Wise words...now go to the gym.

"If you don't take care of yourself physically and emotionally, you will FAIL."
Jamie Dimon, CEO, JP Morgan Chase & Co.

Just because he's smack-dab in the middle of a HUGE business debacle doesn't mean he doesn't know what he's talking about when it comes to success.  Dimon's history and reputation speak for themselves.  Heed the words, folks...especially this one: "physically."  Your body IS the reason you're successful, don't fool yourself.  If you couldn't walk, couldn't talk, couldn't type, couldn't go to meetings...you'd never be where you are or have the ability to be where you want.  Keep your physical well-being in check; there are too many other obstacles to worry about without your health being one of them.

Words o' Wisdom

Update: the job hunt continues.  This quote doesn't necessarily apply, but it's a good one :)

“If you want to build a ship, don’t herd people together to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.”
— Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Well-Seasoned Advice

Having recently left the recruiting company for which I've worked these past 10 months--a job that was a risky endeavor to begin with and was supposed to result in great financial and personal success--I'm suddenly faced with a lot of crossroadsy choices and emotions.  Naturally, everyone to whom I talk is at-the-ready to offer free advice...however, one friend of mine sent me the following article that highlights the importance of paying attention to those who might actually know what they're talking about... :) (originally published in the Huffington Post)

Top 10 Lessons for Living from the Wisest Americans

Karl A. Pillemer, Ph.D. | Dec 07, 2011 09:29 AM EST

Comments (64)

In contemporary society, we don't often ask our elders for advice. We're much more likely to talk to professionals, read books by pop psychologists or motivational speakers, or surf the internet for solutions to our problems. In general (and for the first time in human history), we no longer look to our society's oldest members as a key source of wisdom for how to live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

 

As a gerontologist, I have come to believe that this attitude is a serious mistake. Older individuals (especially persons age 70 and beyond), are in fact the most credible experts we have available for knowledge about how to live well through hard times. They have been through unique historical experiences -- such as the Great Depression and World War II -- that have taught them how to thrive in the face of adversity. And they have personally experienced many of the tragedies younger people dread, giving them the ability to advise the rest of us about resilience in the face of illness and loss.

 

Over the past six years, I've conducted a research project designed to tap the practical wisdom of older Americans. Using several different social science methods, I've collected responses from over 1,200 elders to the question: "Over the course of your life, what are the most important lessons you would like to pass on to younger people." I then combed through the responses, and the result was a set of lessons for living from the people I have called "the wisest Americans."

 

As I look back over years of talking with America's elders, 10 lessons stand out as those they would like most to convey to younger people. Read these "Top 10 Lessons for Living" and let me know how they apply to your own life. 

 

Choose a career for the intrinsic rewards, not the financial ones. Although many grew up in poverty, the elders believe that the biggest career mistake people make is selecting a profession based only on potential earnings. A sense of purpose and passion for one's work beats a bigger paycheck any day.

Act now like you will need your body for a hundred years: Stop using "I don't care how long I live" as an excuse for bad health habits. Behaviors like smoking, poor eating habits and inactivity are less likely to kill you than to sentence you to years or decades of chronic disease. The elders have seen the devastation that a bad lifestyle causes in the last decades of life -- act now to prevent it.

Say "Yes" to opportunities: When offered a new opportunity or challenge, you are much less likely to regret saying yes and more likely to regret turning it down. They suggest you take a risk and a leap of faith when opportunity knocks.

Choose a mate with extreme care: The key is not to rush the decision, taking all the time needed to get to know the prospective partner and to determine your compatibility with them. Said one respondent: "Don't rush in without knowing each other deeply. That's very dangerous, but people do it all the time."

Travel more: Travel while you can, sacrificing other things if necessary to do so. Most people look back on their travel adventures (big and small) as highlights of their lives and regret not having traveled more. As one elder told me, "If you have to make a decision whether you want to remodel your kitchen or take a trip -- well, I say, choose the trip!"

Say it now: People wind up saying the sad words "it might have been" by failing to express themselves before it's too late. The only time you can share your deepest feelings is while people are still alive. According to an elder we spoke with: "If you have a grudge against someone, why not make it right, now? Make it right because there may not be another opportunity, who knows? So do what you can do now."

