Why Ive stopped planning my life

Why Ive stopped planning my lifeWhy Ive stopped planning my lifeFun fact I wrote this story on December 31 - the last day of the year. This welches very fortuitous timing because I spent a lot of time that week reflecting on the highs and lows of 2018. When I think of the best moments of the past year (getting engaged, starting my own business, traveling to Sweden) I didnt see any of it coming.On January 1, I wrote my list of resolutions, but the best moments came completely unplanned. I have always been a planner and Ive thrived when Ive had a clear path to follow. Ive also thrived when taking chances, jumping on unexpected opportunities, and veering off my path. Ive made lasting relationships in places Ive least expected them, learned new skills, and changed my career without planning any of it. Why have I stopped planning my life? Lets dive in.Im not living on a timelineLike many young adults, I went through the post-college graduation blues. They hit me hard. One of the main rea sons was because I didnt feel like I was doing the work I wanted to be doing. I knew I had to pay my dues, but industry and role wise,I was worried I was on the wrong path. There was a lot of fretting and brooding that first year. I wish I could go back in time and tell myself to take a deep breath and relax. Within 15 months I moved on to a job that was a way better fit for me and my worries lifted immediately.As could be expected, this new job came with new challenges and as much as I loved it, there were many aspects of my first job that I missed - clocking out by 430pm every day, the friends I made, and how those entry-level tasks came with entry-level responsibility. I learned that with a little hard work and determination, things will work out, so why not enjoy yurself along the way? When I erased the timeline of where I should be, I was able to enjoy where I currently am.Feel Less DisappointedBack when I worried about a timeline (I should have my dream job, husband, house, b aby, by X age) I found I was so much more critical of myself. It didnt matter if I was happy not being married or loved the location of my one bedroom apartment, I felt like I wasnt keeping up. My own happiness was overshadowed by trying to check off my life to-do list. Now Im happy ifIm just on the path toward meeting my goals.Some may take longer to reach than others, butusually Im surprised by how quickly my life takes an unexpected (often positive) turn. Ive found I feel so much lighter when Im not sticking to a plan.I dont limit my optionsThere are some aspects of planning my life that are unavoidable - hello,retirement savings plan But for the most part, my plans used to limit me from pursuing really great opportunities. When I was 12 years old, I picked up a copy of Vogue and that was it - I knew I wanted to be a magazine editor. From that point forward every extracurricular, class, and as much of my free time as possible was allcentered aroundhelping me reach that goal.Fas t forward through countless hours studying designers and photographers, taking French classes, and racking up internships, and I was ready to graduate. Unfortunately, around the time I was graduating college, the magazine industry was falling to pieces. Suddenly I needed to find a new path, and I needed to do it fast.I had been so focused on my goals that I hadnt opened myself up to the possibility of another career path.Now that I have less tunnel vision I can see that I would have loved to study other subjects like public health or biological anthropology. Of course, I still have passions and career goals, but I try to keep an open mind by reading, learning, and trying my flosse at new subjects. When opportunities come along that arent exactly what I was looking for, I try to imagine how I could grow in them. Ive greatly enjoyed working in marketing, the financial industry, and writing about topics ranging from fashion (the OG goal) to food to health.I try new thingsIve always kno wn what I like - I have particular tastes and interests and have always been happy sticking to them. Or so I thought.When I switched to a vegan dietand was forced to be more adventurous with my culinary choices, I was surprised at how many foods I suddenly liked. Basically overnight I became a veggie, lentil, and tofu lover. Who wouldve thought?This year when my fianc had an opportunity to go to Stockholm for work, I tagged along. Sweden wasnt on either of our travel bucket lists and we almost cut our visit short to stop byParis (our favorite city)for a few days. Im so glad we didnt, because as much as I will always love Paris, I adored Stockholm just as much. We had the best time on our trip and even though Paris sounded more familiar and easier, stepping out of our comfort zone created unforgettable memories and widened our travel horizons forever.Last year I moved across the country for three months,explored the streets of New York City aloneand learned how to paddle board, rock climb, and practice archery - none of which I planned or expected I might even skip writing resolutions this year in favor of waiting to see what 2019 has in store for me.This article was originally published on The Everygirl.

