A self proclaimed crazy dog lady, Grace Chon grew up wanting to be a Veterinarian. She majored in Biology as an undergraduate and volunteered in animal hospitals to really test drive the profession before committing to vet school. Her Korean immigrant parents were auguring for medical school so Grace could be a physician for humans instead of animals but in the end Grace surprised everybody and opted for art school and earned a Masters of Fine Arts. [Read more...]
Career Coach • Author • Speaker
Practice Saying No
February 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment
We’ve all heard it a million times – just learn to say no, make time for yourself and put your own oxygen mask on first. I still believe in this philosophy but I also know it’s easier said than done. True confession time – I don’t always practice this mantra as much as I preach it. Sometimes I push the envelope to stay up late to finish a project or neglect to take well earned time off on the weekends because I think I need do more. In the end my health suffers because I set unrealistic expectations.
My “aha moment” came recently when I read in Oprah Magazine that burning the candle at both ends will eventually lead to chronic stress. This can cause an imbalance in your cortisol levels which will create noticeable change in your mood and energy levels. These are the fight or flight hormones that keep our bodies healthy and protect our immune system. When frayed and stressed our bodies signal us by getting sick and saying – “Hey you – slow down, I’m trying to tell you something!” When we burn through the warning signs of stress we go into full-on sick mode which takes longer to recuperate from and is a less efficient use of our time in the long run. Plus – it feels lousy.
My wish for you (and me!) is to listen more to what our bodies are trying to tell us. If you feel over worked, stressed, and burned out – you need to slow down and give your body a chance to recharge.
You must really practice saying No since in the competitive workplace showing initiative and being at-the-ready makes some feel more promotable and valued. In truth, you need to train your audiences of colleague, bosses, friends, and family about what you need to work effectively and in a healthy way. You deserve to have some time to recharge and your body needs this to thrive. Research also shows well rested people that eat well and get moderate exercise have fewer sick days at work and produce at a high level on the job. Their moods are positive and well balanced because they are not burned out so they are very promotable and well recognized in their organizations.
I am ready to take on this new challenge and encourage you to do the same. It will take some practicing but I am cheering you on. Say it with me now: “No thank you!” That wasn’t so bad – was it?
Jane Bradley, Nationally Board Certified Reflexologist
November 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment
“I’ve always been artistically inclined,” says Jane Bradley, “and since NYC is the land of opportunity, I moved there in 1980 to seek my fame and fortune.” In a short time, she found work in the art department of a paperback publishing company learning the industry of graphic design and production art. With no chance of advancement, she moved on to pursue freelance work adding the world of advertising to her growing list of marketable skills and experiences. [Read more...]
Grace Chon, Modern Pet Photography
August 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment
A self proclaimed crazy dog lady, Grace Chon grew up wanting to be a Veterinarian. She majored in Biology as an undergraduate and volunteered in animal hospitals to really test drive the profession before committing to vet school. Her Korean immigrant parents were auguring for medical school so Grace could be a physician for humans instead of animals but in the end Grace surprised everybody and opted for art school and earned a Masters of Fine Arts. [Read more...]
Simple Tips for Happiness
December 27, 2010 by 1 Comment
I’ve learned so many things from my mentors, clients, students, colleagues, family, and friends over the years. My goal in this post is to share the best advice I’ve received coupled with some insight from the Life & Happiness blog to help you thrive in a state of happiness more often than not. Happiness is good for your health and you are in control of this state of being.
- Don’t worry…it’s the least productive of all human activities and thoughts and causes debilitating stress.
- Don’t let needless fears preoccupy your life. Most things we fear never happen.
- Don’t hold a grudge. That is one of the biggest and most unnecessary weights we carry through our lives.
- Take one problem at a time. It’s the most productive and least stressful way to handle the realities of life.
- Don’t take your problems to bed with you. They are bad and unhealthy companions for natural sleep and rest which are necessary to restore and heal the body each day.
- Don’t take on the problems of other people. You have enough on your plate and they are better equipped to handle their own problems in the long run.
- Don’t live in the past. It will always be there in your memories to enjoy but don’t cling to it. Concentrate on what is happening in your life now and you will be happy in the present.
- Be a good listener. It is only when one listens that one gets and learns ideas that are different than your own.
- Don’t let frustration ruin and rule your life. Self pity interferes with positive actions and prevents you from moving forward in your life.
- Count your blessings. Don’t forget the seemingly small things for which you are grateful. All of the small fortunes add up to big reasons to be appreciative.
