always want to help everyone,  to have people like me, and I do sometimes find  it really hard to say no.  This has caught up with me more than once, and my body tells me I have to slow down.  Which is where I have been lately…

My worst time is usually in February/March/April when things pile up – this year I ended up in the hospital – I have been forced to slow down…

 Pleasing other people—who could find fault with that? Isn’t it a good thing to consider the needs of others, to be gracious, to be nice?

By all means! But for many, the desire to please becomes an addictive need to please others, even at the expense of their own health and happiness. It takes a toll on health, relationships and quality of life, and it drowns out the inner voice that may be trying to protect us from overdoing it.

“As a people-pleaser, you feel controlled by your need to please others and addicted to their approval,” writes Harriet B. Braiker, Ph.D., in The Disease to Please. “At the same time, you feel out of control over the pressures and demands on your life that these needs have created.”

Take this quiz to see whether you can benefit from learning to say no to others more often—and yes to yourself.

1. I put others’ needs before my own, even when the cost to me and my own happiness is great.

2. If someone needs my help, I can’t say no. In fact, I often find it difficult to say no. And when I do, I feel guilty.

3. To avoid reactions I’m afraid of, I often try to be who others want me to be, to agree with them, to fit in.

4. I keep my own needs and problems to myself; I don’t want to burden others with them.

5. It’s my job to make sure everyone else is happy.

6. I always have a smile on my face and an upbeat attitude, even if I feel sad or angry or hurt.

7. I go out of my way to avoid conflict and confrontation; it’s better just to keep the peace.

8. I am often on the go, rushing to get things done. When I take a moment for myself, I feel selfish, indulgent and guilty.

9. I should always be nice and never hurt others’ feelings.

10. I’ll do whatever it takes to get someone to stop being mad at me.

11. I hold back from saying what I really think or from asking for what I want if I think someone will be upset with me for it.

12. I want everyone to like me…all the time.

13. I feel like a failure if I’ve displeased anyone.

14. If I don’t make others happy, I worry that I’ll be alone and unloved forever.

15. I will change my behavior, at my own expense, to make others happy.

16. I spend a lot of time doing things for others, but almost never ask anyone to do things for me.

17. If I ask people for help and they agree, I’m sure they must be giving out of obligation; if they really wanted to help, they would have offered without my asking.

18. It’s difficult for me to express my feelings when they are different from someone I’m close to.

The motivations for being a people pleaser are varied and usually quite unconscious. Transforming these patterns requires that we understand our pleasing behaviors and motivations, and heal the childhood wounds that usually underlie people pleasing. If you answered True more often than False, you may need support in saying Yes to yourself!

Taking the Passion Test can be your first step in deciding when to say yes to.  When I start slipping (that is, when I take the time to listen to my body before I crash), I re-take my own Passion Test – it helps me to determine what is most important to me, and what may have changed, so I can make my choices based on my passions.  Remember, your passions do change at different stages of your life – if you have taken The Passion Test, you should retake it at least every 6 months.

Listen to your body, ask yourself what is most important to you, and remember it is OK to say no to some things so that you have the time to say yes to those things that are most important!

Are you ready to take the Passion Test?  Contact me and learn more about how this can help!

To Living Life With Purpose, On Purpose

Karen

Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP, CPRW, CCC
Certified Passion Test Facilitator
www.karengirard.com
www.careerplanningforstudents.com

USING PASSION TO INSPIRE ACTION

 Feature image compliments of: secret-basketman-FreeDigitalPhotos.net_.jpg

Author’s content used under license, © 2008 Claire Communications

CONGRATULATIONS.  You have been accepted to university – Now what do you need to know so that you can get the best possible schedule?

1.  If you haven’t received a course planning guide, look online for one, and if it is not easily available, contact an advisor from your university to ask for one. 

2.  Look FIRST for, and make a list of,  the core required courses for your degree

3.  Read the Course registration information page to understand how to decode each course -

• (ie 3,3,1  may mean 3 hours a week of lectures, 3 hours of lab, and 1 hour of tutorial)
• *6 may mean that it is a 2 semester course (3 credits per semester or term) and that you have to register for both terms
• Some universities do credits differently – for example, at University of Victoria 1.5 credits is one term, while at University of Calgary 3 credits is one term.

