There is a wide range of companies that outsource research projects. Law firms are always hiring, so if you have any sort of legal background, this presents a great opportunity. Political action committees and campaigns need researchers during election years (make sure they're offering pay and not volunteer work). Marketing firms, insurance companies and health care companies are also expected to be offering more Internet researcher jobs in the coming years. These are just a few ideas to get you started.
The hours you'll work as an Internet researcher partly depend on your client. In some cases, you'll be given a task with a quick deadline--such as finding case law related auto accidents, or finding the average cost of a product or service in different cities. In others, you'll have a longer amount of time to do the research, but perhaps need to go more in depth on a topic. Some clients will expect you to work during business hours, and others will just want the work to be done on time. You'll also need to be able to compile the research according your clients' needs. This could range from a Word or PDF document to an Excel spreadsheet or a PowerPoint presentation.
You can apply for work at an Internet research service. The advantage here is that the company that hires you does all the research and marketing to find clients. You could join the national Association of Internet Researchers as another way to find clientele and keep up with the latest advancements in the field. If you set up work as an individual, you'll want to build a web presence for yourself to market your skills, and then start making cold calls to law firms, marketing companies and other sources. You can also bid for projects on various job websites.
The following is a partial list of some of the tools that the top Internet researchers use:
The rates of pay for Internet researchers depend on their experience and areas of expertise. Jobs start at around $10 an hour or less if you don't have much of a track record. Once you have some positive testimonials and have proven yourself, you can bump your rates up to the $20 an hour range. If you have a legal or technical background, you can set rates as high as $50 to $75 an hour.
Since you're working from home as an Internet researcher, you have several options for setting up payment plans with clients. PayPal is an easy option, and you can invoice clients based on the hours you work. Once you've established a reputation and have developed long-term clients, you can ask for a retainer fee from clients and get paid up front.
]]>Let's face it, your kids know which buttons to push and precisely when, don't they? If you feel a blowup brewing (before delving out severe punishment, like a lifetime grounding you know you won't stick to) put everyone in timeout, including yourself, before you say a word. Take a bath, read a book, go for a walk or just sit alone for a few minutes and cool off.
If you lose it, admit it. If you've already had your temper tantrum with your kid(s), it's time for a sit down. After you're calm, apologize and empathize. Tell them why you got frustrated and that you could have handled it better. Once you know better, do better. Screaming at your kids is not cool and will only teach them to yell when they get frustrated--which you will regret.
Before the diaper hits the fan (it's going to), talk about anger and frustration, what it is and how to deal with it. Write down ideas from your kids on what they think should happen when anger strikes. Should one lie down, take a bath, go for a walk or go to their special place in the house? After a cool down, how can someone express their anger in a constructive way? You may get some great ideas. Remember that kids aren't stupid and they'll probably come up with some really great ideas for everyone. Once you make a plan together, everyone will be more likely to use it too.
What ticks you off more than anything? Is it back-talk, sibling arguing, laziness, bad grades, or disrespect? Find out what your trigger points are and if you don't know how to handle what irritates you, do some research. There are tons of experts with advice. Find one that you can relate to and check it out. Even if you have to invest some money, it's worth your sanity, isn't it?
Parenting is HARD work. You know that. Having a plan makes it a little less ferocious, so go make your plan now for the next time disaster strikes. And when it does, apologize and move on.
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About the Author: Amy Stewart-Wright is an 80' music listening, WAH rockin', outdoor loving, Moxie Momma who lives in North Carolina with her husband and 4 kids. Her dream and passion is to inspire thousands of women to find their passions and live their happiest life.
Being organized is one of the most important multitasking skills. Make a daily or weekly list of things that have to get done, as well as things you'd like to get done. Divide your to-do list into mindless versus mindful tasks.
Mindless tasks include things like emptying the dishwasher, and throwing a load of laundry in the machine.
