6 Things You Should Do Before Every Job Interview

6 Things You Should Do Before Every Job Interview6 Things You Should Do Before Every Job InterviewAs most job seekers can attest, reaching the bewerbungsinterview stage often feels like an accomplishment in and of itself. So when this opportunity arises, be ready to take full advantage of itTo help prepare for the big day, heres a checklist of six things you should do before every job interview1. Amass information.You probably did some research before applying, but now is the time to kick your efforts into high gear. Scour social media and the companys websitefor insight into workplace culture, current projects, and future goals. Run a Google search to check for any recent news. Contact network connections who might be able to provide input. Knowledgeable candidates impress hiring managers2. Think of good questions.Dont waste the interviewers time on questions with answers easily found online. Instead, draw from your research to create thoughtful interview questions that demonstrate sincere interest in the position. Ask for clarification about something you read or for more information on an intriguing project. Generating conversation makes the interview livelier.3. Double-check your online presence.You arent the only one preparing for the interview. Employers are increasingly gathering information about candidates from online sources. In addition to cleaning up anything questionable, fully fill out your LinkedIn profile to give viewers something great to read.4. Practice.Come up with memorable answers to common interview questions, explanations about employment gaps and transferable skills, and stories and numbers that back up your qualifications. Then, say them aloud until they flow from the tongue. Enlist a trusted friend to act as the interviewer and provide feedback. Consider videotaping your practice session to evaluate factors such as posture and eye contact.5. Do a trial run.The morning of the interview isnt the time to discover theres a difference betw een Jefferson Street and Jefferson Avenue- or that your internet connection isnt strong enough to support a video conference.If your interview is in person, fully map out your journey from home to the interviews location. An actual trip to the site a day or so before the interview will provide clues about commute time, parking or bus stops, and construction. Scout out a nearby coffee shop or park that youll be able to wait at if early to the interview.If the interview is remote, test drive your technology, make sure your computer is working and your internet connection is strong. Also make sure you know your Skype login (or the credentials for whichever platform youll be using) beforehand. Technical glitches can be stressful, and you want to remain as calm as possible before your interview.6. Gather all necessities in advance.Stressing out on the morning of the interview because you cant find your left shoe is the last thing you need. Assemble your entire outfit the day before so th at it can be slipped on without thought. Likewise, be sure your keys, phone, portfolio, extra copies of your resume, and any other pertinent material is ready to go. Youll get a better nights sleep knowing youre prepared

5 ways to cope with endless transit delays on your commute

5 ways to cope with endless transit delays on your commute5 ways to cope with endless transit delays on your commuteIts one thing to get caught up in transit delays on your commute once in a while, but what happens when this becomes an everyday-of-the-workweek kind of thing?Heres what to do when youve had it up to here with public transportation to and from work.Dont just sit in silence - listen to something goodTune into anything that will lift your spirits whether thats music, a podcast or an audiobook.Its really up to you, as long as it has the power to mask other commuters delay complaints or help you crack a smile during your early-morning or early-evening travels.You can also use a music playlist to get more work done.Read something - in whatever form youd likeIn an age where reading digital books on your phone is mainstream, whipping out a physical copy of a book can feel retro.Every once in a while, I see someone with a book in hand on the train, and I remember how fulfilli ng it can be to get lost in a story in public- no matter how uncommon it is to actually see one.So, take your pick reading on your phone, tablet, a kleinformat or hardcover can help you forget that youre stuck on the way to work, yet again.Take an alternate routeDont limit your commute to Plan A.Even if youre not constantly running into delays, it pays to have another route in your back pocket. After all, you never know. This is where plans B, C, and D could be a big help.So take the time to map out other ways to and from work before its too late.Leave as early as possibleIf you want to take your usual route to or from work, youre going to want to give yourself more than enough time to get where youre going- especially if youve had transportation troubles all week.Check your social media channels and official transportation websites for any alerts that have popped up.Sign up for text or email alerts as well so that youre never the last to find out that your rideprobably wont go as planned.Otherwise, if theres ongoing train track work, suspended service or any other functionality dicke bretter bohren mssen, you could find out the hard way.You know the drill Take a nap, if you canThis one is truly a no-brainerYoull probably fall asleep on a long ride, anyway. Plus, if everyone is getting off at the same destination, you should have no problem waking up when your train or bus comes to a screeching halt.