Make this the Year You Learn to Listen Better

Make this the Year You Learn to Listen BetterMake this the Year You Learn to Listen BetterMake this the Year You Learn to Listen Better Poulson, author of The Clarity Compass (Vision Creation Publishing, 2017)Ask any business leader and theyll tell you that listening skills are an essential skillof a good manager.I agree, but I think theyre missing an important element. We need to listen more to the deeper intentions of what is being said. We need to listen carefully to realize the wants and motivations that reside underneath what we and other people are saying. Heres how to improve yur workplace communications.Communication is PersonalThink back to all the meetings youve sat through over your career. Youll likely remember someone speaking up on a topic seemingly unrelated to the discussion at hand. It might even have been you. Why does this happen? The answer is often about much more than a person being off topic.Practice listening for your own intentions first. Then you can apply t hat to understanding the intentions of others. When you speak, theres a reason. Maybe you want to add new information or a different opinion. But when you listen yourself, you might hear deeper desires to be seen as part of the group, to subtly express a frustration, or simply to be heard.Speaking up is an action. What were often notlage listening to is the intention behind it. The relationship between intentions and action is part of being effective in our professional and personal lives. When these elements are in sync, we make progress. When theyre not, were often stymied. There are four main reason whyAdding complexity Often when we take action, we try to solve too many problems at once. By speaking up at the morning meeting, we may have been trying to address what we felt was a need for a new policy, a problem with a specific individual and a particular conversation we needed to have with that person. In trying to resolve all of these problems at once, were likely to solve none .Work Tip Focus on the context of the meeting and try to determine the key goals related to the meeting agenda items. If a tangential issue arises for you that needs to be addressed, that might distract everyone from the most important thread. Consider saving your thoughts for later and following up via email or follow-up meetings.By being more selective about when we choose to talk, what we choose to say and how we choose to say it, we are practicing crucial skills that will helpimprove our communications.Misdirected problems The way we experience the world can cause us to look in the wrong place for the answers we seek. We all have blind spots, but we deliberately avoid them to circumvent the discomfort of challenging our worldview. Ignorance is bliss. Unfortunately, when we steer around our blind spots, were only moving further away from a problem that isnt going anywhere. Wed be better off trying to understand them instead.Work Tip Carefully reconsider a difficult project or pro blem situation from someone elses point of view, ideally someone involved who may have a very different take than your own. This can be difficult, but try to stay as open as possible to their perspective. It will help you discern between the objective reality of what is really happening versus your subjective interpretation.You may discover that you have some particular blind spots that are preventing you from seeing the situation clearly.Competing intentions A single statement in a meeting can carry competing intentions. Our commitments can get in the way of each other, even when they all seem important.I had a client who wanted to be CEO of his company, but at the same time didnt want the overwhelming stress and also wanted to safeguard his time with his family. He engaged in conscious behaviors moving himself toward CEO, but we discovered other behaviors where he was sabotaging himself. He was not listening to his intentions to minimize stress and maintain work life balance.Work Tip Are you listening to your various intentions for engaging in the activities of your life? Make a list of several important things in your life outside of work (relationship stress, your kids, an extracurricular activity, etc.). Now think about the many reasons why each activity is important to you. What deeper intentions do they serve in your life? These intentions might include social acceptance, acknowledgement by friends and family, stability and security, etc.After listening to your deeper wants around one of the activities, determine if they are competing. If they are, give some attention to how you might resolve their conflict. Can you resolve the internal conflict by approaching an activity differently?Congruent intentions Of course, multiple intentions can move us toward the same goals. We want to do our jobs well and be paid, productive, respected, successful and liked.All of these intentions are congruent and aimed toward the same satisfying result to have the kind of work experience we desire. But because the scope is so broad, we wont be as effective in fulfilling our intentions. With too many arrows drawn at once, some of them will miss the target.Work Tip Listen to the intentions that might drive you to overcommit. Look back at the list you made in the above exercise. Even if your goals are congruent, do you have too much on your plate? Is that causing you to be distracted and less available for people at work? If so, think about how to resolve the situation. How can your multiple intentions serve each other?Once you are more familiar with your own intentions, it becomes easier to understand the motivations of others. So practice observing your intentions. Next time you find yourself speaking, pay attention. When you listen carefully to whats going on inside, you hear the real reasons youre talking.When youre fully aware of your intentions, youll start recognizing the much deeper and profound needs that have little to do with the meeting but everything to do with the life you want to create for yourself. When we embrace our intentions, a new world of possibilities emerges.Author BioDr. Brit Poulsonis a Seattle-based psychologist and leadership development expert who works with Fortune 500 companies to address the biggest challenges managers face. His work is based on more than 35 years of extensive research, organizational leadership development consulting, and coaching engagements with executives from some of the worlds leading corporations.In his new book, The Clarity Compass (January 17, 2017), Poulson provides the tools to help professionals overcome roadblocks and settle disputes employing the tools of emotional intelligence and business strategy.Dr. Poulson holds a Ph.D. in psychodynamics, Jungian and group psychology. He can be reached at brit.poulsonclarity-compass.com or at clarity-compass.com, on Facebook at TheClarityCompassand Twitter Clarity_Compass.

