Tag Archives: Self Improvement

Focus on Your Strengths

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As great as we think we are, we all have professional flaws.  I will admit I heavily depend on auto spell check and have struggled with attention to detail since I am a “Big Picture” worker.  I have been made aware of these professional flaws my entire career.  It seems that the more I try to improve my professional flaws, the further I get from focusing on what I am good at.  We cannot change intrinsic parts of our personality.  Some attributes will always be a part of us.  But there are practical ways of improving our humanistic professional aptitude.  

Throughout my career, I have taken dozens of personality tests.  The first time I took a personality test was during a job interview for a private culinary school.  The job I was interviewing for was Academic Advisor, and the pay wasn’t great.  The interview process was grueling and took almost 10 hours to complete.  It consisted of group projects, one-on-one panels, and finally, a personality test.  It was my first time taking a personality test, and it seems a bit mentally intrusive.  

Photo by August de Richelieu from Pexels

“The goal of this exam is to choose the first answer that that resonates with you.”  The announcer stated, slightly smiling at all of us candidates.  As I read quickly through the short instructions, I realized that there were only two potential answers to choose from.  “Oh, this is going to be a breeze!” I muttered to myself.  As I began to read the questions, I noticed that most of the questions/answers were simply reformatted over and over again.  I zoomed through the questions and finished the exam in 20 minutes.

Feeling pretty great about the potential job offer, I sat down for my final interview with the hiring manager.  “Thank you for coming in and spending the day with us; we appreciate your time and efforts to stay for the duration of this interview day, Jenice.”  He said with extreme direct eye contact.  “Thank you, I appreciate it,” I responded.  “What was your favorite part of the interview day?” He asked.  “Honestly, the personality exam … it was my first time taking one,”  I responded with a smile in return.  “Really?  The personality exam was your favorite part?” He asked.  “For sure, it was fun.  I am excited about learning more about my results.”

I concluded with insistence.  “Well, before we do that … I want to tell you a little bit more about the position you interviewed for.  It requires some personality skills that are embedded in who we are as individuals, not things we can necessarily change about ourselves.  And unfortunately, you don’t have those personality traits.”  He finalized. 

My mouth dropped to the floor.  “Oh, what does that mean exactly?”  I asked with great hesitation.  “To be honest, you are an ESTJ which means, for the most part, you are a natural leader and lack empathy.”  He said, thumbing through my results. “But, that means that you now need to focus on your strongest traits and find the position/career that is right for you.”  He smiled.  “Okay … so I didn’t get the job?” I asked.  “No, we would be doing you a great injustice to put a personality such as yours in this position.  If we have any leadership positions open, you should apply to those positions.  Again, thank you for your time.”  He said as he handed me a copy of my personality results. 

What did you get from my experience?  I know I received one of the best pieces of professional advice I could have asked for.  I wanted to learn more about my strong suit and what an ESTJ was, so I researched my personality.  I have done several personality exams since that interview and guess what?  I am still a strong ESTJ personality type.  There are significant parts about this personality type and all personality types.  The point is, that the hiring manager did me a professional favor.  I was able to truly focus on what I was good at and not try to change parts of myself that are what make me … me.  To this day, I tell that story to those who have hard times finding their professional purpose to give them an understanding – you are great the way you are.  But do you know who you are?  Sometimes, your purpose is to focus on what you are good at and let everything else work out on its own.

Focus on learning and growing every day,

Jenice

Resources

Friedman. (n.d.). MBTI Personality Test. Retrieved 2021, from http://www.lrjj.cn/encrm1.0/public/upload/MBTI-personality-test.pdf

Myers-Briggs Test Excel Version. (n.d.). Retrieved 2021, from https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=b2Nkc2IuY2F8bWxsZS1jYXJyaWVyZXxneDozYzI1MmFlYzY3Y2QzODRh

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (Short Version). (n.d.). Retrieved 2021, from http://apps.nacada.ksu.edu/conferences/ProposalsPHP/uploads/handouts/2013/C079-H04.pdf

