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March 6, 2019

6 Morning Routine Ideas Successful People Swear By

Image of a person holding a cup in his/her hands that says "Hello Monday Let's Do This!" — 6 Morning Routine Ideas Successful People Swear By

“I’m not a morning person.” We hear people say this all the time. But guess what? Becoming a morning person might be the extra edge you’ve been looking for to skyrocket your success. With few exceptions, most people who’ve reached high levels in their careers have developed a daily morning routine that they stick to religiously.

An effective morning routine sets you up for a productive and positive day. While hitting the snooze button three times, showering quickly, and rushing out the door might be easier, most top performers will tell you that you’re missing out on a major opportunity to improve your life.

There is no “one size fits all” grouping of successful habits. Certain activities that work wonders for one person might be fruitless for another. It’s important to experiment with what works best for you and to pay attention to what behaviors are and aren’t adding value to your day.

Here are six ideas to consider adding to your own daily morning routine.

But first, coffee.

Okay, not necessarily first, but certainly before you head to work. Numerous reputable studies have shown the long-term health benefits of drinking coffee; and certainly, the immediate benefits are plentiful as well. Even just one cup can kickstart a healthy morning routine, increasing your energy levels and giving you the boost to follow through on the next steps.

Get the blood flowing.

One of the best things you can do for yourself is get moving in the morning. Whether this means a walk around the block, some light yoga or stretching, or a full-blown work out, you’ll enjoy the benefits of increased energy and focus during the rest of your morning routine—and throughout the rest of your day.

Peaceful solitude.

Give yourself a few minutes (or more!) each morning to enjoy the calm before the storm. Turn off the television, close your laptop, and put your phone away. Perhaps pull out a notepad and jot down what you’re most grateful for. Think about the day ahead and what you’d like to accomplish.

Do something small that makes you happy.

Maybe it’s swinging by Dunkin’ Donuts for your favorite caramel latte on your way to the gym. Maybe it’s snuggling with your kids or tossing the ball for your dog. You know yourself best. Having something to look forward to not only makes it easier to wake up each morning, but it also gives you a major mood boost that will carry through to the rest of your day.

Look good, feel good.

We’ve all had those mornings when all there was time for was a rushed shower, followed by a haphazard “whatever’s clean” outfit selection, and dashing out the door. When our clothes are mismatched or wrinkled and our hair is a mess, it can be hard to feel good about ourselves. Avoid this unnecessary hit to your self-confidence by setting aside sufficient time to look and feel your best, whatever that means for you.

Cue up a podcast or audiobook.

This is a fantastic way to not only awaken your mind in the morning but to ensure that each day you are learning something new. Try listening to an interesting podcast or audiobook while you’re exercising or commuting. It will make the time fly by and might even give you a useful idea to implement in your work day.

As with all new habits, getting started is the hardest. Establishing a healthy morning routine is going to require self-discipline and patience. Facing a few setbacks is normal and shouldn’t keep you from getting back on the horse. The good news is, once you get going, it will become easier and more automatic.

It’s also important to note that your morning routine might evolve over time. Perhaps you’ll start with a 15-minute walk and work up to a longer session in the gym. Maybe you’ll find that you can shower at night instead, skip the coffee run, or add something completely new to your plan. Either way, don’t let the idea of a “perfect” morning schedule keep you from getting started.

To find out more about Cydcor, check us out on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

We are Cydcor, the recognized leader in outsourced sales and marketing services located in Agoura Hills, California. From our humble beginnings as an independent sales company to garnering a reputation for consistently exceeding client expectations and driving outstanding revenue growth, Cydcor has been helping Fortune 500 and emerging companies achieve their customer acquisition, retention, and business goals since 1994. Cydcor takes pride in the unique combination of in-person sales, call center, and digital marketing services we offer to provide our clients with proven sales and marketing strategies that get results.

February 20, 2019

Craft Your Best Elevator Pitch

There is no tool to have in your professional arsenal that is more universal than the elevator pitch. No matter your industry, you will always need to be able to sell yourself, your idea, your product or your business at a moment’s notice. That means an elevator pitch, so named because it should tell your would-be client everything they need to know in the 30 seconds or so that they may be riding up an elevator with you.

Crafting the best elevator pitch possible can be tricky. While you may know in advance that you’re going to have a minute of someone’s time and can prepare accordingly, this will not always be the case. You may bump into someone at a social function, on the train, or, quite literally, in an elevator and need to be able to make your elevator pitch to them there and then, or possibly not at all — and do it concisely to boot!