6 Tips to Make a Great Impression in an Interview

6 Tips to Make a Great Impression in an Interview6 Tips to Make a Great Impression in an InterviewYouve written and re-written that resume. That career-making job has been applied for. Youve maybe even made it through an anfangsbuchstabe questionnaire or preliminary screening phone call with HR. Todays finally the big day its time to interview.With so much riding on an hour or two of critical interaction with your potential new employer, its easy to see how interviews can seem like a daunting experience. Weve got you covered, though, with a few great tips to help you ace that interview and land the gig of your dreamsPreparation is KeyWhile winging it may have worked for that college history exam, its going to take a little more thought and effort to score big in the competitive career market. Spend some time researching your future employer to ensure your interview answers are relevant and in line with the company message and values. The employers website as well as a quick perusal o f readily available online news is all you need to give yourself a solid framework for success.Dress for SuccessAs the saying goes, the interview begins the moment you enter the room. Making that great first impression begins with a neat, tidy and well groomed appearance. When it comes to clothes, theres no need to raid the designer racks, either. A conservative, clean and unwrinkled that fits the work environment, along with good personal hygiene, will speak volumes before you utter a single word.Watch the ClockYou know how annoyed you get when your friends keep you waiting for that Friday night dinner date? Take that and multiply it times a thousand and thats the level of frustration your potential employer will have if you are running late to the interview. Tardiness in your initial interactions with an employer doesnt bode well for your ability to show up to work on time. Leave early and dont be afraid to arrive at the interview with time to spare to show youre really serious.Le ave the Nerves at the DoorWhile some level of nervousness is to be expected, candidates that ace their interviews rarely let their discomfort show. Use a firm handshake, make plenty of appropriate eye contact and keep those shoulders back and straight. A little bit of practice with family or friends can also help dispel any last minute, interview stage-fright. Be confident in your background and knowledge and always remember that they picked your resume out of the job applicant pile.Be Prepared with QuestionsMost interviews typically end with the dreaded do you have any questions for me scenario. While some interviewees may be in a hurry to mumble no and be out the door, having intelligent and thoughtful questions ready will score you big points towards landing the job. While your questions should be job specific, consider a few of these as starting off places for a great interview discussionCan you describe what a normal day in my position would be like?How is the office culture?Ca n you tell me anything about my potential future co-workers?Mind Your MannersWhen it comes to post-interview etiquette, remember your mothers sage advice when it comes to thanking your employer. Sending a follow up thank you the day after the interview is a great way to keep your name fresh in the interviewers mind. While mailed letters used to be the go-to route, emailed thank yous are now the norm and should be sent to everyone you honigwein with, including the HR contact.We hope our dose of interview knowledge has helped calm your nerves and prepare you for your big day. Whether an entry level position or a management role, following our universal advice will go a long way to helping you score that job or career of your dreams.Updated July 12, 2017