Getting Positive, Purposeful and Productive …

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Let’s keep this good, highly positive energy going. I have to say; it has been a while since I have written two articles in a row. Normally, I try to post at least 1 article a month. I found my time slipping through my fingers minute by minute. People always say, “We all have 24hours in a day – it is up to you to make the most of it.” Let’s digest the “24 hours” we all have:

  • 6 – 8 Hours – People normally spend sleeping
  • 2 Hours – Getting ready for work, school, date or other events, which can take up to (start to finish – bathing, dressing, make-up, getting kids up and ready, etc.)
  • 3 Hours – We seem to take up several hours to eat (in totality)
  • 2 – 3 Hours – Then there is the “Waiting” on something or someone, all together (depending on how fast traffic takes, public transportation, elevators, walking dogs, etc.)

What are we up to now? 16 hours

Okay, 24 Hours – 16 Hours = 8 hours (Purposeful Time Left)

And you guessed it, most of us work at a minimum of 8 hours a day – that is the rest of it. That is what most people’s 24 hours may look like, give or take some adjustments in tasks and responsibilities. That is how one can find time slipping through one’s fingers.

How is this positive, purposeful, or productive information, Jenice?!? You may be asking with learning this frustration realization. I am glad you asked. The key to taking back your time is realizing that you have more than enough of it … simple, but true. Now that most of us are finding ourselves teleworking, on a compressed or flex-schedule, we literally are being the gift of time. Each and every day, you get to choose (hopefully), how you spend your time now. 

Getting positive – if you still are employed in a safe working environment, be thankful. Getting purposeful – If you are working, then what you are doing is purposeful, and thank you for all you do, every day that you do it. Focused on Production – Production is not everything; poor quality is worst than producing nothing. Production is nothing without quality time spent ensuring the product is of good value. Instead of listening to all of the negative jargon all the time, do yourself a favor and find something to be positive, purposeful, and productive about. You will find you have more time than you could have ever scheduled on your calendar. 

Be well,

Jenice

Daum, K. (2014, November 3). 9 Ways to Save More Time. Retrieved from https://www.inc.com/kevin-daum/9-ways-to-save-more-time.html

Getting to Know Yourself Better with MBTI Test

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How often have you wondered why you respond to situations or events as you do? Have you tried to change your behaviors for the better? How successful have you been? The link may be in your intrinsic personality traits.

I have often implemented real-life assignments into my class lectures for students to grow both academically and personally. The Myers and Briggs Personality (MBTI) Test is a consistent tool that is used by several academics for student success. This is a fantastic way to get to know your students and for you to better gauge your behaviors and personality traits. There are plenty of ways to utilize this for everyday situations. I have used the MBTI Test as a for-credit assignment on several topics to include: accounting, business management, organizational behavior, human resources, financial management, and many others.

I often have found that peers enjoy completing the MBTI Test as a way of expressing their strengths. It has been used in leadership training across organizations looking for employees to gain a better understanding of their professional relationships for collaborations.  I find it to be incredibly insightful. Since you have all of this time on your hands, you may want to dive in and get to know yourself a little better.
Be well,
Jenice

Reference: Friedman. (n.d.). MBTI Personality Test. Retrieved 2020, from https://d3jc3ahdjad7x7.cloudfront.net/spokaLTFBEADL9JnMd7njgJd96nyp7YNgICG2tlJWifcI7GP.pdf

Forgiveness Friday – Small Things

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This weeks’ Forgiveness Friday focuses on forgiveness of the small things. Many times in relationships we allow little things to slip into the arena of unforgiveness within our minds. When your spouse forgets to make the bed up and rushes out the door without giving you a kiss goodbye, it is then you need to choose to forgive. When your friend forgets an appointment with you, it is then you need to choose to forgive. When your books don’t come in on time for the first day of class, it is then you need to choose to forgive. Way too often we think that forgiveness is solely reserved for something, which involves deceitfulness, betrayal, or any other life changing event. But, the truth is forgiveness is for everything, including the small things. When you choose to forgive the small things, you’re choosing to release the ability for small things to add up to a huge explosion of laired unforgiveness. Make a point to be consciously aware of the small things that are in need of forgiveness within your life.