Mindful tasks include helping children with homework, completing a project for work, or getting your financial documents ready for that meeting with your tax preparer.
In order to be an efficient multitasker, you need to choose jobs that don't require your full attention. You can fold laundry while calling the plumber or your mother-in-law. You can wipe down the kitchen counter or clip coupons while the pasta is boiling on the stove. Tasks that you can practically do in your sleep are most suited for doing at the same time as other jobs.
Designate Some Venues and Times as Good (or Not-So-Good) Places to Multitask
Is there a time of day where you feel like you are always "killing time"? Waiting in the yard for the school bus to arrive or sitting in the van while you wait for soccer practice to end are perfect examples. Use these times to sort your mail, weed a patch of the garden, or place a phone order for those vacuum bags you've been meaning to order. If your preschoolers love to linger in the tub, that's a perfect time to scrub the toilet, mop the floor, or clean the mirrors in that room.
As a rule, a moving car should be a no-go zone for multitasking. Focusing on traffic, the road and weather conditions, and your family in the car is all you should worry about. Even hands-free talking can be highly distracting, meaning you neither have your full attention on the road nor on the person with whom you are speaking.
Remember That There Are Limitations to What Anyone Can Do Efficiently
People often multitask because they believe that important people are busy people. When you see a businessperson running across the street, trying to hail a cab while carrying on an intense work conversation, don't be convinced that he or she is doing things right. You can't check your email every two minutes and also get several other tasks done at the same time. Multitasking is a term that originated in the computer age. Remember that people are not computers. Give the important tasks and people in your life the time they deserve. And reward yourself for a job well done.
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About the author: Alicia Klepeis is a freelance writer living in upstate New York. A former middle school geography teacher, she has written for the National Geographic Society, as well as magazines including The Dollar Stretcher, Fun For Kidz, Kiki and Sprinkles. She also writes for Suite 101. Her website is www.aliciaklepeis.com.
]]>What a Legal Transcriptionist Does
A legal transcriptionist listens to different types of court proceedings and types a transcript of them. These can include depositions, legal memos, correspondence and other things that happen around a court case. The type of shorthand that court reporters use is unnecessary; a transcriptionist types up the documents using a regular computer keyboard. It also entails proofreading the work for accuracy.
Additional duties that some transcriptionists provide include:
Fast Writing Skills Necessary
A transcriptionist needs to be a fast and accurate typist. The task will entail the use of transcribing software; this often includes a foot pedal that's used in conjunction with the audio recordings. The pedal can stop and start the audio as you're typing. A clear understanding of the English language is needed, and knowledge of common legal terminology is a plus.
Programs to Learn the Transcribing "Know How"
You won't find a specific degree program for legal transcriptionists. There are, however, programs available at many community colleges and vocational/technical schools that you can take. These will teach you how to use the software and other skills that are necessary for working as a transcriptionist.
Marketing Your Services
The best way to drum up business for yourself as a transcriptionist is to open your local Yellow Pages to the legal section. You can pitch yourself to local law firms over the phone or through email. Let them know your rates and the volume of work that you can handle. Don't be discouraged if the first few calls don't produce results. Law firms are overworked, and you'll eventually find someone who needs a legal transcription service to help with their case volume.
Income Potential
There's no salary information available for legal transcriptionists. It's a field that the Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't track. Most transcriptionists report making between $20,000 and $60,000, but these are salaries for individuals who work at law firms. Your income potential could be higher or lower based on your skills and reputation, and the rates you charge. Many legal firms are willing to set up an online payment system for invoicing, or you can go the traditional route and bill them on a weekly or bi-weekly basis for a paper check.
Know What You're Getting Into
While performing transcribing jobs for criminal cases might sound glamorous, there are a few things that you should know. The real details of many violent crimes are often too gruesome to make it on the nightly news. If you choose to work with criminal lawyers, you could be listening to audio recordings that describe rapes, crimes against children and murders. If you're squeamish about these things, you might want to stay away from this particular field of law.