All of this means that your elevator pitch needs to be well-rehearsed and field-tested without being so rigid as not to allow you to adjust on the fly based on your contact’s response. It needs to get immediately to the point while still allowing you to build a narrative. It needs to be so compelling that your contact will want to know more and yet clear enough that they understand the idea then and there.

It can be a balance that’s hard to strike, but don’t be too discouraged. Crafting your best elevator pitch may take you longer than its breezy nature implies, but with the help of these key details from Cydcor, you’ll be well on your way. Don’t sell yourself or your business short and start crafting your best elevator pitch today!

January 9, 2019

The Power of Positive Thinking to Advance Your Career

Hand drawing unhappy and happy smileys on blackboard — The Power of Positive Thinking: Using Positive Thoughts to Advance Your Career

If you are looking to advance your career, you will definitely want to consider the power of positive thinking. While it may sound hokey at first, adopting a positive frame of mind can have a real impact on your potential for success, not to mention, making you feel good! Actively working towards positive thoughts in your everyday interactions with yourself and with others can improve your confidence, strengthen your relationships, and lead you to your life’s goals.

What is positive thinking?

Positive thinking involves a mental attitude that expects good and promising results. Incorporating positive thinking into your mind and your life can lead to a great deal of benefits because it can transform positive energy into reality.

You may not think of yourself as a positive or a negative person—you’re a realist. While that may be the case, even realists can get bogged down by a negative train of thought. Harnessing the power of positive thinking will train your mind to consider a positive outcome and then truly believe that that outcome will come true.

The problem with negativity

Negative thoughts are incredibly limiting. Henry Ford once said, “If you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.” If you don’t think you can land a sale, you won’t. If you don’t think you can advance to your dream job, you won’t. Negativity will make you overthink your interactions, your work, or your effort, and it will make you believe that none of it is cutting it. A negative mindset can also make you comfortable with failure, which certainly won’t do you any favors.

Negativity doesn’t let you see the forest for the trees. It narrows your thoughts, creating stress and a flight or fight response. It can make you fixate on a single problem without giving you the room to consider alternative possibilities. Learning how to counter negativity with positive thoughts is essential for maintaining an upwards career trajectory.

How to use the power of positive thinking

Thoughts create your reality. Harkening back to another one of Henry Ford’s most motivational quotes, “if you believe you will land a sale, your confidence will shine through, and you are more likely to achieve that goal. Additionally, a positive mindset doesn’t come naturally to a lot of people; it takes concerted effort to rewire your brain to think in this manner.

Try the following actions in your day-to-day in order to reap the benefits of positive thinking:

Increase your expectations. If you keep your expectations low, you won’t leave yourself much room for improvement. Raising your expectations can help you remember that your greatest days are ahead, not in the past. Positive thoughts will help you persist through the tough times.
Journal. The power of a gratitude journal is overwhelming. Practicing gratitude—even on your worst days—can transform your life. Reflecting on how grateful you are for the things you have and all the positive people in your life can reduce your resentment towards others. It can improve your self-esteem and increase your mental strength, helping you be more resilient in tough times. Fill your journal with favorite uplifting quotes, positive thoughts, and other reminders of all the wonderful things in your life.
Schedule time to play. Remember all those times you spent as a kid creating, exploring, and experimenting? As an adult, it’s easy for this kind of time to get lost in the fold, with work, chores around the home, and running errands. But you should try to regularly schedule time dedicated to play. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, after all! Try out a new hobby or a craft, find a sport you enjoy, go for a hike in the woods, read an entertaining book, or something else—with other people or even by yourself. Play can decrease stress and help you stay positive by offering something to look forward to, thus giving you more room for positive thoughts.
Believe in your worth. Whether you are a salesperson, a marketer, or a ditch-digger, you have the right to stand up for yourself, follow your dreams, and be true to your morals. Remember that the law of attraction says that you will attract what you believe you deserve, so pay attention to how you think about yourself. Maintain a positive attitude and tell yourself you deserve to achieve your goals.
Take baby steps. Small daily acts toward your goals, in your career or otherwise, can help you build a solid base toward a positive mind and a positive life. Fully using the power of positive thinking doesn’t happen in a day, especially if you are coming from years of having a negative mindset. Remember that some instances of self-doubt won’t completely set you back. Sometimes it can signal to you that you didn’t prepare well enough, that you need to get more information, or that you need to take a break.