Resume Service Package

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A resumé remains the most acceptable means of self-promotion, alongside having a hype man lead call-and-response chants about your GPA.  Make an first-time impression with a great resume package.

Jenice Armstead, has over a decade of experience helping job applicants pin point what hiring managers are looking for in their resume. After submitting a current resumé and filling out a questionnaire on career goals and accomplishments, applicants work one-on-one with a writer to craft a resumé that’s clear, concise, and attractive to interviewers. This business expert also boost clients’ chances of getting hired with extra-mile services, such as O*Net job descriptions, job analysis and creating possible job descriptions for the clients.

Professional writers increase your chances of employment by creating a smart new resumé targeted to specific employers.

$99 for a Professional Resumé Package with a Cover Letter and Thank You Letter ($250 Value). For more information contact jenicearmstead@gmail.com

Wisdom Wednesday

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Are you frustrated and in-patient? Why is that? Do you feel that you should be in a position or financial place that you feel you are not currently? Why is that? Take some time to realize that you have “gifts” that you can do naturally. Instead of being and doing what you think you should do, take some time to think about what makes you truly happy.

For a while, I thought that success was a corner office in a high rise building, with a ton of employees answers to me. After taking some time to embrace my “true self,” I realized that I have had many job opportunities where a “high rise” office was foreseeable. While pursing that goal, I found myself with an emptiness that wasn’t fulfilled. After taking some to sitt with my thoughts and feelings and realized that I loved to teach people how to do things to make their lives better. Teaching is one of my natural gifts, I can remember as far back as 5 years old standing up in front of my Barbie Dolls teaching a class lecture about how to teach people. My core being is to teach. What is your core being? Ask yourself a few questions to get started:

When am I truly happy professionally?

When was the last time I did those things?

How can I embrace the “true being” of myself and grow professionally?

Set a goal and work toward it.

Wisdom Wednesday

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Have you ever noticed when you are “feeling” good about yourself, you tend to be more selfish than when you aren’t?  That is because feelings are fickle.  Feelings come and go with the wind.  One minute you can feel happy, and the very next minute you can feel sad.  This is because feelings are an aspect of what we “think” is happing to us.  Instead of letting your feelings rule you, make a point to be aware of your feelings when they suddenly change.  Take a moment to self reflect to see if you have done something that your Spirit or Higher Self has disagreed with.  Did you act badly in traffic?  Did you not respond to a “good morning” from a friendly stranger?  Did you wake up and start saying hurtful things to your loved ones?  No matter the situation, make a point to try and self reflect in the situation and evaluate why you are feeling the way you are.  You will be surprised at what you may learn about yourself.

Thoughtful Thursday

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When you believe in something, love, desire, and want it, you can create it more quickly.  One thing you have to do is not allow the emotions of others to drain you.  As you calm your emotions, you will be able to handle other people’s strong emotions.

When you think about it emotions are how you know whether you like or dislike something.  Your emotions are the key to understanding your environment and how you choose to react to it.  When you think about something on a continuum basis you allow it to come into your life faster than it would if you weren’t thinking of it.  It isn’t something that can be controlled, unless you choose to do so. It is true.  I can remember thinking about not wanting to have a bad day and in fact drawing situations to me that actually caused me to have a bad day.  In the moment you are thinking about it, you don’t realize what you’re doing – unless you choose to understand what you’re doing.

You are affected by others and their emotions – whether it is a positive or a negative way.  You choose what to transcend from others emotions.  You are in total control of your emotions and what you absorb.  The key is to calm yourself and not allow others emotions to become your emotions through default.

Jenice

Wisdom Wednesday

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When you “feel” something, the first thing you should do is take a second to analysis why you are “feeling” the way you are. If you are feeling sad, happy, excited or reserved, remember that your environment is a contributing factor to your feelings. You have control of how you respond to your feelings.

