Right Place, Right Time

CHICKS ROCK! is happy to welcome Giovanna as a guest blogger with a piece that was originally published on KristinaLeonardi.com:

Giovanna lives in New York City. Through her work experiences and
most recently through her studies, she has developed a passion for the
dynamic of work; the psychology behind it.

Yesterday I received three job rejections… all at the same time.

I have been actively looking to start my career since my graduation a year and a half ago. The search has been arduous to say the least, and for the first time I cried. I cried because I was frustrated, because I felt stuck. But mostly I cried because I did not know how much more rejection I could take… A moment later I dried my tears and began looking again.

Upon my search, I came across a post for an event titled Staying Motivated throughout the Job Search Process by New York-based speaker and career coach Kristina Leonardi. The event was scheduled for that same day at 6pm. I made a mad dash for the door hoping I would make it on time.

On my way over to the New York Science, Industry and Business Library, I prayed that the event would not be a waste of time. I was in no mood to hear the same old job search tips. You know, the ones you usually get from a talking head in a business suit telling you to put your best foot forward and “Network Network Network!”. Fortunately, it was nothing like that.

Here are five things that I learned in that brief hour and a half:

1. Identify your own definition of success
Success differs from person to person. Sure, many define it as being famous and making lots of money, but that’s not the case for everyone. It is important to find the right combination of success for you. What does “making it” mean to you? What did you picture yourself doing as a kid? Reevaluate what it is that you want and align it with your career.

2. “Your time and energy are your most precious resources”
Your time and energy are yours and should be cherished as so. Being where you want to be requires that you put in work, so be mindful of what you spend your time and thoughts on. Your resources should be put to good use.

3. It's not all about credentials
As someone with a master’s degree that in practicality has been pretty much useless, I know this to be true! Kristina’s resume is exemplary- she has taught, founded her own company, served as a career/life coach and several other magnificent feats, all with just a bachelor’s degree. Having the most diplomas does not mean you will accomplish the most- it takes much more than that.

4. “Check your ego at the door”
Kristina told us of the time that she took a job as a smoothie maker. She did this, not as a teenager, but as an adult with several accomplishments already under her belt. She took that $10 an hour job in order to realign herself- what she got in return was a plethora of opportunities. She made connections with several of her customers and discovered a love for career/life coaching. It takes a lot to humble yourself and know that you are not “too good” to do something. The universe will reward you for it.

5. “Patience: A grape does not become a vintage bottle of wine overnight.”
Even if you’re not a big drinker you’ve got to admit that this is a great quote! In your career, as in life, patience is key. Sometimes the universe puts things in front of you not when you want it, but when you are ready to get it. So… don’t give up.

At Your Service

The following was originally posted on January 18, 2011 on Kristina's blog.

Kristina Leonardi is the founder of The Women’s Mosaic. She is a career/life coach, speaker, seminar leader and expert in the areas of career development, work/life wellness and personal growth.  Click here for her special caoching rates through the end of January.

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“Life’s most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Martin Luther King, Jr.

One of the most common desires I hear from clients when embarking on a new career or making a transition is that they want to be doing something with meaning, something that helps people.

My approach is to ask them, “What is the thing that makes you, you? What you are passionate about; when do you lose track of time?” I inquire as to what their fantasy job would be, and very rarely does that answer have to do with becoming a social worker or joining the Peace Corps.

You don’t have to become the next Mother Teresa, Gandhi or MLK to make a difference and live your life in service to others. Perhaps that may be your path, but as Dr. King also said, “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.” Running for public office or volunteering on a regular basis can certainly fill that role, but service can be expressed in a myriad of forms that aren’t always so obvious or grandiose. Just being yourself and doing your best at YOU allows us to benefit from whatever unique gifts and talents you possess.

When one’s work is done with love and integrity, every job is one of service. MLK day is also about celebrating diversity, which can refer to many things including occupation. We all have jobs that make the world go round. Whether it’s the super taking care of your building, the bus driver making sure you get to your destination safely, the guy who makes your coffee and bagel every morning, the janitor that cleans the public restrooms you use, the designer of the clothes you are wearing, the comedian that made you laugh last night, the singer whose song you enjoyed on your Ipod, writer whose novel you devoured over the weekend – no occupation is too insignificant, as long as it is done to the best of one’s ability, you can see how any of those people have served you on some level.

And regardless of your job, there is also the service you can provide by smiling at someone when you’re walking down the street, or showing a kindness to a stranger, and notice how for moment you made someone happy or uplifted them in some way.

The thing that I enjoy most and lose track of time doing is talking to folks about their life’s work and helping them make their everyday existence as meaningful and peaceful as possible. I would love the opportunity to help you connect the dots of your life, create more work/life balance and recognize the value in whatever you do, so just give me a buzz as I am always here, at your service.

Hello 2013!

Happy New Year to all of you who have checked in with CHICKS ROCK! since its launch in 2008! I will speak for my fellow bloggers as well as myself by expressing my hope that you all had a happy holiday season.

I don't know about any of you, but I was deeply shaken by many events that took place in 2012. The horrific shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, the brutal rape and death of a young woman in Delhi that received international attention, and the repercussions of Hurricane Sandy in the Northeastern U.S. affected me for a variety of reasons, but particularly because I have personal knowledge of the places involved. I know that those who have suffered and continue to do so are no better or worse than I am, and that I am not immune to their horrors. Instead of becoming deeply paranoid, I am focusing even more on the simple pleasures of daily life, while remaining humble and sympathetic to those far and near who are going through difficult times. It is one of my many New Year's resolutions to maintain this balance, because it is too easy to get too self-involved or to become obsessed with everyone else's issues while avoiding your own.

I am looking forward to the year ahead, and hope that there will be more progress rather than setbacks in my own life, as well as in the world around me.

What are your expectations for 2013?