Lessons Learned Listening As a Critical Skill in an Interview

Lessons Learned Listening As a Critical Skill in an InterviewLessons Learned Listening As a Critical Skill in an InterviewAsking the right question - and paying close attention to the answer - can be key to your success.Whether youre selling a multimillion dollar advertising idea or applying for a job, the strategy is the same - make sure you give your audience what they want. In the pilot episode of AMCs The Pitch this week, two advertising agencies - The Ad Store from New York City, and SK+G from Las Vegas - sparred over a major account with Waste Management.After a week of preparation, which started with a briefing about what the company was looking for in the ad campaign, SK+G landed the account because of one principle. Simply put They had better listening skills.Waste Management executives wanted to rebrand their company from a tradition garbage-hauling and recycling service to an innovative producer of biofuels. Both agencies nailed this aspect of the mission. The second part proved to be more critical - make it a modern and edgy campaign utilizing social media with a strong interactive component.This is where SK+G hit its pitch out of the park. The Las Vegas company took a catchy Turning Waste into Wow slogan to that next level by soliciting people - real, everyday, garbage-producing people - to submit video sound bites on a smartphone promoting Waste Management initiatives. The clips, presented as close-ups of peoples lips, were then displayed against celebrities faces to comically look like the celebrity was speaking.This innovative approach was exactly what the Waste Management executives wanted, and SK+G won the account - despite all their backroom bickering and obvious dysfunction during the final presentation.The Ad Store had a great campaign too. They came off as clever and confident. Ad Store CEO Paul Cappellis line, I have to believe that Im better than they are, exhibits exactly the schriftart of confidence job seekers need to project during a highly competitive job search. But he missed the mark by not giving the client what it wanted.Thats what interviewing for a job is like, except without all the tension and bickering among your partners. Hiring managers are looking for particular things. As the candidate, its up to you to offer that.Sometimes, the desired skill sets are spelled out on a job board. Often, though, its up to the candidate to discover key elements by asking the right questions. The critical difference was that only one agency met that need in its pitch.When applying for a job, take a lesson from The Pitch and make sure your pitch meets the companys needs. It could be the deciding factor that seals the deal for your next great job.

