Those of you who’ve taken my BRIDGE tele-class or followed my BRIDGE strategy for Job Search, you already know that when you’re clear about the role you’re after, it takes less time and effort to land your ideal position.

I’ve heard it said many times that when you’re applying for jobs on-line and you send your resume, it may as well have been sucked into a black hole. With the increasing intelligence of search engines, company web site databases, and online applications, it’s easier than ever to get lost if you’re not on top of the latest web strategies. First on the list: make sure your resume is SEO-Compliant (Search Engine Optimization).

The “B” in my BRIDGE for Job Search Strategies method stands for “Become Clear.” As a Coach, part of my job is to help my clients with this first, deceivingly complex step. What do you want your career to look like? What do you want your life to look like when you’re in this career? Where and for whom do you want to work? 

When a client has trouble with this step or if “B” is too heavy for you to handle right now, we move to “R”—Research. We Research together to “I”—Identify—your skill set, likes, interests, motivators, values, unique attributes, target titles, target companies, and target key words. While we’re doing this, we’re also “D”—Developing— your resume, your career positioning, new contacts and “G” Getting a game plan, while “E”—Executing and Evaluating—on these strategies to help you reach your ideal position faster. This takes us back to “B”—Become Clear—at which point, you’re ready to progress to the next level.

As you Research and Identify, you’re not only creating a list of your skills and values; you’re creating a list of key words and phrases. These can be very helpful when creating an SEO-Compliant resume, since they are likely also the words and phrases which will be searched by hiring managers.  You can then use these key words when researching on LinkedIn and other online resources to Research and Identify your ideal target employer.

“We have too many high-sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them.” – Abigail Adams

Here’s how you can use SEO and key words to optimize your resume using LinkedIn.

Let’s say you are targeting a position on the client side as a Director of Marketing in the computer software industry.  Go to LinkedIn.com, and in the upper right-hand part of the screen, click “Advanced” which is just to the right of the Search box for “People“.  This will take you to the screen below:

  LinkedIn Director of Marketing Key Word Search

In the Keyword box, type the title you are targeting (for this example, Director of Marketing). Note:  You are typing Director of Marketing in the Keyword field not the Title field.  Next, for Location, select “Located in or near” and then enter your Zip Code.  Next check off under Industries, Computer Software, and click Search at the bottom.  

Drill down on some of the profiles that come up in the search, and take note of the titles, the companies and the key words used to describe the position held in each profile – keeping in mind that some Profiles contain much more information than others.  Use these key words and phrases to refine your target search, and then look at the LinkedIn Profiles of your potential competitors – then look at your resume.  Is it compliant relative to the types of positions you’re targeting? 

As you’re reading job descriptions do you notice some of the same key words?  Are those key words present on your resume? It’s as simple as that!  Use these words and phrases and get your resume SEO-Compliant! What most people don’t realize is the biggest value you get from LinkedIn and other job boards is the information you can obtain with simple Research. 

As the saying goes, people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.   Brian Tracy, in a recent interview said…”You can’t hit a target you can’t see… and more people spend more time planning a picnic than they spend planning their careers.”

Start planning your career today by taking advantage of my no-obligation complimentary coaching consult. 

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? Please do, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Dawn Quesnel, CPCC, PCC, known as Coach DQ, is a professional coach, radio show host and workshop leader. Through the use of her B.R.I.D.G.E. programs she helps creative professionals and business owners navigate career or business transition while maintaining a healthy career-life balance. Her core belief that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, consistently leads clients to uncover hidden resources and strengths. B.R.I.D.G.E. the gap and accelerate your career so you can love your life now! Visit www.CareerLifeBalance.net or http://www.coachdq.com today or for more information click here or email me.

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Need help with your resume?  Enter your name by September 7, 2010 by e-mailing me at DQ@CoachDQ.com win a free resume strategy coaching session! (Valued at $350)

But if you were lucky, you had a teacher who was fun and engaging. Someone who put your desks in a circle instead of boring rows or had you doing science experiments that involved flames and smoldering potions. You probably forgot all about recess with that teacher. Your “work” suddenly became a whole lot more interesting.

• Do you spend your grown-up days watching the clock for the moment you can get outta Dodge and head for home and hobbies?

