Did you know that it takes 21 days of doing something consistently to build a habit? Just so you know, if you stop doing that something for even one day, you break the habit and have to start all over again! Well, we are now on day 26 of my new year's resolution, and I'm keeping up with! Woo hoo! Again, let's see if I can keep this up for 3 months.
So, what have I been up to since the last blog? Well, find out!
Day 18. Its a very small world and it got smaller. Ran into someone from work at trivia and ironically, someone else at my table works with someone from his table!
Day 19. The "my dog ate my homework" excuse is sometimes true, especially with my dog, and sometimes it's better to just buck up and be honest.
Day 20. Looked back at my 2009 accomplishments list. It made me feel great to see what I'm capable of.
Day 21. I'm currently involved in our Quality Improvement Process team. During a QIP session, I learned about benefit cost analysis, solution finding based on root cause, and documenting proposed process improvements. As a side note, I was described as a firecracker today. I'll take that as a compliment!
Day 22. Realized fully how you have to take time for yourself BEFORE you get burnt out (yeah, I'm there...).
Day 23. You know you're getting older when you go to a "Rock Band" (yes, the game) party on a Saturday night and they pull out a wet-vac to clean up a spilled beer.
Day 24. I was able to use my creativity, resourcefulness, and craftiness to help fix a friends dress for an upcoming wedding.
Day 25. Did you know? Lacrosse is the national summer sport for Canada.
Day 26. I was reminded while reading a fellow sewer's blog that I need to continue to make beautiful things out of sad, ugly things. There are others in the world who have very similar stories to tell.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
a small sense of accomplishment
I lead several management training classes on giving feedback, both positive and constructive, and completing performance appraisals. The main piece of advice that I give my managers is that you need to document conversations had throughout the year whether its a notebook, file of pieces of paper, or in electronic format.
Last year, this concept got me thinking a little more about myself and the feedback that I receive throughout the year. So, at the start of 2009, I decided to keep a list of all my accomplishments throughout the year. This simple list turned out to have multiple uses in the long run!
* When it came time this week to complete my 2009 self-appraisal at work, this list helped support my reasoning for "Meeting Expectations" and, even more so, in those cases where I felt like I had "Exceeded Expectations." Merit raises are attached to our performance score. If I can document that I not only stepped up to the plate, but actually hit a grand slam, I'll more likely be eligible for a higher increase! Fingers crossed!!!
* Currently, I'm in the process of updating my resume. Not because I'm looking for a new job, because let's face it.... I have my dream job and I work for a GREAT company! However, it's always beneficial to have an updated resume (but that's a completely separate post). Having this list will help me clearly define my job responsibilities and accomplishments!
* I think the most important use of this list is that it helps build a sense of self and in the best way too. This list shows that I am talented and that when I put my mind to something, I can create and deliver wonderful things! This list proves one thing. I. am proud. of me.
Some of you may be thinking... Tiffany, this sounds very similar to your new year's resolution. Well, you're right. This small list of work-related accomplishments reminded me that I've accomplished many other things in my personal life as well.
So, here are a few of my favorite accomplishments from 2009 that I'm most proud of:
* Designed and implemented a training & certification program for our online tool
* Proposed, Sold the Concept, Designed, & Implemented an internal Career Fair designed to build retention and encourage career development
* Introduced & lead new training program for managers
* Took over responsibility to write articles for the Training & Development portion of our monthly newsletters
* Designed three new online surveys to encourage feedback and obtain metrics on satisfaction for Training & Recruitment
* Successfully filled 24 positions (10 of which were internal transfers!!!)
* Documented the recruitment process & joined our Quality Improvement Process team to improve upon the Internal Transfer Process
Last year, this concept got me thinking a little more about myself and the feedback that I receive throughout the year. So, at the start of 2009, I decided to keep a list of all my accomplishments throughout the year. This simple list turned out to have multiple uses in the long run!
* When it came time this week to complete my 2009 self-appraisal at work, this list helped support my reasoning for "Meeting Expectations" and, even more so, in those cases where I felt like I had "Exceeded Expectations." Merit raises are attached to our performance score. If I can document that I not only stepped up to the plate, but actually hit a grand slam, I'll more likely be eligible for a higher increase! Fingers crossed!!!