Best Summer Jobs for College Students

Best Summer Jobs for College StudentsBest Summer Jobs for College StudentsAt the end of every spring semester, several college students begin the job hunt in order to find a good summer job. Some have to work over the summer to save up money for their college tuition, get a car, pay for books, or other reasons. Others are simply looking to gain experience. Finding the perfect summer job is not an easy task but there are several summer jobs that can make a huge difference to your bank account and life experience.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only around 40% of American teens have a summer job in comparison to 60% in the early 90s. This might be due to the fact that a great number of students choose to focus on educational enrichment over the summer. Many will take on unpaid internships or courses during the summer. However, not all young people can afford this luxury. Those who wish or have to work during the summer will find that there is a world of possibilities. My Resume for Summer Jobs What Are the Best Summer Jobs for College Students?The best summer jobs for college students are those that contribute to the persons growth. But for some, a good summer job will allow a student to save up the fruchtwein money in a short period of time. Overall, the ideal summer job pays well, has a good schedule and even some benefits. But what are the best summer jobs for college students? Were going to explore different possibilities and what makes them great options.Fun Jobs at Amusement ParksTo prepare for the summer, amusement and water parks will hire thousands of young people to take care of roles such as ticket takers, ride monitors, concession staff, maintenance workers, performers, and lifeguards.Why should you consider this summer job? Pay rates will vary depending on where you work. However, some perks supplement the pay scale. Almost all theme parks include medical, dental and vision plans after the standard 90-day waiting period. Employees will receive free park admissions for themselves and family and friends as well as park discounts on merchandise, food and drinks, activities or excursions. Theme parks will often offer flexible schedules as there are different shifts available.Theme parks hire for a wide range of jobs and give you more choices. Often, different contracts will be available too, and you can decide if a full-time contract is better than a part-time one.Plenty of Jobs in the Hospitality IndustrySummer jobs in the hospitality industry are ideal for college students. There are several jobs available including the following positions kitchen assistant, bartender, busser, waiter, counter worker, cashier, to name a few. A lot of hotels, restaurants, and cafs will hire young people for the summer, especially in seasonal towns and cities.Though it is not an ideal system, a lot of workers in the hospitality industry depend on customers tips and can make a lot of money while working at a hotel, bar or restaurant.If you decide to work in this industry, it is likely that you will need to work on weekends, nights and holidays. However, there can be some flexibility to the schedule and swapping shifts is not rare. Why work in this industry? It can teach you about patience and help you develop confidence as you will need to talk to customers regularly.Working at Summer CampYes, college students can absolutely work at a summer camp. This might be the right job for you if you are interested in being a counselor, activity staff, waterfront staff, kitchen staff, maintenance workers, and office staff. Those interested in psychology or teaching could learn valuable lessons while working over the summer at a camp. Working with children can help you develop several new skills.Why work at a summer camp? If you like children and being outdoors this job could be a perfect match. It can also teach you about organization and leadership.A Worthy Outdoor Summer Job FarmingOne of the perks of working outdoors at a farm is the possibility of being close to nature. A farming summer job would allow you to water and maintain crops. During harvest time, farm workers pick crops and help transport them to distribution spots.Local farms are likely to have retail outlets or attend farmers markets and will need young workers to stock, display and sell fruits. But, you dont necessarily need to work at the farm, businesses today need people to take care of their social media platforms and their marketing. Depending on your experience and interests, a job in the farming industry might open other doors in the future.For college students that care about sustainability and conscious farming, theres much to be learned in this industry. Working hours might be grilling and its best to do some research before applying.Love Animals? There Are Summer Jobs for YouIf you love animals, there are plenty of summer jobs that could be fulfilling and worthwhile. For instance, you could work at a pet store, veterinary, c linic, zoo, animal park, equine center or animal shelter. Animal attendants are in charge of looking after the animals, you will be able to feed and groom animals as well as clean their cages or housing areas.Why this summer job? ansicht jobs are for young people who are passionate about animals and who are concerned with their wellbeing. The job can teach you a lot about responsibility and looking after others. Pay will vary and schedules depend on the type of summer job you get.Sports Fans Ideal Summer JobsIf you are thinking about following a career in the sports industry, it might be a good idea to start working early on. Luckily, there are plenty summer jobs that sports lovers could enjoy. From stadiums to sports teams, race tracks and other athletic venues hire seasonal workers to sell tickets, sell food or souvenirs. Many of these organizations also hire interns to help with communications, marketing, or promoting an event. A sports management student could consider doing an internship in this area.A job in this industry can be a fun summer job, you might be able to attend games and meet like-minded people who share your passion for sports.Why Work over the Summer?While its important to enjoy being young, the job market is brutal. People in todays world are asked to have more and more experience when they apply for jobs right after college. It is not a bad idea to begin developing skills from an early stage. Some students dont have a choice and must work to cover their expenses. If you have rckendeckung and can choose, be sure to apply for jobs that are aligned with what you wish to accomplish when you finish college. For instance, if youre studying about art, maybe a summer job in a museum or gallery could be beneficial.Working over the summer can be fun and will allow you to meet new people. Working in any industry will teach you valuable lessons. Its important to be open to trying new things, this way you can discover new aspects and qualities within yourself.

