Daily Leap Career Video of the Week: Win the Morning, Win the Day

Each week we present our Daily Leap Career Video of the Week. The video we share presents news or advice related to career and life development, searching for a job, the economy and employment, and other career-related topics.

In the video below Chase Jarvis speaks with Tim Ferriss about his book Tools of Titans and highlights several practices that contribute to success, including a regular journaling practice. Check out the other recommended practices by watching now:

High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup: 6 Ways to Prevent Work Burnout

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share them so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

• 6 Ways to Prevent Work Burnout: "The signs of burnout and stress can include aches and pains, feeling drowsy, lack of focus and difficulty sleeping, just to name a few. Taking care of yourself can help prevent burnout before it happens."

• 5 Tips for Using Your Time Wisely: "Don’t be so eager to please everybody else. Appreciate your own limits. You don’t have to fill up every second of the day; take time to appreciate what you’ve accomplished."

• 3 Essentials for Making a Big Splash at Your New Job: "There’s nothing better than a plan of action to keep you on track as new duties, pressures and requirements are getting thrown at you left and right."

• The Happiest Cities to Work in Right Now: "To gauge happiness, the survey covered topics like compensation, work environment and employees’ relationships with their managers."
• Make Learning a Lifelong Habit: "with all the disruptions in the modern economy, particularly technology, ongoing skill acquisition is critical to persistent professional relevance."

5 Skills to Develop to Move Ahead in Your Career

Fortunately, for those who want to get ahead in their careers and continue learning, there are abundant opportunities to develop new skills that can benefit us in our jobs and business life.

Obviously, not all skills are equal or equally-applicable but the following five skills will serve you well in just about any career path you go down.

1. Public speaking. The ability to clearly and effectively articulate your ideas and thoughts to an audience--whether one person, a small group, or at a large conference--can make you a sought expert in your field. Sign up for a public speaking class at a local community college, or join your area Toastmasters club.

2. Project management. Developing the ability to manage a team around the completion of a project or product is a skill sought by many companies. There are many project management training programs and certification options available through local colleges and training companies.

3. Foreign-language. Learning a foreign language can be particularly useful if you work for a global company or want to in the future. Perhaps your company is expanding into a new country or you want to expand your opportunities here. Learning Spanish is a great option for workers in the U.S. and there are classes everywhere, from community colleges and language schools, to online courses available in your home or at the library.

4. Financial management. For anyone interested in moving into leadership or management roles in the future it is important to develop finance and accounting skills. A good understanding of financial management can give you an edge when looking for that first management position.

5. Coding. The influence of technology on the workplace will continue to grow and there will be an increased need for people who can create new technologies and develop new apps. You can learn to code at a local technology school or in the comfort of your own home through an online program like codecademy.

Daily Leap Career Video of the Week: 9 Bad Habits You Must Break to Be More Productive

Each week we present our Daily Leap Career Video of the Week. The video we share presents news or advice related to career and life development, searching for a job, the economy and employment, and other career-related topics.

The video below from Entrepreneur highlights nine bad habits that keep us from being productive, starting with impulsively searching the internet. Check out the other habits to break by watching below:

High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup: Your Career Needs Many Mentors

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share them so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

• Your Career Needs Many Mentors, Not Just One: "Many professionals have had success with creating mastermind groups, which are a curated mix of peers who meet regularly to discuss professional challenges and hold one another accountable."

• 13 Must-Read Books on Success and Being Successful: "Thanks to the stories we read, we know we aren’t alone in our doubts, fears and limitations. That provides us with a level of comfort and peace of mind—and lots of motivation."

• The 2 Impressions that Count in Your Job Interview: "People tend to remember both the first and final impressions they hold of someone whom they meet for the first time. So make certain you are well aware of how you are coming across during these two critical periods of your meeting."

