How to Become an Accountant in 2017

How to Become an Accountant in 2017How to Become an Accountant in 2017 Accounting is a dynamic career option. An accountant is just as important for large companies as it is for sole traders. The field of accounting is vast, and it can come as a surprise to many people how many different avenues it offers for professional development.Accounting is the process of producing financial information about a business or an individual. This information is recorded, summarized, sngered and then communicated to relevant authorities.But accountants dont exist in a vacuum. They need skills in the field of information technology, something that is increasingly important in a digital world. An accountant also needs to understand financial law, how to produce and interpret statistics, and other complex information. They must have an in-depth understanding of business and economics . An accountant will often have knowledge specific to the business sector that he or she works in, s uch as retail or industry. Accountants offer a range of financial services to anyone who needs help to keep their financial affairs in order, some areas of which are considered specialist.Companies, public bodies and government departments have many legal and financial obligations to meet. As well as preparing financial statements within their own financial departments, a business may also work with an accountant or accounting practice to produce annual financial records.An auditor is an external accountant who checks unterstellung financial records for accuracy. This is not necessarily due to wrong doing, but rather is an external process that can streamline how the firm or agency keeps accurate financial records. They also check that a companys accounting processes are up to standard.Auditors spend a lot of time on site with their clients, working in different locations. This is not a role suitable for everyone.Auditors are objective , and they must sometimes be critical of fina ncial processes. Their presence can be an intrusive interruption, and so they are not always welcomed. As an auditor, an accountant is expected to be polite, reasonable and tactful. Being a Financial or External AuditorTo be an external auditor, you will first need to be a registered chartered accountant. This means you will likely have to have a degree in accounting or a relevant financial field. You will also need to complete the National Audit Offices 3-year auditing course. If you are organized and meticulous and enjoy things kept neat and tidy, financial accounting could be the right choice for you.Financial accounting is the traditional view of accounting, the one that people fruchtwein associate with the field in general. This is the book-keeping side of accounting, the columns and ledgers of numbers. An accountant must ensure that financial reports for stakeholders are easy to read with financial information presented clearly.Every company has a different way of keeping the ir finances in order, from the financial software they use to how they gather and process financial information. It is the accountants job to ensure that accurate records are kept, and then this financial information can be transcribed and interpreted alongside legal issues and compliance guidelines. In some companies, the accountant is important in streamlining these processes, and they then have a larger say on the budget and how money is spent. To be an accountant of this kind, you may be surprised to learn that experience is more important that an accounting degree. Keep the following the guide to find out why.Are you strategic and ambitious? If so, management accounting may be the ideal choice for you.Management accounting is similar to financial accounting in many ways. It still involves tracking the companys financial position, but a management accountant also produces reports that are used internally.In essence, management accounting is not just about producing figures it is also about interpreting trends, making predictions and forecasts, both financially and non-financially. Do you have what it takes to work at this level?Tax accounting is all about tax liabilities in other words, how much tax is owed to the government.Self-employed or employed, we all have tax liabilities. For a company or organization, the tax picture can be much more complex.Tax rules continually change, and as a tax accountant you are expected to interpret these and apply new rulings to the companys (or an individuals) finances.A tax account will often work with companies and small businesses, as well as with individuals. They will interpret complex information and solve problems. Does this sound like the type of accounting you would like to do?Forensic accountants are like financial detectives , investigating financial crimes such as fraud and embezzlement. They use accounting techniques to detect and solve financial crimes that can be complex and far-reaching.Fraud, theft , embezzlement and other financial-related crimes happen all the time, costing companies, governments, charities, businesses of all kinds and taxpayers thousands of pounds in lost revenue every year. If you have an interest in law and are analytical and logical in your approach, forensic accounting could be for you.Most forensic accountants are qualified accountants with many years of experience who have chosen to specialize in this field. However, there are now some universities offering specialist forensic accounting degree courses, as well as post-graduate courses.You will need a key eye for detail, as well as well-developed detective skills that will help you to see through elaborate