The benefits of positive thinking

When you actively work towards a positive attitude, you will begin to experience more joy, contentment, and love in your life. Furthermore, the power of positive thinking has a tendency to create what some call an “upward spiral.” Like a downward spiral, which is associated with the slippery slope of negative thoughts, an upward spiral can provide the momentum for broadening your horizons and increasing your rate of success. Use the baby steps tactic that you learned about to help propel you into an upward spiral.

Another great benefit of positive thinking is that you will be able to handle feedback and conflict in a new way. If constructive criticism used to make you squirm, positive thoughts can help you reframe that feedback into a learning experience. The same can be said for conflict: you can create new pathways in your brain to handle additional setbacks or issues so you can approach conflicts with a level head.

While many people think that success is a result of work ethic, persistence, or drive, behind it all is the power of positive thinking. Few of the most successful people would be where they are today—whether elite athletes, CEOs, or business owners—without the positive mindset and confidence that they would eventually attain their goals. Replace your negative thoughts with positive ones to start believing in yourself and believing in your own success. You will probably be surprised by difference positive thoughts can make.

To find out more about Cydcor, check us out on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

December 26, 2018

What Athletes and Salespeople Have in Common

You may wonder what athletes and salespeople have in common – it’s more than you think. Whether you’re trying to win on the field or in the field, sales people and athletes have many common characteristics. Think of the superstar athletes you idolized when you were growing up. Maybe you dreamed of making slam dunks like Michael Jordan, winning Wimbledon like Serena Williams, or hitting home runs like Ken Griffey, Jr. You recognized in them what so many others have too – not only do they have the talent to succeed, they have the drive to make it happen.

Athletes thrive on competition, using it as a motivator to heighten their own games. This is what athletes and salespeople have in common. You may never play in the Super Bowl or the World Cup, but you can take a page out of these superstars’ win-at-all-costs playbook when it comes to sales motivation.

To be successful in a competitive atmosphere, similar qualities, disciplines, and tactics to top athletes are required. Here are the top common traits amongst sales people and athletes.

1. Persistence

When Michael Jordan was in high school in North Carolina, he was already a talented basketball player, but his coaches didn’t recognize just how talented he was. When he tried out for his varsity team, he didn’t make the cut, and he was placed on the B-Team instead. Rather than let that get him down, he kept at it and eventually went on to be regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. This kind of persistence is key in sales motivation. In sales, you may hear “no” a lot. When you’re just starting out, you’re likely going to hear it a lot more than often than you hear “yes”. You can’t let it discourage you, and you can’t give up.

2. Discipline

Tiger Woods was a golf prodigy who began playing when he was two years old and could outplay many professionals before he was in his teens. Despite these innate gifts and all the accolades he’s received, Woods still practiced endlessly growing up and continues to this day. In order to be the very best in sales, you need to have the discipline to work hard every day, to put in the hours it takes to be successful.

3. Competitive Spirit

“I am the greatest,” Muhammad Ali once said. “I said that even before I knew I was.” There’s a reason why Ali is the most legendary boxer of all time. Sure, he’s immensely skilled and talented, but that’s true of a lot of other boxers too. But Ali is as famous for his confidence and competitive spirit as for his boxing acumen. It’s that kind of fighting spirit that’s going to serve as prime sales motivation and take you far in this industry. There’s a lot of other people out there trying to make a sale – you have to want it more.

4. Drive

Perhaps no athlete best exemplifies the drive you need to succeed in sports than Serena Williams. Growing up in Compton, Williams did not have the advantages that a lot of successful young tennis champions do. But today she earns tens of millions of dollars in endorsements every year and she holds the all-time record in countless tennis achievements, from Grand Slams to U.S. Open wins to singles matches. Today, many consider Williams not just the greatest female athlete or the greatest tennis player, but the greatest athlete of all time. The drive to succeed like Serena Williams is part of what athletes and salespeople have in common. No matter what advantages you start off with, you take what you’re given and make it work.

5. Focus on Winning

There’s probably no professional sports team that most exemplifies winning more than the New York Yankees. They’ve appeared in 40 World Series (twice the amount of the next best team) and they’ve won 27 of them (far more than twice the amount of the next best team). Whether it’s the era of Ruth and Gehrig or DiMaggio and Mantle or Jeter and A-Rod, there’s no period in baseball in which the New York Yankees weren’t considered the top dog. That unrivaled degree of success should serve as prime sales motivation for any salesperson. No matter what team you root for, you want to win like the Yankees.

