Friday Fun: Berated at Starbucks

So, okay, I'm not particularly proud of this, but I have about a half-dozen Starbucks within a short driving distance from me. And, to keep the coffee fresh, so to speak, I rotate which locations I go to.

Well this morning, I circled back to one that I haven't been to in a while and the lady behind the counter - Lisa, I think her name is - looks me right in the eye and asks, "Where have YOU been?"

Me? I've been going to the Plaza del Prado Starbucks lately, I said. "You have?" she retorted, "How DARE you. Hey, Jimmy, he's been going to Gloria's place. Can you even believe that?!" (Jimmy said, "Gloria's place? She's a piece of work, isn't she? Why would you want to go there?")

Um, because it's closer?

"Closer? What's that have to do with anything? This is supposed to be your Starbucks location-of-choice."

And I chose so today, so what are we even talking about here? I replied. "Nothing anymore," Lisa huffed. "We're done. Next."

Question: Is sarcasm a regular offering at your Starbucks location-of-choice?

Five Keys to Pushing Past Fear

While most people are dearly looking for that recipe to eliminate fear from their lives, fear is actually a good thing – it’s a necessary component of the growth and development process. How, then, can you better manage your fears?

Key #1: Remember that you’ve successfully faced your fears in the past.
Sure, there have been times when fear has undermined your success, but there have also been times when it has not. Don’t forget that you’ve already proven you know how.

Key #2: Keep your eyes ON the goal.
Hannah Moore said, “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal.” All around you are people who’ve been able to face their fears and get the job done because they refused to be distracted or lose focus. Yes, they felt fear, but they subordinated it to a larger goal.

Key #3: Collaborate when possible.
It’s easier to be more courageous in a group setting. And additional hands are helpful, as well. So if you’re feeling afraid, go ask someone to help you with what needs to be done or to just be there for you.

Key #4: Create even MORE fear to make the current fear seem more manageable.
It may sound silly, but ever notice that a new fear makes older ones pale by comparison? Put this to your advantage by seeking situations that put your once larger fears into perspective. It really does work!

Key #5: Purposefully stretch your Comfort Zone.
If you’re not failing at least some of the time, you’re probably not learning or growing much. Make it a priority to grow your Comfort Zone so you can become more capable at what you do. Start by doing something new and challenging today.

What are some of the ways that you better manage your fears?

What DOES Make Something Easier?

A loyal GottaGettaBlog! reader recently posted a comment to my blog post about my latest published article, Creating a Portfolio of Mentors.

"It's never easy to say 'I need help!'," she wrote, in part. "Your article provides very useful steps for taking the step to find a mentor easier."

It got me to thinking about what makes things easier - and I had every intention of making this blog post about exactly that. A funny thing happened on the way to that end, though - I'm finding it very difficult to say what does make something easier!

How ironic is that?!

So let me ask you for a little help with my Friday blog post - What DOES make something easier?

So Many Books - So Little Time

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Creating a Portfolio of Mentors

For an innovative approach to establishing an entire network of mentors interested in your success, read my latest article, Creating a Portfolio of Mentors. It was just published by TheLadders.com - exclusive partners of the WSJ CareerJournal.com and Business Week online.

Climbing the Job-Hunting Ladder

Did you know that September and October are some of the busiest times of the year for interviewing? So says The Ladders, the most comprehensive source for $100k+ jobs. With summer winding down, companies are gearing up for a strong fourth quarter and they're looking to hire - just like you! So if you've been thinking it's time for a change, I whole-heartedly recommend you subscribe to TheLadders Career Newsletter.

What's in it for you:

• You'll gain access to 25,000 exclusive quality job leads at the $100K+ earning level, at top companies.
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• In that they have an exclusive partnership with the WSJ Career Journal, you know they've got all the best jobs.
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What's in it for me:

• TheLadders is increasing its commission payments for this month and offering a $1,000 bonus to the first affiliate to add 20 new Premium-level subscribers.
• I get to help a number of you who have been wanting to step-up your job search but haven't really dug in as of yet.

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