* Currently, I'm in the process of updating my resume. Not because I'm looking for a new job, because let's face it.... I have my dream job and I work for a GREAT company! However, it's always beneficial to have an updated resume (but that's a completely separate post). Having this list will help me clearly define my job responsibilities and accomplishments!
* I think the most important use of this list is that it helps build a sense of self and in the best way too. This list shows that I am talented and that when I put my mind to something, I can create and deliver wonderful things! This list proves one thing. I. am proud. of me.
Some of you may be thinking... Tiffany, this sounds very similar to your new year's resolution. Well, you're right. This small list of work-related accomplishments reminded me that I've accomplished many other things in my personal life as well.
So, here are a few of my favorite accomplishments from 2009 that I'm most proud of:
* Designed and implemented a training & certification program for our online tool
* Proposed, Sold the Concept, Designed, & Implemented an internal Career Fair designed to build retention and encourage career development
* Introduced & lead new training program for managers
* Took over responsibility to write articles for the Training & Development portion of our monthly newsletters
* Designed three new online surveys to encourage feedback and obtain metrics on satisfaction for Training & Recruitment
* Successfully filled 24 positions (10 of which were internal transfers!!!)
* Documented the recruitment process & joined our Quality Improvement Process team to improve upon the Internal Transfer Process
Sunday, January 17, 2010
how long is a new year?
How long does a new year last? Well, at least until you stop referring to it as the new year? Well, we're still here and I'm keeping up with my new year's resolution! Although, they say that it takes three weeks to make something a habit... Day 17 - not so bad. Although, check back with me in three months... That will be an accomplishment!
Day 10. Not only do I thrive in situations where I can learn something new, but also in those that allow me to be creative (i.e. previous post)
Day 11. While at the townhall meetings for my company, I learned the results of 2009 and the goals for 2010. Most importantly, I was reminded why I love working for LeasePlan
Day 12. I can use my creativity to hone in on my insomnia issues. If I get the idea out of my head and on paper/ on canvas/ on fabric, I'll be able to sleep easier.
Day 13. The notion of starting my own company with my best friend is becoming a reality. Welcome grits&lime!!!
Day 14. I read a great article about self image and ways to remind your how special you are.
Day 15. Sometimes all you need is a good night's sleep for a little fresh perspective.
Day 16. Always go with your gut. It usually steers you in the right direction.
Day 17. I finished my first sample for grits&lime and couldn't be more excited and proud of myself.
Day 10. Not only do I thrive in situations where I can learn something new, but also in those that allow me to be creative (i.e. previous post)
Day 11. While at the townhall meetings for my company, I learned the results of 2009 and the goals for 2010. Most importantly, I was reminded why I love working for LeasePlan
Day 12. I can use my creativity to hone in on my insomnia issues. If I get the idea out of my head and on paper/ on canvas/ on fabric, I'll be able to sleep easier.
Day 13. The notion of starting my own company with my best friend is becoming a reality. Welcome grits&lime!!!
Day 14. I read a great article about self image and ways to remind your how special you are.
Day 15. Sometimes all you need is a good night's sleep for a little fresh perspective.
Day 16. Always go with your gut. It usually steers you in the right direction.
Day 17. I finished my first sample for grits&lime and couldn't be more excited and proud of myself.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
a little inspiration: with a twist
This blog was originally created to provide tips, feedback, new ideas, and suggestions about recruiting, training, and career development as a whole. Some of the information is geared toward my fellow recruiters and trainers, although even more so for my fellow followers, friends, and those looking to distinguish themselves. More importantly, this blog was designed to be a creative outlet for myself. In a way, it was really a chance for me to distinguish myself.
In recent months, I've come to realize that I am, in fact, a creative person. Not only do I thrive in situations where I am continually learning something new, but in situations where I can be creative and put my hands to work. I've been sewing as long as I can remember and have always loved making gifts for my family. Most recently, I started painting which has been an amazing release for me. Now, you may be asking yourself why I'm so surprised at realizing this about myself... Well, I'm always great at using the analytical side of my brain. I've always been good at math, love working with spreadsheets, and even come up with random equations in my head while running (trust me, I know how odd that sounds). My entire family is like this and I've always been steered in that direction because its what made the most sense.
