What to Do When Youre Stuck in a Career Rut - The Muse

What to Do When Youre Stuck in a Career Rut - The MuseWhat to Do When Youre Stuck in a Career Rut Rut a fixed or established mode of procedure or course of life, usually dull or unpromising.Doesnt sound like much fun, does it?It would be a different story if that fixed or established mode was whiling away at a luxury beach-front house on a South Seas island, while nubile young things pandered to your every whim and a Michelin-starred chef fed you truffles by hand.But its not that. At all.What it is, is commonplace. Everyone gets into a rut from time to time (no matter how much we might pretend that were not), and if you dont do anything to escape one, life can quickly shrink down to nothing.So, lets see how we can get you out of that rut, shall we?Switch Up Your RoutineYou probably have your route to work all set an efficient route you dont have to think about that gets you where you need to go with minimal thought and fuss.This week, try mixing it up. Take a different road. Go to a different bus stop. Walk along different streets. Instead of writing off this part of your day, look at it as an exciting or interesting journey, and be sure to notice whats around you on your travels.Truthfully, its through patterns, routines, and habits that life can lose its sparkle- so changing your route to and from work can be a literal first step to getting out of a rut and doing things a little differently.Do Something That Lifts You UpIt happens by increment. Bit by bit. Inch by inch. Things settle. Your sight gets lowered onto the detail of whats right in front of your nose rather than what could be.When youre deep in a rut, you first of all have to look upward to see that there is an out. So, spend a moment today thinking about whats out there that might be mora fun than youve known in a while. What is there that could excite you? What is there that could lift you?Try that evening cookery class. Take a friend to the coast for a couple of days. Pick up a paintbrush or put pen to paper and play around with some creative expression. No matter what you choose, add wonder, exploration, or the unpredictable into your schedule. Go where the promise is.STILL FEELING STUCK?Well help you get out of your rut and into a career you love. MEET OUR CAREER COACHES Be Selfish in the Right WaysWeve all been there. Those times when youre running on empty, feeling like youve got nothing left and like you just want a damn vacation already- those are the times when youve spent your energy and are slipping face-first into that rut.This is why, even if youre really, really busy, you need to be selfish and prioritize yourself. I call it nourishment- making sure youre nourishing your head, heart, and body by feeding yourself with the things that allow you to live a rich life. Theres no way you can climb out of a rut if you dont.What makes you feel like you again? What makes you smile from the inside out? What soothes you? What energizes you? What makes your mind spark? What makes your body glow? This could be anything, big or small. Listen to a favorite song, give your partner a hug, become a regular at that yoga class, learn a language, get an extra hour of sleep, start a reading habit, practice meditation, take a long walk- anything.Theres no downside to nourishment, and as it fuels every endeavour in your life, its chief among your responsibilities as a menschengerecht being.Get Out of Your Comfort ZoneA ruts formed by treading the same old ground, again and again and again, and once youre in one, it can feel as comfortable as a giant marshmallow bed with buttercream pillows.The comfort and safety in clinging to something familiar is compelling indeed, but if youve outgrown something, or if the thing youre keeping close no longer gives you anything other than the familiar, perhaps its time to let something go.Maybe youve been in the same role or same company for too long. Maybe theres a friendship thats gone stale. Maybe the town youre in, while fam iliar, is just too small for you now.To feel free again, what do you need to let go of?Finally, remember that when youre in a rut, keeping on doing what youve been doing only digs those grooves deeper. So perhaps the most important thing you need to recognize is that staying still, treading water, or waiting to see what happens isnt going to work. When you get right down to it, it comes down to this Do something.

