Anne Gottlieb Angerman, MS

It's almost spring now and the holidays are over. Spring brings to my mind: Seeds, planting, and growth. What new seeds or plans do you have for the next six months?

It's also a time to look back on your New Year's resolutions. How many of you made New Year's resolutions? How is it going? Psychologist Dr. James Prochaska and his associates found in studies of more than 60,000 people, that only 77% of resolutions survive the first week. After a month, it's 55 percent. After six months, 40 percent. Why does this happen? Time and life get in the way. It often takes a friend, partner, or coach to reinforce a commitment to change.

A few suggestions:

1.If you have already written out your goals for 2004 and they are not being fulfilled, ask yourself why? Do you still have those goals? What has gotten in the way?

2. Word your new goals carefully. Try to be specific and not too general. For example,"this year I am going to relax more" is too general. Simpler "This year I am going to find more ways to relax. I am going to try two different kinds of classes in the next month, such as yoga or Tai Chi."

3. Write a list and put "due dates" for each. Also, break them down by the month that you will start working on them. I will commit to going to a Pilates class weekly for one month starting in April.

4. Block time in a schedule to set new goals or schedule free time. I am amazed the number of people that over schedule themselves. Having some free times committed to exercise or relaxation can also be very helpful. Make sure and block that time in a daily plan or calendar. Keep thinking of "calmness and kindness."

5. Buy a journal or notebook to record your goals, and wishes. In addition to monthly goals, it is possible to write down annual, or 5 or 10 year goals.

6. A colleague I know keeps a list of what she wants to accomplish before she dies and then crosses things off after she does them.

"Successful people know what they want, outline the steps that will get them there,
and then they work to implement them." Ashley Anne

Job-Hunting Tip

According to Jack Figler, career strategist, there is one important rule in job hunting and probably one of the hardest to adhere to. It is this: Of all the hours you devote to job-hunting, make sure that 60%of these hours are in face-to-face contact with people in the world of work. The key phrase is "face-to-face". This includes information interviews, job interviews, dropping a resume off, networking, talking with people at a store or fitness center, but always in person.

The remaining 40% of the job hunting time can be allocated as follows: 30% for phone calls, or time on the internet. The other 10% is for communication by writing.

Why is face-to face contact so important? Because people in hiring positions trust what they see in front of them. That's why informational interviews can be very helpful. Also, talking to a person directly can lead to building a relationship and also to names of other contacts. For people who are introverted, face-to-face contact can be the scariest and most intimidating. For these people, it can be helpful to have a script or to practice role-playing a tough situation.

Client Success Story

(Excerpt from letter) DFB, 32 year old father of 3 wanting a career change from publishing to graphic arts: "School at Platt College (an art school in Denver) is going wonderfully. I am having a blast and doing very well-pulling down Straight A's. It's new, challenging, and fun at the same time-all three elements I needed at the time I did the Highlands earlier this year, and now I have them. And it's exactly what I want to be learning and doing!

Best wishes for a productive, and fruitful spring. Thank you for all your referrals. They are greatly appreciated.

Anne Gottlieb Angerman, MS, is a career consultant and coach. She works with people experiencing career change and life transitions. The assessments she utilizes are The Highlands Ability Battery, the Strong Interest Inventory, and the Myers Briggs. She also consults to corporations and does speaking and training.