]]>1. Ask Yourself "What Will This Decision Mean in 5 Years?"
Put things in perspective so you don't get hung up on the small stuff. For instance, if I'm trying to choose between a cheeseburger and fries or a grilled chicken breast with veggies for lunch--not that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things. Unless, of course, I decide to eat that cheeseburger every single day, then I won't be able to fit in the chair I'm sitting in right now. If a decision really won't affect your happiness or the happiness of others too drastically in 5 years, try not to dwell on it.
2. Match Your Decisions to Your Goals
Some decisions have longer lasting results and will affect your life for many years to come. These are the dilemmas that get so many of us stuck in life. So stuck, in fact, that sometimes we make no decision at all and live by default. We just wait until something happens to us. If you know what you want your life to be like in the next several years, even loosely, write it down. When you have big decisions to make, whip that list out and take inventory. Does this decision align with where you want to be in several years? No? Ditch it!
3. Take Inventory of Your Feelings
If you sit still for just a moment, close your eyes and think, your intuition will guide you. Don't ignore your intuition. Many times, on paper, everything tells us option "A" is the way to go. But if your gut won't let you rest until you choose option "B," maybe your spirit is guiding you to something greater. As very busy, work-at-home women, we can't very often slow down to breathe, let alone meditate in silence. Even if you have to do it in the locked bathroom, get some quiet time to just think. It will do wonders.
4. Wait
We aren't talking forever, but some decisions make themselves. When our youngest started walking recently, I stressed over the decision to put her in preschool or daycare for a few days a week so I could work without having to worry about her getting into things. I dragged my feet, weighed some options, but couldn't really settle on a final decision. One morning I was on a conference call and my daughter walked up to me diaperless and handed me a gift. It was poop! In my hand! I had forgotten to re-diaper her before getting on my call. She started preschool two weeks ago.
5. Get Guidance
No matter how amazing we are (and we totally are!), it can help to ask friends, family or a life coach for outside perspective if you can't find any yourself. A fresh set of eyes may see a simple solution that escapes you when the pressure's on and you feel trapped between a rock and a hard place.
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About the Author: Amy Stewart-Wright is an 80' music listening, WAH rockin', outdoor loving, Moxie Momma who lives in North Carolina with her husband and 4 kids. Her dream and passion is to inspire thousands of women to find their passions and live their happiest life.
What Is Online Tutoring?
Online tutoring is a supplemental education tool to enhance learning via the internet, with a specific tutor. It helps students improve their skills in a specific subject in which they are having trouble, or it helps an eager student further their education.
Subject Specialties
As you begin your new business, decide what age range you plan to tutor, the most common being middle school, high school or adult. Are you qualified to teach special needs students? Next, decide what subject you are most qualified to tutor. Interestingly, the most popular subjects for online tutor jobs, in order of popularity, are:
Start your tutoring online jobs with the age level and subject matter that you know best and expand further, once you have a comfortably established client base.
Tutoring Rates, Payment Options and Income Potential
The average rate for a tutoring session, Math, English and Science, is $20 per hour, but can run as high as $50 per hour, based on education, experience and demographics. English tutors frequently offer additional proofreading services at $2.00 to $5.00 per page.
Session-by-session, weekly or monthly payment options must be considered and agreed upon before each new tutoring job begins. Monthly billing statements can be mailed to clients for payment. PayPal is a popular payment system and allows payments to be easily transferred directly into your account.
The Start-Up
Necessary Session Preparation
The format in which you choose to tutor varies based on the tools you own and feel comfortable using. Skype is a strong option for computer-to-computer communication. Instant messaging and other chat programs work in some circumstances.
There are many different curriculums offered within each state. Not every school district within a state uses the same curriculum. Research the products and do not purchase any curriculum software until you have secured clients.
The Importance of Networking
Keeping the lines of communication open with local schools and current and past students will help to keep online enrollment at an optimal level.