• Do you enjoy your work on a superficial level – but it doesn’t speak to your deepest dreams and values?

• Maybe you feel like you’re leading a double life – that who you have to be at work is a totally different person than the one you are at home?

Whatever the case, if you’re splitting your focus, you’re splitting your energy and diluting gratification. Is there a deep-seated sense of purpose drawing you toward certain “recess” activities? Another word for this is mission—a calling to do things that speak to your core values and goals?

Maybe your mission pulls you to create art, work with charities, tutor neighborhood kids, or create beautiful landscaping in your own backyard. You’ll know when a task is tied to your mission because of the strong emotions it stirs, calling you to be and do something bigger with your life.

The good news is that you are living in a time when more and more people are recognizing the truth that, it really is possible to live your life mission. The question then becomes, how exactly do you meld your job and your mission?

Getting there requires a shift out of the old pattern that was ingrained during elementary school. Facilitating just this kind of shift is a fundamental aspect of the coaching process.

Save this date on your calendar now, September 15th, 2010. I’ll have more details for you soon, but I can tell you this now: I think you’ll be surprised at just how easily you can learn to bring that “recess” feeling to your work desk!
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Which sites you choose depends entirely on what you want to achieve. Helping you figure out what you want to achieve is part of what working with a coach is all about. If you’re looking for a new job, Twitter has some great job boards, and you can get real-time updates of new listings, learn more about the companies you are target and if it’s networking you’re after, LinkedIn—and, to a lesser degree, Facebook—allow you to connect with other professionals.

There are other, less well-known social networking sites that have a lot to offer job seekers, entrepreneurs, and networkers. Here’s a partial list of business-related social networking sites you might find helpful:

• AdvisorGarage—An online directory of advisers willing to assist budding entrepreneurs.

• ConnectBeam—Social networking specially designed for corporate users.

• Doostang – An invite-only career community for professionals.

• Fast Pitch—A growing business networking community in the corporate world. It provides users with a one-stop shop network to market their business.

• Mediabistro.com—A site for professionals in content or creative industries.

• Ryze.com—A site for establishing new connections and growing networks. Connections for jobs, building career and making sales.

• Blitztime—Speed networking platform where you can network in your PJ’s. Check out their free demo to learn more.

• XING—A directory of business contacts powering relationships between business professionals.

Everything is easier when you have the right tools and you know how to maximize them. Integrating social media into your job search or business networking strategy is a great way to open new doors, stay on top of the trends and grow your network. “Opportunity rarely knocks at your door. Knock rather on opportunity’s door if you ardently wish to enter.” – B.C. Forbes

Check out some of the sites above, see who’s online, and shop around until you find the site (or sites) that are best for you. You never know who you’ll meet (or Tweet)! Follow me on twitter at http://twitter.com/coachdq

Are you overwhelmed with all the resources available and you just don’t know where to start?  Contact me for a complimentary coaching consult.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? Please do, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Dawn Quesnel, CPCC, PCC, known as Coach DQ, is a professional coach, radio show host and workshop leader. Through the use of her B.R.I.D.G.E. programs she helps creative professionals and business owners navigate career or business transition while maintaining a healthy career-life balance. Her core belief that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, consistently leads clients to uncover hidden resources and strengths. If you are ready to B.R.I.D.G.E. the gap between you and a life you love then visit http://www.careerlifebalance.net or http://www.coachdq.com today.

Do you have a website or resource you want to share? We welcome your comments, suggestions and feedback below.
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There is a major misconception. Very rarely will an employer flat-out refuse to work with you. You don’t have to take a ridiculous pay cut just to be employed. Even now, with cutbacks and budget-crunching rampant, employers are still willing to negotiate with candidates whom are qualified and are the right culture fit for the company.

I have two clients who just completed my private VIP three month BRIDGE Program to help you cut your job search by half and both clients landed their ideal jobs,—but the initial salary wasn’t what either of them had hoped for. When they realized that they didn’t need to lower their standards just to have a job. We worked together to help them negotiate a better offer. Coincidentally, both were able to negotiate $5,000 more per year, plus some additional perks.

We looked at things that were little cost to the company, no cost to the company, salary, and bonus structures, then role played possible scenarios, strategized for rebuttals, and helped them prepared them for the next step.