• 5 Steps to Rock Any Networking Event: "If your biggest fear is getting stuck in a corner with your plastic cup and a business card while everyone else chats away, be an early bird."
• The Employee Burnout Epidemic and How to Fix It: "The survey also found that the bigger the company, the more likely it is to burn you out. Larger organizations are more likely to have exhausted employees."

5 Steps to Stay Healthy at Work

For many people the work hours are sedentary. We sit at a computer all day or have one or two tasks that we accomplish at a work station. It can be easy to find ourselves gaining weight and feeling lethargic at work.

If this describes you (and even if it doesn't) then consider the following five ways to stays healthy and fit while at work.

1. Move. Make an effort to get up and walk around every hour or so. You don't have to walk for long; simply getting up and moving for 3-5 minutes will help. If you can get outside all the better. Breathing in fresh air and being out in nature helps us relax and has other therapeutic benefits. If your job does not allow you to get up every hour then make sure you move when you get an opportunity, such as your lunch break. Movement is critically important to our health.

2. Eat healthy snacks. Many workplaces have vending machines offering snacks but many of these are unhealthy and filled with sugar. You can avoid the temptation to grab a candy bar by bring in some healthy snacks to munch on throughout the day. Consider bringing in some nuts, carrots, banana or apple. You'll feel better and have more energy when you snack well.

3. Bring in a plant. In many work places the windows don't open and you're stuck breathing in stale (and sometimes unhealthy) air. Bring in a plant or two for you work area. The plant will clean the air around you and, as mentioned above, having a bit of nature nearby can enhance your mood.

4. Exercise and stretch at work. Just because your at work doesn't mean you can't get some exercise and stretching in. Take a few minutes to stand on your toes and reach up for a good stretch. Or do some arm circles. You can even bring in a rubber ball or grippers to squeeze to strengthen your wrists and forearms. There are many other simple exercises you can try with a little creativity.

5. Don't neglect your mental health. As we've discussed above, taking a walk and being among nature has emotional and mental impacts, too. Be sure to consider your emotional and mental well-bing while at work. Bring in a poster with a motivational quote you appreciate, or write a personal mantra on a 3 x 5 note card and post it somewhere you can see it regularly throughout the day.

Implementing these five simple steps will go a long way to help you feel healthier and more energetic at work.

Daily Leap Career Video of the Week: 5 Rituals That Predict Success

Each week we present our Daily Leap Career Video of the Week. The video we share presents news or advice related to career and life development, searching for a job, the economy and employment, and other career-related topics.

In the video below Robin Sharma discusses five rituals that predict success in life and business, starting with the ritual of early rising. Check out the other rituals by watching below:

High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup: 5 Things You Need for a Successful Mindset

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share them so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

• 5 Things You Need for a Successful Mindset: "Less common and far more difficult is the sustained focus and drive—throughout long periods of time—needed to achieve it."

• 8 Tips for Building Your Personal Brand in 2017: "You know your personal brand is strong when you become a source of information. Strive to be the person media outlets and journalists contact when they need expert advice or information."

• The #1 New Year's Resolution to Kick-Start Your Career: "If you’re not sure where or how to invest in yourself, then ask yourself these three questions."

• Unveiling the Best Jobs of 2017: "Job seekers and employees, cheer up. The 2017 job market is looking solid, especially for workers in key industries such as health care and business."
• 5 Real Reasons You're Getting Radio Silence After a Final Interview: "As an HR 'insider,' I’d like to peel back the curtain for a moment and let you in on exactly what’s going on behind-the-scenes."

4 Ways to Love Your Job

The start of the new year is a good time to get a new start at your job and this can be particularly important if you're finding it difficult to like your job. Job satisfaction is important to your health, your emotional well-being, and to your career success.

You can take steps to love your job and the following four ideas will get you headed in the right direction:

1. Personalize your work area. You might not be able to add new lighting to your workplace or change the color on the walls but you can take some small steps to make your work space more comfortable. Bring in a picture of someone you love, or a photo of your favorite vacation spot. Post an inspirational quote or some other line that inspires you. Bring in a small plant.