scams and fraudulent behavior. Other Specialist Areas of Accounting WorkAccountants can explore and specialize in all kinds of financial work, including project accounting , insolvency, internal audits and government accounting .With so many specialisms, it is no surprise that accounting is s een as a dynamic career, and it is an increasingly popular choice with many people. Heres how to go about becoming an accountant in this day and ageBecoming an accountant demands a high level of concentration, along with an ability to focus on detail for long periods of time. With the right qualifications, you can enjoy many avenues of accounting work. Accounting is open to anyone, from school leavers to graduates, and to people of all ages.For example in the UK, at GCSE level and A-Level education, you will need to show you have a high level of academic ability. In most cases, there are no prerequisites required to study accounting courses. Qualifications in maths, economics, business studies or basic accounting courses can be beneficial. You dont need a degree in accounting to be an accountant, but accountants are coming to the market with increasingly sophisticated accounting degrees. Some accountants know which areas they want to specialize in before they begin to practic e, and so they take a degree in this area.An accounting and financial degree are useful if you want to work asAccounting degrees can also be useful for jobs such asMany people study to become accountants by working alongside private clients and larger companies to gather experience alongside qualifications.As with qualifications in all sectors and industries, qualifications should have a recognized accreditation process. This shows profil clients and employers that your range of skills and qualifications have value. In other words, you have the accounting, budgeting and analytical skills that they need. There are many avenues open to you when it comes to gaining accounting qualifications, from attending a local college to online & distance learning accounting courses . Online courses allow you to study at your own pace, at a time and place which is comfortable for you. Many people come to accounting from different backgrounds, often studying accounting qualifications whilst workin g at their day job. For example, bookkeepers will often use accounting for their career progression. Other people who want a change in career will study a new profession at home in their own time.2 Continuing Professional DevelopmentFinancial accounting rules, regulations and guidelines are constantly changing to address our constantly changing world.The biggest impact on how companies and individuals keep accounts has been the invention of the computer and sophisticated software, followed by the digital revolution.At one time, a business accountant was responsible for the payroll, physically giving out wage packets at the end of the week.Now, many of these processes are completed electronically, with an accountant and bookkeeper overseeing the payroll, as well as paying invoices and bills.Credit control is also an important part of an accounting role with some businesses. This means they are managing the cash flow into and out of a business. An accountant will have other profes sionals who help them complete these tasks, such as a bookkeeper or accounting assistant. Many people use these openings as the first step on the ladder to becoming a fully-fledged accountant, using the experience to back up their qualifications.Accountants must understand the important of staying relevant with their qualifications, completing courses that see them specialize in widely used software and processes, such as Sage Accounting . Many accountants also take on a philanthropic approach by volunteering their services as a professional to local and national charities. In recent years, the increase of people in debt has meant that many charities struggle to assist all of people in need of their services. Accountants can help.Debt counseling is the process of managing debt, dealing with creditors and maximizing income over expenditure. Many accountants work with charities to help people whose lives are crippled with debt.Accounting is an active field of work. You need to show potential employers that you not only have the right mix of qualifications and skills, but the right mix of experience too. Initially, this means getting a wide range of experience. As well as work experience with businesses and organizations, charities and community organizations will also welcome your financial skills in a voluntary way. In exchange, they will often provide you with a reference to highlight the key skills you have shown whilst volunteering on their project. It is perfectly feasible to enjoy a long-lasting and widely varying career as a self employed accountant or by managing your own accounting practice.If you want to specialize, you will need to start the processesbyFrom a basic accounting qualification, you can acquire all kinds of specialtiesthat place an increasing value on your skills and abilities.Although qualifications are important, most accountants would stress that accounting is an experienced-based profession. This means gaining knowledge and skills th rough working with the financial information of individuals, as well as with larger firms and organizations.That said, the world of accounting is changing. The digital era is upon us and accountants must now adapt to working online with complex financial software. Do you have what it takes to be an accountant?A version of this article was originally published by NCC Home Learning . Edited and reprinted with permission.