When you assert your value, employers recognize it. And even if there really isn’t room in the budget for a bigger salary, it doesn’t hurt to ask. After all, you aren’t privy (yet) to the inner workings of the company: you only know what you’re worth.

“Losing a game is heartbreaking. Losing your sense of excellence or worth is a tragedy.” – Joe Paterno, Contemporary American College Football Coach

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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? Please do, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Dawn Quesnel, CPCC, PCC, known as Coach DQ, is a professional coach, radio show host and workshop leader. Through the use of her B.R.I.D.G.E. programs she helps creative professionals and business owners navigate career or business transition while maintaining a healthy career-life balance. Her core belief that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, consistently leads clients to uncover hidden resources and strengths. If you are ready to B.R.I.D.G.E. the gap between you and a life you love then visit www.CareerLifeBalance.net or http://www.coachdq.com today.

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I am so excited about this week’s article and the launch of my new tool – The Career Balance Wheel was inspired by my clients. It is truly satisfying and I thank all of you! This week a few special clients who just completed the 3 month BRIDGE Program, and I might add, negotiated the salary they deserve and landed their dream jobs! An Executive Director and a Director of Marketing.

Also, a big CONGRATULATIONS TO my long time client ELAN, who just completed the Nautica New York Triathlon in 2:46:09.

“At various points in your careers, you will be called to take a risk. And I think you will find, as I have found, those will be the times of your greatest opportunities.” Raymond V. Gilmartin, American Business Executive

Make it a great one!

Coach DQ

I am curious what word is missing for you in the last slice of the Career Balance Wheel. Enjoy!

One of the things I do is to help people who are in transition: moving from employment to self-employment, from one place of employment to another, or from one role to another within their current company.

Often, we realize we need change, but aren’t sure what change will serve us best. We feel restless in our role (I like the word “role” versus the word “job” because honestly I hate the word job.  It doesn’t really have a positive feel to it when referring to one’s career, especially in these times.  One of my practices is to help clients change their words so they can change their life.  However this isn’t the point of the article.  I digress.

Over the years, I’ve found several common themes among my clients who felt restless or stifled in their professional roles. My new tool, the Career Balance Wheel, encompasses these themes to help you see what areas of your professional life may be unfulfilled.   And keep in mind, much like a healthy romantic relationship, you realize that not everything you need is going to come from one place – and that’s ok.  Be creative in how you achieve balance both inside and outside your workplace.

I’m pleased to say that the Career Balance Wheel was inspired all of my clients, in the last 6 months, not to mention a few client’ who, after having been laid off three months ago, landed their dream job! When looking for a new position the Career Balance Wheel helped them discover what areas of their professional life were important to them, and which were lacking. Armed with this knowledge, they were able to look for a position which supported their personal balance. Also, recognizing that not all of their needs would be fulfilled by this position helped her take a more reasoned and flexible approach to the job search.

But don’t take my word for it! Look at the chart below, and see what mapping your career balance inspires you to do today!

Career Balance Wheel

To use this tool: Rank each area in the pie chart on a scale from 1 to 10—10 being absolute fulfillment, 1 being a complete absence of this quality. I encourage you to change the Values headings if you feel they do not apply to your current situation. I’ve also left one space blank, so you can insert a tenth important value which is unique to you and please post it below.

Here are a few examples of how the Career Balance Wheel can help you implement greater balance and fulfillment into your current professional life.

• Problem: You don’t have a mentor you can turn to. Many of us expect our boss to be a mentor, and while this is certainly convenient, it’s not always reasonable to expect.  Solution: try to find a helpful, knowledgeable person outside your company (or even outside your department) to turn to when you’re not sure how to continue to grow. This also takes pressure off your boss, and might improve your relationship.
• Problem: Lack of intellectual stimulation. Sometimes we get stagnated in a role, coming to the point where there’s nothing more for us to learn. Solution:  If you’re not advancing in your position at the moment, that doesn’t mean your brain should be put on the back burner. Cultivate other interests (even non-work-related ones) in order to keep your mental skills sharp until an opportunity comes along.  Take classes, express new interests, and talk to people with interesting jobs outside your current sphere.

Remember, no one job, relationship, or career can give you everything you need. There’s nothing wrong with looking outside your workplace for balance. Remember, you create your life, and the things you need will come to you if you allow them. Just be open to balance, and let the magic happen!