4.  When there are choices to make (ie.  Choose one of  Math 113 or 115), look at each core course under course description  to help you decide which is the best one to register for (from pre-requisite and personal interest perspectives)

5.   Check each one to find out how much time they will take each week (3,3,1),  how many offerings they have, what you may need to register for (remember most science classes will include Lecture, Lab & Tutorial Classes).  Note:  Tutorials are NOT OPTIONAL.  Some courses are also full-year instead of one-semester courses – if so, be sure to plan & register for BOTH semesters.

6.  Create a weekly calendar, and start looking up your courses online in a class scheduler – create a couple of potential schedules6.   Don’t forget to note class codes, and if possible leave yourself time in the day for a break/snack.

On your registration date and time, ask your school or teacher for permission to miss a class if you have to so that you can register right away.  Many courses will fill up very quickly.

BONUS TIPS:  Schedule & register for classes that have fewer offerings first – for example if BIO 101 is only offered twice, and your Math class has 5 options, be sure to get your BIO class locked in first.

If necessary, go on a waitlist, and be sure to check your emails in case a waitlist position opens up – many post-secondary institutions only give you a certain amount of time to accept the offer before the position is offered to the next student on the list…

To Living Life With Purpose, On Purpose

Karen

Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP, CPRW, CCC
Certified Passion Test Facilitator
www.karengirard.com
www.careerplanningforstudents.com

Each university has different rules and standards.  Some require that you take your AP credit, others give you a choice to take the credit or retake the course.  DISCLAIMER:  I will be generalizing here based on my research, but please check with the AP advisor at each university or college where you plan to apply to find out their regulations.

In general, it appears that for the majority of Canadian universities and many US and international ones,  if you take the AP Exam and get a Grade of 4 or Higher, you may be able to get credit for a university course:

• Many Universities will only give you credit (a Pass), so the course will not be included in your GPA

It bears repeating:  Some universities do not give you the choice, so you should make this decision before you take the AP exam: Do I want the credit, or would I rather “retake” the course?

BENEFITS OF TAKING THE CREDIT:

• Saves you $$  for one university course (lower tuition for 1 term)
• If it is a required course for your program, may allow you a term where you could take fewer courses (say 4 courses instead of 5), enabling you to keep your GPA up on harder courses
• If it is not a required course, you may have already completed one of your options
• Gives you room for an additional course if you choose to take full-course load

WHY WOULD I NOT TAKE A CREDIT?

For those universities or colleges that give you the option, taking an AP Course and writing the exam, but choosing not to accept the  credit means that you could retake the course – so why would you do this?

• Taking the AP Course in high school and retaking the course in post-secondary could help “boost” your GPA
• If it is a required pre-requisite for admission to a professional program (such as medicine), many students choose to take the course so it appears on the transcript with the GPA
• It may allow you an “easier” course during a semester, so that you can concentrate on more intensive courses while “maintaining” your GPA

 There is a difference between “boosting” and “maintaining” your GPA, though it is possible for both to happen by retaking the course.  

 “Boosting” happens when you are succeeding in all your courses, but do extra well in the course you chose to retake.

 ”Maintaining” -  Many students  find, especially in first year, that their grades go down by as much as 10%.  By “retaking” the course, if other grades go down, the student may still be able to keep their GPA at a level they are accustomed to while adjusting to the differences at university.

WHY WOULD I TAKE THE COURSE IF I’M NOT PLANNING ON TAKING THE CREDIT?

Lots of students choose to take the AP course even if they are not planning on taking the credit…

• Classes are much more challenging and projects are more interesting
• You are surrounded by peers who have an advanced understanding of the topic – especially great if you are competitive and are motivated by that!
• Build a strong work ethic and start understanding the heavier workloads of university before taking on the full course load

It would be great to get input from experts in this area, especially from specific Canadian and American universities – what do you think the advantages or disadvantages of taking AP classes, especially if a school doesn’t offer a full AP program?

I would also love to hear from students who have done this…

To Living Life With Purpose, On Purpose

Karen

Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP, CPRW, CCC
Certified Passion Test Facilitator
www.karengirard.com
www.careerplanningforstudents.com

While I can’t possibly cover all the possibilities, here are a few ideas to try:

STRATEGIES:
1.  Surround yourself with people who expect more from you than you do yourself.
2.  Write down your goals, and share them with these people, so you will feel more accountable.
3.  Join a moderated mastermind job search group – share ideas, and learn from others, at the same time.
4.  Network, join associations, attend upgrading classes, volunteer – do whatever you can to build your skill base and meet more people who will be able to see how wonderful you are and help you!
5.  Get help from an expert – re-write your resume as an accomplishment based one using a Challenge/Action/Result method so that you can get down to the details of your skills and abilities

INTENTION:
Set your intentions and write them down. For many, the intention is to find a survival job so that they are able to pursue their passion.  For others, they may still be at a stage that they will only pursue jobs within their passion area.  Whatever it is, write it down.  Put it where you can see it and read it every day.