13 High Paying Administrative Jobs to Pursue in 2019

13 High Paying Administrative Jobs to Pursue in 201913 High Paying Administrative Jobs to Pursue in 2019Administrative professionals are an indispensable part of organizations of all sizes in all industries. And given the tight competition for top talent today, theyre in great demand and have plenty of opportunity to move up to high paying administrative jobs.According to the 2019 OfficeTeam Salary Guide, many companies are increasing salaries to recruit highly skilled, tech savvy administrative candidates. Following are just 13 of the positions listed in the Guide where administrative professionals can earn top wages.1. Medical coding managerMedical coding manager is a critical role in the healthcare administrative field, a sector that will see more employment growth than any other through 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Labors Bureau of Labor Statistics. A medical coding manager oversees the coding department, which is responsible for evaluating medical charts, coding dat a and forwarding necessary documentation to medical billers for processing and payment. According to the Salary Guide, the midpoint starting salary (or median national salary) for a medical coding manager in the U.S. is projected to be $66,250 in 2019.binnensee our open medical coding manager jobs.2. Facilities managerA facilities manager oversees facility management tasks and teams of administrators, assisting with everything from event operations to planning an arbeitszimmer move. To earn a midpoint salary of $61,750, the ideal candidate should have three to five years of experience in facilities management, with abilities in tactical planning, workflow improvement, coordination and scheduling.See our open facilities manager jobs.3. Senior executive assistantSenior executive assistants provide administrative duties to the fruchtwein senior executives, particularly in large corporations, and may supervise support staff. Its a high paying administrative job because advanced technica l abilities and stellar communication skills are essential. The midpoint starting salary for the role is $61,250.See our open senior executive assistantjobs.4. Member tafelgeschirrs/enrollment managerFor a midpoint salary of $55,500, member services/enrollment managers work in the healthcare field and supervise staff who take calls from providers and members about claims, benefits and other issues.See our open member services/enrollment manager jobs.USE THE SALARY CALCULATOR5. Executive assistantExecutive assistants perform high-level office and administrative duties for executive management. They screen calls, manage calendars, make travel and meeting arrangements, prepare reports and financial data, and train and supervise other support staff. The job requires strong computer and research skills, flexibility, project coordination experience, and the ability to work well with all levels of management, as well as other staff and outside clients and vendors. The midpoint starting sal ary for an executive assistant is $53,250.See our open executive assistant jobs.6. Medical executive assistantMedical executive assistants also perform high-level office and administrative duties, but for executive management in the healthcare field. Tasks that earn them the midpoint salary of $53,250 include reviewing documents, preparing reports, conducting research, transcribing dictation, supervising support staff and scheduling appointments.See our open medical executive assistant jobs.7. Certified coding specialistThis administrative healthcare position requires a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification. These coders typically work in a hospital setting, referring to a patients medical chart and selecting proper codes to classify procedures performed, diagnostic information collected and treatment provided. The midpoint starting salary for the position is $53,000.See our open certified coding specialist jobs.8. Certified professional coderThis administrative healthcare position requires a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification. The duties of the certified professional coder are the same as a certified coding specialist (see above), but this professional typically works in a physicians office rather than a hospital. The midpoint starting salary for a certified professional coder is $53,000.See our open certified professional coder jobs.HIRING? WE CAN HELP YOU, TOO9. Call center managerThis administrative professional typically has a strong customer service background and management experience that leads to a midpoint salary of $51,250. Duties include managing call service quality and workflow, preparing work schedules, building customer relationships and resolving issues in a dynamic environment.See our open call center manager jobs.10. HR benefits specialist/coordinatorProcessing payroll, maintaining HR records and employee benefit plans, facilitating resolutions, ensuring compliance - those are all duties of the HR benefits specialist or coordinator. Communication and organizational skills are a must. The midpoint starting salary for the HR benefits specialist/coordinator role is $46,250.See our open HR benefits specialist jobs.11. Customer service managerThese professionals manage representatives who interface with customers and provide information on products and services, resolve issues, perform data entry, and update customer records. Communication, technology and problem-solving skills are essential for those in customer service manager roles - all part of what earns them a midpoint starting salary of $45,250.See our open customer service manager jobs.12. Office managerOffice managers organize office procedures, prepare payroll, oversee correspondence, design filing systems, order supplies and manage clerical workers. They may oversee other office administrative staff, as well. Organizational and communication skills are important, as is experience working in an office environment, either as an office mana ger or coordinator. The midpoint starting salary for these professionals is $44,500.See our open office manager jobs.13. Medical office administratorDuties for medical office administrators include scheduling patient appointments, keeping medical records, handling patients bills and insurance, and managing payroll. They often act as a go-between from patient to physician, client to insurance company, and clerical staff to medical staff. They work in many types of medical offices and typically manage a staff. The midpoint starting salary for a medical office administrator is $44,500.See our open medical office administrator jobs.These are just some high paying administrative jobs. Download the 2019 OfficeTeam Salary Guide to see starting salary ranges for 60 administrative roles.