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? Please do, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Dawn Quesnel, CPCC, PCC, known as Coach DQ, is a professional coach, radio show host and workshop leader. Through the use of her B.R.I.D.G.E. programs she helps creative professionals and business owners navigate career or business transition while maintaining a healthy career-life balance. Her core belief that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, consistently leads clients to uncover hidden resources and strengths. If you are ready to B.R.I.D.G.E. the gap between you and a life you love then visit www.CareerLifeBalance.net or http://www.coachdq.com today.

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8 years ago this month I left my job as an Executive Recruiter placing Sales, Marketing and Advertising professionals, went back to University and enrolled in one of the top coaching institutes in the world and started my own business! 

8 Years in Business!  Does time fly when you’re having fun!  I’ve learned a lot and certainly have a lot more to learn, however, one important lesson I’ve learned was to narrow my focus – and the results have helped to expand my business.  The topic of this week’s article is “Narrow Your Focus, Expand Your Business!”  It’s true; there are riches in the niches! 

In fact, one of my clients who recently claimed his niche, reported a 67% increase in revenue over last year and the year is just half over!  We worked together using my BRIDGE Method.  I do that because it works.  I’m so confident that I’m using it again for myself as I continue the transition and expansion of my own coaching & consulting business.  

I’ve done a lot of thinking about my specialties, and exactly the type of clients I think will be best served by my unique skill set. Implementing the first step of the BRIDGE Method, “Become Clear,” I was able to determine that my ideal clients are self-motivated college grads or MBA’s who have a history in marketing, advertising, or design fields; who are creative and expressive; and who just need a leg up to get to the next level in their job search or business development plan. Now this isn’t to say that I’ll only work with people who have these qualifications, but clients who possess one or more of these qualities tend to benefit most from my services – because my particular expertise lends itself to their development.

Once I’d really gotten clear on who I want to work with, I started working on the next steps: “Research, and Identify Target Markets.” I found that, armed with a clear picture of my ideal client, I was able to effectively reach out to people who were actively looking for my services, rather than just casting my line out into the Internet void.  While on Twitter the other day I happened to glance at the profile of someone who was following my Tweets. He’s a marketing and web development professional with a Master’s degree, a musician, a DJ, and a foodie, who’s interested in starting his own business but needs a little help getting clear on the particulars. Behold the power of targeted thinking!

At first it may seem that by targeting a niche market or taking the time to really identify your ideal client, employer, or employee, you’re limiting your options. But the truth is you’re doing exactly the opposite. Instead of spending time and resources on projects which don’t utilize your full skill set, you can now step confidently into the spotlight and say, “I really am the BEST person for this job/client, because this job/client is the best one for me.”

This clarity is the biggest gift of my BRIDGE Method. When you know exactly what you want, you don’t need to waste time in a Method of elimination. When you know exactly who or what will be best served by your unique skills, you don’t need to spend your energy on tasks that don’t light your fire. When you know where you want to be, you can forge a path to get there, instead of wandering around lost in the woods.

I offer regular tele-classes using the BRIDGE format, as well as one-on-one coaching sessions which delve even deeper into the BRIDGE Method to help you get clear, get ready, and get going! Remember, first-time clients receive a FREE consultation session!

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As I mentioned early this month, I’ve been fascinated and learning more about the brain, brain types, patterns, and brain function. Dr. Knott, one of my Professors would be proud that I am finally using what I learned from him.

As a left brainer, I love finding facts and research about the topics I am covering. This week’s article is not your usual DQ tone but very interesting none the less.

So…”What does sugar have to do with your success?”

How you feed your body not only impacts how you feel, but how you think. Brain function is as susceptible to a poor diet as your waistline. If you want to stay focused, alert, and calm, you need to make sure your brain has the food it needs to function properly.

Avoid the brain drain!

Sugar is a big factor in how your brain functions throughout the course of the day. Excessive sugar consumption can create serious brain fog, and create a “crash” effect once the high wears off. This can create or exacerbate feelings of depression and anxiety. Over time, continuously elevated blood sugar levels can weaken and even kill your pericyte cells, the cells that make up your capillary walls. This leads to conditions like diabetic retinopathy, in which blood leaks onto the retina through ruptured capillaries; and to other bleeding disorders, most commonly in the feet. What you may not know is that hyperglycemia (a.k.a. elevated blood sugar) can also impact the pericyte cells in the blood-brain barrier, causing loss of cognition, confusion, and memory issues. This in turn can affect your productivity at work and your relationships with your clients.