Five success secrets we can learn from Harvards first female president

Five success secrets we can learn from Harvards first female presidentFive success secrets we can learn from Harvards first female presidentDrew Faust, Harvards first female president, announced yesterday that she will be stepping down on June 30, 2018, which will be 11 years after shebecame the schools 28th president.The New York Times reportedit had been widely assumed that Dr. Faust, 69, the universitys 28th president, would leave herbei post soon. Although her term will not last as long as those of some of her predecessors, she was nearly 60 when she took office.pullquote Those students freedom from heavy student loans will be Fausts legacy./pullquoteIt has been a privilege beyond words to work with all of you to lead Harvardthrough change and through storm. We have shared ample portions of both over the last decade and have confronted them together in ways that have made the university stronger- mora integrated both intellectually and administratively, more effectively governed, more open and diverse, more in the world and across the world, more innovative and experimental, Faust wrote in a message.Many would give Faust high marks for her leadership of the top Ivy League school, so we mined her career for ideas on how to imitate her success.Aim higher than you could imagineUnder Faust, Harvard publicly launched The Harvard Campaign in 2013, a fundraising schritte striving to rack up $6.5 billion, which reportedly if successful, would be the largest ever in higher education. It was a hugely ambitious target.The campaign ends next year, but the funds have soared way beyond the $6.5 billion mark- to grow past astaggering $8 billion.Help others in substantial waysHarvards endowment is legendary, and Faust could have been declared a success by just growing the number. But she put it to use to dramatically change the lives of Harvard students. Even though the value of Harvards endowment value dipped by a whopping 27% in 2009, during the economic downturn, Faust rallied for increased financial aid, so reportedly, student aid University-wide has gone up every year of her presidency, to $539 million last year from $339 million in 2007.pullquoteFaust has encouraged Harvard students to use their talents to improve the world. /pullquoteMany graduates of the the Class of 2016 havereportedly left the prestigious university entirely debt-free- more than a whopping three-quarters of them.Additionally, more than half of the students at the school get need-based financial aid. Their parents pay $12,000 every year, on average. Those students freedom from heavy student loans will be Fausts legacy.Champion diversityThe One Harvard initiativebrought together Harvard College and the institutions graduate and professional schools, and introduced Harvards community to new and diverse populations, among many other accomplishments.Faust also started the Presidential Task Force for Inclusion and Belonging.Two of its emphasized goalsare understanding the demogr aphic realities across the University and how to improve the success of efforts to increase diversity and the lived experience and common culture here and how it might be transformed to promote full belonging and empowerment for all members of the community.There has been ample proof that diversity helps companies work better Faust recognized that the same policy works in schools, too.Give backFaust has encouraged Harvard students to use their talents to improve the world.For Public Service Week in 2009, Faust wrote about how public service applies to your career in a piece for The Harvard Crimson.If you are one of the majority of undergraduates interested in public service, it may become the focus of your career it may be a stepping stone as you build a career in another field or it may be a dimension of a multifaceted life. Whatever path you take, and for however long, you are choosing to do something of great importance to give your talent, time, and energy to something larger th an yourself, Faust wrote.Provide others with opportunities to learnWhile Harvard is highly exclusive, Faust pushed the university to be available in more democratic ways.During her leadership, Harvard and MIT launched an online education platformcalled edXin 2012, which offers free courses andhas more than 90 international partners, and fourmillion accounts have been made.Faust is sure to leave a lasting legacy when she steps down next year- a search for the next presidentis expected to start in the weeks ahead.

Customize this Accounts Receivable Manager Resume

Customize this Accounts Receivable Manager ResumeCustomize this Accounts Receivable Manager ResumeA neat, well to write your Accounts Receivable Manager Resume in the right style and format.Create this Resume Jennifer Smith283 Liberty AvenuePomona, CA 91766(999)-367-4957j.smithsampleresume.netJob Objective To obtain a position in management as an accounts receivable manager where my special experience and skill-set can be utilized to its fullest potential to help improve the company as a whole. To improve customer satisfaction and user ratings for the company based on management abilities. Summary of QualificationsAbility to grow and thrive in a fast paced environment that can change oftenStrong management skills that includes leadership, setting goals, monitoring progress and providing feedbackExcellent computer skills Great communicating skills that include the ability to listen to the needs of others while comprehending problems and working out suitable solutions. Work HistoryMay 2004 Present, Whites Insurance Company, Houston, TXAccounts Receivable ClerkResponsibilitiesReviewed and then approved or denied new customer leistungspunkt accounts Responsible for researching and maintaining spreadsheets using Microsoft ExcelPerformed cash reconciliations daily Responsible for processing daily cash receipts and preparing deposits Trained new staff membersSeptember 2000 April 2004, Computer Systems, Inc, Destrehan, LAClerical AssistantResponsibilitiesHandled regular office duties such as booking, copying, faxing and database transfersConducted research and managed surveys Answered phone and set up appointments for clientsPromoted upgrades and software for computer systemsMonitored and supervised online marketing activitiesEducationMasters Degree in Accounting, 2000Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LABachelors Degree in Computer Programming, 1998Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX Customize ResumeMore Sample Manager ResumesAcademic Manager Resume Ac counts Receivable Manager Resume Accreditation Manager Resume