2. Take on your most difficult tasks first. You can enjoy your work more if you're able to get the work you least enjoy done first and can then move on to tasks or work you enjoy more. Of course, this is not always possible, depending on your job, but set this as a goal and you'll find yourself energized when you complete that despised task.

3. Spend time with co-workers you enjoy and develop friendships. Many people find that they enjoy the people they work with much more than they enjoy the work itself. Take the time to get to know your co-workers, have lunch with them and socialize outside of the job, and you'll find yourself looking forward to going to work in the morning.

4. Seek out a mentor at your work place. Having someone on your side, who has your best interests at heart, and can help you grow as an employee can help you enjoy your work more. A mentor does these things so seek one out. Today!

Daily Leap Career Video of the Week: 6 Things You Can Do to Stick to Your New Year's Resolutions

Each week we present our Daily Leap Career Video of the Week. The video we share presents news or advice related to career and life development, searching for a job, the economy and employment, and other career-related topics.

The video below from Inc. provides useful tips for sticking with your New Year's resolutions, starting with getting real and establishing short-term goals, rather than vague resolutions. Check out all the tips by watching below:

High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup: 10 Ways to Be a Better Employee in 2017

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share them so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

• 10 Ways to Be a Better Employee in 2017: "emotional intelligence ...will be one of the top 10 job skills by 2020 because people with high EQ handle pressure well, know how to cooperate with others, are open to feedback, and empathetic."

• 5 Simple Resolutions That Will Make You Smarter, Happier, and More Confident: "Just imagine telling a colleague you’re becoming a calmer and more focused person through studying the ancient fighting style of Russian warriors."

• 3 Things Successful People Do On the Daily: "with a morning routine, you have control over how your day begins. This is really important because research ... shows that your mood in the morning affects your productivity all day."

• Are You Giving Off Signs You're a Desperate Job Seeker: "You'll know that you are sending out signals of desperation when you find yourself doing these five things."
• 3 Reasons to Never Skip Salary Negotiations When Accepting a New Job: "It sounds counterintuitive, but you're in a better position to ask for more money now, before you're in the job, than you are after you're hired."

5 Ways to Excel in Your Career (and Life) in 2017

As you've entered the new year you've likely set some goals for yourself in 2017 and, if you're like many people, a goal or two is related to your job and career. Of course, we can start the new year with good intentions and then quickly find ourselves discouraged and failing to meet our goals.

Consider the following five ways to stay on track with your goals and to excel in your career and job in 2017.

1. Automate when possible. Find ways to increase your productivity and create additional time in your schedule by automating as many tasks as possible. Use an app to manage your budget or to organize your email. There is, really, an app for everything so you have an opportunity to better manage and control some of the many tasks that dominate modern life.

2. Start a side gig. If you've always wanted to work for yourself or start a business now is the time. Set aside a few hours every week to work on this: develop a business plan, create a web site, offer your services as a freelancer, or start making that product you've dreamed of.

3. Go back to school. Start taking a class or two toward earning a new degree or certificate. You can even learn online or informally by reading some books by experts in your field of interest.

4. Be mindful of your health. Unfortunately, many of us don't pay enough attention to our health and don't realize that we can be much more successful in work and life, and increase our productivity if we focus on our health. Take a look at your diet and eat more healthily, be sure to be active and exercise, have a consistent spiritual practice, such as meditation, get enough sleep, and reduce alcohol and caffeine.  

5. Build a support system. None of us can succeed on our own so be sure to develop your support system. Your support group should ideally include co-workers, friends, family, a supervisor at work, and a mentor or two.

Daily Leap Career Video of the Week: Tim Ferriss Shares Common Success Principles

Each week we present our Daily Leap Career Video of the Week. The video we share presents news or advice related to career and life development, searching for a job, the economy and employment, and other career-related topics.

In the video below from Business Insider, "Tools of Titans" author and podcaster Tim Ferriss talks about the common principles he's found among many of the successful people he's interviewed.