6. Resilience

You can take lessons from teams that aren’t quite as successful as the Yankees too. For 108 years, the Chicago Cubs were renowned as the “lovable losers” of American sports. No professional sports team in America has ever gone that long without winning a championship. Some claimed they were cursed, others just accepted they didn’t have the money to compete with big market teams like the Yankees and the Dodgers, and many accepted the Cubs were always destined to lose… and then came 2016 and one of the most memorable World Series of all time. This resilience is part of what athletes and salespeople have in common. Setbacks happen, and sometimes they’re unavoidable. The key is to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and get back out there. Eventually, you’ll succeed.

7. Constant Improvement

At the 1936 Olympics, when Jesse Owens set the world record of running a 100 meter dash in 10.2 seconds, it was an astounding world record achievement that made Owens one of the most celebrated athletes of all time. It’s a record that has since been broken over 50 times. Athletes are never satisfied that the best has already been achieved: they’re always ready to run faster, be stronger, and accomplish more. That’s what athletes and salespeople have in common. No matter what level of success you feel you’ve reached in this industry, there are always opportunities to do better, to work harder. This constant drive to do your best can work as powerful sales motivation.

We’re not all blessed with the amazing physical gifts of these superstar athletes. But hard work and determination are not things you’re born with, they’re things you work toward. Using these amazing athletes as your sales motivation can be the first steps to an amazing sales career.

November 28, 2018

5 Customer Engagement Strategies

People Buy From People They Trust. Businessman holding a card with a message text written on it — 5 Secrets for Customer Engagement Strategies That Build Rapport

Building customer engagement and rapport is a cornerstone of success in sales. Customers are looking to have genuine, authentic, and relatable encounters with professional sales representatives who demonstrate that they have their interests at heart—not just the sale.

Building customer engagement and rapport is a cornerstone of success in sales. Click To Tweet

For those looking to build rapport and create winning customer engagement strategies, there isn’t one definitive solution. That said, by implementing these five customer engagement strategies, customers will have a much stronger, positive, and lasting memory of you after you walk out that door.

#1: Make A Strong First Impression

When you first meet face-to-face, you want to start off strong and genuine. Don’t forget the basics. By remembering the SEE factors, Smile, Eye Contact, and Enthusiasm, you’re more likely to get off on the right foot. A firm handshake, maintaining eye contact, and a genuine smile go a long way toward showing the customer you’re engaged and present. All three are signals of trustworthiness that can have a critical impact in those first few moments with a customer. People wants to feel like they are in good and capable hands and with the right, positive attitude — they will be.

#2: Be Informative and Helpful, Not Pushy

Remember that customers buy products that address their needs. By focusing on the customer’s needs and questions about how the product can benefit them, you can build trust and make a sale at the same time.

We all know that salesperson who tells you that you look great in everything you try on, but that approach can turn customers away, because it feels disingenuous. Instead, take the time to get to know your audience, so that you can recommend something that is just right for them. Recommend the best products for the individual, not just the best price, or the highest commission item. When you pay attention to what your customer wants, and match them to the right product or service to fit their needs, you might be surprised how interested they can be.

When customers trust you, they are more likely to remain loyal and continue doing business with you—perhaps even send referrals your way!

#3: Body Language Says Almost Everything

A lot can be said about body language. Standing with your arms crossed or hunched over can come off as insecure or uninterested.

When meeting with a potential customer, make them feel like they not only have your full attention, but that they can trust what you say. Slouching, leaning, or invading their personal space are all signals to the customer that you either don’t care, or don’t have their best interests at heart. Acting and carrying yourself professionally shows that you’re taking the interaction with them seriously, and that demonstrates respect.

#4: Engage in Active Listening

You shouldn’t have to remind yourself to take the time to really listen to what your prospect has to say. It’s great to show your enthusiasm for the product, but remember to also leave room for the customer to ask questions and build his/her own interest in the product or services. Remember that the customer doesn’t know you, so while bringing energy to the sale shows that you have a great attitude, they will still need your help understanding how the product will be of benefit to them.

Being a good listener is the key to being a great salesperson. It provides you with an opportunity to uncover their pains so that you can later build a personalized pitch for how your company can help them.

#5: Connect with Your Customers by Being Authentic

No one likes to feel like they are talking to a robot. The day and age of rehearsed scripts has died—customers are looking for human connections.

