How to stop a racing mind

By: Lori Stone, APR, Director of Business Operations & Communications

Center for Business Excellence

The world is full of commitments, stress and general brain over stimulation. I’ve had a variety of things to juggle lately and noticed last week I started to get annoyed hearing a text message come in while I was on the land line, had staff at my door and receiving an instant message on my computer! Enough already!

Clearing your mind is easier said than done. Sometimes, it’s hard to keep stress and anxiety at bay. I found an interesting article on the subject to share with you:

http://www.dailycampus.com/2.7438/how-to-stop-a-racing-mind-1.1059782

Scholarships for Occupational Training

CBE awards scholarships for eligible individuals to pursue training of a targeted occupation and at a local approved training vendor. Click the links below for more information or send an e-mail to training@cbe-fvc.org.

Scholarship Guidelines

Targeted Occupations

Local Approved Training Vendors

Eyes Play a Major Role in Connecting

Making eye contact is difficult for some people.
And keeping eye contact is even harder.
But according to blogger Nagesh Belludi, "Our eyes play a major role in our interpersonal communication. The eyes express our moods and reactions more overtly than does other body language. By and large, observant people can attempt to understand our attitudes through the nature of our eye contact, our facial expressions and body language."
Nicholas Boothman, in his book, "How to Connect in Business in 90 Seconds or Less," says "Make eye contact and smile … it’s a simple courtesy and leads to a relaxed conversation. If you tend to be a shy person, this may be somewhat difficult for you. You may tend to look down or away when greeting someone. This can break the conversation right away."
"When you meet or greet someone for the first time, just make a mental note of their eye color. This simple technique is amazingly effective. If you are looking for their eye color you’ll automatically make eye contact for a second or two."
Read more tips about making and keeping good eye contact.

Like Sands Through an Hour Glass

Do you have enough time in the day? All right, you can stop laughing now. Of course, you don’t. Most of us find that we always need just a few more minutes so we can get done those things we have to finish. You’re in luck because someone recently sent me a link to a wonderful article with some easy to do, practical ideas for saving time.
It’s definitely worth the time it takes to read it. I know I plan on using a couple of the ideas presented.
To read article click here.

The only sound advice? Wear sunscreen.

By: Lori Stone, APR, Director of Business Operations & Communications

Center for Business Excellence

Several years ago, a song (really more a poetry reading to a beat) hit the pop charts advising the class of ‘99 to count on wearing sunscreen. Other sage observations are made, but bottom line, life is too unpredictable.

The lyrics really came from a “Chicago Tribune” columnist. I thought in this time of commencement exercises, we might all find reading this column of interest:

http://www.planetgary.com/sunscreen.htm 

Email Etiquette for Everyone

We all rely on email. Who doesn't?
But email etiquette needs to be observed just like other forms of etiquette.

But as with anything, the more e-mails we send, the more likely we are to screw one up, according to Andrew G. Rosen, in his blog, "18 Common Work E-mail Mistakes."

And simple e-mail mistakes can be disastrous. They can cost us a raise, promotion — even a job, Rosen says.

These tips apply to employees but also to jobseekers, who need to be extra careful about the emails they send.

Here are some good email tips for jobseekers and employees.

Transform Those Negative Thoughts

By Suzy Kridner
Career Specialist
All of us have negative thoughts at times.
On the tennis court, I think “I could run faster if I lose weight.” While that is true, I don’t think about the good shots I make, only the ones I missed.
Even the most positive person occasionally has negative thoughts.
Rule No. 1 in 10 Steps for Transforming Negative Thoughts into Positive Beliefs is “Don’t should on yourself.”
When you think I should be a better parent, a better wife, a better tennis player, you’re thinking your current status is not good enough.
A friend on Facebook posted this column from the web site, The Bridge Maker. It says should statements put our thoughts and attitudes in a box and constrain us from seeing other solutions. Remember, it’s a matter of balance.
Read other steps for transforming negative thoughts here.