Online tutoring employment is a rewarding and lucrative experience as you guide the educational journey of your students to the next level of confidence.
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Amy Stewart-Wright is an 80' music listening, WAH rockin', outdoor loving, Moxie Momma who lives in North Carolina with her husband and 4 kids. Her dream and passion is to inspire thousands of women to find their passions and live their happiest life.
]]>There are minimum requirements for the size of the rooms you are using, which include:
Home safety inspections and criminal record checks are common requirements for childcare providers. It's best to know all about the variety of rules and regulations before you start your business so things run smoothly.
Drum up Business
Do you have friends who currently use childcare services? Ask for their feedback--what they like, don't like, how much they pay for the care, and so on.
Place an advertisement in your local paper. Place an ad on the bulletin board at your local coffee shop, public library or some of the churches in town. Hold an open house at your new childcare business. Let parents get to know you. They will want to trust you before enrolling their children in your program.
Websites and Social Media
In this age of technology it is vital to create a website for your home-based childcare center. Show the rooms, toys and activities you'll use (hopefully featuring light, cheerful colors).
Explain your philosophy on discipline and learning, as well as policies you want parents to understand. Having a concise section with your fees is a good idea. Contact your local Facebook or Twitter friends and encourage them to check out your new website.
Even in this difficult economy, there is great need for quality childcare. If you enjoy working with kids and being your own boss, starting a childcare business may be great for you.
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About the author: Alicia Klepeis is a freelance writer living in upstate New York. A former middle school geography teacher, she has written for the National Geographic Society, as well as magazines including The Dollar Stretcher, Fun For Kidz, Kiki and Sprinkles. She also writes for Suite 101. Her website is www.aliciaklepeis.com.
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About the author: Amy Stewart-Wright is an 80' music listening, WAH rockin', outdoor loving, Moxie Momma who lives in North Carolina with her husband and 4 kids. Her dream and passion is to inspire thousands of women to find their passions and live their happiest life.
]]> ]]>You Are Motivated by Your Own Passion
Many factors motivate people to return to school. Perhaps you are aiming for a promotion at your current job. Perhaps you hate your job now and want a more stimulating career. You might even be close to retirement but want to try a career you've always dreamed about. Be sure that you go back to school for yourself, that you are truly motivated and not being pressured by others. It is your effort that will see you through to complete your new degree.
This New Career Is in a Growing Field
With the state of the economy these days, it is essential to consider your job prospects when you complete your degree. Maybe you've always wanted to be a chef (or zookeeper, college professor, etc.) but there are not many businesses hiring in that field. Know the job market. Do your research. Look at the projections of the fields that will likely grow in the coming years. Accounting, computer software engineering and registered nursing are some up-and-coming fields.
You Can Afford to Go Back to School
Everyone knows that higher education is not free, or even cheap, for that matter. How will you pay for school? Be sure to do your homework on financial aid-- grants, student loans, and even pay-as-you-go options are available, depending on where you do your studies. Just be careful not to use your emergency fund or retirement savings to fund your schooling. Some companies offer tuition reimbursement to their employees (just be sure to check if you have to maintain a certain G.P.A. to keep your funding). And borrow only as much as you feel comfortable borrowing. After all, you are the one who will have to repay your debts when you've completed your degree.
It's the Right Time for You to Be a Student
While investing in your education is one of the best things you can do for yourself, you must think about the practical side of being a student. Will you have the time you need to go to class, read, study, and complete your assignments? Do you have small children who will need to be looked after? Do you have supportive people in your life to keep you healthy and motivated when the stress of school kicks in? While you are the one going back to school, you'll want to pursue your studies when it fits in with the rest of your life outside school. Some programs allow students to do much of their coursework online, which works well for people with complicated schedules. Other degree or certificate programs require a certain number of hours/weekends on campus. Seek out programs that fit in well with your lifestyle. With some hard work, you will feel fantastic as you take the steps necessary in pursuing your new career.