10 ways to tell if youre confident or arrogant

10 ways to tell if youre confident or arrogant10 ways to tell if youre confident - or arrogantTheres a fine line between confidence and arrogance. This is especially true given both entail a strong belief in ones own abilities. When it comes to the responses they provoke, however, thats where the similarities end.Related from LaddersResearch Its much better to apply for a job before 10 a.m.3 top reasons people turn down a job offerHeres how to answer Whats your biggest weakness?Confidence is inspiring arrogance is a turns include pointing a finger at someones chest, hands on hips or waving someone off with a flick of the finger. Confidence is open and less intimidating.6. Interrupt conversations frequentlySince arrogant people are only concerned about themselves, theyre not really listening to you. elend only are they always on the lookout for someone else to talk to, they interrupt the conversation frequently.7. Have an answer for everythingPsychologists say that arrogance is a c ompensation for insecurities and weaknesses. An arrogant person will rarely say, I dont know the answer, but Ill find out. Confident people admit mistakes and learn something from those experiences.8. Always one-up the other personThe other day I was speaking to someone who has a reputation for arrogance, and I noticed a common theme in his conversation with me - he always tried to one-up everything I said. For example, when the conversation turned to a documentary that I had recently seen on sharks, this man said, Thats nothing, I swim with sharks. This trait in arrogant people is so common that the famous Dilbert cartoon strip has a recurring character named Topper. Confident people dont feel the need to brag. Their accomplishments do it for them.9. Blast competitorsArrogant people cant see the strengths in their competitors, and if they do, they seek to minimize those competitors by bad-mouthing them. This simply makes the arrogant person look even smaller. I recently overheard a woman talking to a recruiter and saying vicious things about her former company as well as other companies in the industry. The recruiter listened patiently. When the woman left, I leaned over and asked the recruiter what he thought. He simply rolled his eyes. Take the high road so you dont get the eye roll.10. Blame someone elseArrogant people cant fess up to their own mistakes. Watch Americas Next Top Model with Tyra Banks. The most arrogant young wannabes are the ones who blame others for not taking a good photograph - its either the fault of the photographer or the makeup artist. Needless to say, they dont last long, even in an industry that has more than its share of divas.Some famous business leaders are unquestionably arrogant - people about whom you may have heard or for whom you work. But the vast majority of inspiring leaders are confident, not arrogant. Be a leader people want to follow and not one people would rather avoid.

ASME Online Voting Procedures

ASME Online Voting Procedures ASME Online Voting Procedures ASME Online Voting ProceduresAug. 19, 2016 Last year, ASME introduced a new online ballot that members used for the election of Society officers, replacing the paper ballot that members traditionally received with the monat des herbstbeginns issue of Mechanical Engineering magazine. This September, ASME members can once again expect to receive an e-mail that includes information on how to log into the ballot page, to be hosted on ASME.org, and vote for the Societys new president and members of the Board of Governors. ASME members who do not have an e-mail address, as well as members whose e-mails get bounced back, will be sent a hard copy ballot along with online voting instructions. Members are advised to check their ASME records to ensure that their e-mail address is up-to-date or to add an e-mail address if one is currently not on file. To check on your current e-mail address or update it, please go to your Membership and Benefits page on ASME.org (click here for instructions) or contact ASME Customer Care at 1-800-843-2763 for the United States and Canada, 001-800-843-2763 for Mexico, and 1-646-616-3100 for international customers. Questions about the online voting procedure should be submitted to RuthAnn Bigley, ASME Governance, by e-mail at bigleyrasme.org.