Be observant when interacting with the customer and look for opportunities to relate them and their situation. Maybe you’re both sports fans, or parents. Maybe you both grew up in the same state or town. It sounds obvious, but finding common ground can go a long way toward building rapport with the customer. You might even want to take a couple notes while they’re talking to help you remember some key details. People tend to trust others who are most like themselves.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Customer Engagement Strategy for You

There are many ways you can show your appreciation to your customers while continuously building engagement and rapport. Most importantly, find customer engagement strategies that work best for you and your company’s needs.

For more customer engagement strategies and inside secrets, get in touch with the Cydcor team.

To find out more about Cydcor, check us out on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

November 14, 2018

Top CEOs with a Work History in Sales

What do CEOs John Paul DeJoria, Warren Buffet and Howard Schultz all have in common? They all cut their teeth in sales, and they have used that knowledge to help propel their success! A background in sales can provide you with invaluable skills, as you can see from the work histories of some of the top CEOs out there. Sales teaches tenacity, leadership, discipline, communication skills and so much more. All of the skills you learn in sales can help to fortify you as you move forward in your career path. People who work in sales learn how to persevere against the odds, inspire their teammates, stay on-task and truly listen to the needs of those around them. These top-performing CEOs put their background in sales to good use, and so can you!

What do CEOs John Paul DeJoria, Warren Buffet and Howard Schultz all have in common? They all cut their teeth in sales, and they have used that knowledge to help propel their success! Click To Tweet

John Paul DeJoria

John Paul DeJoria, cofounder and CEO of John Paul Mitchell Systems, is truly a self-made marvel. To help support his family at only nine years old, he began selling Christmas cards and newspapers with his older brother. In fact, this CEO’s work history is full of sales jobs early in his career. He worked as a door-to-door encyclopedia salesman as well as an insurance salesman. The job that got him started in hair care was in sales also. While selling Redken hair products door to door in the middle of a gas crisis, DeJoria was making only $600 a month! His tenacity paid off, however. He and his partner Paul Mitchell started John Paul Mitchell in 1980 with a loan of $700 while DeJoria was living in a 20-year-old Rolls Royce automobile. After a few rough years starting out, DeJoria’s sales background truly paid off. Today, Paul Mitchell products can be found on the shelves of over 150,000 salons.

“The biggest hurdle is rejection… When 10 doors are slammed in your face, go to door number 11 enthusiastically, with a smile on your face.” ―John Paul DeJoria

Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett is a name that is synonymous with success. Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. since 1970, Buffett is widely acknowledged as one of the most successful and wise investors of the modern era. As of June 2018, his net worth stands at $84 billion! This makes him the third wealthiest person in the world. Before all the attention, however, Buffett had an early background in sales. As a child he was inspired by a book he borrowed from the public library, One Thousand Ways to Make $1000, and he undertook one of his first business ventures selling chewing gum, Coca-Cola bottles and weekly magazines door-to-door. Other childhood ventures like working as a paperboy and selling a horse-racing tip sheet helped to inform Buffett’s first adult job after college, selling securities at Buffett-Falk & Co in the early 1950s. His sales background helped propel his career forward. With communication skills and business knowledge gained from sales, in less than 20 years Buffet became a CEO.

“The most important investment you can make is in yourself.” ―Warren Buffett

Berkshire Hathaway

Howard Schultz

Howard Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks from 1986-2000 and again from 2008-2017, has his roots firmly set in the world of sales. This CEO’s work history starts after college with Xerox Corporation as a sales representative. There he learned the importance of listening to his clients and networking as well as how to lead. This job led him to become the general manager of Swedish drip coffee manufacturer Hammarplast. Schultz knew his product at the time exceptionally well―like any good salesman should! He became curious as to why one of his customers, a fledgling coffee-bean shop in Seattle called Starbucks, ordered so many plastic cone filters. He was incredibly impressed with the shop’s knowledge of coffee, so much so that he stayed in contact with them over the next year and eventually took a position as their Director of Marketing. During this time, he took a trip to Italy where he fell in love with the coffee shop culture and developed the aesthetic for which Starbucks would become known. He eventually left the marketing position to open his own coffee shop. Not long after, Starbucks management decided to switch focus and sell off their retail division to Schultz. Schultz aggressively grew the Starbucks empire to the over 28,000 international locations they boast today.

“I am convinced that most people can achieve their dreams and beyond if they have the determination to keep trying.” ―Howard Schultz

Starbucks cup on the counter — Starbucks

As all of these CEOs’ work histories attest, a sales background can be beneficial no matter what industry you choose. To learn more about how a background in sales can accelerate your career―and for other professional advice―be sure to visit the Cydcor blog today.