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About the author: Alicia Klepeis is a freelance writer living in upstate New York. A former middle school geography teacher, she has written for the National Geographic Society, as well as magazines including The Dollar Stretcher, Fun For Kidz, Kiki and Sprinkles. She also writes for Suite 101. Her website is www.aliciaklepeis.com.
]]>It is easy in the hectic work world to get swept up in a task and totally forget to eat. Even if you can't squeeze out a 30 to 60 minute lunch break every day, you should eat at regular intervals. Keep easy snacks like pre-cut fruits and vegetables on hand. Make a batch of trail mix (e.g., peanuts, raisins and chocolate chips) and keep it in your desk for hungry moments. Store some muffins in your freezer and pop one in the microwave for a satisfying break. Just don't let your stomach get empty--low blood sugar sends most people into a cranky and ineffective state.
2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
It's OK if you are a person who needs that morning cup of coffee to jump start your day. Just remember to diversify your beverages. Like hot cocoa? Bring some packets to your work station. Green or herbal tea? Good flavor and even some antioxidants, too. Keep a sports bottle handy and sip from it regularly. Dehydration or over-caffeinating yourself will make you feel lousy and you won't get much done on the work front.
3. Take a Walk
Even the busiest people need to stretch their legs now and again. It is not healthy to be sitting all day long. Take a walk up and down the stairs a few times and get the blood moving. Better yet, instead of a sedentary coffee break, walk around the block or in your neighborhood as a 15-minute recharger of your batteries. You'll gain energy and burn some calories along the way.
4. Make Your Work Area Appealing
Whether you have a tiny workstation or a full home office, you should make that environment inviting. Put a photo or two of friends or family where you can see them. Keep a couple of cinnamon sticks or a few fresh flowers from the farmers' market on your desk. You won't break the bank, but you will enjoy the hours when you are working more than before.
5. Talk to Someone
Being productive does not mean being isolated. We all need to talk to people to feel connected. When you get a chance, call a friend for ten minutes or send your hubby an email or text. If you have a coworker you like, ask him or her to come on a walk or lunch break now and then.
6. Reward Yourself
At the end of a long day or week, do something nice for yourself. A night at the movies, a soak in the tub and a glass of Cabernet, or even a manicure--just be sure to enjoy the treat! You've earned it after all.
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About the author: Alicia Klepeis is a freelance writer living in upstate New York. A former middle school geography teacher, she has written for the National Geographic Society, as well as magazines including The Dollar Stretcher, Fun For Kidz, Kiki and Sprinkles. She also writes for Suite 101. Her website is www.aliciaklepeis.com.
]]>Stop Making Excuses
I think a lot of people have this epiphany at a time in which they already have a mortgage, a spouse, kids and several excuses why they "can't make a change". They think they have security in that corporate job with a 401k, so they stick it out in misery. Let's not forget those "secure" jobs in the last several years, well, haven't been so secure after all.
Change Your Life-Style
What do you have to lose? Let's think of a worst case scenario for a moment. What if you gave up your big fancy home and dinners out 3 times a week in exchange for happiness? Do you really need that weekly mani-pedi? Can you sell some things, downgrade your car or work out at home versus that gym membership? Give up the "stuff". That's not where your happiness is. What would you do if you could do anything at all? Would you write children's books? Paint? Coach people on how to become better spouses, parents or business owners? Think big. Would that dream be worth giving up a few luxuries temporarily?
Can You Afford Not To
Our society sometimes sees a mid-life career change as a sign of failure. I'm from the camp who says that dreading your workday and sounding like Eeyore is a sign of failure. Erase "I can't" from your vocabulary. Sometimes our misery is a direct result of unfulfilled dreams, hopes and wishes. There is no such thing as too late and sometimes you have to do something that you hate in order to find and appreciate something that you love. That tip applies in all areas of life--marriage, careers, living situations and the like. Rainbows are much brighter against a gray sky.
