Gold on the Ceiling

Okay, so.

Do you ever struggle with change? I do, and I have a few observations. Sometimes, when change is necessary, or inevitable (or both), one will wait until the change becomes absolutely crucial. The time passes when change is optional, and it becomes forced. Like writing a paper the night before, or packing up the day before moving day. Does this make sense? Do people still do this after they finish University?

I feel like I'm trying to wrap myself around improving this skill (or fault?). I'm interested in seeing the change that needs to happen, and making continual progress. That's the key for me I think, the "continual progress". Like if you pick up an empty box every few days, you can bring it home and pack it, instead of leaving a mountain of packing to do right before moving day. Follow me? In the past, it's been hard for me to go ahead and tackle something big until it hits that crucial point. Breaking something down into small pieces, and crushing them one at a time until something big is done has never been a strength of mine.

I want it to be. I'm trying to up that part of my game. Do you have any suggestions?

I feel like in the last 6 months, I've been getting better, and I feel like I've really turned a corner in the last week. Specifically, I need to find a job. I'm nowhere near a critical point where change is necessary from a fiscal standpoint, where I have to make a move. Maybe that moment won't come, and that's why I'm not waiting for it anymore. I used to wait.

Anyway, I've broken down this change into a bunch of pieces, now all I have to do is check them off this list.

1. Improve my resume. It's been far too long, and it's not professional enough.

2. Broaden my network. In person, online, etc.

3. Get the word out that my skills are essential to people. I have to re-learn how to sell myself.

4. Apply.

5. Find out what skills I need, and get them. i.e. First aid, Non-violent Crisis Intervention, Fitness Theory.

6. Get 'dream' job.

It may seem strange

How we used to wait for letters to arrive

Blue Jeans

Hey guys

I'm gonna jump right in. I am updating on here for the first time this year, and I plan to hopefully start updating more often again.

This week I've been thinking lots about professional development, and I'm starting to put a few different things in motion. For starters, I'm making my online profile(s) a little more professional. I'm starting to expand to more social networks (google+, linkedin) in an attempt to recreate myself in a unified, professional way. I'm really hoping that some serious attention and effort online can help me network with new people in various areas to help myself toward a career. Kind of a strange undertaking for me. Well, not strange. I haven't really dipped into the world of networking very much, and it's obviously a really strong tool. So it feels kind of clunky, trying to get myself into a new frame of mind.

I spent some time with my pal Matt recently, and he's working with me on this little project. Matt is a seriously successful networker, and has a strong online reputation. He has found great jobs through online networking, and he's been gracious enough to share some of his secrets.

I'm looking to break into Victoria's health, recreation, and/or fitness sector, and I appear to have been doing it wrong for the past 18 months. Well, I'm still working at Starbucks. So I would say it DEFINITELY appears as if I could try something new.

I'm also interested in a couple lifestyle changes. I mean, I figure if I want to get serious about health and fitness, why not stop eating so poorly, and get outside a little more. That might look a little more obvious on this page than it is in real life. Not that I'm a big slug. I also think that networking with new people in these areas will assist with me getting out more, and vice versa - getting out more might also expand my network.

I have a couple of really good head starts on this project. First, I studied and immersed myself in health, recreation, and fitness during University. Which wasn't THAT long ago. I'm no stranger when it comes to understanding healthier living. Also, I have a great friend in Matt, who not only has great tools/tips for expanding my network, but he also has a passion in recreation and health. I also have Jen, who works at a gym, and Blake, who is a great motivator in the drive to stay consistently active. Weirdly enough, the recent expiry of my Xbox live membership is also a solid catalyst. I have too much screen time per week, and I don't plan on renewing my membership.

So off I go. I want to set a few goals. I think an important one is to get employment in my area(s) of interest, but I want to try to set some other realistic, achievable goals that I can crush along the way.

I'm gonna go do it.

Thanks for reading.

- Mike

'Quit these pretentious things and just punch the clock'