Here are 5 major signs you are in a toxic relationship

Here are 5 major signs you are in a toxic relationshipHere are 5 major signs you are in a toxic relationshipWe are constantly told that being in a relationship is something that we should all aspire to achieve. While its true that when you are in a loving, safe and secure relationship, it can be hard to imagine anything better. However, for some people, relationships are toxic and can end up being harmful and dangerous.Most of Top Life CoachCarole Ann Rices work focuses on making people the best versions of themselves. Here, she shares with us the 5 signs that you may be in a toxic relationship.1. You always aim to pleaseWhile you should aim to make your lebensabschnittsgefhrte happy, it shouldnt take over your relationship. If youre spending all of your time trying to be perfect and being afraid of making mistakes, it could be a sign that the relationship is toxic.2. You are constantly criticizedBickering and arguing are part of any relationship, but constant put downs and criticism should not be accepted. Your partner is there to elevate you and make you the best person you can be, not the opposite. If you are constantly being criticized and not complimented, it may be time for you to leave.3. You are never aloneWith social media and instant messaging, it is now easier than ever to know where your partner is. While this can offer peace of mind, it can also lead to control and manipulation. If your partner is constantly checking where you are, how long you will be and doubting everything that you say, it could be a sign that they are becoming controlling.4. Your needs are not being metRelationships work both ways, so its important that both of you feel valued and listened to. If your partner is not listening to your concerns, talking over you, or not valuing your desires and needs, its time for you to call out your partner on your issues with the relationship.5. Coercive controlPart of being in a secure relationship is being able to feel free and enjoy yoursel f. However, if you are in a toxic relationship, this liberty may have been taken away from you. A red flag to look out for is whether your partner allows you to handle your own money and allow you to have financial security. If they handle the cash and only give it to you when you ask, warning signs should begin to flashThis article was originally published on YourCoffeeBreak.

Top Web Developer Resume Template Guide!