The Journey Really Is the Reward
In my quest for a life fulfilled, I feel like the dead-end jobs, stupid projects and misplaced careers all led to where I am today--in a business that truly makes me happy. It's like everything that I ever did up to this point groomed me for greatness. Even if you are miserable now, know that it's not forever if you don't let it be forever. Be happy where you are but work on where you are going. There are lessons to be learned right now. Find the good in everything. Making a career change can't be a negative thing if it makes you feel alive inside. If you're still breathing, it's never too late to make a change.
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About the author: Amy Stewart-Wright is an 80' music listening, WAH rockin', outdoor loving, Moxie Momma who lives in North Carolina with her husband and 4 kids. Her dream and passion is to inspire thousands of women to find their passions and live their happiest life.
]]>Ever look into your microwave oven and see a mess leftover from...whenever? Did it take forever to clean that caked-on junk? Of course it did. A weekly scrub of the microwave takes a couple of minutes, but if you wait a month, it will take so much longer--and it'll require more cleaning solution and scrubbing effort.
Make a list of the chores that need to be done regularly, and come up with a schedule that works for your family.
The Daily Duties
Some chores have to be done daily to keep your house tidy and your family clothed, fed and on time for their various social obligations. There is nothing more infuriating than having kids yelling down the stairs that they have no clean undies, or that they are missing their soccer uniform because the mountain of laundry has yet to be washed.
Daily cleaning duties typically include washing the dishes, clearing off the kitchen counters, wiping down the stovetop and the kitchen sink, and putting dirty clothes in a hamper. Try a quick (10 to 15 minutes, max) tidying of the family room or play room. Making beds and getting rid of the day's trash often fall into this category as well. Some families like the idea of washing, drying and putting away one load of laundry every day so that there is never a 7-load Saturday to tackle.
Weekly Chores
Sweeping or vacuuming the floors, dusting the furniture, cleaning the bathrooms, and changing the sheets and towels are all examples of weekly chores, for most families. If you have furry pets, the vacuuming may have to be done more regularly. With all the new cleaning wipes on the market, it is easy to get a nice sheen on the kitchen counter or the bathroom mirror without too much effort. Some folks wash their floors every week, but that depends on your level of expectations. In mud or snow season, a weekly sweep or mop of the entryway or mudroom is a good idea.
Everyone Pitches In
Every member of your family needs to help out for a cleaning schedule to work effectively. Little kids can put toys into a bin or sweep with a mini-sized broom. Older kids can easily load the dishwasher or use warm water and baking soda (or lemon juice) to wipe down countertops or bathtubs, etc. Sorting clean laundry is another kid-friendly chore. Put the weekly chores list on the fridge or in a easy-to-see area. Grownups have to pay bills, shop for food and cook, but for a household to run smoothly (and Mom to be happy), everyone should be part of the maintenance process. And the best part? The next time you have company, cleaning will take a fraction of the time it would have without quick and regular maintenance. Put your feet up on the clean coffee table and relax!
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About the author: Alicia Klepeis is a freelance writer living in upstate New York. A former middle school geography teacher, she has written for the National Geographic Society, as well as magazines including The Dollar Stretcher, Fun For Kidz, Kiki and Sprinkles. She also writes for Suite 101. Her website is www.aliciaklepeis.com.
]]>1. Not Being Consistent
Ask any parenting expert for advice and their answer will be the same. Stay consistent. Discipline is no different. Pick one form of discipline and stick with it. Pick one consequence for bad behavior. The duration or severity may vary, of course, but the consequences should be very certain. Before your kid decides to cut his sister's hair again, he'll know exactly what happens every single time he get's into trouble.