A girl finally got her dream job and on her first day of work she felt excited. She was smiling and happy to see and meet her new co-workers. While getting ready to leave for the day, one of her new co-workers decided to voice her opinion about the new girl’s perceived happiness of working there. The co-worked made a rude remark in front of  other co-works. The new girl started to feel anxiety and negativity, which made her question if she even belonged there. Instead of acting on the feelings, the new girl decided to say aloud to herself “I can do anything I put my mind to, I earned this position and I know that I have self-control.” Then the new girl turned to the co-worker whom said the rude remark and said “It was a pleasure to meet you, I look forward to working with you in the future.” The new girl walked to her car grinning with the understanding that she didn’t let her “feelings” control her, instead she decided to exercise her self-control over her own “feelings.”

We have the ability to be reactive in a negative way or a positive way. Be careful to not let “feelings” rule your life. You have the power of self-control.

Two-Cent Tuesday

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Interview Like a Pro

Are you looking for more interview guidance that will actually work and get you that job? There are a few key items that must be taken into careful thought. It is important to realize that in today’s job market you must have some type of people skills. You must know how to have a conversation with just about anyone at just about any time. The truth of the matter is that today’s job market is full of unconventional opportunities. You must be ready for any type of interview, at all times. You have to be personable, approachable and presentable at all times.

When I say all times, I mean at ALL times. For example, while shopping for groceries in a super market you could be approached by a random person that strikes up small talk with you, and before you know it you find yourself in a “mini interview” situation. You could even have a small conversation with someone at a gas station. Gas station!? You ask? I say with great affirmation, YES! You could have a “mini interview” even at a gas station. Managers and recruiters are everywhere.

It is a good practice to keep business cards and resumes with you at all times. I have business cards for just about everything, including when I meet a new friend and want to exchange information with them. I have a business card for my academics, photography business and for my personal websites. You must always be ready for the unexpected interview or networking opportunity anywhere, with anyone and in any situation at all times. This is one of the reasons why I have created these easy to use and follow booklets.

With the Pep Talks Book Series, you can be ready at all times. With helpful inside, interview tips and advice, examples and interactive questions to help with the interview process toward getting the position that you have been dreaming of. You have just opened “unseen” doors for yourself, and your interviewing skill sets will improve with using the Pep Talks Book Series.

Book Excerpt: Pep Talks Business Series 

Pep Talks: Answering the Hard Questions

Pep Talks: Business Series

Poem: The Meaning

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The graciousness to be love and feel love is with me

It is with me because of the unseen fore-being

Without ache or pain I am able to know thee

Understanding that the great pleasure is in the unseen

 

You are the heartbeat of my soul

In you I have divine rest which is untold

I know so to be truthful

And in that I have a divine call

 

With you I can do everything

Without you I can’t be anything

It is through you that I have meaning

It is by that I am all-things

 

Under the pressures of the world can be troubling

Without the untold story of enabling

Others have the ability to say mean things

But is it only through you that I am able

 

Thank you for being the meaning

Thank you for always understanding

Thank you for uplifting

It is in you that all things have meaning

By: Jenice Armstead

Monday Morning Mindset

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An attitude of gratitude is more important to your physical health than you may realize. During this time of year, it is important to show gratitude for what, who and all of the blessings that you have. Gratefulness is contagious, show gratitude and you will be given more. How can you expect anything good to happen if you don’t have gratitude for what you have currently? You can always find something to be grateful for. No matter your situation, you can always be grateful. Make a “Grateful List” and keep it to remind yourself of all that you are grateful for. Here are a list of items I am grateful for each and every day, with this list you can add to it or change it to suit your personal goals in life or things that are most important to you.