Top Web Developer Resume Template Guide Whispered Web Developer Resume Template Secrets Because of the quantity of money youre inclined to be accountable for managing, your employer is probably going to run a background check. Match the credentials that the business is asking for at the job description. At the precise identical time which you could carry out a superior job of handling your checkbook in your house, an employer might need to see evidence that you able to manage monetary matters. Its critical that you make sure everything connected with your name zugnglich is something which youd want future employers to see. Type of Web Developer Resume Template There are many sorts of sites and there are various tools you may utilize to develop them. As mentioned there are lots of programs you may utilize to build websites. For instance, if youre a software developer, you may want to concentrate on individuals with management function in the regions of software development. In order to acquire your internet developer resume noticed, you will have to have experience with a range of Internet programming platforms and protocols. Whispered Web Developer Resume Template Secrets An internet designer is to blame for making the look and functionality of a web site. Well theres a simple means to compose your Front-End Web developer resume. In addition, you are able to learn about web careers and search for web developer jobs on Monster. An internet developer is a programmer that specializes in the growth of World Wide Web applications. Since youll get experience, youre very likely to be given tasks and more responsibilities to execute. Your resume should have a list of your strengths and techniques in terms of internet development, along with any distinctive tasks you have completed in previous projects. Emphasize prior customer service abilities and expertise which you might have. An internet developer job title is a wide term. You are able to sc ribble your internet developer resume on a packet of Marlboros and you will receive a job An internet developer is accountable for planning, building and maintaining a sites infrastructure. A great web developer resume takes the opportunity to outline the huge experience a developer has in all the disciplines that clients should maintain and boost their internet presence. You might improve your likelihood of getting an interview if you include keywords that are frequently used within the web development market. Internships Another one of the advantages of internet development school is the capacity to find and be put in internships. An internet developer can expect to earn a salary in the assortment of $35,000 to $105,000 annually. Our internet developer resume samples will reveal to you precisely how to present your qualifications so that employers will see your extensive experience and expert background. You will have to attain a particular level of experience in the field before applying to be an expert developer for a respectable business. If you dont have a lot of knowledge in the huge businesses and projects dont get upset. Though open VB net developer positions are simple to discover, there are a few things you will need to take into consideration prior to applying to be hired by an organization and create a good salary. Among the IT job positions that addresses the intricacy of the internet is a web developer. If youre, then be certain to have an irresistible objective statement that assists you to acquire the recruiters attention quickly. Only go to a recruiter when you understand precisely what you want. The resume was written at the start of 2008 and you are able to observe that his final internship ended in 2006. Too many job seekers will just search Monster and the other assorted job websites, post a resume to a couple opportunities listed, and settle back and wait. The absolute fruchtwein current position ought to be listed first a nd it ought to be geared toward the job which you are Make sure that you gear your experience toward the work application youre making. Not a great deal of future if youre searching for work thats appropriate for you. Moreover, in the event you trying to get work thats outside your specialty thats existing, you must TARGET your resume to prove to the hiring supervisor youve got the abilities to execute the job. There are many product manager resume examples youll find online, but dont forget, you simply need ONE resume template to become hired Every once in some moment, the telephone rings, and it is a recruiter on the opposite end. If you would like your content to earn a dent on your audience, LeadGen is the thing to do. There are many kinds of resume templates readily available online and you may pick the one which is suitable for your need. Additional according to statistics, an ordinary employer is only going to spend a couple of seconds looking at a resume, so its imp erative for you to submit a well-made one that includes all relevant particulars and stands out. If you must see whether your really up to the job, do small stuff. Or a better idea would be to establish a personal website and provide prospective employers a URL to it. Today, the total amount of completely free online resume templates is astounding.

The Meaning of Resume Writing for Free

The Meaning of Resume Writing for Free Finding the Best Resume Writing for Free There are a couple of general guidelines for showcasing your experience and techniques on just a couple of pages of text. Youve got recent knowledge within the field you are searching for. If youre targeting work outside the defense arena, youll need to civilianize your military language to demonstrate your abilities and experience match the employers needs. If you prefer to try absolutely free on-line solutions, you have the prerogative to accomplish this, but be certain to check and edit until it can stick out. You can better your likelihood of getting interviews by composing specific resumes for various businesses. The resume builder has identical settings, thus would make certain your job history is in the appropriate purchase. Situation certain resumes generally signify they are especially formatted to suit people in a given situation, for instance, entry level resumes, inter-company transfe r resumes, etc.. Resume writing templates are segregated into various types based on the profession and achievements of an individual. If you discover that its challenging to cover the service, you can choose a variety of resume templates which are frequently accessible free online. Resumes are quite predictable in features and data, but some choices must be made. You may also Book Writing Template. These suggestions apply to any kind of resume. Job seekers deserve to discover decent content quickly. When you submit an application for a job there are quite a few other candidates who want to find the identical job and submit resume for the exact same. Transportation jobs involve a great deal of responsibility and your resume will want to reflect you can manage that. Rumors, Lies and Resume Writing for Free Utilizing a custom resume instead of a generic one is going to greatly increase your odds of an interview, as youll be a better match in the view of the reader. 1 final bit of resume advice is to remain focused and positive. Possessing an impressive resume or a CV in the present competitive world is crucial if your CV stands from the pile of CVs then the possibilities of getting your dream job are always greater. Understanding how to tailor your resume will obviously offer you an advantage. Resumizer free resume creator allows you to preview your resume at any location in the creation approach. One particular belastung type of timing to remember is publication or broadcast deadline. The layout of the short article is important. Resume writing formats incorporate whole collection of categories of profession to opt for the most suitable format. Include an objective whenever youre pursuing a particular job goal and when you know the precise title of the position youre applying for. For example, a candidate who wants to submit an application for work in IT will have a different resume to an individual who is applying for employment in music f ield. Youre asking for a job thats different from your present or most recent job. The procedure is extremely simple they check when you have an earlier resume and should you not assist you in an effortless method.

