Adding Inches To My Pythons - A 2016 Goal

2015 draws to a close. Lots happened this year. I honestly don't remember what all of my resolutions were 360-some days ago. At this point, I'm not sure it matters. The past is just that.

So, what is this year going to bring? A new job. Perhaps a new residence. Maybe even a new truck. That said, here are a few goals I have:

1. Be an awesome team player
2. Provide insight others may not see that is worthy of everyone's time
3. Willingness to learn from everyone's mistakes, including my own
4. Settle for nothing less than I deserve due to impatience
5. Accept that what I do get is indeed what was meant for me after plenty of hard work and perseverance

Also, other personal goals include:

1. Learning the drum basics
2. Getting involved in veteran homelessness, though I'm not sure how or where I would be best suited to help
3. Having more get-togethers with those I hold near and dear with no shortage of laughter, love, and appreciation

Can I be honest? Daily routine has taken its toll on me. I need a change. Who is with me? I came to this realization when I was doing some work for a client of mine and came across two quotes searching for the right inspiration for their project:

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough

In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take

So what does that mean? It means that if I'm not satisfied with my life as it is, it is no one else's responsibility other than my own to make it that one life to live. This is something that is a HUGE misnomer in our society. We are quick to point a finger at someone else for our own discomfort or lack of happiness. The fact is, if I'M not happy, I must go out and change MY situation. Not my neighbor, or my pops, or my high school buddy.

We all have something in our lives that we aren't pleased with. Perhaps a lack of education to get a dream job. Maybe it's taking the first step to getting a new job and getting out of a toxic company, which seems to be tougher than it should. It could even be confronting someone to find a way to improve communication, or even coming to terms with ones-self that you treat others disrespectfully and decide to seek professional help to improve your relationships. If it all seems overwhelming, find someone you can trust who will be honest with you, even if it is an unbiased 3rd party, and talk things through. 

Regardless of what it is, be thankful that it is 2016... you have 366 days to work it through. I know I'm looking forward to the extra day to add inches to my Pythons. 

In all seriousness though, pick a problem, figure out how to solve it, make the change, and repeat. Don't regret those chances you thought may have been initially too risky to take. Perhaps it is exactly what you need. Don't be afraid to fail. Don't think you have to fix everything all at once either. Make milestones of your most important items, set dates, and manage your progress. Forward movement, no matter how small, is better than sitting on your duff.

I truly wish you a happy and healthy 2016. Thanks for reading. All 3 of you =)

Today Is A Good Day

I have to agree with Ice Cube, today is a good day: Thanked God. No barking dog... But we did differ a bit. I had some bacon.

So, what's good about it? I've felt very accomplished today. Partnering up with a friend doing some graphics for her business, meeting up with some old coworkers for lunch, then teaching a class of adults about LinkedIn and how beneficial it can be for you and your career search. The highlight of it all: I was told that I should be a motivational speaker and that I truly helped at least a few of them. More so, someone wants to hire me to show them how to use LinkedIn and other 'current tools' like Google Drive, Calendar, and the like.

I believe that we are not living life as we should. We are a whole lot of talk and so often we lack action. Often people say, 'what are MY needs? Me, ME. ME!' but miss out on the fact that if everyone focused on everyone else's needs, how much more could be accomplished! Beyond that, imagine the speed at which YOUR needs could get fulfilled if everyone else cared as much about you as you cared about others. Are 10 hands working toward 1 goal not better than 1 focusing on themselves?

That said, I throw down the gauntlet:

Do you want to see the homeless taken care of? Go to your local shelter and donate your time to help feed them, or be a listening ear (I'm sure the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter would be happy to see you).

Do you want to see people get jobs? Go to your local library and offer your time to teach classes on how to find a job, use the internet, or promote job fairs.

Think the news is a bunch of garbage? Start getting your own facts and create a blog, podcast, or vlog.

I could go on, but I think you get the point. If there is only one thing that you take away tonight, it is that YOU really can make a difference if that is what you want. I heard it. I felt it. I saw it. Life has taught me some tough lessons the past few years, and a good one being that I needed to stop playing the victim. More often than not, life isn't that fricken bad. Quit the complaining and start serving up actionable solutions that YOU take the lead on, or get them to people who can. Stop the noise that does not make things clearer, nor solves any problem.

Believe me when I say to you that you want to take on this challenge. You might actually start feeling good about this world when you see all the good your heart can provide to those around you. Don't get discouraged. Stay the course. Be a great leader that people want to follow.

Let your smile, and attitude, change the world.

Peace out.

Headfirst PMP - What I'm Reading

I don't have a lot of time to read, to be honest. I work a lot, run a freelance graphic design gig, go to the gym, and most importantly have family obligations with a super 6yo kid.

Well, that whole "I work a lot" statement changed a short while ago when I got laid off my full-time job due to "restructuring".

My goal is to get back into project management, and here is the thing: I believe I am good at it. The recommendations I received on LinkedIn from the clients I worked with verify my feeling. So, I didn't waste time. I got back out there and started looking for a new PM job where I could use my hard and soft skills to bring another business success, enthusiasm, and leadership.

Easier said than done. Many employers now-a-days require (or strongly recommend) that project managers have PMP (Project Management Professional) Certification. Instead of sulking, or trying to find a lower end job, I decided to go get the cert to advance my career and knowledge base.

Small problem though... I don't have enough hours in project management to even take the test! Son of a motherless goat!

A lack of hours can't stop this man-in-motion. I enrolled in the class regardless of my shortcoming (thanks Carl and the John Mason Institute) and am now 5 classes in, with another 4 to go. I tell you though, this is as tough a course as I've had since my science courses back in college. Lots of memorization of functions and processes and PMI terminology (oh my!). If you are devoted to the craft, I suggest that you find a way to make it happen. Don't come lacking in vigor and vim, though, you will need it to survive.

So, onto the textbook, or this month's (and probably next month's) reading material. It is 850 pages of hunka-hunka-burnin'-love. I find it fairly easy to follow along while the instructor does his thing. Not a bad choice. From what I understand, at the end of the course I will be getting another piece of 'literature' ... the PMBOK. The so-called Project Mangement Bible according to PMI. Perhaps I'll let you know what I think of it after I take the test. If I pass. And I'm still conscious.

All kidding aside, I look forward to finishing up this class. While it has absorbed a ton of my time, I truly feel as though it will end up being juice worth the squeeze (right Bryan?). I'm getting a ton of knowledge, and even if I do not take the test right away I have gained so much more than I would have otherwise. Regardless of where or what my next career opportunity is, there is no doubt that I'll be using everything I am learning. Win-win.

Moral of the story: Don't let your goals be stifled by speed bumps. Make it happen, peeps.

Rook out.