My Grateful List
I am grateful for the love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
I am grateful for a new day and new beginnings
I am grateful for forgiveness and peace
I am grateful for my good health
I am grateful for my sound mind, body and soul
I am grateful for my beautiful spirit
I am grateful for the beautiful spirits I will meet today
I am grateful for love, peace and joy
I am grateful for my success
I am grateful for my ability to motivate and inspire others
I am grateful for the ability to see, hear, smell and speak

Decide what you want from life, believe you can achieve it, and focus. Believe that you can have it, and know that you deserve it. Close your eyes several times a day and focus on having it. Visualize having it and feel grateful for having it right now. When you take the time to believe, receiving and achieving you will start to be more optimistic about your life.

All the Best,
Jaye

Monday Morning Mindset

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In an economy where you must “find a way or make a way,” it is important to understand your professional value. We all bring different attributes to “the table” when it comes to our field of choice, what we are good at and what we love to do. What are you good at? Take some time to find out. It is important to spend some quality time finding out what you are good at and what you are not so good at. One of the best ways to do this is to simply try.

That simple word, “Try!” Has been used many times in the negative condensation that it is perceived as a “bad word.” How may times have you heard someone or yourself saying “At least I tried!?” That gives the impression that it was all you could do. It is saying of defeat, when that is not the case at all. Succeeding isn’t in the “trying” it is in the “doing.” It is in the “doing” that you find out what you are good at.

Doing is how you find out if you have a natural gift for something, or if you need to practice. People that are good at what they do, either have a gift or have to practice. Either way, it is in the doing that they are truly successful. The key to success is in failing and then finding yourself. Failure is not a bad thing, it allows for you to see how you can improve yourself. Step out and find out, it is time to do more than try. It is time to do!

All the Best,

Jenice

Monday Morning Mindset

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Be careful not to complain in your thinking, doing and being. Complaining is a form of being stagnate in yourself. When you complain about something or someone, you are giving into the “lower” part of yourself. Instead of complaining about a situation or person, take some a moment to reflect on the good things about the situation or person. For example, if you are at a job that doesn’t pay enough you can take a few moments to write down all the things you are grateful about within the job. Such as, the knowing you have enough to eat and provide. If you have a complaint about your spouse not doing enough to help around the house you could make a list about all the wonderful qualities that made you fall in love with your spouse in the beginning of your relationship.

You may find that by taking a few moments to reflect on the situation or person that you are the one that causing the “friction.” It could be as simple as changing your attitude in the moment you are complaining. Your attitude has more to do with how you feel and react to a situation or person than you may think. With the “thankful lists” that you make, keep it handing when you start to complain. Sit down and read the list aloud. Take a moment; reflect on the situation and how you can make it better with some “self-realizations.” In all things, “give thanks” because there is always something good you can be thankful for in any and all situations.

All the Best,

Jenice

Monday Morning Mindset

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You Can – Poem by Jenice Armstead

You can
You absolutely can
You can because you believe that you can
You can because you remind yourself that you can
You are
You are because you say that you are
You are because you have no other choice but to be who you are
You will
You will because you have the ability to do so
You will because your spirit guides you
You know
You know because you have the wisdom of the world
You know because you have been there before
You know because you have told yourself that you know
You do
You do because you are able to
You do because you can
With the ability to do
And the wisdom to know
You can

Jenice R. Armstead
Copyright © 2013 By Jenice Renee Armstead

Monday Morning Mindset

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Speaking truth starts with understanding what you feel about yourself and your abilities. There a ways to get your mind set for the weeks’ challenges. When dealing with difficult situations it is helpful to get somewhere quiet and ask yourself a few quick questions:

• Am I being kind to myself in this moment?
• Is this necessary to do?
• Does this situation make me whole?
• Is this true of my core self?

When asking yourself these questions remember that each situation in your life is not about how you act, but rather how you react to it. The best way to not draw offense from any situation is to find clarity from within. Speak aloud some positive affirmations about yourself such as “I am a kind person, I am a person of truth or I have the ability to overcome this situation and come up higher.” The ability to “self talk” in a positive manner can determine your ability to see the challenge as a benefit instead of a hindrance. Being mindful of yourself is the first step toward growing and becoming a better person. You will make mistakes, because you are human. It is okay to take a moment and gain clarity in a world full of challenges.

All the Best,
Jenice