Facts, Fiction and Resume Color Schemes

Facts, Fiction and Resume Color Schemes Even when you were to find expensive paper, nobody will care to take that into account. Not everyones resume will look the very same or have all exactly the same info, but a strong resume will be well-organized and will make it simple for the reader to discover key details. So make certain its representing you to your very best advantage. Do not delay your capability to make money from the business enterprise. Recovery Time and Restrictions Recovery time varies dependent on the individual. If youre looking for Petition Sheet Template youve come to the correct spot. If youre looking for February Calendar Template 2016 youve come to the proper location. Key Pieces of Resume Color Schemes Residential-use wallpapers are created from a broad assortment of materials. Youre searching for infographic resume vorlages. This template is creative, comes with some wonderful results and animations and will certainly serve you quite well. It is v ery creative, gives you an vorkaufsrecht to create an amazing movie as your job application and comes with large amount of different features. There are professional resume templates geared toward creative professions which save candidates plenty of time. Before the online age background checks were more challenging to perform and several companies did not put a great effort in a detail background check. You may also utilize it for other small business categories but it is going to suit the very best for some corporate style. Every commercial-grade wallpaper is needed to pass through several serviceability tests. The theme is extremely flexible and super user friendly. It follows modern trends and is also very flexible and dynamic, so it can cater to your needs. This theme employs the most recent HTML5 and CSS3 technologies. Resume Color Schemes and Resume Color Schemes - The Perfect Combination Make certain you trim any extra paper which may be sticking out if need be. For extra texture, synthetic fibers may also be mixed. Water and acetone are the most frequently used solvents. A similar procedure can be done to modify the principal text color. Colored text can be immensely tricky to read, and that defeats the aim of having a resume. Keep it simple by utilizing clear fonts like Arial. The hex codes are available underneath each one of the color swatches. This template from Beautiful Resumes features vibrant colours, but you may just as easily get exactly the same effect having a more subtle color scheme. The Basics of Resume Color Schemes That You Can Learn From Starting Immediately Or you might be finishing school and dont have a resume yet, and arent certain where to get started. Be certain to stress the quantity of actor training youve got. Infographic-style resumes have gotten popular, and they are sometimes effective when done well. It will not cause you to stick out in a better way and the color actually makes it more difficult to re ad, thus hurting your likelihood of finding the job. One other great issue is that you find it possible to provide plenty of info in an easy and cool way. Its tricky to go into lots of detail about why I really like this game so much. Finally, the hiring manager is going to want to measure your successes. At the exact same time, you wish to provide a positive first impression that youre a significant job candidate. Its possible to believe that you did a great job but ultimately, your resume can be bad. Specifically, you would like to choose job interview clothesand colorsthat will force you to look (and feel) great. Some are far better than others. Such efforts will remain transparent. There are many strategies to begin hunting for work, which are out of our scope. There are several different paths your career has taken thus far, and lots of paths that it may take later on.

