CONNECT THE DOTS

Have you looked back at your life and pondered the possibilities? 

Have you connected your dots or found the link to a better and more fulfilling life?

Growing up on the beautiful island of Barbados has been a great blessing in my life. I have had the opportunity to live a full life (the love of family and friends, the nurturing support as I went from a child, to an adolescent, and to an adult).

When I moved to the United States as a young adult, my life was filled with even more experiences -- successes, failures, even disappointments– all taking place in a big pond called New York City.  Here, I faced harsh realities only to meet them with courage; I was taken for granted by some, respected by others; lived impulsively at times, yet have learned to worked harder, steadier and smarter.

Ultimately I persevered. Today, I finally feel like I can connect the dots. What they ultimately project as a big picture…only God knows.

But today is not the end of a journey; I am not a finished project, but a work in progress, improving in quality at every moment. Despite the ups and downs, I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything else. They made me who I am.

So today I want to share a few things I have learned in life. These beliefs have allowed me to realize that we are “never alone” in this adventure called life, and that it’s up to us to create and shape our own future. These points may seem simple or obvious, but they are important, and they take time, patience, practice and passion to put into action.

·        Be yourself…STAY HUMBLE.

·        Have faith…BE STRONG.

·        Genuinely take an interest in others…LISTEN.

·        Help those in need…VOLUNTEER.

·        Build and foster relationships…NETWORK.

·        Be honest and let others know your intentions…SPEAK UP.

·        Knowledge is power…BE INFORMED.

·        Be open to learning and experiencing new things, people, cultures etc…STAY OPEN-MINDED.

·        Treat others as you would like to be treated. We’re all human beings and deserve to feel worthwhile…RESPECT OTHERS.

·        Share enough of yourself so others can understand you… SHARE.

      Live life to the fullest, within reason and know that you are blessed!

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CPC's 12 Personal and Professional Tips

As a young and rising professional I have experienced many things throughout my career journey. Some events I wish I knew back when I was getting started, however, with trial and error I came to appreciate the lessons learned. Certainly, it doesn't end here, but due to those experiences, today I am more confident, have become a better person, much more prepared and equipped to deal with the unexpected.

It is my privilege to share with you, "my pearls of wisdom".

I hope these tips are or would be beneficial, as you set out on your journey and continue to present your “best self”. This list is not exhaustive, so please feel free to share your own tips t0 enlighten others.

1. Be yourself

There is only one you. You’re unique and have a lot to offer. Find the time to get to know who you truly are; pursue your dreams; enjoy your passions; appreciate your values, strengths and areas of improvement.

2. Stay spiritually grounded, physically fit and eat healthy

Your ability to consistently focus on these areas will make a huge difference in your capacity to function at more effective and efficient levels and soar beyond your imagination in the long haul.

3. Be happy in all aspects of your life

Don’t let your job or people define you. Have fun, enjoy the journey, trust the process. Know that you are making a difference everyday in your internal and external environments and growing and learning from your experiences.

4. Seek out a career buddy, mentor, coach or sponsor

Find those people who are positive, courageous and willing to challenge and encourage you as you create and build on your dreams and goals.

5. Take initiative

Learn to work in the white spaces. Meaning, to seize those opportunities that others usually rejects. Get involve and actively participate in taskforces, committees, projects and assignments that will stretch your responsibilities and enhance your professional skill set.

6. Continuing education.

Ongoing learning, reading and training makes you stand out. The more knowledgeable you are, the more conversations you create, the more you share and add value to those around your personal and professional circles.

7. Add value

In your day to day activities, learn, analyze and apply as much as you can in order to contribute and create value inside and outside of your organization.

8. Network, network, network

Find the time to meet and learn about people. Quality connections are key to building lasting relationships, gathering/sharing information, increasing visibility and boosting your confidence.

9. Build a solid brand and reputation

You are the head sales person in your life. Selling and marketing yourself to everyone is done on a daily basis. We all have support systems, but no one can give you the success you need unless, you commit to working hard and leaving your mark.

10.  Help others

Get involve in your community. Volunteer, use your talent and time to support a person(s), an organization(s) and/or a cause(s). Remember that someone did it for you. Pay it forward!

11. Stay positive

There are times, you will be overwhelmed by the world in and around you. Find that outlet, your "woosah" to keep you grounded as you're faced with situations. Believe that things will get better.

12. Simply LIVE!!! 

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Career Aspirations

There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Does it wrestle with your heart when you know someone who has so much potential but just can't seem to catch a break? What about yourself? Are the stars aligning in your favor? If not, what are you doing about it?

It's not easy when you've made great effort, but things are taking their time. At times, doubts can also creep in. You begin to question yourself, the process, the barriers, and the decision-makers involved. It is true that sometimes hiring organizations can overlook passionate and ambitious individuals simply because they lack in a specific area. Sometimes such organizations should make an effort to give people a chance to prove themselves, that's what taking risks is all about. That's how we grow and transform as companies. But it is a lot easier to work on ourselves and make changes in ourselves, than to change companies and organizations.

So if you are someone in need of that chance, don't let the doubts hold you back. Get back into the game, make some changes, acquire new skills or experiences, and wait for the results.

• Know that you are a work in progress. 
• Be diligent, be prepared, get the support and guidance you need.
• Live with patience knowing that it will get better. 
• Stay positive and keep moving forward.
   

What are your suggestions to someone who is having a tough time overcoming a challenge(s)?