The bottom line is, too much sugar isn’t good for you, or your business. But before you go replacing your sugar with substitutes like Sweet & Low, Equal, or Splenda, do some serious research. These sugar substitutes have been linked to all kinds of nasty diseases, including Lupus, cancers, and fibromyalgia. Instead, exercise your right to choose, and lay off all the sweet stuff for two weeks. If you must have your sugar fix, try stevia, which is totally natural and side-effect free. You’ll be amazed how much clearer and happier you feel once you’re off the blood sugar roller coaster.

Our household diet has changed dramatically since my husband was diagnosed with Celiac disease. Now that we’re replacing all the white flour and wheat products we used to use, I’m noticing a huge difference in my mental clarity. After all, wheat, white flour, pasta, and other processed grain foods are nearly as high on the glycemic index as sugar or fruit juice, and have just as big an impact on the brain. Don’t believe me? Try writing your next blog article or reading a trade magazine right after you’ve eaten a croissant! Although I’m not Celiac myself, a mostly gluten-free diet has literally changed my mind about sugar!

Dr. Daniel G. Amen, author of Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, and Change Your Brain, Change Your Body, notes that most people don’t eat anywhere near the 5+ recommended servings of fruit and veggies every day. He also recommends that everyone take Omega-3 fish oil supplements in order to enhance brain function. Again, do your research. Spend some time keeping a food journal, and ask yourself where you can cut back on foods that aren’t good for your brain.

Just like you exercise your body on the treadmill, you need to feed and care for your brain lovingly and properly.  Think of it as preventive maintenance—like changing the oil on your car, or cleaning the lint out of your dryer.  No matter what business you’re in, your mind is your most powerful tool, and your greatest asset. Knowing how to feed your brain can help you keep things running smoothly!

Learn more about the brain and bridge the gap between business and your intuition on BrainTalk airing July 7th 12pm EST.

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Step 1 – Describe the problem or situation in 5 sentences or less.
Give examples of how you saved money or time, made a process more efficient, or increased revenues.

Step 2 - Describe your process and/or how you solved the problem or issue. No more than 2 paragraphs.

Step 3 – State the result or outcome.

For business owners, use the same formula above. It’s a way to showcase the types of clients you’ve helped, can be used as a sell sheet, can enhance your website, or be used as an article. Click to see a sample here. Facts tell and stories sell!

In this week’s article I am taking my own advice and sharing with you one of my case studies. There are many misconceptions and preconceived notions of what it is really like working with a coach. Clients hire me for many different reasons; to make more money, career/job change, start their own business, and of course career life balance – however, their goals are always the same. They want results and I take pride in teaming up with them to get the results they’re after. My practice is about 50% male and 50% female, and I like it that way. I choose the clients I want to work with which is why I offer a complimentary consult. Here is one case in point.

Susan came to coaching because she was frustrated with her job and felt unfulfilled in her life. She had been working in the same company for five years, and saw no opportunities for future growth. The company politics drained her, and by the end of the day she had little energy left to share with her two young children.

Susan knew she wanted to make a change in her career. Feeling stuck, but driven to find a solution, she contacted Coach DQ—Dawn Quesnel, PCC (Professional Certified Coach)—who specializes in coaching sales, marketing and advertising professionals, and creative entrepreneurs whose techniques blend holistic life coaching and career coaching in a practice she calls Career Life Balance. In her first session with Coach DQ, Susan said, “I struggle with self-fulfillment, and worry that I’m not being a good mother and wife. I feel that I didn’t realize my earliest dreams, or didn’t try hard enough to realize them.”

Coach DQ replied: “Your career affects your life, and your life affects your career. Finding a balance isn’t always easy, and you can make the choice to make balance a priority. All you have to do is believe balance is possible. You absolutely can go after your dreams while being more present for your family. You only have one life, so why not make it a great one?”

When she started working with Coach DQ, Susan filled out a coaching questionnaire. Here are a few of the questions, and Susan’s answers.