How to Prepare for an Employment Background Check

How to Prepare for an Employment Background CheckHow to Prepare for an Employment Background CheckIf youre job hunting, you need to be ready for a potential employer to thoroughly check your hintergrund. Its always a good idea to be aware of any red flags that might be on your record, so you can plan how to handle them. The best way to prepare for anemployment background checkis to know in advance all the information an employer might discover about you. Especially if youve been in the job market for a while, its easy to forget a previous employment glitch (or personal misstep) that will cast you in a bad light. The most important thing is that you dont wait until youre in the middle of a job search to prepare for a background check. How to Prepare for an Employment Background Check When interviewing for a job, you may need to answer questions about your leistungspunkt record, your driving record, and other items and situations an employermay consider relevant. Even if these thin gs have nothing to do the job opening, they speak to an individuals character. Consider all of the following when preparing for your background check Credit Report.Get a copy of your credit report. You can order afree copy of your credit reportfrom each of the three major credit bureaus (e.g., Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) for every year you think is relevant. If there is erroneous information (which can happen), dispute it with the creditor to clear your name. Be aware of the law in your state regarding employment-related credit checks. Criminal Records.Some states dont allow questions about arrests or convictions beyond a certain point in your past. Other states only allow consideration of criminal history for certain positions (such as jobs in the financial sector or working with children). Hereshow acriminal record impacts your job search. Driving Record.Check your motor vehicle record by requesting a copy of your record from your state Department of Motor Vehicles. You may also be able to review your driving record online at the DMV website. If you have a history of traffic violations and youre interviewing for a job where a license is required, be prepared to answer questions about your driving record. Drug Testing. The Society for Human Resource Management estimates that 90% of employers conduct some sort of drug screening for job candidates. Testing is typically conducted after employees have been interviewed and the employer is ready to make offers. Legal statutes vary by state but generally require a uniform process for all candidates for similar jobs. Candidates should educate themselves regarding the time that various substances can be detected in drug tests and seek help from counselors and substance abuse agencies to modify any addictive behavior. The decriminalization of marijuana in several states has resulted in a trend where some employers no longer test for marijuana use. However, it remains illegal in many states and under federal law. Employer References.There are no federal laws restricting what information an employer can disclose about former employees. Ask your previous employers for copies of your employment files and inquire what your references are going to say about you. Heres information on whatemployers can legally say about you. Know Your Rights.When employers conduct a check of your background (including credit, criminal, and past employment) if they use a third party, the background check is covered byThe Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The FCRA defines a background check as a consumer report. Before an employer can get a consumer report for employment purposes, they must notify you in writing and get your written consent. More About Employment Background Checks Review the employment background check andemployment verificationinformation, including what information employers can, and cannot, find out about job applicants and employees. Employment Law Heres information on what you need to k now about employment law when youre job searching or when you lose your job, including wages, background checks, required employment forms, unemployment, and other related information. Should You Volunteer Information about Issues that You Know will Surface with a Background Check? If you have an issue in your background that you are certain will surface in a background check, it may be advantageous to discuss this issue with your prospective employer so that you can help shape how they will perceive this information. Problems that you have been resolved or addressed in a substantive manner are usually the clearest items to volunteer. For example, if you have a low credit rating due to irresponsible spending by a former spouse and have since separated and resolved any debt. If you decide to disclose any issues, the best time to do so will generally be after you have already made a positive impression through the interview.