MINDSET:
Start each day with an affirmation.

• Today is a new day, with new possibilities.
•  I will offer value to every person I deal with today.
•  I am willing to put myself out there and show the world how wonderful I am, and to learn from all the experiences offered to me today.

PASSION:
Depending on where you are in your job search, this may be different.

Write out your passions with respect to your  career.  For some, it will be that they are passionate about finding a job that will pay the bills.  Others may be passionate about finding a job where they can help make people’s lives better.  Whatever you decide is right for you, put it out there, and then make yourife-choices according to that.

LIFE CHOICES:
What was your passion with respect to work?

Why was it important and what would the payoff be to achieve it?

What actions can you take today to take you closer to them?

Make a list, put them in priority order, and commit to doing them.

• Today, I will research and apply for 5 jobs.
• I will sign up for a night class in Simply Accounting.
• I will do one hour of homework/personal development every night.
• I will find a volunteer organization that can use my administrative talents

EXPERIENCE:
What has worked for you in the past?   What didn’t work?
Discuss it with your mastermind group. Ask a coach for help.
Spend more time on those areas that provide more opportunities.  Only 20% of jobs are advertised (online or elsewhere) – learn how you can access the hidden job market.

Whenever you have an issue, why not try the SIMPLE way, write it out, journal and see what your heart tells you based on thequestions related to each of the letters in the acronym!

Do you have a specific situation you would like to see addressed by the SIMPLE method?  Let me know – I will come up with some coaching questions to help guide your thought process and journaling.

“SIMPLE DESIGN ”  is a program I use in the Design my Best Life Coaching, to help people uncover their gifts and talents,and live their life with purpose, ON PURPOSE.  Did you know that your inner voices can help you control your feelings and reactions to even the most  frustrating events?

Stick with me, and we will go into more detail.  For now, let us uncover the secrets to SIMPLE in everyday living! Follow these easy tips:

S = Strategy –  discover strategies that resonate with, and work for you, so you can use them to help you find your way through the turmoil.

I =Intention. – Set the intention that you can and will get through whatever the issue is with positivity, taking all that comes with it as gifts of learning and experience.

M = Mindset – this will affect your results, your behaviour, and your decisions.  Talk to yourself, and make sure that you are using positive self-talk.  A positive mindset will remove much of the stress from the issue, and guide your actions, instead of just reacting.

P = Passion – What is important to you about the situation?  Why does it affect you the way it does?  Is it in conflict with something you are passionate about?  Whatever it is, remember what your passions are and be true to
them.

L = Life Choices –  When you have set your intention, have a positive mindset, and recognize where this affects you with respect to your
passions, it is much easier to make the right decisions.  Always make life-choices that will take you closer to your passion.

E = Experience. Look back on what has (or has not) worked in the past.  Experience provides us with lessons.  If something did not work in the past, don’t make the same mistake.  Review why, and try something different!

How about a SIMPLE Example!
Fighting with your children or spouse, but one of your top passions is to nurture loving, positive family relationships?  You have heard “Pick  your battles…”   This is one of those times to consider what is more important here – being right, or your passion of nurturing, loving, positive relationships?

Consider your mindset – Change it to the positive, take a deep breath, and make a life-choice on how you will respond.

Past experience will probably tell you that if you engage in the battle when everyone is upset, you all usually end up in frustration and anger.  Unless there is immediate or imminent danger, choosing a strategy of talking and using a teachable moment when people have cooled down may be far preferable to fighting it out right now, and may take you on that step towards your passion.  Set the intention that you will discuss the issue in a calm setting (and then plan to follow through!)

If you still decide it is worth pursuing, choose your words carefully, use a strategy of convincing rather than yelling, and set the intention to keep this as a discussion, considering all sides, rather than a battle that has to be won.

What we say in the moment can feel so harsh to receiver.  Taking a small moment to become aware of the possibilities, restating the intention and mindset, and following simple strategies, will help you become more purposeful in all your negotiations.

I’m looking forward to sharing much more about the SIMPLE DESIGN system with the readers here.   Meanwhile, remember to keep it SIMPLE!!