1. What accomplishments or measurable events must occur in your lifetime in order for you to consider your life satisfying and well-lived? Have enough money to live comfortably with my family, have money for retirement, perhaps kids education.

2. Do you have a secret passion in your life, something which is almost too exciting to actually do, or do more of? Work in the movie/tv industry

3. What tips would you give your coach about how to manage you most effectively? Check up on me regularly, give me assignments

4. What’s missing in your life, the presence of which would make your life more fulfilling? Calmness, no stress, a sense of satisfaction in a job well done, knowing I am doing the best that I can, and being told that on a consistent basis.

5. Please describe your life purpose. How does it impact your day-to-day living? How do you know it’s the right path for you? I would say my life purpose right now is to make sure I am being a good mother first, wife second, and good to myself last. It impacts my day to day by having enough time and energy to give myself to my family in the way I feel it would benefit us as a whole and individually. It is the right one for me because having children is a big responsibility and it’s the most important part of my being at this time.

6. What do you want to make sure you get from the coaching relationship? Direction, options, new ideas and thoughts that I wouldn’t think of myself from lack of experience, support and dedication, loyalty.

7. What two steps could you take immediately that would make the greatest difference in your current work and life situation? Get a new job that pays better. Spend more time with my family.

Coach DQ suggested exercises to help Susan get clear on what her she wanted from her “dream job,” and how she wanted her life to be. Together, they developed specific goals and timelines, including a job search strategy plan to help Susan land her dream job. Then they looked at the obstacles—including her limiting beliefs—and developed structures to help her manage that inner saboteur who repeatedly told her, “You didn’t try hard enough.”

Working with her coach, Susan cultivated new habits and thought patterns, and learned how to use her time more effectively. Soon, she built up the courage to approach her current boss about working from home a few days a week, so she’d have more time to spend with her family.

After just six months of working with Coach DQ, Susan landed her ideal job in the film industry. She sold her house, and moved north to be closer to her family. She now has a shorter commute, makes more money, and has more time to spend with her children. By getting clear on what she wanted from her job and her life, and by using the focused techniques provided by Coach DQ, Susan was able to manifest her ideal situation and fulfill her personal and professional goals.

“The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases.” – Carl Jung

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Science is just beginning to scratch the surface of the real power of our brains. In the last few months, I have become more fascinated with the human brain. What I’ve learned about brain function, brain types, neurological patterns, and thought patterns, from David Rock, has not only changed the way I think about my own mind, it’s changed my approach to coaching.

DQ and David Rock author of “Your Brain At Work”

This new understanding is opening doorways left and right, and it’s benefiting not only my business as a whole, but each one of my clients.

One of the themes we’ve been discussing on BrainTalk is how to build a bridge between business and your intuition using both halves of our brains: the left brain, and the right brain. The left brain controls all of our conscious thoughts, analyses, and learned patterns. According to some analysts, it’s the “rational” side of the brain. It’s also where those pesky ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) are generated.

On the other hand, the right side of the brain is creative, intuitive, and uninhibited. This is where our “gut feelings” come from, and the quiet voice we often call our “sixth sense” or your little brain. Click here for more science on this topic and learn what Freud never told us about.

The right brain is able to tap into the depths of the subconscious, where deep intuitive wisdom comes from. Your right brain, when properly accessed, can be your greatest asset, because it speaks from your truest self, rather than from your conditioned, fearful, restricted self. Often, when we want to make a change, we start by thinking really hard about it. We apply all of that left-brain reasoning power to the problem, hoping to find a solution that’s both comfortable and logical. But because our left brain is conditioned to think in predictable patterns, we don’t always find the answers we’re looking for. If you’re feeling stuck in a job, or if your attempts to create change are being swallowed up by legions of ANTs, you might be thinking too hard.

When you stop devoting all of your left-brain thought energy to a problem, you create a little more internal quiet. When this happens, the softer voice of the right brain can start to make itself heard. By turning the attention of the left brain elsewhere, you might find yourself suddenly realizing solutions you never considered. Practicing yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, or other breath-centric exercises; taking a long walk; engaging in a favorite creative pursuit; or simply sitting quietly for five to ten minutes are all great ways to temporarily turn off your left brain.