The Lost Secret of Logistics Coordinator Resume

The Lost Secret of Logistics Coordinator Resume If you wish to learn mora about the particular qualities that a logistics coordinator must possess, consult with the templates on this page or you could also view our assortment of Logistics Coordinator Job Descriptions. Hiring managers prefer the reverse chronological format since its more organized and simple to follow. A Logistics Coordinator should be able to consider the crucial things required to be prepared before an event, during an event and following the occasion. He may be in charge of overseeing a wide variety of events and projects. The part of a Supply Chain Coordinator involves problem solving and analytics together with the ability in order to communicate both verbally and in writing in a very clear and concise way. A Logistics Coordinator must have a high amount of education and experience inside an office environment, international delivery and stock administration. It is a broad field. Thus dont have any fear i f you experience an entry level Logistics resume. Lies Youve Been Told About Logistics Coordinator Resume It shows a particular type of leader whos devoted to the job accessible. Help others that are attempting to enter into this area. Sloppy work will receive the boot. Customize your resume by selecting the wording that is most suitable for your job apply. Bear in mind every resume you submit must differ. Just make sure that the work description doesnt clamp back on PDF resumes. Whether this Project Coordinator resume example was not sufficient for you, youre absolutely free to review various other samples and templates from our website. All our resume templates are in Microsoft Word, thats the simplest program to use. Whispered Logistics Coordinator Resume Secrets Therefore, logistics managers have lots of responsibilities on their plate. Supported more than 2,000 sorties in lots of significant campaigns. Reviewed $7M worth of requisitions for at least 300 customers every month. Choosing Good Logistics Coordinator Resume Youre tasked to produce operations more efficient and all these qualities should manifest themselves in your resume. The duties and obligations listed are representative of the nature and degree of work assigned and arent necessarily all inclusive. Color this up by being dynamic in how you present your different abilities and duties. It could only distract the individual evaluating your resume. Talk about what you could do for the organization and the way you look forward to contributing to their success by means of your experience and expertise. Also, in case you have a resume without experience, now youve got some Other vital areas in your work experience will likewise be explored to highlight your credentials and make a stand-out resume. Experience with donor particular procedures. Due to the growth in the range of elderly men and women, the demand for medical workers keeps growing. Be specific about your target and briefly state how you are able to be practical to the firm. The perfect candidate is a powerful leader with the ability to work well under pressure. Dont wait over a week for your very first nudge. Type of Logistics Coordinator Resume Experience can be a rather very good teacher in the logistics industry. Applying for employment is a competition. The financial services industry provides many rousing career alternatives. It has to be written especially for the organization youre applying to. Companies are searching for the most well-rounded applicants. So when the hiring company hasnt provided a salary for work, we look at salary data from related geschftslebenes and locations to develop a sensible estimate for what you may expect. Rather than attempting to think of which software this business uses and which skills they prioritize, examine the work description. Project coordinators can discover opportunities in a broad range of industries. For example, a federal HR spe cialist DOES want to understand how lots of people you supervised, what their job duties where and the range of work they were performing. Your fate is going to be determined in a couple of seconds so its not sufficient to simply summarize what youve done. With the work ad at your side, youve got whatever you will need to compose the ideal supply chain skills section. If you can achieve this successfully, youve already made your way to the interview stage.

3 Areas to Stretch for Workplace Flexibility

3 Areas to Stretch for Workplace Flexibility Flexibility is extremely important for todays average worker. Most people have numerous other commitments outside of the workplace family, friends, being members of organizations and clubs and, well just relaxing and enjoying life. Out of all the aforementioned activities, it seems like, for many people, the latter are the hardest to fit into busy schedules. We go into work at 7am five days a week and dont leave until 8pm. Once at home, its making dinner, doing laundry and tending to family and/or pets. Finally the weekend comes, but our days pass by faster than we can blink with classes and practices, family and friends events and gatherings, and finishing up projects we began during the week. Before we know it, Monday has arrived and, with it, the same stress-filled, hectic cycle.Most employees are on a platzset work schedule and a set timetable for w hen things need to be done. Flexibility in the office is little to none for many workers. Yet, studies show that a flexible work life makes for a healthier life.Below are the three main areas that affect an individuals work experiencetime, location and benefitsand how to make each one mora flexible.TIMEAs stated before, most employees have a set work schedule, such as 9am to 5pm or 8am to 4pm. A lot of workers, especially those on salary, have a specified start and stop time for their work days but typically go past those hours by coming in much earlier and staying much later. Many times it is an individuals work hours that restrict him or her the most. Why elend allow employees to create their own work hours? Certain situations (for example, those that are time sensitive like breaking news) may elend allow this, but employers can try to be more flexible with when an employee must come into the office. Allowing a worker to set his or her own schedule, as long as either 40 hours (or whatever is required) per week are completed or as long as the required tasks are finished each day can offer flexibility for someones crammed schedule. Certain required hours for team meetings can be put in place to still ensure proper weekly communication with staff.LOCATIONAside from the hours, physically driving to and from the office can be a chore. Add having to be in the same space (especially a small cubicle) each day risks having you wind up with disgruntled workers. Try adding the option of working from home. Employees can either work from home full-time or just a few days out of the week. A virtual work option gives workers extra time to handle other tasks they may not have been able to while in the office. They will also have the ability to take more breaks and unwind during the work process as opposed to constantly working with only one lunch break, if that.BENEFITS Vacation and sick time are very important for a worker because 1) everyone gets sick now and then and 2) every worker needs a vacation at some point. Many companies have the if you dont use it, you lose it policy when it comes to time off. Instead of an individual losing his or her vacation or sick time off, employers should give the option of donating. Perhaps you have a few vacation days left before the year is over and you dont plan to use them. Yet, a colleague would really like some time off to visit a sick relative but he or she has used up his or her vacation time. With a donation option, you can donate or give your vacation days to your colleague instead of the free time going to waste.Employers can also offer to buy back an employees unused vacation and sick time. The buyback funds would be added to the workers paycheck. This can be an incentive for employees to work more days out of the year, which could result in increased productivity for a company.Flexibility is not always an option in the workplace, but, if possible, employers should find a way to institute it more. Life situations can be unpredictable and often rarely adhere to set schedules and time frames. Being flexible when it comes to jobs shows workers that employers not only understand this, but are willing to do something about it.

