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How to Get What You Want From Life

 

You’re ultimately responsible for your own success in your career and in your personal life. Take charge of your future by implementing these action steps:

• Take a stand. Identify your vision and purpose in life. What excites you? What do you want to learn? What do you love to do? Answering questions like these will help you determine what you want to accomplish.

• Differentiate yourself. In 15 words or less, define what makes you unique in your marketplace and industry. Craft a statement that grabs your attention. Keeping it in mind will build your confidence. Using it to introduce yourself will tell influential people what you can do.

• Build your power. Don’t bully or abuse people, but learn how to exercise and control your ability to persuade the people whose support you need. Focus on what you can do for them: the benefits they’ll receive by helping you achieve your goals. (Hint: It’s frequently based on your willingness to help other people achieve their own goals.)

• Listen. Ask for feedback from people who are in a position to evaluate your performance. Take their words seriously. You don’t have to do everything they suggest, of course, but an objective point of view can help you find weak spots and strengths you didn’t know about.

Have a Stress-Free Family Vacation

Summer is here and that usually means it’s time to hit the road for a vacation. Whether your idea of relaxation involves rock climbing or lounging by the pool, you can enjoy a stress-free trip (or at least minimize the hassles) with some basic planning:

• Involve your children. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teenagers, get them engaged in the preparations. Asking them what they want to see and do and incorporating their wishes as much as possible, will lead to a smoother experience.

• Pick your time. Flight delays and crowded airplanes rarely improve the quality of your trip. When flying, your best bet is to travel Monday through Wednesday early in the day. Fly direct if possible to reduce the chances of lost luggage or having to drag your carry-ons from one end of the airport to the other.

• Pack snacks. Kids and adults get cranky when they’re hungry. Carry along something healthy to eat: granola bars, raisins or other dried fruit, peanut butter crackers and treats for when you or your kids need something special.

• Schedule some downtime. Don’t try to cram too many activities into the day. Rushing through one museum to get to the next one will quickly grow exhausting. Allow some time to relax, watch TV, read or take a leisurely stroll.

• Keep some semblance of a routine. For small children especially, maintaining some elements of a regular routine will keep things running smoothly. Bedtimes, regular meals and normal rules of behavior provide a comforting sense of structure.

• Be flexible. Expect delays, so they don’t stress you out. Break the schedule when something more interesting comes up. If you want to spend more time in a museum that intrigues you, do it. You may not have the chance again.