Life, Death and Zetty

Life, Death and Zetty Choosing Good Zetty The results are like the garlic, but the approach appears to be slightly less excruciating. Resume building doesnt need to be as hard as it once was. The easy and creative resume is made by Raka Caesar. Ever wondered of working with the waiters leidepad to find work. The Unexposed Secret of Zetty Zety is an online resume builder that will help you design your resume with the assistance of templates. The professional resume template is a good means to become noticed. To make it simple for you, I will list no cost creative resume templates for your need. You have many choices for CVs that feature photos and theyre all skilled and well put-together. Zetty at a Glance Our objective is to create the creation process simple for you. The clarity is the largest benefit of the resume. By way of example, you may be asking for work in a dynamic, collaborative work atmosphere. Its possible to customize it to suit your requirements. Name t he work title and the area, along with any concerns, and their resume builder reviews the info. The resume building process is quite simple on zety.com. The absolutely free PSD professional business resume is a fantastic way to acquire work. Although this statement is false, theres a kernel of truth. Additionally, it isnt the very best value out there. In reality, you may not even understand its objective. This doctor doesnt provide the service. In truth, its not that hard as it might appear to be. In case you have any questions, ask your physician or pharmacist. There isnt any point in paying for the things that are extremely obvious and mostly free. Zetty - the Conspiracy Its high-quality PSD file is totally customizable. If you opt to click the links on our website, we might get compensation. A number of the info contained herein might no longer be current. Share this memorial utilizing social networking sites or email. Additionally, you can return to the wizard at a ny opportunity to add or change information if youre concerned about the way that it appears in the preview mode. Youre able to download both the very first page and the 2nd page, free of charge. Its text-rich, well-organized layout can help you reveal all of your strong points to prospective employers. Theres a choice to download the plain text, but youve got to begin again in case you get rid of the formatting. Quality of your resume built with the aid of Zetys resume builder is dependent upon your own writing abilities. With success stories such as these, its no surprise that Kickresume is thought to be among the finest free resume builders online today. One of the very first things that resume builder reviews should mention is that you are needed to make an account up front. In addition, the built-in methods and expert advice can help you compose the perfect resume. Where to Find Zetty The semantic layer isnt entirely new. At the end therell be a question for you to think about. At the base of your completed piece, youll have their URL printed provided that you build a resume at no cost. Take for instance a very simple definition like an Employee.

Magical Answers to Resume Writing Listing Long Employment One Company Uncovered

Magical Answers to Resume Writing Listing Long Employment One Company Uncovered If You Read Nothing Else Today, Read This Report on Resume Writing Listing Long Employment One Company Nevertheless, the function of the freelance jobs is ambivalent because of an uncertain attitude of unique employers. It isnt fatal to have just one employer listed on your resume in a very long career. Whatever format you opt to utilize for the temp jobs on your resume, ensure you are consistent. Resumes are thought to be one of the most significant documents utilized for a large variety of applications like for jobs, internships, and university admission. Characteristics of Resume Writing Listing Long Employment One Company You might rename it Employment History if youre attempting to demonstrate a steady stream of previous jobs, Experience if youre attempting to emphasize the skills you used previously, or Skills if youd like to concentrate on your skills that transfer to the job which you desi re. Employers verify work history, and should you put incorrect info on your resume, it is going to be discovered. They want to feel confident that they are your first choice, so let them know youre ready to leave freelancing behind and join the corporate world once again. If youve worked in 1 company but in various roles then you ought to list various positions separately. Recruiting a new employee is a costly endeavor businesses are ever looking for methods to promote long-term tenure so demonstrate youre a worthwhile investment. To offer the most complete picture, former freelancers should list all their most important achievements, like improving a customers SEO position, increasing web conversions or growing social networking campaigns. If youre doing the identical job the very saatkorn way for the exact same employer for a long time, they may reason that you just know one means to do the job. Everyone can say which he or she excelled at her or his final job. Repeat t he very first step for each extra job youve held. Every job on your resume will seem more impressive when you could be ready to add numbers. The thing is that almost all employers want to get those who have motivation and ambition to grow. Many businesses are in need of people with these kinds of qualities. You also ought to pre-discuss questions an employer will probably ask and be sure you both remember your work experience in precisely the same way. Try to remember that recruiters may see the name of the file that you send them and also keep in mind they get a great deal of resumes daily.