Women in Tech Discuss the Gender Gap

Women in Tech Discuss the Gender GapWomen in Tech Discuss the Gender GapDoes all of the discussion about the gender gap in technology actually create mora challenges for women trying to make their mark in the field? We posed this question to three women in technology and also asked them to offer their insights on how companies can increase diversity in their workforce and create more inclusion.Here are their answersSheila Jordan, Chief Information Officer, Symantec Corp.Talking about the gender gap in technology helps to build awareness about the issue and thats fantastic. But I think companies need to make sure they focus first and foremost on recruiting the best people, and elend just trying to hire someone from a specific demographic group because the numbers suggest that group is underrepresented in their workforce. No professional wants to be an obligatory checkmark.The pipeline is where I think the real gap is. Not enough girls are choosing to pursue careers in technology. Add ressing that gap stspeciess with STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). Symantec is very active with a number of STEM groups in Silicon Valley - Girls Who Code is one example. Were working with these groups to provide mentorship and role models, and to help showcase the art of the possible for girls who are interested in technology.There is a huge opportunity to increase that pipeline. And once that happens, employers will have a bigger and more diverse pool of qualified talent to hire from generally. That will help to close the gender gap in the technology workforce over time.Creating an environment where women can flurishThat said, companies still need to create an environment where women can flurish. In fact, I believe it is the responsibility of any company and its leadership to create an environment where all diverse thinking is heard, valued and encouraged. This goes way beyond gender. People need to be in an environment where they are comfortable and supported , and feel like they are a vital part of a bigger group working toward a common purpose.This is where technology companies - those at the forefront of innovation - really have an advantage. These are the places where technologists want to build their resume and skills, and apply what theyve learned in school or in their careers. So, if you want to recruit the best talent, period, remember that its all about the work. You need to create the vision.To my point about tech companies needing an environment where women can flourish, I would caution female candidates, as well, to make sure they apply for positions at organizations where they are most likely to thrive. If youre in a job where you love the work and youre doing really well, but you feel like people in the company are trying to change you, you might not be in the right environment. Im not talking about feedback or coaching - these things are very important because they make you better and stronger. I mean situations where y ou feel pressure to radically change who you are.Ive been fortunate that Ive had employers throughout my career that have allowed me to do my job and not lose my identity. When I walk through the doors of Symantec every morning, I am the CIO. I have a big job and a lot of responsibility. But I am also still Sheila. Im a girl, and I like to wear high-heeled shoes, lipstick and jewelry. Im not going to change - and Im not expected to.Aubrey Blanche, ?Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion, AtlassianTalking about the gender gap in technology cant make the problem worse when you consider that not talking about it before didnt make it better. I do think discussing the issue is a step in the right direction, and were seeing many technology companies experimenting with solutions meant to address the gap and promote more diversity in the workplace. But I also think were just at the beginning of the journey toward making real change.At Atlassian, were taking an intersectional approach to th e way we think about diversity. We call it n-Space. The name is inspired by the non-deterministic Turing machine. In short, in the non-determinant space or n-Space, one input can have more than one valid output. So, the n-Space concept at Atlassian is that everyone has something unique about them that they bring to the company, or to their team, and we should celebrate and recognize that.Women are obviously a big focus in our diversity program, but we also try to think about the subgroups some of us occupy as well. An example would be women who are of a certain ethnicity and bring with them a particular background. Placing value on someones unique mix of personal qualities and experiences versus just categorizing them into a larger demographic group helps us to see that person as a whole person. It also aids in building empathy, which