Time is of the essence: Live as though life is short -- because it is. The point is not to be depressed by this knowledge but to act on it, making sure to do important things now. The older the respondent, the more likely they were to say that life goes by astonishingly quickly. Said one elder: "I wish I'd learned that in my thirties instead of in my sixties!"

Happiness is a choice, not a condition: Happiness isn't a condition that occurs when circumstances are perfect or nearly so. Sooner or later you need to make a deliberate choice to be happy in spite of challenges and difficulties. One elder echoed almost all the others when she said: "My single best piece of advice is to take responsibility for your own happiness throughout your life."

Time spent worrying is time wasted: Stop worrying. Or at least cut down. It's a colossal waste of your precious lifetime. Indeed, one of the major regrets expressed by the elders was time wasted worrying about things that never happened.

Think small: When it comes to making the most of your life, think small. Attune yourself to simple daily pleasures and learn to savor them now.

 

As the holidays approach, that last lesson is a great one to think about. Because of their awareness that life is short, the elders have become attuned to the minute pleasures that younger people often are only aware of if they have been deprived of them: a morning cup of good coffee, a warm bed on a winter night, a brightly colored bird feeding on the lawn, an unexpected letter from a friend, even a favorite song on the radio (all pleasures mentioned in my interviews). Paying special attention to these "microlevel" events forms a fabric of happiness that lifts them up on a daily basis. They believe the same can be true for younger people as well -- and it's well worth a try at any age!

Why I Love Recruiting...iPad 2 contest entry on RecruitingBlogs.com

I love talking to people. That's why I got into recruiting. Well, that and the prospect of bags of cash. Have done lots of talking to people...still waiting for the bags of cash :)

But I love recruiting because you get such an interesting perspective on the psychology of a wide variety of people. I am a Psych major and have always been curious as to why people think they way they do. This job gives me access to the biggest psychological case-study of which I've ever been a part and presents a puzzle of figuring out why people want what they want and what drives them to different ends. As frustrating as it can be, I don't know if I'll ever stop being amazed when a candidate doesn't ever respond back about a given position after speaking with you for 45 minutes about their experience, why they are a great fit for the position, asking questions about the project scope, etc... Or when a candidate thinks they should get a $20k raise from their previous position when the new job reflects the same level of responsibility/workload. Or why some candidates don't think it's necessary to discuss their own qualifications with a recruiter "because their resume will speak for itself when presented to the hiring manager." Fascinating! (-ly annoying?)

I love recruiting because it can be a ticket into the minds of some very interesting individuals. That said, I won't turn down those bags of cash if they find their way to my door...

http://www.recruitingblogs.com/forum/topics/why-i-love-recruiting-3

SALE!

Oh, what an end to the year.  Weeks of desolation (or desperation...take your pick) are slowly starting to fade, the change put into motion by MY FIRST SALE!  Well, in truth, there were a few made in June...but those were "gimmes" and don't count toward my consistency as far as I'm concerned.  Needless to say, one placement does not a consistent record make--however, I have a few cards in play right now that lead me to believe 2012 will be a much better year as far as productivity is concerned.  Naturally, one can't count chickens before they've hatched...but nothing wrong with a little cautious optimism, right?

Wishing everyone a great new year filled with happiness, health, success, and love.  No one knows what the future will bring, but I do know that opportunity doesn't usually present itself...you have to get out there and snatch it up.  So get the snatchin'!

Hiatus? What hiatus?

It's been a few months since my last post.  Unfortunately, there's not too much to report.  The past quarter has been jam packed with learning and adjustment--however, sadly, no sales.  This job is proving to be much more difficult than initially anticipated; I'm finding there to be so many factors that hinder progress, it seems, at times, almost impossible to place someone.  12-hour days are leaving me tired but not devoid of motivation (perhaps foolishly?).  Have a bunch of leads in the hopper, so hopefully the next month or so will bring some success...if not, going to have to explore alternatives...

In other news, I've decided I'm going to start a small business where I'll market myself out to people in need of piano background music for private parties.  Piano has always been a great love of mine, and what better than to make money doing something you love, right?  Not planning on it being a sole source of income, just a side gig for now.

