How To Set Successful Career Goals (With Examples)

Setting goals for yourself is important, especially when it comes to your career. To achieve the greatest success, you first have to ensure that your goals are realistic and achievable.

Read on for real life success stories and some easy-to-follow steps that could help you get on the fast track in your career.

What Are Your Goals?

To set attainable career goals, start by reflecting on the following:

In 5 years time, I want to be...

I want to be earning...

What skills will I need to do this?

Will I need to change my career to achieve this?

By asking yourself the simple questions above, you'll begin to get a clearer idea of what you want from your career and what you'll need to do to achieve it.

What Are Your Strengths And Skills?

Sarah's story...

Sarah was a receptionist at a shipping firm, but she wanted to be the executive assistant to the company CEO one day. Sarah knew that she had the key strengths required to be an EA, but she wasn't sure how to land her dream role.

She began helping the other EAs with some minor administrative tasks, but her extra work was going unnoticed.

Sarah decided to take action to make sure her work was no longer ignored and told her manager about her goal. She also asked if there were any in-house training programs she could take to improve her current skills.

The manager put Sarah into a training program, and in just three months she became the executive assistant to a director in the company. She's still got a little way to go to achieve her main aim, but she's taken the first steps to getting there.

The lesson...

Determine your key strengths and make a list. Your strengths don't necessarily need to be work related, just include all of your strong points. You never know which strengths will fit into which position.

Once you know your skills, you'll know what you're capable of achieving. Then take action to make the most of your strengths!

Changing Careers With Your Current Skills

Bill's story...

Bill had been an accounts manager for almost 7 years but he needed a change. He liked his company and got along well with his colleagues, but he wanted a more challenging role.

In reflection, Bill decided that he wanted to continue using his management skills and build upon them, but it was unlikely that this was going to happen at his current job, so he decided to change his career.

He now works as a sales manager for a much larger corporation. His new target-based role gives him the challenge he was looking for.

The lesson...

In order to successfully change careers to capitalize on your skill set, start by looking at your current role and think about what you'd most like to change. This will give you a great idea of what you don't want to do in your next job so you can find an opportunity more suited to your desires.

Obtaining New Skills To Go For Your Dreams

Jan's story...

Jan had no higher education and worked full-time in a clothing store. She had been working at the store since high school, but always wanted a career in fashion. She loved clothes, but just didn't want to sell them.

Jan knew that she had a very small chance of landing a job in the fashion industry with her current skills and experience, so she decided to retrain. She was able to keep her current job part-time, which now supports her fashion and design training.

The lesson...

When deciding on a new career, be realistic. For example, if you want to be a teacher, yet you have no teaching credentials, it's going to be tough to make that transition without further training. Think about what you want, but also determine what you must do to make it achievable.

These stories exemplify how you can successfully reach for your career goals, regardless of your current situation. The key is to decide what you really want and then take appropriate action to make it happen. When you do these things, success will be yours!

According to;

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The Old Carpenter

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire.

He told his employer- contractor of his plans to leave the house- building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended family.

He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor.

The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.

When the carpenter finished his work the employer came to inspect the house. He handed the front-door key to the carpenter.
This is your house, he said, my gift to you.

The carpenter was shocked! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own, he would have done it all so differently. We do the most of the things having such thoughts in our mind.

But we only realize when it comes back to us. So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the building.

Then with a shock we realize we have to live in the house that we have built. If we could do it over, we'd do it much differently.

But we cannot go back. You are the carpenter. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall.

Life is a do-it-yourself project, someone has said. Your attitudes and the choices you make today, build the house you live in tomorrow. Build wisely!

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Fighting BAD Foot Odour

More than half of men (and their wives and lady friends) complain about foot odor.

Yes, some people have difficulty with fungus or bacteria production, but usually, people just don't wash them well enough, reasoning that "I'm standing in the shower, with soapy water running over my feet, that's good enough." Clearly not.

With all the nooks and crannies, you simply don't get rid of odor-causing bacteria - and that is what causes odor. You brush your teeth every day wash your feet.
Most of you don't need special deodorizers or powders. Here are a few simple steps.

