Quotes from Jay A. Block

Be realistic. You want to set the bar high but not so high that your goals are merely impossible dreams. Don't ever settle for less, but be realistic when setting the bar high, especially when it comes to timelines and deadlines. In most cases, there are no such things as unrealistic goals, just unrealistic timetables for their achievement.

Don't cave in. It's easy to get distracted. It's easy to let influences pull you away from your structured weekly schedule in pursuit of your goals. Discipline and resolve will lead to your next job. Don't cave in on the high expectations you establish for yourself when you set the bar high (above in Principle #1).

Don't substitute. Carroll O'Connor, the late actor who played the role of Archie Bunker in the sitcom All in the Family, said that the problem for most people is that when they meet resistance in pursuit of their goals, they substitute easier goals rather than create better plans. When you meet resistance in pursuit of your goals (and you will), do not substitute easier goals; rather, create a more refined plan or work harder at the one you have.

One of the habits that Dr. Stephen Covey discusses in his book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is, "Seek first to understand, then to be understood.

Be prepared to ask good questions. Hiring professionals are placing more and more weight on the quality of the questions you ask them in interviews. Prepare four or five intelligent, provocative, and sensible questions that will indicate you take the interview as seriously as they do.

A Return-to-Work Candidate To utilize skills and abilities to meet organizational goals in a loyal, dependable, and professional manner Excellent phone skills Good communication skills Sound judgment, good decision making skills Good character: honest, trustworthy, dependable Assignments completed on time Willingness to go the extra mile Team player High school graduate

A CEO To increase global presence, product mix, and market share to improve and maintain shareholder earnings and value Mergers and acquisitions Reengineering and change management International corporate leadership experience Visionary strategist; identify and pursue new growth opportunities Board member and shareholder relations management Developer of world-class teams to achieve world-class results MBA from Oxford in international business Skilled in raising capital for growth and expansion

Step #3: Acknowledge Jobs and Industries That Interest You

When you explore new job and career options, you need only define 1) jobs that would interest you, that you are or could be qualified to do, and that are in harmony with your career and life values and 2) industries that interest you. The T-Bar model is a self-brainstorming tool to help you answer the question, "What do I want to do?" On one side of the "T," you'll list jobs. On the other, you'll list industries.

I learned not to wish that things were easier; rather, that I was better. I discovered that life is not about easy; it's about purpose, meaning, passion, love, contribution, sacrifice, and hard work. I discovered that life is about creating all that I can create in the short time that I'm on this planet. The same holds true for you!

An effective way to determine the Ultimate Results messages is to answer the following questions: If you were to be hired today, what specific performance standards will you be measured on at your first annual review—a year from now? You get paid for producing results, so what results will you produce that will indicate to a company that you are the best candidate for the job? When you answer these questions, you'll have your Ultimate Results messages.

Step #5: Know the Four Global Options Using the Circle of Options Model

I learned that I am what I think; I am my thoughts. I was taught to be the master of my own thoughts, because if I think I can do something, I will. And if I doubt I can do something, I won't. I learned that my thoughts are the blueprints for my future. The same is true for you!

I learned that if I didn't plant in the spring, I'd have to beg in the fall. I learned that with everything in life, including my career, I had to plant the seed of achievement so I could reap the rewards. I learned that I had to plant seeds of new ideas, new beliefs, and new commitments every day in order to find happiness and meaning in a new career and in my life. The same philosophy is true for you!

Finally, I learned that I had to enjoy the journey in pursuit of the destination. I have to admit, to this day, this remains one of my toughest challenges. But my teachers taught me that I have to be happy with what I have in pursuit of what I want. And yes, I discovered that true joy comes from living in the moment, enjoying the journey to the top. I discovered that every moment is a precious gift, because future moments are, in no way, guaranteed. The same is true for you!

A Teacher To significantly enhance the educational experience leading to an enriched and rewarding life for all students

A Sales Professional To significantly increase sales, expand market share, and provide unparalleled levels of customer service to contribute to organizational growth and profit objectives

When I began writing my first book in 1994, one naysayer told me I had a better chance of going to the moon than getting a book published! The most important lesson I learned back then was that anything was possible if I was committed to it. This is a valuable lesson for you. Anything is possible for you if you are committed to your goal. You must not give anyone permission to rob you of your dreams or let anything get in the way of attaining your true potential.

Market value. The process of creating a value-based résumé will result in your being able to effectively identify and communicate your value to prospective employers. Your résumé will clearly communicate bottom-line results and organizational contributions you can produce that position you as a highly qualified and valuable candidate.

Value-Added message: Have a master's degree in library science (Able to assist and contribute to library and media services)

Value-Added message: Have an existing book of business (Able to deliver immediate sales and growth opportunities)

Door opener." Value-based résumés open the right doors. Exciting, well-presented, value-based résumés open doors of opportunity that otherwise would not open for you. Your résumé will race to the top of the pile because it bellows out to employers, "This is what I can do for you—why I am a good fit for your company and the best candidate for the job.

Value-Added message: Have my Dale Carnegie Public Speaking Certification (Able to professionally train and present new technologies and services effectively to employees and customers)

Value-Added message: Have own transportation and able to work a flexible work schedule (Provides a great degree of dependability and flexibility compared with others who may be dependent on the bus or others unable to work a flexible work schedule)