is essential to creating more diverse and inclusive teams and workplaces.Building connections to build empathyIts important for companies to create op portunities for people to see connections between themselves and others because that leads to empathy. When people have an authentic and empathetic reaction to another person, it is more likely that they will be motivated to create an inclusive environment for that person.One way we try to promote empathy in our teams is through storytelling. We provide virtual spaces where people can share their stories and perspectives, and discuss how their identities influence their experience at work and their careers. This approach has been really well-received.For example, one of our employees recently blogged about her experience returning from maternity leave - what it was like for her emotionally and the challenges she faced coming back to work. We saw this immediate outpouring of empathy from other women at Atlassian. Many said, I thought I was the only who felt that way More than that, we had many male employees who were equally supportive and said things like, I didnt realize this tran sition was so challenging. Now I know how to better support my colleagues when they return from leave.So back to the original question, I think talking about the gender gap is an important step toward building real solutions that can lead to positive change. Look at it from a product perspective We dont generally solve engineering problems by ignoring them. We identify the gaps. We identify the utilities that can improve our users experience, and we make a plan to build those features. I think we need to take a similar tack when talking about women in the workplace and trying to effectively recruit any person from a traditionally underrepresented background.Stephanie Shupe, Senior Software Engineer, Lookout, and Advisor to Women Who CodeAwareness is key in addressing the gender gap in technology. I think people generally agree there is a gender gap in the industry, and a diversity problem as well. But companies need to have specific goals around both issues if they want to make chan ge in their organization.Its about more than just looking at the overall composition of your workforce, though. You need to think about why diversity is important for the business, and whether you have the right people working on certain projects. Whatever audience you sell to or want to connect with, you need people on your product team who understand those audiences and can make sure youre developing a product that will meet their needs. If you dont have those people engaged at the product level, then youre missing the chance to grow your business.Companies also need to help their employees recognize and overcome unconscious bias - the prejudices that influence how we interact with others but often dont realize we have. Unconscious bias interferes with your ability to accept someone else without preconditions. You cant fully remove these biases, but being aware of them can help you to prevent them from interfering with your ability to collaborate or influencing your hiring.I am o n our diversity panel at Lookout. One way our company is working to keep unconscious bias in check when recruiting talent is by using a hiring panel composed of about six to eight people. We try to assemble a group of employees who are not only demographically diverse, but who can bring different qualities and perspectives to the hiring process. The whole panel needs to agree on a hire. If someone does not agree with a decision, the group needs to analyze the situation and ensure there is a legitimate issue and not a case of unconscious bias.Addressing two significant issuesThese are just examples of small steps that can help to close the gender gap and increase diversity in our industry. There are two bigger issues that need to be addressed, however, before I think youll see real change.One is that we need to keep girls engaged in STEM. Too many drop off the STEM track in middle school or high school - even in college. If they dont schliff their learning in STEM, its hard to get t hem to the point where we can hire them. So, there is definitely a pipeline issue.There is also a retention problem. Many women leave the workforce to have a child, or to stay at home while their children are very young, and then, given the very rapid change that occurs in the IT industry, they struggle to come back. Companies really need to do a better job of supporting women when they make a major life choice.I do think we are starting to see change, though. One thing that keeps me positive is how much the Women Who Code community has grown - and how it keeps expanding. It shows me that while there may be few women working in engineering or other technology roles within individual companies, together, we are a huge contingent.