Well, it may have taken almost 28 years to figure this out about myself, but I couldn't be more excited. Actually, let me rephrase that. I couldn't be more inspired. That inspiration has lead me to work with one of the dearest and most creative friends I know, Nicole, to start grits & lime. So follow us @gritsandlime for updates on what's to come and check out {nicole galletta} for a great explanation of how we came up with the name!
In recent months, I've come to realize that I am, in fact, a creative person. Not only do I thrive in situations where I am continually learning something new, but in situations where I can be creative and put my hands to work. I've been sewing as long as I can remember and have always loved making gifts for my family. Most recently, I started painting which has been an amazing release for me. Now, you may be asking yourself why I'm so surprised at realizing this about myself... Well, I'm always great at using the analytical side of my brain. I've always been good at math, love working with spreadsheets, and even come up with random equations in my head while running (trust me, I know how odd that sounds). My entire family is like this and I've always been steered in that direction because its what made the most sense.
Well, it may have taken almost 28 years to figure this out about myself, but I couldn't be more excited. Actually, let me rephrase that. I couldn't be more inspired. That inspiration has lead me to work with one of the dearest and most creative friends I know, Nicole, to start grits & lime. So follow us @gritsandlime for updates on what's to come and check out {nicole galletta} for a great explanation of how we came up with the name!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
a new outlook and a new year's resolution
Hello everyone! Okay, okay... I know. It's been way too long since my last post and I'd like to thank several friends for pointing this out to me. So in an effort to improve upon my noted-ly poor blogging consistency... I have specifically centered my new year's resolution around my blog so that I will be more consistent. So, what is said new year's resolution? Well, it comes from three parts: 1) I need to blog more, 2) I need to start taking more risks and putting myself outside my comfort zone, and 3) I always have had a need to increasingly expand my knowledge (as mentioned before... I'm a learner by nature). Wrap these three parts into one and you have my new year's resolution! In 2010, I resolve to learn/do something new every day, keep track of it, and consistently blog about these learnings/activities.
It's been a little over a week since I started this goal... and when you hear the saying "you learn something new everyday", you never realize how true this really is until you actually start writing it down. So, here are days 1-9:
Day 1. Sometimes its okay to take risks and I should challenge myself to do so (i.e. new year's resolution).
Day 2. This was more of a reminder... I love my family very much. I have a unique relationship with each member, and may not tell them all the time... but they're each very special to me.
Day 3. While reading the Post Secrets blog... My secrets are not any stranger than anyone else's...
Day 4. While attending Trivia Night at Wild Wings Cafe... I learned a lot of useless knowledge including that of Simpson's trivia and Eric Clapton's nickname (note: it's not "the clap").
Day 5. Interviewed a candidate for a sales position and learned a lot about the fleet industry from someone who had been in it for almost twenty years.
Day 6. Completed a half day at the Fulton County Superior Courthouse for jury duty and walked around downtown Atlanta by myself.
Day 7. I realized the power of Facebook in rallying support and the color of too many women's bras.
Day 8. I only have so much patience... and its not with my dog....
Day 9. I visited Stone Mountain for the first time and actually hiked down the mountain - Snow, ice, and all.
It's been a little over a week since I started this goal... and when you hear the saying "you learn something new everyday", you never realize how true this really is until you actually start writing it down. So, here are days 1-9:
Day 1. Sometimes its okay to take risks and I should challenge myself to do so (i.e. new year's resolution).
Day 2. This was more of a reminder... I love my family very much. I have a unique relationship with each member, and may not tell them all the time... but they're each very special to me.
Day 3. While reading the Post Secrets blog... My secrets are not any stranger than anyone else's...
Day 4. While attending Trivia Night at Wild Wings Cafe... I learned a lot of useless knowledge including that of Simpson's trivia and Eric Clapton's nickname (note: it's not "the clap").
Day 5. Interviewed a candidate for a sales position and learned a lot about the fleet industry from someone who had been in it for almost twenty years.
Day 6. Completed a half day at the Fulton County Superior Courthouse for jury duty and walked around downtown Atlanta by myself.
Day 7. I realized the power of Facebook in rallying support and the color of too many women's bras.
Day 8. I only have so much patience... and its not with my dog....
Day 9. I visited Stone Mountain for the first time and actually hiked down the mountain - Snow, ice, and all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)