Here are 7 different places to take a wellness trip

Here are 7 different places to take a wellness tripHere are 7 different places to take a wellness tripIts easy to get caught up in the everyday stresses in our busy lives. Trying to find balance while facing obligations like work, family, a social life, staying fit - the list can go on and on. Its important to balance a busy lifestyle to remember why you took it all on in the first place. Many resorts and hotels offer fitness and wellness options that help to renew and recharge.Manage everyday stress by planning a wellness-focused trip that teaches you a new hobby, jumpstarts a healthy diet, or kicks-in a new fitness regime. Where to go1.joga RocksAgios Pavlos, Crete, GreeceRecharge in the warming sunshine on the pristine beaches of the island of Crete in Greece at the Yoga Rocks retreat located along the southern coast. The program includes daily yoga, meditation and locally prepared vegetarian meals. The goal is to help guests connect with themselves and one another through though tful yoga practice in an exquisite location.2.Kalon SurfOsa Peninsula, Costa RicaSurfing is one of the fasting growing sports in the US because its proven to reduce stress while providing a great workout. Kalon Surf offers an immersive surfing experience in a luxurious setting. Learn to surf by day then cool down in a beautiful infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Afterward, watch the sunset on the horizon.3.Carmel Valley RanchCarmel, CaliforniaUnlock your childhood sense of wonder at this adult summer camp resort. The vast property offers a variety of activities that encourage you to let go and rediscover a youthful curiosity. They have something for everyone - golf, arts and crafts, fitness classes, games, archery, even a beehive. The allure of breaking free and letting your inner-child out is an experience both special and unforgettable.4.The Four Seasons Resort HualalaiKailua-Kona, HawaiiChallenge yourself by heading to Hawaii to train with six-time IRONMAN champion Dav e Scott in a five-day triathlon clinic. This trip will kick you into shape while you enjoy the beauty and warmth that only Hawaii can provide. When youre not training, take advantage of the many amenities like golf, tennis, water sports and world-class dining.5.ITC Grand BharatHaryana, IndiaThis luxury resort in northern India is the perfect destination for a wellness getaway. The Grand Bharat offers many different packages that will realign and reboot you. One option is the Ayurvedic Detox which focuses on ridding the body of toxins or doshas that have accumulated through a variety of physical and mental activities. Other options include daily yoga, special tea blends, and rejuvenating spa treatments.6.VivamayrAltausseeAltaussee, AustriaAs one of the fruchtwein modern and health-focused resorts in the world, Vivamayr Altaussee is in the stunning and dramatic Austrian Alps. The location alone is enough to make anyone take a step back with its pristine lakes, charming village locatio n, and clean Alpine air. A stay here includes Mayr medicine, laboratory diagnostics and bloodwork, spa treatments, fitness training, and daily doses of mandatory mineral waters. The focus of the retreat is detoxification giving your digestive tract a break by consuming only vegetable broth, potatoes, buckwheat bread, and carefully selected vitamins for a minimum of seven days.7.Asclepios Wellness and Healing RetreatAlajuela, Costa RicaThis resort not only cares about healing you, it wants to improve the environment while doing it. The entire property was built with sustainability in mind, through its building materials, location and forest preservation to natural and solar lighting. Asclepios cares. They want to provide the most relaxing and healing sanctuary for visitors in their spa facilities and organically prepared meals, by a skilled and caring staff.This article was originally published on TravelSquire.

MOS 0602 -- Communications Officer

MOS 0602 -- Communications OfficerMOS 0602 Communications OfficerMOS/Title 0602 Communications Officer Type of Officer Unrestricted Line Officer Type of MOS PMOS Rank Range LtCol to 2ndLt Job Description Communications officers command, or assist in commanding, a communication unit or element. They supervise and coordinate all aspects of the planning, installation, operation, displacement and maintenance of data, telecommunication, and computer systems. Job Requirements (1) Complete the Basic Communication Officer Course, MCCDC, Quantico, VA. (2) Must be eligible for a top-secret security clearance based on a special background investigation. (3) Must be a U.S. citizen. Duties For a complete listing of duties and tasks, refer to MCO 1510.117, Individual Training Standards. Related Departement of Labor Occupation Codes (1) Manager, Electronic Data Processing 169.167-030. (2) Superintendent, Radio Communications 193.167-018. (3) Manager, Communications Station 184.167-062. R elated Marine Corps Jobs None. Above information derived from MCBUL 1200, part 1

What Is So Fascinating About Template Resume?