To find out more about Cydcor, check us out on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

We are Cydcor, the recognized leader in outsourced sales and marketing services located in Agoura Hills, California. From our humble beginnings as an independent sales company to garnering a reputation for consistently exceeding client expectations and driving outstanding revenue growth, Cydcor has been helping Fortune 500 and emerging companies achieve their customer acquisition, retention, and business goals since 1994. Cydcor takes pride in the unique combination of in-person sales, call center, and digital marketing services we offer to provide our clients with proven sales and marketing strategies that get results.

October 31, 2018

How Great Salespeople Spend Their Free Time

As much as you may want to stay on the clock 24-7, chasing leads and locking down the next deal, it’s important to allow yourself time to decompress. Great salespeople know in order to always be closing, sometimes you have to step away for a few. Pulling back from planning and pitching, however, doesn’t mean your free time can’t be spent putting yourself in position for future sales success.

Great salespeople know in order to always be closing, sometimes you have to step away for a few. Click To Tweet

Discover how to spend free time in ways that don’t just help you relax, but also help you continue to sharpen your saw, refine critical skills, and increase your value in the workplace. In this infographic, Cydcor shows you how a few sales titans have used their favorite activities, hobbies and interests to help push themselves to the apex of their industries. You’ll meet the man whose sales techniques helped shape modern sales and the woman who turned the color pink into big green. You’ll learn the greatest sin in sales and see how the greats have even turned their hobbies into record-breaking achievements.

Infographic showing how great salespeople spend their free time — How Great Salespeople Spend Their Free Time

We hope you’ll use these examples to help guide how to spend your free time. Print it out and post it at your desk, or use it when you just need a little extra motivation. The next time you’re considering working through the weekend, consider instead how you can make the most of your leisure time by finding activities that feed your need to unwind while also fueling your passion for long-term growth.

Share on social media to inspire others. If you’re looking for help with time management techniques or productivity tips, we can help in those departments too. Just don’t forget to build in some time away for yourself.

Check out Cydcor on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter, and tell us how you like to spend your time away from the office and how it helps you to be a better sales rep.

We are Cydcor, the recognized leader in outsourced sales services located in Agoura Hills, CA. From our humble beginnings as an independent sales company to garnering a reputation as the global leader in outsourced sales, Cydcor takes pride in having exceptional sales professionals and providing our clients with proven sales and marketing strategies that get results.

October 17, 2018

Internal Motivation: Knowing Your ‘Why’

Hand writing a question What Is Your Why with blue marker on transparent wipe board. — Internal Motivation: Knowing Your ‘Why’

Have you taken the time to ponder what you really want in life? Is there a bigger picture that drives you – a future that you feel deeply passionate about? Do you know what will give you an ultimate sense of peace and fulfillment? People find their internal motivations in a variety of ways, whether it’s focusing on providing for the ones they love most, envisioning the life they’d like to build for themselves, overcoming personal challenges and weaknesses, or conquering ambitious goals. Whatever you choose as your personal internal motivation, it has to be something that truly matters to you. Have you clarified your “why?”

If you haven’t, you need to; here are eight reasons knowing the “why” of your internal motivation matters:

#1: When you know your “why,” you have a reason to jump out of bed each morning.

Nothing is more mobilizing than having a purpose. It’s arguably better than a bucket of cold water being splashed on your face. When you have a compelling vision for your future as your internal motivation, you can’t help but to get up, get moving, and do all you can to have a productive day―even when no one’s standing there ready to pour.

#2: When you know your “why,” you develop successful habits.

Anyone who’s serious about their big picture goals wants to achieve them sooner rather than later, so they don’t have time for bad habits. People with a “why” design their day to day lives to lead them towards the future they want. They realize that since success isn’t achieved overnight, the fastest way to get to their goals is to remain self-disciplined throughout the week.

#3: When you know your “why,” you stay the course.

People who know where they’re going don’t just turn the car around and go home when they see a road block. That would only delay their ETA! They’ve got somewhere to be and they have every intention of getting there―no matter what challenges they face along the journey.

People who know where they’re going don’t just turn the car around and go home when they see a road block. Click To Tweet

#4: When you know your “why,” you’re a stronger leader.

Everyone likes to follow someone who knows where they’re going―particularly since so many people don’t. When you’re on a mission for greatness, you attract like-minded people who are excited about joining you on your journey. Your contagious passion will make you a compelling leader who others will happily get behind.

#5: When you know your “why,” you’re more comfortable with sacrifice.