Instructions :
Step 1 - First, scrub'em in the shower, tops and bottoms, with a bath brush preferably, a washcloth at least. You can try a deodorant soap, but the trick is to get rid of the odor-causing bacteria.

Step 2 - Spend time on each foot, getting in between toes, hitting every surface. The rule of thumb for washing bacteria off hands is to wash for 30 seconds, or two verses of "Happy Birthday." Use three verses for your feet.

Step 3 - Wear cotton, silk or wool socks, as much as possible. Synthetics don't breathe, and promote moisture and bacteria.

Step 4 - Put a dash of baby powder, or talcum, or maybe Gold Bond powder in your shoes when you take them off. The powder absorbs the moisture from the day's wear, and from your feet the next time you wear them.

Step 5 - Lastly, if you still get odor use a simple spray deodorant. Spray deodorant works by inhibiting bacteria growth in your armpits, it will do the same for your feet. The specialized foot deodorants aren't usually necessary.
You'll be surprised and delighted how well this works.

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Preventing Dark Circles

Dark circles are usually cosmetic blemishes around the eyes, especially on and under the lower eyelid.

This condition is common in both men and women.

Below are some prevention & remedies :

* Soak cotton in cucumber or potato juice and keep it on the eyes for 5 minutes and relax.or you can even apply the juice with cotton around the eyes .

If done regularly, this home remedy for dark circles is very effective

* Apply almond oil around the eyes before going to bed or in the morning.

* Mix a pinch of turmeric powder with a little pineapple juice and apply it on the dark circles.
* Steep chamomile tea bag in boiling water, cool it ,chill it and apply it to puffy eyes.

* Try to reduce your salt intake in your diet to get rid of puffy eyes.

* Drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday.

* Apply tomato juice mixed with a few drops of lemon juice .Curd can also be used with tomato juice instead of lemon juice. This natural remedy for dark circles is very effective if followed regularly.

* Mix raw potato juice with tomato pulp and apply to the dark circles. Do it regularly. This is an excellent home remedy for dark circles. Do not wash potato after peeling the skin.

* Keep a chilled tea bag (herbal) on the eyes for 10 minutes and relax. This gets rid of puffy eyes. Apply a cold compress to your eyes for 3-5 minutes to reduce puffiness under the eyes.

* Soak 3-4 almonds overnight. In the morning peel its skin and and grind it to a smooth paste with a little milk. Apply this paste to the dark circles and leave it till it dries. Wash it off with warm water .This is an effective home remedy for dark circles

* You can do Surya namaskar (yogic exercise) everyday. When time permits look at the green plants and trees to refresh your eyes. You can do simple eye exercise to strengthen the eye muscles and relax them.

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7 Ways To Make A Good Impression

Impressions are important:

They leave an initial taste in people's mouths that can remain prevalent for the entire relationship.

If you are paranoid about what kind of impression you make, run through these seven list items and see if you are consistent with them; if you are, then you will probably expose the best of yourself.

If not, then work to meet these standards.

1. Dress: The absolute first impression you will make on someone will be through your clothing, because that is what is seen from a distance, and cannot change throughout your meeting. Make sure to dress according to the situation-don' t over or under dress-and maintain within the limits of good taste. If you aren't sure if what you're wearing looks good, ask people for an honest opinion. One last thought: always, and I mean always, pull up your pants

2. Hygiene: Take a shower! Shave! Brush your teeth! You must be fully bathed and groomed before you meet with someone for the first time, because scruffy looking people generally don't seem as neat and mature. Pay attention to the little elements like breath: keep a pack of mint gum with you wherever you go, and periodically check to make sure you aren't killing bugs every time you breathe out. If you sweat heavily, keep a small stick of deodorant/anti- perspirant close, and if you notice you're stinking you can freshen up. People notice the minutiae!

3. Manners: At the table and with other people be civilized, polite and respectful: keep your elbows off of the table, open doors for people and address everyone-initially, at least-by their formal title. This will make an especially good impression on senior citizens, because you will prove that you aren't one of those "new fangled punks."