What Is So Fascinating About schablone Resume? Key Pieces of Template Resume However tempting it may be to stretch the truth, lying on your resume is always a poor idea. Even if you are not successful at some stage, you are able to you will need a push to never quit. If you want to locate a new job thats out of the realm of what it is you are utilised to, you might want to search for an absolutely free printable resume that it is possible to take and alter to your own details. Though you might not have a work history or lengthy collection of impressive degrees, you can definitely find something to include. Template Resume Secrets That No One Else Knows About Your CV should force you to stick out from the crowd of different applicants whether youre a nurse in Ireland or another country. Ensure your career objective is related to the position that youre applying for. No matter your degree of work practical experience, your resume format is important to making your applicatio n stick out. You ought to do your own plan and attempt to stick with it Even supposing its offered as a free for private usage, they may come and purchase the industrial license if it fits their design. Then it may be time to bring some style to your resume There are lots of beautiful resume templates out there, but nevertheless, it can be simple to feel as a lot of the greatest cost a ridiculous quantity of money, require special design programs in order to edit, or both. Resumizer free resume creator allows you to preview your resume at any stage in the creation approach. If you choose this, just make sure that the template really fits your resume needs. This absolutely free timeline-based resume template was made by graphic designer Patryk Korycki. This template is appropriate for general use. To compose a good resume it is beneficial to use examples of different resumes. Resumes give potential employers a means to learn about applicants quickly and readily, and theyre your very first step toward new job opportunities. ansicht resumes have been specially intended for students that are still in high school or those that are going to graduate. You could adhere to the guidelines given in the job resume template here and produce your own resume. Zetys resume templates are made with the aid of recruiters and stick to the best practices in HR. You may also opt to design high-quality resumes for industrial purposes. The CV template teaches you how to format your Curriculum Vitae and lets you know what sort of information needs to be included. Who Else Wants to Learn About Template Resume? The aim of your resume is to secure you the interview. You might also checkdoctor resumes. How to Get Started with Template Resume? Describing the duties related to the work profile is a little tricky. Do not write what you would like in work. An interview may also be needed to land the job, but a resume is vital to begin the practice. If it comes top wri ting resumes, you need to always put your very best foot forward so you become called for that work interview. You may be a great team player. Ensure the skills are high to the job which you desire. Make sure they are relevant to the job you want. Microsoft offers an assortment of formats inside their Word program using their Resume Wizard or at their site. The downloadable templates are extremely manageable too, as it is possible to download them, tailor them to incorporate the info and the visual look that you would like, and upload them wherever you select. Googles single-page templates can be useful to begin with.