More (frequent) updates to come!  Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving :)

DAY O' PRODUCTIVITY!

Today will be a day of productivity.  Not sure how...not sure what, exactly...but there WILL be productivity.  I'm energized and ready for action.  Let's make this happ'n, Cap'n!!  Who's with me?!

...anyone?...

A bit of sunshine

It has recently come to pass that I've been...promoted? to "recruiter."  This is very exciting because now I'm actually making commission on my placements and can truly taste the fruit of my labor.  It's given me a new energy to go about my job; I was energized before, but now I am really jazzed to get to work every day.

Now I just have to start making placements :)  It will come.  In fact, I have my first candidate interview today.  Very exciting.  Hoping this is the mark of good things to come...

Website on hold, but just renewed the domain for another year.  WILL launch this m-f'er one of these days...

Also thinking of starting my own business playing piano for private occasions.  Figure, I love playing piano.  Always have.  And am pretty good at playing soft, soothing background music.  Why not make a few bucks doing something I love?  That is, after all, the American Dream, right?

(Current financial situation stagnant.  Law school loans continue to kill me, monthly.)

Sitting at the cool table

Surround yourself with successful people.  That's one of the things they say one should do in order to be successful, right?  Right.  And that's why I'm trying to get in touch with Mark Cuban and Adam Meyer.  These gents are two of the most successful entrepreneurs in the sports industry.  If you don't know who they are--or, at least. one of them--then you need to leave the cave and get thyself to a Wikipedia.  But, please take my word, these guys are seasoned veterans in the business world and two guys who I'd not only like to learn from, but with whom I'd also like to have a drink.  Or three.

I actually started this post last week so I'm going to bring it to a close now without going into any more detail as to my endeavors to contact Cuban and Meyer.  I started this blog not to have a forum to tell thought-out stories, but to give a real-time account of my path to big bucks.  So, no more putting it off...this is the end of this post!   More to come when inspiration strikes!

Thought for the Day: Be a BUILDER

Some days are tougher than others; we've all been there.  When the walls are coming down around you, don't get buried...be a BUILDER and build those walls back up!  Whether they're your own emotional walls, responsibilities at work, or interpersonal relationships, our walls support us and make continuing progress possible.  Without them, we fall, and falling lends itself to failure.  If your walls are crumbling, don't waste time wallowing in negativity...that won't help you get back up and reach your goals.  Instead, BE A BUILDER!

Back in Action

After a WONDERFUL 8 days in Arizona--taking in the sights, smells, and most of all, brain-melting desert heat--I'm back in town and ready to kick life into high gear.  The new job isn't providing the biggest motivational push at the moment; business actually isn't doing so hot right now.  No worries, though...that will change in time.  Until then, on to other endeavors.  The website WILL be up by the end of the week (been putting that off for too long...but no more.  Progress!)

Am fending off general feelings of stagnation in the hopes that a positive attitude will yield like results.  Can't get bogged down by worry and fear.  Fear is only in the mind of the beholder...and certainly won't get me closer to building my Man Cave in the house I've yet to buy :)

One month later...

Started the new job at the staffing agency.  Loving the new environment but won't rest confidently until I get bumped up to recruiter and have the ability to make bucks.  Want it badly, so hopefully my efforts will pay off sooner than later.

That said, the website is ALMOST complete and will hopefully launch at the end of the month.  Got put on hold these past few weeks with the new job and all.

Motivation and spirits are high...the birthday came and went and I'm still standing.  And the clock to 35 starts NOW!

New Job...Recruiter, hoooooooooo!

Tomorrow I start my new job as a mini-recruiter of sorts at a professional staffing agency.  Made the decision last week.  Needed a change from the current bump and grind...especially b/c there wasn't too much bumping nor grinding going on (get your head out of the gutter).  So tomorrow marks the first day in a long time that my thoughts won't be preoccupied with job hunting, which is a WELCOME change.  Now, sites are set on getting the website up and letting the affiliate marketing begin!  Rev thy engines!!