How a 1-minute action changed my life completely

How a 1-minute action changed my life completelyHow a 1-minute action changed my life completelyThe ticket to happiness and results is simple keep a gratitude journal.You can take advantage of this extraordinary success-producing path. You need only the ability to write and think.According to Shawn Achor, author of The Happiness Advantage (he spent over a decade in academic institutions studying this subject and conducting research), this activity is a foolproof method of rewiring your brain so your thoughts reflect a positive outlook.When the brain is positive every possible outcome we know how to test for raises dramatically. - Shawn AchorGiving Thanks Transformed Me CompletelyIve been cultivating gratitude for over five years. I attest to the genuineness of Achors findings. Every one of my actions or activities that can be measured has shown dramatic improvement.Over this period I doubled my reading speed I beat more than 180 personal fitness records I was sick only twice I got a better job and I obtained three professional certificatesI learned new skills I started a new career on the side I published 15 books my income doubled.I also overcame my shyness and now have new friends all over the world.Not badBut that is not all.Some aspects of life arent measurable, yet we certainly know when improvement happens. Since I began the discipline of keeping gratitude journals, my self-confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline, self-efficacy and resilience have noticeably increased or improved.Reflecting on my experience, I speculate that every action we take will have observably better results when our minds are positively focused, we just dont have methods to prove this yet.The Pareto Principle in Cultivating GratitudePareto uncovered a ratio that appears in nature, and also in human endeavor 80% of output consistently comes from 20% of input. High achievers embrace this they look for the activities that produce the most results, and concentrate on those.In gratitu de journaling, one simple, small piece of effort produces 80% of possible resultsTurn up and write your gratitude journal consistently.Yes, therbeie are some journaling best practices, but you can expend a lot more effort and only get an additional 20% on the results ledger. I keep things simple - and I dont follow most of the best practices below. But I do show up every day and keep my gratitude journals.The 200,000 people who read my Quora answer were excited. Expressing gratitude is such an easy fix for a stagnant life it can facilitate drastic improvement. However, many of my readers asked questions that indicated their focus was on unnecessary details or trivia.Whats the best way to do it? Does it make a difference if I type or write by greifhand? Should I write in a bullet-point manner or elaborate my reasons for being grateful?These readers had missed the point. As a result, many didnt even get started. However, you may also have questions like these, so I will provide Micha ls Notes for the common distractions.I want you to start, and get resultsHandwriting or typing?Scribbling wins.In 2016 I read How Your Memory Works by Sia Mojaher. This book is packed with scientific references, but my main takeaway was that a human mind remembers better when there are more associations it can attach to a memory.This is why lectures (most of the time) will anchor more concepts in your mind than dry textbooks. Youll remember not only the data, but other things like the professors tone of voice, a funny anecdote he said about discovering the specific formula, the weird face he made and the smell of a classroom.The same goes with writing by hand. It provides more associations for your mind than you get by typing. This has been proven by joint research led by French and American scientists. They mathematically and computationally demonstrated that there is a difference in how the brain controls the bodys slightest action.Writing by hand imprints a stronger signal in the web of associations that comprises your memorypeople learn better when they write by hand, than when they type. Its obvious, when you know about the associating nature of human memory.Instead of attaching one keystroke to a piece of data, your mind registers multiple discrete signals that went to each of dozens of muscle movements that are needed to write a single exakt.If you need speed and consistent legibility, you type. But when writing a gratitude journal, you want lasting and profound impressions.Handwriting will provide them.When to write?Multiple studies have shown how the way we begin our day has profound effects on the rest of it. And many people begin their day watching or listening to news. Yet there have been plenty of studies done about the harmful effects of negative news on our mood and attitude.Research has been done on the long-term negative effects of being exposed to negativity. Other studies concluded that being positive cuts the long term risk of coronary dise ases by half (researchers studied 30 years of data).One of the most interesting studies was the one featured in Harvard Business Review stating that Individuals who watched just three minutes of negative news in the morning had a whopping 27% greater likelihood of reporting their day as unhappy six to eight hours later.The most telling effect happened to people who watched transformative stories. Watchers reported having a good day 88 percent of the time.The evidence is clear enough your entire day will be impacted by your experiences at the beginning of it. And you can choose whether this is positive or negative.I recently got a katechese from a new coaching client, who struggled with procrastination. One of the small tweaks I recommended was to jot down in the morning a few things he was grateful for. This is his feedback after the first dayI had a minute in the morning to think about what Im grateful for. The effect was really good and it took me by surprise. I was overfilled wit h the positive energy for the whole day. Once again, thank you for the right on-the-spot advice.Start your day by writing entries in your gratitude journal. It will make an immediate difference to your sense of wellbeing.Three new things or the same things?You can write about the same occurrences or people for as many days as your gratitude for them remains in your thoughts.But your mind is also constantly experiencing new things. Every second, about 11 MILLION sensory impulses are detected by your brain, the most sophisticated searching mechanism known to humanity.Storing information is