How to accept reality without giving up your dreams

How to accept reality without giving up your dreamsHow to accept reality without giving up your dreamsIt is what it is. Itll become what you make of it. - old proverbWhatever we resist, persists.Most people dont want to be where they are?- ?they are not comfortable in their own lives.Whatever we fight, we make it stronger. What seems nasty or painful can be a burden or a source of growth. Being at war with reality is a choice?- ?you became a casualty or make peace with life.Acceptance is giving up the fight, not your dreams.Acceptance is anything but passiveA weed is but an unloved flower.? Ella Wheeler WilcoxMany people confuse acceptance with resignation. They believe it means lowering their bar, stop caring or just quitting. On the contrary, you cant improve something you dont fully accept first.Acceptance is experiencing life fully, without resistance. You stop trying to change what you cant control. And, instead, focus on what you can yourself.As Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrot e, For, after all, the best thing one can do when it is raining is let it rain. Acceptance is recognizing that it might rain whether you like it or not. An umbrella can keep you dry, but you cant stop the rain.Noah Rasheta uses Tetris as an analogy to explain how people deal with reality. To win, we must position the piece that comes next in the best way possible. We cant choose their shapes though?- ?we must adapt to whatever piece the game throws at us.When we try to control the game, we get stuck. Thats not the shape I was expecting. Thats not the one I need You dont win on Tetris by yelling but by positioning the pieces the best way possible. What you do matters more than how you emotionally react?- ?a lot like life.We get paralyzed when things dont go as planned- we see things through a lens of anger and fear. Acceptance helps us neutralize frustration. It gives us permission. Instead of getting stuck fighting reality, we jump into action.Acceptance is a choice?- ?you decide t o play with the pieces you get instead of expecting them to have a different shape.That doesnt mean condoning harmful situations. You simply recognize that you are in a specific situation but must choose what you are going to do with it. Acceptance is not passive behavior?- ?when you struggle against the pain you create unnecessary suffering. Most people fail to change because they start from the wrong place. You cant improve yourself, your workplace or relationships, if you dont accept your current state first.When we accept what it is, we gain clarity?- ?we focus on whats under our control. You work on what youll make of something rather than wishing something else to happen.Acceptance is not surrendering your dreams but to stop fighting a pointless war with life.The opposite of acceptance is avoidanceThe first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance. - Nathaniel BrandenMost of our trouble is self-inflicted?- ?we keep expecting things to be different, versu s accepting them as they are. Thats why we are always trying to change other people too.We avoid the truth of life things are not under our control. We are not perfect. We cant change others. We cant control the future. We cant change the past. We cant expect people to think or react as we would. We will all die. When we accept this universal truth its easier to accept simpler matters.Acceptance is letting go of the need of control.You cant face what you dont understand. You cant act on what you fail to see either. The first of the twelve steps of the Alcoholics Anonymous program is admitting that we cannot control our addictions. Acceptance requires courage?- ?you must confront, not avoid, yourself.To accept reality, we must experience it first.Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) describes our mind as a herausforderung-solving machine.A problem is something unwanted?- ?we find a solution to get rid of it. Experiential avoidance is escaping from our thoughts, feelings, memories, and other undesired experiences?- ?even if that harms us in the long-run.For example, take the case of a leader whos not getting the results promised to his/her stakeholders. Acceptance means acknowledging that he/she must either adjust the forecast or change the strategy. Sticking to the same plan is avoidance?- ?to keep acting as if everything is fine.Mindfulness expert Tara Brach defines acceptance as recognizing the truth of this moment without resistance.Acceptance in ACT means opening up?- ?we make room for uncomfortable experiences such as feeling, sensations, urges, or emotions. We give them some breathing space and allow them to be as they are. We dont resist the truth of the moment.Opening up doesnt mean liking everything but not running away from what we dislike. To accept the actual feelings you have about a situation. You are open to experience it fully. When you take things as they are, you can choose a wise response over an emotionally charged reaction.Eckhart Tolle said , Always say yes to the present moment. What could be more futile, more insane, than to create inner resistance to what already is? Surrender to what is. Say yes to life?- ?and see how life suddenly starts working for you rather than against you.Trying to suppress our internal experience?- ?in response to suffering?- ?is the opposite of acceptance. Saying yes to reality is not resignation. You confront the piece instead of complaining because you expected a different shape.Appreciation is focusing on your potential?- ?when you stop fighting reality, life starts working for you.Surrender to the momentSometimes surrender means giving up trying to understand and become comfortable with not knowing. - Eckhart TolleHow do we transition from resistance to acceptance?We must surrender.Thats what Eckhart Tolle, the most popular spiritual author as per The New York Times, recommends. We must get past the like-dislike reactive relationship with reality. To allow the moment to be as it is. Re sisting reality adds stress to our lives.Are you creating unnecessary conflict between the inner and external world?Most people dont want to be where they are, according to Tolle. We dont want to be in traffic jams, airport security checkpoints or toxic workplaces, to name a few. Sometimes, walking out is a good option. But, constant escapism is dysfunctional?- ?we turn avoidance into a habit.Surrender means transitioning from resistance to acceptance?- ?we say yes to life.We realize that living is less painful when we dont expect specific things to happen in the future. We focus on doing our best with the pieces we receive. We stop defining ourselves in good-or-bad terms. And make space to observe what is.If you dont surrender to the moment, you will surrender your happiness. You cant appreciate what you have if you are always fighting reality.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses the term Defusion to describe the ability to separate ourselves from our thoughts. We must lear n to observe our thoughts, not to see life through them?- ?acceptance is gaining clarity by removing the fog.To surrender means accepting this moment, not the story you tell yourself about this moment. You cultivate the ability to face difficult thoughts and emotions in the service of achieving what you want the most.Stop asking why is this happening to me? Instead, focus on what you can do with what you have. When you stop placing impossible demands on your life, everything becomes more satisfying, more peaceful?- ?you dont need to be at war with reality.Acceptance is a skill that requires practice. You still will feel frustration or disappointment, but you wont additional and unnecessary pain. Practicing acceptance in everyday situations will help you prepare to accept more challenging ones.Surrender to the moment but dont give up winning the game of life.Gustavo Razzetti is a change instigator that helps people and organizations create positive change. He is on a mission to help 1,000,000 people become the best version of themselves.This article first appeared on Medium.