Fish or Cut Bait

Alright, today's the day.  Got an offer from a recruiting firm and need to decide if I should take the plunge.  Offer means I'll be investing in myself; low front end pay but BIG potential over not too long of a time.  I think, if anyone can do it, I can.  Just a little scary.  But, hey, you gotta take risks in life, right?  Can't win if you don't play.

Any seasoned recruiters out there have any nuggets of wisdom for a n00b with aspirations of greatness? :)

Decisions decisions

Interviewed yesterday with a staffing agency for a recruiter-type position.  Actually, I only went into the meeting looking to score information on what a recruiter does but ended up talking with them for over 1.5 hours and have pretty strong feeling I'll be getting an offer in the coming few days.  So....yeah, why not, right? :)

That said, I am waiting to hear about a position with a newer litigation support company that has blown up over the past year and may want me to hop on board.  The opportunity is pretty exciting (potentially) as the company is getting bigger and bigger by the day; getting in at the ground level could yield very positive results.  But, again, I'm waiting.   Have I mentioned that I hate waiting?  Well, in case I haven't, let me put it out there: NOT A FAN OF WAITING.

Updates as events warrant.

On the radar

-Application out for gov't position
-In talks re: private sector position
-Meeting today re: recruiter position
-Preparing personal affiliate marketing site for launch in next month
-In planning phase for social media marketing company

Eager beaver, much? :)  Operating under the belief that efforts are eventually rewarded.  Success WILL happen.

Write that down.

The New Venture

All the while I've been on this exhilarating (HA!) job hunt, I've been preparing to launch an affiliate marketing campaign through a domain I purchased last year.  I'll release more information once it's ready to go, but I'm excited about the possibilities (i.e. revenue) that it may bring.  If anyone has any tips, please write in.  I have a bunch of ideas on how to market this product using other internet-based avenues and will go into them at a later point.  Just planting a seed for now :)

Beside myself with (insert negative feeling here)

The position for which I interviewed at the staffing agency...the one that paid really well...the one I REALLY wanted...was apparently just filled internally.  I am steaming.  I had my crosshairs on that position for two weeks now and, after my meeting at the staffing agency, felt rather confident that I could bring it home.  The staffing agency really dropped the ball on this one; the recruiter to whom I was assigned was HORRIBLE at getting back to me.  And I feel like my repeated attempts to emphasize my desire to snag this position fell on deaf ears.  I was prepared to rearrange my schedule to come in for interviews, send any necessary documentation at the drop of a hat, etc...  But I never once felt that my recruiter shared that sense of urgency.  And now I see I was right.

This job would have been a game changer.  I will not forget this lesson.  Fucking unbelievable.

Interview

Interviewed today with a staffing agency in DC for an executive assistant position at a consulting firm, the name of which has yet to be revealed to me (don't be alarmed, that's how they do it.  It's partly a privacy concern, and partly that staffing agencies don't want your to circumvent the middle man--i.e. THEM :) ).  Was a bit leery at first as they took their sweet time getting back to me after I called...twice...and emailed...letting them know I was looking to move on this position quickly as I had other opportunities opening up soon.  But they came through and asked to meet, so perhaps I shouldn't judge this book by its cover...

Not QUITE what I expected

Went to my second round interview today with the "marketing" firm.  During the first round I found out that the position was one of direct marketing--not an option I had planned on entertaining...but I decided I'd hang around for round two and find out some more information.  I had anticipated it would involve dealing with businesses...bigger business...you know, large law firms, consulting firms--the kind that send around emails offering tickets to their employees and whatnot.  I assumed my job responsibilities would include meeting with HR reps and discussing purchase packages and the like.

Nope, not quite :)  My "second round" interview involved shadowing an "account manager" (don't you love important-sounding titles that don't actually carry the weight they boast?) as we walked through a neighborhood strip mall asking random employees if they were interested in Nationals tickets.  Needless to say, the word "yes" wasn't uttered once.  We then sat down at the Starbucks at the corner and he explained the VERY shaky compensation structure/hierarchy.  We shook hands, he told me to expect a phone call, and we parted ways.  I called the company later that afternoon and told them I wasn't interested.

*sigh*

Moral of the story: Don't assume :)