The Definitive Guide to Dance Resume Template

The Definitive Guide to Dance Resume Template You may even add sections in accordance with yur wish. List relevant experience only as long as youre low on items, you can include additional information or simply complete your resume in different sections. The list is virtually endless. List everything neatly and make sure its only 1 page total Dance resume template is among the pictures inside the category of Resume and a lot more images inside that category. Its very easy to use a resume template. Or you can just download our templates that have the necessary format and just fillA them up. Now-a-days many such resume templates can be found the web to use. Lies Youve Been Told About Dance Resume Template A certificate might nevertheless be required even in case the industrial invoice has the info. You must be wholly conscious of the strategic strategies for writing a proper resume to make sure that it maintains a typical format and is in great calibration to the job. Beg in by thinking through what information you wish to include. No unnecessary information should be offered in it. Today, the quantity of absolutely free online resume templates is astonishing. Thus, your resumes are only 1 push away typically. For instance, you can commence using payroll checks software. Payroll checks software wont be hard to learn how to use. A resume customized for the position youre seeking is a very best practice in any geschftsleben. Dont forget, your resume is intended to secure you an interview and catch a prospective employers interest. If you should secure a part-time job to cover your education, or simply need to earn some spending money, youll typically will need to compose a cover letter. If youre looking for work in the accounting sector, an accounting resume template would be beneficial for you. You are searching for a business that doesnt compromise your artistic intelligence. Dont forget, regardless of the form of job youre seeking, working in a regional retail store or something in prime management, you would like your resume to shine. Due to the should make sure individuals live healthy always, therell typically be so many job posts for nutritionists. There are a couple of sites which will be ready to get your money without providing you with what it is you are looking for. Ballet dancing is a particular skill. Dance is a stunning physical in addition to therapeutic activity. Writing a dance biography about yourself is most likely one of the simpler things you will need to do. Versatility in the present dance world is regarded as a required attribute for the expert dancer. Keep reminding yourself that an authentic dance resume isnt universal for several companies. Find a resume template at which you will include all the appropriate dance details. There is an assortment of opportunities out there in the movie and music world for dancers. Be mindful to align your career objective in keeping with the particu lar prerequisites of the job youre applying for it should mean to fulfill the corporations need. If you would like to add more information to your dance teacher resume, just be sure its related to the job that youre applying to. Candidates with good work experience neednt need to compose a career objective. All such skills have to be mentioned in your resume, if theyre related to the job which you are applying for. Make certain you get the info youre looking for. The very first step to receiving the job is to get an eye catchy creative resume. By making use of a template, you receive a feeling of what information to include in your resume and the way to arrange it. Knowing about the organization in addition to the cover letter generator employing the appropriate language for the field enabled me to make the letter relate to the business and stand out. A resume plays a crucial function in enabling you to land work. A number of us have extensive training, some people have no ne whatsoever. You must have special skills. Apart from that, additionally, it showcases any distinctive skills present. On one hand, youve got to ensure your resume is equipped to symbolize your potential for the job in the correct way and on the flip side, youve got to check that its legible and professional enough. You may choose to incorporate a skills section in which you list other methods you could donate to the studio. You need to be particular about the job objective mentioned at the abflug of your resume. After all of the training and efforts, you wouldnt need an easy part of paper to ruin your chances at an important opportunity.