Want to learn more about using the power of your brain to help you create a successful, balanced life? Check out Dr. Daniel G. Amen’s books, “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life”, and “Change Your Brain, Change Your Body”. (www.amenclinics.com)

While my newfound fascination with and knowledge of the brain is taking my coaching skills to the next level, I’m maintaining my focus – (with marketing, advertising, and creative entrepreneurs) and continuing to help my clients in their career transitions, job searches, and entrepreneurial ventures. I feel as though my knowledge and experience are really coming together to help me better serve my clients. Or maybe I’m just learning to unify both sides of my brain!

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Good self-care practices are truly necessary to help you be at your best in both your personal and professional lives. Taking time out to relax and do something that’s healing for you can recharge your body and reset your mind, cleansing them from built-up tension and anxiety and making room for new, healthier energy and ideas.

Here are six signs that your self-care has been put on the back burner:

• You’re reacting, not responding
• You’re skipping lunch
• You’re feeling unfocused
• You’re exhausted
• You’re impatient and easily frustrated
• Your entire body feels tight and stressed

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, maybe it’s time to give yourself a little T.L.S.C.—Tender Loving Self-Care!  The important thing is that you notice the signs before it’s too late, and you’re forced—by an illness, injury, or an all-out nervous breakdown—to take time out and recuperate.

So what is self-care, exactly?

Self-care is anything that allows you to take a break from your professional and personal responsibilities, and focus completely on yourself.  It’s about taking a step back from your routine, and asking yourself, “How are you?” 

Last week I took a couple days to focus on me.  I call it a mental vacation or a mini-vacation.  I spent some time in self-care. I took naps, meditated, and made a little time to recharge.  I felt totally grounded and centered, and ready to put my energy into my clients again.

Self-care is also a part of my daily routine here in Massachusetts. I regularly receive Reiki treatments and massages, and take time out to meditate. I used to have a hard time justifying the expense of self-care—but, like a nice suit for an executive or scissors for a hair stylist, self-care is a tool which is necessary for me to do my best work. 

Here are some ways in which you can begin your practice of self-care. Some are free, others are not, but all are great ways to reconnect with yourself and regain your footing in a crazy world.

         ·            Take time to meditate, or just breathe deeply

         ·            Listen to a guided visualization CD

         ·            Get a massage or Reiki treatment

         ·            See your chiropractor or acupuncturist

         ·            Take a nap

         ·            Play a round of golf

         ·            Take a yoga or Tai Chi class

         ·            Read a great book

         ·            Take a hot bath or Jacuzzi

         ·            Garden

If you’re convinced that your crazy schedule won’t allow time for self-care, “chunk it down!” You can definitely find five minutes over the course of a whole day: spend it breathing deeply, even if you do so while sitting in your car between one meeting and the next.  If you have fifteen minutes, sit with your eyes closed and listen to that meditation CD, or (if you’re into yoga) do a few half-sun salutations and standing poses that don’t require a mat.  If you have half an hour, take a nap, or read a chapter in your favorite novel.  And if you have a whole hour, book that massage you’ve been dying for.

Your mind and body are the most important tools you have to be successful. Just like any other tools, your mind and body need regular care and maintenance in order to perform at their peak. If you find yourself rebelling at the idea of taking time for you, imagine what would happen to your car if you never changed the oil, or how well your expensive kitchen knives would work if you never sharpened them.  Engaging in self-care is not being selfish—in fact, it’s the opposite. When you’re calm and balanced within yourself, you have more to give to others. 

Your Action Step this week is to engage in at least one self-care activity, for a minimum of thirty minutes.  You can split up those thirty minutes any way you like—five minutes a day over six days, or ten minutes over three days—but you should spend them in an activity that calms, centers, and grounds you. If you’re stuck, give me a call: I can help squeeze a self-care routine into even the tightest schedule.

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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? Please do, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Dawn Quesnel, CPCC, PCC, known as Coach DQ, is a professional coach, radio show host and workshop leader.  Through the use of her B.R.I.D.G.E. programs she helps creative professionals and business owners navigate career or business transition while maintaining a healthy career-life balance.  Her core belief that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, consistently leads clients to uncover hidden resources and strengths.  If you are ready to B.R.I.D.G.E. the gap between you and a life you love then visit www.CareerLifeBalance.net or http://www.coachdq.com today.