How to Land a Job at the Startup of Your Dreams

How to Land a Job at the Startup of Your Dreams Jeff tanzveranstaltung knows startups. In 2013, he founded Visio Financial Services,an online lending platform for residential real estate investors, and the company has grown quickly since then. (Ball currently serves as president and CEO of Visio). Ball is also the president and one of the founders of Econohomes, which buys and resells distressed investment properties, and which has earned Ball a spot in the Inc. 500 two times over. It makes sense, then, to turn to Ball on a topic like how to land a job at the startup of your dreams.Ball knows how to run a successful startup and part of doing so is hiring the right people to staff the company. Ball knowswhat startups look for whenscreening candidates, and he also knows what job seekers should be looking for whentheyre considering applying for a job at a startup.Want to Work for a Startup? First, B e Comfortable With Change and UncertaintyBallelendes that anyonewho has spent their whole whole career in a large, highly bureaucratic organization may be uncomfortable with the rapid pace of changeand the level of uncertainty thatare inherent tolife in astartup.The way I describe it internally is, were building the plane while its in the air, Ball says. People who have been in a 747 their whole career, theyre not going to be very comfortable with changing the engine at 30,000 feet.On the other hand, if a job seeker is flexible and focused on being useful to their company, then a startup may be a good choice for them.For somebody who really desires to be a part of shaping a businesss future, you can affect change much mora significantly at a startup than you can at a larger organization, Ball says.Startups also offer leaner, flatter organizational structures, which may be alluring tosome job seekers.Theres not nearly as much hierarchy, Ball says. In a startup, the part who is arguab ly the most junior at the organization could walk in my door that is, the CEOs door -- ed. noteand share a great idea with me that could change the direction of the business.Before Applying for a Job at a Startup, Research the Leadership Team and the Companys Financial BackersAre you a job seeker interested in pursuing startup work? Then the first step is conducting research on the companies youmay want to work for as is the case for any job search, really.When it comes to researching startups in particular, Ball says that job seekers should scrutinize three key aspectsof any startup in which they are interested1. The Leadership Teams Vision and GoalsCan the leadership team clearly articulate the vision of their business? Can they coherently explain why their product or service is valuable to customers? If so, great Thats a leadershipteam that has all its ducks in a row. If not well, be wary. Do you really want to work for a leadership team that doesnt know exactly where its compa ny is heading or why the company is valuable?2. The Leadership Teams BackgroundTeams require complementary skill sets and experiences to be as powerful as they can be, Ball says.Therefore, the members of any startups leadership team should have complementary skill sets and experiences. Otherwise, the leadership team may not be set up for success in which case, the startup itself is in danger of flagging.3. The Venture Capitalists Backing the StartupJeff BallIf the startup is a venture-backed company, job seekers should research the individual venture capitalists that back thebusiness. It can be useful to research the venture firms to which the capitalists may belong, but Ball says that job seekers should really focus on the individual capitalists themselves.The brand can be helpful, but its much more helpful to see what the given representative from that firm has done that fits with where the business is going, Ball says.What Startups Want Out of You, the Job SeekerOnce youve rese arched a few startups and selected some companiestowhich youd like to apply, the next step is proving to any givenstartups leadership team that you have the rightmindset and skills to be a productive and important member of the company.When hiring for his companies, Ball says he looks for these four qualities in potential employees1. The Understanding That Success Is a Process, Not a DestinationWhat that really means is Im looking for folks who are looking to continually improve and are committed to that, Ball says.To determine whether or not a candidate is committed to continuous improvement, Ball will ask them to tell him about a skill they are currently working on improving. This could be a skill related to their current job, or it could be something in their personal life e.g., maybe a candidate is working on becoming a better guitarist. The specific skill a candidate is working on is not as important as the candidates ability to demonstrate their commitment to improvement.Im v ery focused on how intentional they are about improving, Ball says.2. Self-AwarenessBall wants employees who know themselves and who know what support they need to succeed.Ill ask them, In your current role, what are you great at? Ball says. People will tell you theyve done a whole bunch of different things, but what I want to understand is where they think they really excel.Ball will also ask questions like, If you had only one person that worked alongside of you, what skills would you want that person to have?Im looking for how cognizant are they of what they need, what skills they need to be complemented with, Ball says.3. FlexibilityIm looking for people who embody the saying, Its notnot my job, Ball says. Im looking for folks who are willing to dive on a grenade when necessary.Instartups, employees cant be territorial. They cant rigidly stick to the confines of their job descriptions and refuse to do things thatfall outside of their perceived responsibilities. Startups often ne ed to take an all hands on deck approach to furthering the companys vision especially in the early stages, when there are fewer people in the office.Ill ask candidates,Tell me about a work experience where you took on solving a problem that wasnt in your immediate job role, Ball says. I want folks who are flexible and who are constantly looking for ways to be useful in advancing the organizations vision.4. Dedication to Their Particular RoleAt the end of the day particularly for senior folks no matter what you do, you must do your job, Ball says. I love people who are curious and who have a desire to contribute to the organization, but they also have to understand that in order for the organization to get anywhere, they have to own their responsibilities first.So, while flexibility is important, employees at startups must make sure they arent so flexible that they fail toperform the tasks their roles entail. Startup employees need to be able to juggle both the specific duties of their jobs and extracurricular demands of the startup itself.Ball will often ask candidates how they structure their typical work days in order to find out if they can handle the sometimes chaotic workflow of startup life.Im looking for folks who understand the 80/20 rule, Ball says.They need to focus on a few big things to advance the rock. Im looking for people who have a structure to think about how they to measure whether theirday is successful or not.If youre looking for a job at a startup, be prepared to demonstrate these key qualities to the companys leadership team. If you can do that, theres a good chance youll be able to prove that youre the person for the job.