How starting a doodling habit could change your life for the better

How starting a doodling habit could change your life for the betterHow starting a doodling habit could change your life for the betterFor years weve been hearing about how the simple act of doodling can improve your memory and brain function and otherwise make you better at what you do. But it isnt just your brain that gets a boost, its your confidence as well.A new study from Drexel University concluded that adding even short bursts (15-20 minutes) of art or doodling AKA creative self-expression or art-making tasks could result in individuals perceiving themselves as having good ideas and being able to solve problems. So, youll both have fun creating and give yourself a big confidence boost.Here are some other great reasons to doodleBreak it downAuthor/Illustrator Dawn DeVries Sokol explains that her years of drawing have taught her to look at things differently overall. Drawing has also taught me patience and has made me look at life around me differently, DeVries Sokol said. I now look at objects and break them down as how I would attempt to draw them, even if I dont have a pencil and sketchbook in hand. For example, I see lines more. I see simple shapes more. Instead of looking at something as a whole object, I see it in pieces. Ive trained my mind how to draw even when Im not physically drawing.Creativity lesson learned Using one part of your brain to solve a visual puzzle could help you think differently and ultimately find solutions for unrelated problems.Use your words (or their words)If you cant seem to draw your own idea, using words - even borrowed words or mantras - could help. Mixed media akrobat Suzee Stanley, Owner of 8 Track Romeo used to sell lyric art and jewelry on Etsy for years I always chose lyrics that had a positive or fun message which are not always easy to find, Stanley said. Some of the best songs have lyrics that dont really say much of anything. I always chose words that moved me in some way, and I must have chosen well because w e sold thousands.Creativity lesson learned If youre feeling stuck in a project or moment, try to find inspiration outside of yourself. Use a quote or lyric and try using decorative lettering to make it artistic as well as inspirational.Remind yourselfNovelist Emily Carpenter mentioned hearing a friend talk about moving out of the problem and into the solution, and says she might have morphed her words into the mantra. Carpenter feels her mantra is really helpful in counteracting the tendency of my emotions to get all jacked up when I hit a serious bump in the road. I have to literally remind my body, which is reacting physically to badeanstalt news, that its not the end of the world and life is a series of problems and there will be a solution. And it really works.Creativity lesson learned If youre more of a word person than a doodler, mantras can help during high-stress moments. Find one that works for you and hang it over your desk.Keep practicingIt can be frustrating for both art ists and business professionals not to be able to automatically or consistently present what they envision. DeVries Sokol uses the drawing analogy to encourage persistence. I think like any skill, non-artists can draw as well. But you have to practice. You have to do it every day. The passion and WANTING to draw will help fuel you to make that commitment. She admits Sometimes I have a difficult time starting, but I eventually have to tell myself its necessary if I want to improve my drawing skills. I have a long way to go but feel like Ive already pushed myself further than I ever thought I could.Creativity lesson learned From sketching to creating an outline for the next big idea, the first time is not the charm. Keep practicing and updating your artistic skill set.Wondering how to become more creative? DeVries Sokol offered some tipsDont be afraid of the blank page. If thats a concern, get about 30 sheets of copier paper and draw on thattischset aside 10 minutes of every day. Get a book of prompts for ideas/inspiration or just doodle while listening to music.Try another medium Try rubber stamping, scrapbooking, or doodling in a planner.Dont be so hard on yourself Doodling is a great way to get into drawing because its more about repetition and letting your mind wander. Besides, DeVries Sokol says You may HATE your drawings while others see them as works of art. We are our own worst critics.