just a tiny parte of the brains function. Filtering is what really matters, thats why every piece of data in your memory gets multiple associations attached to it. The more associations, the easier it is for your mind to reference the data.Thus, as your mind is looking for associations and reasons to attach priority to information, give it plenty Each day, find at least three new reasons youre grate ful for something in your life a scene you saw that brought a smile a friend who helped you the taste of a meal.Ask yourself what am I most grateful for today?Your mind will act like a puppy happily chasing a ball.Throw it a question it will joyfully look for new reasons why you should be grateful.Give specific reasons or bullet points?Given that the more associations a memory has, the more powerful it is, youll probably have guessed the answer to this reflecting on your reasons for gratitude will imprint gratefulness into your mind in a more effective way than a brief note that records only, say, that someone helped you.Imagine re-reading your journal in a year from now. Use a few extra words so you can recall and re-live these moments when you read over your entries in the future. Thus, instead of merely Jack my car nice weather you might writeJack he helped me with a huge project, I can always count on him.My car it is old, yet still reliable Today I was again on time at the off ice.Nice weather constant rain over the last few days has been depressing nice to see the sun again.See? Its just a bit of additional work, but the effect is deeper.When you add reasons to your bullet points, it affects more associations. You add to your entry not just the image of the item or person you are grateful for you add your feelings, you employ other senses (the suns warmth on your skin) and you stir elder memories (how Jack helped you in the last month and a year ago).With a few additional strokes of your pen, youll make the entry much more meaningful.Be empowered Start todayWhen I discovered the immense power of gratitude, I quickly shared it with my family. My teenage son answered with a typical rebellious adolescent attitude But, I have nothing to be grateful for.Most adults are not so adamant about this point, but quite a lot of my readers were concerned about exhausting their gratitude resources.I can easily reassure everyone who is concerned about this. You wont run out. Its no more likely to happen than the worlds oxygen being used up because people are breathing it.You can be grateful for your possessions relationships weather patterns opportunities to serve or contribute to others or causes chance encounters your state of health, wealth or understanding, (and any improvement in any of those) your talents, achievements, and your progress towards goals and you can be grateful for every challenge you face and every obstacle you overcome.We are helped by many in this life, every day, directly or indirectly. Circumstances may go in our favor, misfortune might pass us by - or it strikes us and we recover. Youll never lack for things to be grateful about, once you open your mind to the infinite possible experiences waiting for you every single day.We have barely scratched the surface. Youll look back in a year, amazed at your pile of gratitude entries.Expressing gratitude is a joyous part of my dayI keep three gratitude journals I record thought s about my wife, my kids and my everyday experiences.The first two are easy, almost self-explanatory. Every day I express gratitude for the members of my family, and for their attitudes, opinions, creativity and actions.But everyday experiences?A few examples will make this clearer.When reflecting on my day, I include my various awakenings and amazements about the beauty of nature. I mention people who were generous or helpful to me, good meeting outcomes, maybe an accomplishment - even if minor. I also write about my realizations of faults and failings, because when I notice these, I have the chance to change my course. Naturally, Im grateful to get opportunities to improve myself.I write my journals in the evening. I spend five to twenty minutes on my daily gratitude practice. I write entries by hand in the diaries. At least in this aspect I stick to the recommendations I have given youTo save time, I tend to bullet point my entries. I rarely elaborate on my reflections.I regular ly find myself repeating the same reasons for being grateful. For example, I have been writing (articles, books, etc.) every day since the 23rd of September 2013, but almost every day I note my specific daily word count in my gratitude diary.However, among the many repeated items I scribble every day will always be at least three entries which I am recording for the first time.The stunning example of gratitudes immense powerWhen it comes to gratitude journaling, my hero is one of my friends from the Coach.me platform. Lets call her Diane (this is not her real name, but I want to protect her privacy).She also doesnt stick to the letter when it comes to the perfect way of keeping a journal.She often writes only one thing in her journal.She often elaborates on her entry, but not always.She doesnt write them by hand. She types her entries in the Coach.me application.Diane often repeats the same reason she is grateful. She frequently writes about meals in her journal. (By the way, foods are one of the most common things recurring in many gratitude journals this is my observation from going through many journals of other Coach.me users).She had been keeping her gratitude journal very diligently for about two years when a tragedy happened Her boyfriend died suddenly in a car accident.She had already been through tough times, she was divorced.I observed with disbelief how she kept her gratitude journal through that terrible time. It kept her sane. It kept her present for her son. It allowed her to find the strength for the everyday stuff when her world collapsed.Today Dianes streak is well over 1,000 days long.Progress, not perfectionYour gratitude routine doesnt have to be perfect. Recall that 80% of possible results come from how consistently you cultivate gratitude, not from how you keep a perfect gratitude journal.But if you want to maximize your gratitude, keep these points in mind-Write your entries in the journal by hand-Do it in the morning to positively frame your day-Elaborate on your entries think of the reasons or specifics for your gratitude-Note down at least three new thingsAnd be grateful you learned about acknowledging your gratitude. Your life transforms when you do.This article was originally published on Medium.