No one necessarily likes the idea of giving up one thing in order to have another―but there’s no such thing as actually “having it all.” The thing about making sacrifices, though, is that it’s all in the eye of the beholder. If you aren’t passionate about specific end goals, you’ll feel resentful about what you’re giving up. But if you are―when you really know your “why” and are grounded in your internal motivation―you’ll be ready and willing to do whatever it takes to acquire the things you want the most. As Friedrich Nietzsche said, “He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.”

#6: When you know your “why,” you avoid unnecessary regret.

When you don’t have a grand plan, it’s easy to end up somewhere you don’t want to be. And the tricky part is that most people don’t know it until they’re already there. You can avoid looking back with anguish by making choices that are in sync with your greater vision. Connecting the dots from the short term to the long term will prevent loads of haphazard decisions that you’ll wish you didn’t make.

#7: When you know your “why,” you don’t get burned out.

When you’re passionate about your vision and truly driven by your internal motivation, all of your hard work is for an important cause. Even when the hustle gets exhausting, you know that you’re building towards the future you want. Your burning desire to get there provides the fuel you need to keep going.

#8: When you know your “why,” you’re a happier person.

Living a meaningful life is one the absolute best ways to become a happier, more positive person. When you care deeply about your end goals and you get to chip away at them every day, you can’t help but to feel grateful and excited about what’s to come.

If you’ve just finished reading this and you’ve realized “I don’t know my why!” don’t worry. Make it a priority to sit down with a mentor or wise friend to dig deep about what you want for your future.

If you’re someone who knows your “why,” tell us in the comments below! We’d love to hear what drives you and how your vision has helped you in your career.

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October 10, 2018

5 Brain Exercises to Keep You Sharp

A model brain sits next to exercise weights. Metaphor for heavyweight intellects, or a reminder that exercise helps your circulation, so as well as keeping your body fit, it also keeps you mentally active. Double bonus! — 5 Exercises to Keep Your Brain Sharp

Saturday, Oct. 13th is National Train Your Brain Day! In honor of this heady holiday, here are some valuable tricks and tips you can use to keep your brain fast, fit, and fired up. Like much of our bodies, brainpower can be a game of “use it or lose it.” Just as it’s important to continue going to the gym and staying active throughout our lives, exercising our mind muscle is just as critical to help keep our brains sharp, especially as we age. The good news is there are simple brain exercises that can help keep your mind firing on all cylinders for years to come. In fact, you may already be doing some of these brain-enriching activities without realizing that you’re also helping to maintain your brain power.

Brain Exercise #1: Read

This may seem like a no-brainer (pun intended), but reading engages our minds in a variety of ways. It doesn’t matter what you like to read, whether it’s sci-fi, high fantasy, murder mysteries or non-fiction in your fields of interest. Read anything and everything, as much as you can. This will help your brain engage with new ideas, spark your imagination, and more. Reading is also a great way to renew and refresh your analytical thinking skills. Reading has many benefits, and you should work to make it a lifelong habit. Whether you’re a die-hard library fan or find it simpler to roll with your e-reader or phone, this brain exercise is portable and vital to maintaining a healthy, active mind.

Brain Exercise #2: Craft

When you create something with your own two hands, you use your brain to ideate, follow instructions, and problem-solve. Research by the Mayo Clinic has shown that knitting and other handcrafts can reduce the risk of cognitive impairment,[i] while other studies have shown that crafting can help improve memory, enhance social skills, and promote mindfulness as well as helping you generally manage stress.[ii] This type of brain exercise can include knitting, crochet, sewing, woodworking, leather tooling, and many other types of creative crafting, so experiment to find one that speaks to you. If you can’t find classes or craft groups near you, consider mining YouTube videos and other online resources.

Research by the Mayo Clinic has shown that knitting and other handcrafts can reduce the risk of cognitive impairment. Click To Tweet

Brain Exercise #3: Learn a Language

Learning another language is a great way to exercise your brain. The challenges of mastering another language can give your memory a workout in addition to activating the language centers of your brain — not to mention helping you out when you travel! Even if you don’t become fluent in your chosen language, you will probably have some cultural knowledge and basic vocabulary to help you navigate everyday interactions the next time you’re abroad. And don’t forget to think outside the language box: you could learn coding languages or American Sign Language and communicate in new-to-you ways.