How to Write a Bestselling Subtitle

How to Write a Bestselling SubtitleHow to Write a Bestselling SubtitleBook subtitles- like book titles- are book marketing tools. But how does a book title help market and sell a book? A books subtitle shores up the book title and helps tell the reader what to expect to get inside the book.Even if youve written a great title for your book, a subtitle can provide more pertinent information to help draw the reader in and prompt him or herbei to open the book, learn more, and, hopefully, buy it. Subtitles Support the Book Title Subtitles are used to clarify or expand on the title of a non-fiction book. Titles that involve unfamiliar terms, or that obliquely reference book contents with jargon or a lyrical passage generally benefit from a strong, clear subtitle. While there are exceptions,novels dont usually employ subtitles. Examples of Great Titles and Subtitles Here are some examples of booktitles and their subtitles. Note how each title is further explained by itssubtitle and how the intended reader might be more inclined to be interested in the book as a result SEAL Team SixAt first glance, a reader seeing this on a bookstore table might mistake it for a book about aquatic mammals. The full title and subtitle,SEAL Team SixMemoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper, providesis a case in which the subtitle elaborates on the potentially unfamiliar or confusing terminology in the title.A Clearing in the Distance The book title is a lovely but not-very-explanatory line taken from the book. WithA Clearing in the Distance The Biography of Frederick Law Olmstead,the subtitle explains what the book is- an account of the life of the famed landscape architect. The Millionaire Next Door The title is intriguing, but it could be a memoir by Donald Trumps neighbor. With its subtitle,The Millionaire Next Door The Surprising Secrets of Americas Wealthy,the book has mass appeal. Who wouldnt want to know those secrets?Eat, Pray, LoveBefore she wrote this huge best-seller, Eliz abeth Gilberts wasnt a known quantity and her books title wasnt very explanatory. The audience of food-, spiritual fulfillment-, love-, and travel-longing women could more identify withEat, Pray, Love One Womans Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia. The early readers who wanted to share that journey from their armchairs helped to jumpstart the word of mouth. The book went on to sell gazillions, was made into a movie, and even inspired its own spin-offs. As a result of the fame, the 10th Anniversary Edition doesnt include the subtitle. It doesnt need to, anymore. When a Title Doesnt Need a Subtitle While even a very book good title can benefit from the further explanation a subtitle provides, some titles need no additional explanation. Some examples of situations when books dont need a subtitle are When the author is a household name or a celebrity Readers might assume thatYes, Pleaseis a book on manners...except that famous actress, writer, and comedian Amy Poehler is pictured smack dab on the book jacketalong with her name.When an author is famous in his or her fieldThe bookJohn Adamswas written by an extremely well known and identifiable biographer, David McCullough. Theres no subtitle on the jacket the book needs no additional information because McCulloughs name is enough to sell the book to his large audience. When the book is a novelFiction books generally do not have subtitles. What Makes a Good Subtitle? Here are some hints for writing a good subtitle Dont duplicate ideas A good subtitleaddsto the information provided in the title it shouldnt repeat it. Cover space islimited maximize the power of the title and subtitle combination.Consider using keywordsKeywords are important online book marketing tools. Keywords help search engines match your book with readers and help readers discover your bookand, for that reason, keywords might be helpful in the subtitle.Explain clearly While there is leeway with the title, the subtitle shouldnt be fanciful or jargony. Be succinct A subtitle isnt an excuse to ramble. Be as succinct as possible when expressing the idea that supports the title.