Being Neater Could Help You Become More Efficient
November 3, 2010 by Leave a Comment
According to the Delphi Group consulting firm, 15% of all paper handled in a business setting is lost. What’s worse is that up to 30% of employees’ time is spent trying to find lost documents. Not all wasted time is spent purely on paper shuffling since the volume of email has risen over 30% in the last calendar year. Many report massive email quantities that are never answered or filed.
I make a conscious effort to try and clean the clutter in my office once a week so I know where to find things and to bring clarity to my work station. It also relieves my stress level when my office area is orderly since students and colleagues frequent my workspace regularly. Disorganization on the job can make people stressed and the literal piles of work adds to depression and low morale in the workplace according to David Lewis, a business psychologist and expert on mess, stress, and information overload.
Lewis conducted a massive survey of American and European office workers for his client, Esselte, which owns Pendaflex, the hanging file company. He ascertained that 43% of the Americans surveyed described themselves as disorganized and over 21% have missed crucial deadlines due to their inefficient ways. More than half surveyed reported that their disorganization caused them to work late 2-3 times a week in order to give themselves time to catch up.
Organizing is about making priorities that make sense to the individual. There is no single filing and organizational system for all since every person responds to a different threshold of neat. But, be aware that your public office space is also an impressionable environment for colleagues and clients and reflects how they view you.
Consider that you may be losing out on important projects from your boss if she feels you are not organized enough to handle a serious new assignment. That may not be the case at all, so don’t let your cluttered desk come between you and a great opportunity. Your messy desk may stress out your boss more than it does you but in the end it could prevent you from moving forward in the company.
Impressions and behavior are crucial for all professionals so remember your office can reflect how others perceive you in the work environment. Take some time to go through your piles and you may be pleasantly surprised at how liberating a good office cleanse and purge of clutter can be. According to David Lewis, it will also make you more efficient so you will be more in control of your time.
Are You a Workaholic?
September 22, 2010 by Leave a Comment
I consider myself someone who is incredibly involved in my work, my life, and my additional activities which cover a multitude of areas from my book project, consulting practice, performing life, and the non-profit theatre company for which I serve as a Board member, to name just a few. My life is full, hectic, and often moving at break neck speed.
Although I thrive in the fast paced environment I have created, I’ve recently tried to come to terms with work/life balance to determine if this is even possible or realistic for someone like me who is living life to the fullest and determined to serve multiple missions.
What I have learned is that I can’t do it all – all of the time. So I have to think of balance or down time for me as something I can consciously plug in some of the time. I have also learned the hard way that burning the proverbial midnight oil leaves me drained and unable to run on all my creative cylinders so I need to honor my body’s need for sleep and relaxation.
So to all of the workaholics out there, here are some tips I am trying to incorporate into my life on a more regular basis. It’s been a slow process for me but the awareness was my biggest first step.
- Listen to your body. Get the amount of sleep your body needs to function well every night and don’t compromise. If you are over tired and run down you will get sick and then it will take longer for your body to recuperate in the long run. Work smarter not harder to get the amount of sleep your body deserves.
- Set clear boundaries. If your workplace closes shop at 5pm and you are the only one who stays late something is wrong. Set boundaries and stick to them.
- Eat real food. Eat whole foods – fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and proteins that are not processed and preservative laden. Take the time to prepare your lunch and bring it with you so you have control over your food (and don’t raid the vending machine) when things get crazy at work. Also take a break and actually eat your food slowly so you can chew and taste every bite. Studies show if you eat food quickly, you are more likely to over eat and gain weight. Back away from the computer and enjoy your well earned lunch break.
- Make time for friends and loved ones. Be present with your family and make time for those you love. Work is important but family is as well, so be in the moment when you are with them and spend quality time enjoying your loved ones and not thinking about work.
- Get out into nature. Take a walk outside and stretch your legs and breathe some fresh air during your work day. A short break can help you regroup, refresh, and let the stress roll off your shoulders.
- Step away from the computer at home. Avoid the urge to check your iPhone, Blackberry or laptop at home. Unplug from work and the technology that tethers you to it every now and then so you can enjoy some peaceful time at home.
- Evaluate your life purpose. Reflect on what you are doing that is creating imbalance in your life and really think about your personal goals. Consider your behavior and your health and ask yourself if you are really happy and fulfilled. If you answer yes, then you may be ok with your current sense of balance but if you are unhappy then you are also in control of making a change for the better.