Today marks the highlight of my life

Today marks the highlight of my lifeToday marks the highlight of my lifeIn the middle of watching wingsuit videos the other day, the athlete shared a startling bolt of wisdom from the blueToday marks the highlight of my life, he says as he readies his climb over a railing 10,000 feet up.Moments like this are why I live, why I feel like Im on this planet.When a Man is tired of Wingsuit Videos, he is tired of Life joked James Fallows, paraphrasing Samuel Johnsons famous quip about London.True wingsuit videos and full-screen mode thrill in a way that transports you to a magical feeling.The athlete in this video, Marshall Miller, focused on his goal for a decade, which leads me to askWhats your goal?What day off in the future are you preparing for? When will you be able to say today marks the best day of mylife?If you could describe it, what would that day be? What would you be doing? How would you feel about achieving it?And then ask yourself what does it take to get there? What are all the steps Id have to follow to proceed from where I am today to this best day? What kinds of obstacles would I have to overcome? What challenges would I face?And then why dont I do that? Why dont I get started today?Because, having given career advice for almost two decades, the most effective advice I ever give is why dont you go do that? when someone tells me their dreams.And then no, thats not really a problem, you can figure it out and overcome it, when I ask what would prevent them from achieving that dream. (If you dont believe that, then read my story belastung year on the one-armed man who became a world champion kickboxer.)You have it within you to have the highlight of your life in the decade ahead. Will you start, today, on achieving it, on jumping from the mountaintop, on flying through space and time to your future best day ever?I know youll be able to say, sooner than you thinkMoments like this are why I live, why I feel like Im on this planet.Im rooting for you

David N. Wormley

David N. Wormley David N. Wormley Honorary Membership Recipient David WormleyDavid N. Wormley knew early on that he wanted to be an engineer, and as he sees it, this is a wonderful time in many ways to be an engineer.He is the son of an engineer and remembers taking tours of the factory where his father was a manager. He recalls that he was asked in junior high school to write an essay on what he wanted to be. At that point, I said I wanted to be a mechanical engineer, he said. As fate would have it, I have certainly followed that plan.Today, David Wormley, Ph.D., is the Harold and Inge Marcus dean of engineering at The Pennsylvania State University. According to Dr. Wormley, This is an especially propitious time for engineering and mechanical engineering. In these recent times I think its very clear that there is much more national appreciation and interest in the contributions that engineering can make both to the national economy and to many of the major pressing issues that we fa ce in the country. He added, When we look at the impact, or the potential for impact of engineering in the nation, I think that its never been greater.Mr. Wormleys research is in the area of dynamic systems and control with applications to transportation systems.Dr. Wormley is recognized with Honorary Membership in ASME for exceptional leadership in the engineering profession and educational field, including service on numerous governmental and university committees.Before Dr. Wormley joined Penn State, in 1992, he was a faculty member at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he served as head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and then as associate dean of engineering.His research is in the area of dynamic systems and control with applications to transportation systems, fossil fuel power plants, and fluid power systems. He has worked closely with industry and currently serves on the boards of the Michael Baker Corp. and the Sun Hydraulics Corp.Dr. Wormley has se rved as chair of the National Science Foundations Engineering Directorate Advisory Committee and chair of the Executive Committee of the National Research Councils Transportation Research Board. He also served on the National Academy of Engineerings Committee on Assessing the Capacity of U.S. Engineering Research, and the National Research Councils Committee for a Study of the Motor Vehicle Rollover Rating ordnungsprinzip.He has served on numerous university and professional advisory committees, associated with institutions including Carnegie Mellon, Iowa State University, the University of Michigan, the University of Texas, Boston University, and the National Academy of Engineering Advisory Committee to the Center for the Advancement of Scholarship on Engineering Education.His research is described in more than 100 papers and reports, and he is co-author of the textbook System Dynamics An Introduction (Prentice Hall, 1996).An ASME Fellow, Dr. Wormley served as vice president of the Systems and Design Group (1991-92). Earlier activities include chair of the Technical Panel on Transportation (1970-77), member of the Fluidic Committee (1968-76), chair of the Applied Mechanics Committee on Transportation (1979-88), member (1981-89) and chair (1988-89) of the Dynamic Systems and Control Division Executive Committee, and associate editor of the Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement and Control (1977-81). He received a Lewis Moody Award (1970) and Dynamic Systems and Control Education Award (1998).Dr. Wormley is a Fellow of the American Society for Engineering Education, where he served as president (2006-07). He also served on the editorial advisory board for the Journal of Engineering Education (1991-2002), and was chair of the Engineering Deans Council (2001-04) and the Councils Public Policy Committee (2000-01).He received his bachelors degree, masters degree, and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at MIT in 1962, 1964, and 1968, respectively.There is much more n ational appreciation and interest in the contributions that engineering can make.David N. Wormley