When youre not sure what you want out of your career

When youre leid sure what you want out of yur careerWhen youre not sure what you want out of your careerOver the course of 31 stops in 11 different cities for theBossed Up BookTour, I ran into a question from the audience that came up time and time againwhat do I do if I dont know what I want to do?Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreThis is a major reason why women choose to join me atBossed Up Bootcamp,our weekend for women navigating career transition. While I write and speak a lot abouthowto achieve your goals in a strategic and sustainable way, half the battle is figuring outwhatyoure striving towardsWhat if you dont know what your goals are? What if youre feeling lost, stuck, andunclear about your career?Embrace the DiscomfortIts easy to ignore the gaping hole in your heart when yourpassionand purpose feel unfulfilled. That existential dread is easily blanketed over with drink ing, sex, food, drugs, constant travel, or any of your preferred forms of self-soothing.Dont distract yourself from the career crisis at hand dive into it.Be honest with yourself about whats not working. What do you feel is lacking? Whose careers make you feel a pang of jealousy? What are you longing for? Write it out if you need to get clear on what feels amiss.This is not an easy or glamorous process. It can bring up feelings of inadequacy, shame, and anxiety, especially if you dont knowhowto solve the problem yet. Bring self-compassion to this exploration. As I say in theBossed Up Manifesto,forgive yourself now for the less-than-perfect decisions youll make.Because before you can figure outhowto get there, you have to get clear onwhatyoure gettin after. I write about this concept inthe Bossed Up Bookin even greater detail often as we hone our analytical, critical-thinking skills through formal education, we accidentally lose our imagination along the way. We stop focusing on wha t wed love and start limiting our view to what seems practical, possible, and reasonable. That can easily lead you to a hollow sense of success. You can build a career thats great for someone, but not great foryou.Make it PlayfulIf you know what youdontwant, but still find it difficult to imagine what youdowant for your career, experiment with lower stakes. Career planning can easily become a very stuffy and formal conversation and that kills your creativity Dont take yourself so seriously.Turn your exploration into a playful imagination game by asking your best friend to daydream with youWhat would you do if you won the lottery tomorrow?If you knew the world would end in 10 years?If you were writing a postcard from yourself 5 years into the future to your present self?Play with it. Swirl your vision around in the your wine glass with pals. Bounce the idea around in between deep breathes on a jog together. Try your best to suspend the TO DO list making part of your brain that wants to dive into the doing and just play with dreaming.Devote Time to ExplorationHeres the hardest part about living in the discomfort of career transition this stuff doesnt go away overnight. It takes time to shift the course of your entire career. It takes dedication, consistency, and faith in your vision to make it a reality.ManyBossed Up Bootcampalums leave our powerful weekend together with a newfound sense of direction and confidence, but that ish doesnt manifest overnight Thats why its so important for me to keep in touch with those alums for years to come, so I can hear how things are going for them and share their incredible career transformation stories (likethis one from Maggieorthis one from Kerriann) to inspire even moreMake sure youre carving out dedicated time monthly, weekly, and daily to devote to exploring whats next for you. Whether you find written reflection or talking it out with friends more productive for you, make sure youre consistently creating the space y ou need to explore.Hang with People Who Inspire YouFinally, when youre devoting time to explore your deepest-held desires and career ambitions, make sure youre sharing your experience with the kind of people who are worthy of it.Sharing your hopes and dreams is a vulnerable act and not everyones worthy of your vulnerability. Brene Brown actually listed out six different kinds of people who arent worthy of your vulnerability when talking with Oprah on Super Soul SundaySurround yourself with the people who build you up, who contribute to your creative brainstorm, who can inspire you to dream bigger, to go for it, and to throw your hat into the ring.And if you find yourself searching for that kind of a courage community and coming up short, know thatthe Bossed Up Courage Community on Facebookis here for you.Join me LIVE to do this togetherNavigating uncertainty, feelingstuck, and not knowing whats next for your life and career is not an easy place to be. But you dont have to go it alo ne.Join me at an upcomingBossed Up Bootcampfor research-driven training presented by industry experts, and youll be surrounded by like-minded women who are all striving to find their own version of a happy, healthy, and sustainable career path, too.Our nextBootcampweekend is coming up July 27 28 in Chicago. Learn more and register to join me now atbossedup.org/bootcamp.This article first appeared on Bossed Up.