2. Being too Nice, or too Harsh
Too often our biggest mistakes are being either too "I want to be your best friend" or too "Drop and give me 50, you little worm!" Yes, you can be friendly to your child, but don't get so friendly that you're afraid to lay down some rules. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you are not a drill sergeant. Even if you are, don't be one when you get home! If you want to be respected, yelling in your child's face won't get you there. Be firm but gentle. A nice neutral. Your child's guide.
3. Not Communicating Properly
Make the rules clear, post them on the wall if you have to. Talk about your expectations as often as you can. Tell stories about the lessons you learned as a child. Talk to you kids before bed, on car trips, text them, call them, however you can communicate with them, do it. Our children won't know what we expect or what the rules are unless we tell them.
4. Not Being Fair about Punishment
Have you ever given a death row sentence for a parking ticket crime? Then, later on once you realized it was too severe, you changed your mind and took it back, right? We all have. In the heat of the moment, when tempers flare, it's easy to ground your kid for 3 months for a mouthy mistake. Don't. Before you hand out punishment, give it a few hours and allow everyone to reflect. Really think about it. Make the punishment fair and follow it through to the end. If you say two weeks no T.V. then it's two weeks--no exceptions.
5. Letting Your Ego Run the Show
In any situation, tell your kids your reasoning. We take it as a sign of disrespect when our kids question our authority, but the overall goal is to teach them how to make decisions on their own down the line. Share with them your concerns and reasoning. My mom's famous "because I said so" didn't mean much to me, but an explanation may have finally made me understand at some point.
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About the author: Amy Stewart-Wright is an 80' music listening, WAH rockin', outdoor loving, Moxie Momma who lives in North Carolina with her husband and 4 kids. Her dream and passion is to inspire thousands of women to find their passions and live their happiest life.
]]>Today's poor economic climate has thrown many people into the world of unemployment. While it can be devastating to worry about how to pay a mortgage and feed your family when your job is gone, many people use this massive change as a way to rethink what they really want out of life. Always wanted to open a bakery or sell your handmade greeting cards? Give it a go. If you don't try, you will never know how successful you might have been.
Comparison to Others Is Not Always Fruitful
Do you have a friend who runs a business, volunteers at the local animal shelter and has an incredible organic vegetable garden, too? Or a colleague that can whip up a five-course dinner in an hour as well as turn a fixer-upper house into something you'd see in House Beautiful? Women in our society often compare themselves to these do-it-all types, making themselves feel inadequate. This helps no one. Celebrate the things you do well and do not stress about what other people achieve. Chances are, these women see you as successful and well-rounded. And, not surprisingly, even the most seemingly "perfect" women have their own issues.
There Is No One Right Path to Success
Our society often defines success in a cookie-cutter way. The big house in the suburbs, the fancy cars in the driveway, the kids who look like models for the Gap... Just like with clothes, one size does not fit all. You are an intelligent woman and have made your own way to wherever you are at this moment. Maybe there are decisions in your past that you regret. Everyone has them. Dream, journal, talk to friends about your visions for what you'd like your life to look like in five, ten or twenty-five years, and then take the steps to make those goals and pictures come alive. In short, have courage in your convictions.
After a Fall, Pick Yourself Up and Start Again
If you've ever watched a toddler learning to walk, there are inevitably spills involved. But did you also notice what the parents do after the fall? They coo at their little one, "It's OK, honey, you can do it." Why can't grownups do this for themselves and each other? Maybe your friend broke her leg, right in the middle of training for a triathlon. You remind her that she'll recover and can train again when the time is right. Be as kind to yourself as you are with others. Make the time to exercise. Work on that novel or business plan you have put on hold for eons. Your road to success may be windy or potholed, but don't let the failures stop you from the successes that certainly await you.
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About the author: Alicia Klepeis is a freelance writer living in upstate New York. A former middle school geography teacher, she has written for the National Geographic Society, as well as magazines including The Dollar Stretcher, Fun For Kidz, Kiki and Sprinkles. She also writes for Suite 101. Her website is www.aliciaklepeis.com.
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