5 ways to overcome loneliness when living in a big city

5 ways to overcome loneliness when living in a big city5 ways to overcome loneliness when living in a big cityAt some point in our lives, we are thrust, kicking and screaming, into the confusing world of adulthood.For many of us, a unique challenge of adulthood comes in the fasson of moving to a new city where we no longer live within walking distance of 20 of our closest friends. This abrupt transition into a new environment can stir up quite a few unwanted feelings - one, in particular, being loneliness.Loneliness has been on the rise for decades. According to the General Social Survey, the number of Americans living with zero close friends has tripled since 1985. Yikes. This loneliness epidemic is especially prevalent in cities, which isnt all that surprising because moving to a big city where you dont know a soul can easily feel isolating. This is bad news for our health, too, as researchers are finding that a lack of social support can be detrimental to both physical and mental well-being. A 2015 study even found that feeling lonely may increase an individuals mortality by 26%.So if youre currently struggling with loneliness, know that you arent alone. We all experienced a similar struggle when we first moved to a new city after graduating from college. And luckily, we found a handful of tricks that helped us expand our social circle in a city of strangers along the way. Below are five easy ways that you, too, can combat urban isolation.1. Make exercise socialKill two birds with one stone and get your daily workout in while also meeting new people. Whether youre into running and opt to join one of your citys many running clubs or prefer group fitness classes like SoulCycle, working out with others offers an excellent opportunity to make friends with like-minded individuals. Exercise also releases endorphins, and theres no better time to make friends than when everyone is in a good mood. If the exercise class or run was especially challenging, youll have a great topic of discussion for your first conversation with fellow participants. What better opener than OMG, my legs feel like jello2. Prioritize face-to-face conversationsWhile it might be tempting to save time by interacting with others via text or, worse, through a social media post, one study found that communicating online with friends and family was not an effective alternative to offline social interactions in reducing feelings of loneliness. So the next time youre texting with a new acquaintance, offer to continue the conversation in part by inviting them to grab a drink or a cup of coffee. Meeting face-to-face will deepen your connection and pave the way for a new, strong friendship.And if you have close friends whom you cant spontaneously see in person because you dont live in the same city, talking on the phone or FaceTiming is still better than texting. Setting up a weekly call with a bestie will help you de-stress and keep you from feeling isolated.3. VolunteerVoluntee ring is a great way to give back to your community, and it also provides an excellent setting for making new friends. No city has enough volunteers, and whether youre passionate about taking care of our planet or you want to put your cooking skills to good use by helping make food for the homeless, it wont be hard for you to find a volunteer opportunity that gets you excited.Volunteering allows you to meet people who are generally kind and care about the same causes that you do. And its a lot easier to start a meaningful conversation with someone when the two of you already know that you have something in common. This is a great way to avoid the dreaded small talk that too often dominates the majority of our conversations with strangers.4. Talk to strangersYour parents might disagree, but striking up a conversation with a friendly face that you keep seeing at your favorite coffee shop or yoga class might be the easiest and most organic way to make a new friend. Remember in kindergar ten when you werent afraid to walk up to another kid on the playground and say, Lets be friends? The same tactic applies here. Although, you might want to think of a better openerPeople like compliments, so giving a genuine compliment is a great way to break the ice with a stranger. Chances are that you wont always receive a positive response, and not all people will want to keep the conversation going, but dont let that discourage you. It most likely has nothing to do with you. The more you learn to break the ice with strangers, the easier it will become, and you might end up meeting someone who will change your life forever.5. Take advantage of apps that help you meet like-minded peopleWeve already discussed how online communication can have negative impacts on our face-to-face social interactions, but technology does have some upsides. The invention of countless apps has made it easier than ever for us to meet new people with the click of a button. Just like Tinder helps you find your next date, there are now many apps that are created to help connect people with others who share common interests.Meetup is a popular app that facilitates face-to-face social interactions. No matter your passions or personal interests, chances are that theres already a Meetup group set up by people just like you. Are you into experiencing new restaurants but cringe at the idea of dining alone? Meetup can help you find a group of individuals who are also looking for fellow culinary adventurers. Even if youre into more unconventional experiences, such as group cuddling, Meetup has your back. (You can join one of their Cuddle Party groups today.)This article first appeared on Swirled.