Brain Exercise #4: Games

Even if Sudoku isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other games out there that can double as brain exercises. Crossword puzzles, matching games, and memory games are just some examples of more traditional games you can find in convenient workbooks. (Whether you use pen or pencil is up to you!) You can also find a huge selection of free game apps that will challenge your brain with mazes, color gradient sorting, and other unique puzzles to solve. Don’t rule out video games, either! Studies have shown that educational games and video games can help improve brain function, structure and cognitive ability.[iii]

Brain Exercise #5: Exercise

Yes, exercising your body can help keep your mind healthy, too. Learning new skills and building familiar ones will help give your mind a workout while the rest of you benefits from exercise endorphins (not to mention burning calories, improving heart health and more). In fact, studies have shown that physical activity can help protect us against cognitive decline and dementia later in life.[iv] See whether your local community center or gyms offer classes and pursue that activity you always wanted to try, be it archery, cycling, salsa dancing, or whatever appeals most to you!

Brain exercises can be as simple as increasing activities you do anyway (like reading or playing games), or they can be new challenges for your mind and body. Keeping your mind sharp is important as you age, but it can also help you stay on the ball in times of high stress. Whether you’re pursuing a high stakes sales job or simply navigating your busy life, brain exercises are a great way to give yourself an edge.

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[i] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3204924/

[ii] https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/01/25/the-health-benefits-of-knitting/

[iii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4513287/

[iv] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5440589/

October 3, 2018

Get to Know Your Leadership Style

Types of Leadership Infographic — Get to Know Your Leadership Style

There’s no one right way to lead a team, but there are tried and true formulas for success. As you grow in your career, you’ll get more and more experience leading people. An understanding of different well-known and proven types of leadership can help you find the right path that resonates for you. Find the right leadership style for you, and set your team up for success.

There’s no one right way to lead a team, but there are tried and true formulas for success. Find the right leadership style for you, and set your team up to win. Click To Tweet

Democratic Leadership Style

Democratic leaders strive to sincerely include their team in the decision making process rather than going it alone. This type of leadership allows the whole team to participate in―and take ownership of―the organization’s direction. This highly participatory style promotes high levels of job satisfaction, workplace morale and creativity. Everyone feels connected to the overall health and well-being of the organization. However, just like any leadership style, it does have its drawbacks. Soliciting advice from one’s team can be time consuming if decisions are needed quickly. Also, it relies on all team members being well informed. Democratic leaders need to strike a balance within their team of both decisive action and rich participation.

Transformational Leadership Style

Transformational leaders work with their team to implement improvement and growth. Charismatic and intellectual, these leaders redirect their team’s thinking towards a better tomorrow. The transformational leader solicits input from her team to identify what areas of the organization require change, creates the vision to guide that change, and then works with her team to execute the redirection. These big-picture thinkers may require teammates around them who are more detail-oriented to implement processes, and they need to develop strategies for soliciting their teammates’ assistance.

Coaching Leadership Style

Coaching leaders thrive in one-on-one mentoring situations. They help to define their team members’ goals, align those goals to the organization and then assist team members as they pursue their goals. The coaching style of leadership can be thought of as a sort of win-win relationship between the leader and her teammates. Coaching leaders help their team members to develop professionally, and they also thereby bolster the health of the overall organization. However, it can be easy to go overboard with this type of leadership and engage in behaviors that border on micromanagement. Coaching leaders need to yield their influence tactfully.

Visionary Leadership Style

Visionary leaders articulate where they see an organization heading in the future. They craft compelling―and often unheard-of―visions of what an organization can become. This style of leadership acts to inspire the team towards a shared goal. The internal drive they spark in their team members frees up creativity, and that freedom allows all the team members to delve into innovative strategies on how to get from Point A to Point B. However, visionary leaders need to keep in close contact with their team and stay involved in the team’s progression. Such an approach keeps everyone grounded as they strive towards the future.

Pacesetting Leadership Style

Pacesetting leaders like to lead by example, first and foremost. They rely on their unbridled enthusiasm and work ethic to establish the standards they expect from others. They are the roll-up-the-sleeves-and-get-dirty types. Pacesetting leaders are particularly adept at driving results, because they set the bar so high. They demonstrate to their team that no one is above the work required to accomplish goals. Pacesetting leaders should be cautious, however, and strive not to become single-minded. Narrowing one’s vision down to a single goal―or several―can mean that effective feedback and mentoring get neglected. Pacesetting leaders need to check in with their team members or a regular basis.

It is likely that you recognize one or more of these types of leadership in your own style. It’s rare that any one individual engenders just one leadership style. Explore which styles resonate with you. By cultivating a dynamic leadership style that encompasses a number of different approaches, you can find the right tools within yourself to tackle even the largest challenges.

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