4. Speech: Have clean, clear diction and speak sans "like" or "you know." It is important to be articulate because that inspires a feeling of intelligence and education in the person you are meeting with. Always leave out profanity, and whatever you do, make sure to speak loud enough for all to hear, because conversationalists are easily agitated if you force them say "excuse me?" more than a few times.

5. Discretion: Choose what to share about yourself: forget to tell everyone about that time you went camping and ruptured your appendix, then fell face first into a pile of bug infested leaves-it is rude and will alienate you from the group. Try to withhold from conversations on personal subjects like religion or more disgusting topics like personal medical care. Before you speak, think about the possible impact of what you might say, then imagine its implications in the long run.

6. Humor: Humor can be your most powerful tool or your doom, because everyone has a slightly different sense of humor. What might be hilarious to you might seem disgusting to another, or vice versa. Try to withhold from any jokes that aren't family or dinner table friendly; you can tell those later.

7. Start and End with a Bang: Whoever you are meeting with will remember how you greet them, and then in what manner you left them. If you feel you have trouble with this, practice a few different phrases in the mirror, and introduce elements like: "pleased to meet you," or "honored to make your acquaintance. " Ignore the antiquity of these phrases; it often makes them more memorable.

Making a good impression will set any relationship off on a good foot. If you are in a situation where you need to be judged at face value-such as a job interview or date-then make sure to go through this list and make sure you are within bounds of reason and good taste on all of your decisions.

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Falling Hair ??

Does your hair fall a lot? Don't worry, you're not alone.

Millions of people all around the world suffer from dry, brittle and weak hair.

Some of the possible reasons for falling hair are:
* Tension * Too much work * Illness * Poor diet * Over-exposure to the sun

* Perming * Amateur bleaching * Too frequent and inexpert use of tints, rinses or other colourants

Here is what you can do to prevent hair fall :
* Shampoo regularly. Remember, a CLEAN scalp is a HEALTHY SCALP.
* A high protein diet with plenty of fruits, green vegetables and dairy products is a must.
* Drink 10-12 glass of water everyday.
* Use a very mild shampoo and condition your hair at least twice a week. When you do, make sure you rinse out the conditioner thoroughly, otherwise residue build-up will cause your hair to look limp and dull.
* Know your vitamins! IRON is important for healthy hair and brittle, limp hair indicates an iron deficiency. Spinach has a good iron content, so gulp it down!
* ZINC helps prevent hair loss and graying. Eat adequate zinc rich foods. Overweight people tend to have zinc deficiency, which is inversely related to the body mass index. Thus if you are overweight and if your hair falls too much, you may want to increase your intake of zinc containing foods. Recipes containing stone ground, wholegrain flour are rich in zinc.
* A shortfall in VITAMIN B may cause dandruff, falling hair, loss of colour and could encourage grey hair. So B group Vitamins are essential for gloss, colour and thickness.
* VITAMIN C ensures the health of capillaries supplying blood to hair follicles. Make sure your diet includes plenty of fresh fruits and veggies.
* VITAMIN E encourages hair growth. Switch from refined flours to whole meal and wheat germ, eggs, vegetable oil.
* COPPER stops hair from falling. Studies show that the copper content in the blood serum of people with falling hair is less than normal. Different types of alopecia (falling hair) are seen to have a deficiency of this important trace element. Include small quantities of nuts, especially cashews and peanuts, seeds, whole milk and beans in your diet as these contain minute but important amounts of copper.

Homemade remedies for preventing hair fall:
1. Apply almond oil on scalp and massage.

2. Grind fenugreek seeds in water and apply on your scalp. Wash off after 40 minutes. Do this every morning for a month.

3. Massage warm castor oil + almond oil into your scalp gently. Wrap a hot towel around your scalp so it gets absorbed into the hair. Do this twice a week for healthy, shiny hair.

4. Add 2-3 drops of honey to a glass of water and use this as the last rinse after shampooing.

Quick Hair Care Conditioner:
Mix 1 egg, 2 tbs castor oil, 1 tsp vinegar and 1 tsp glycerin. Beat until frothy and massage lightly into your scalp. Wrap your head in a hot towel, steam, then wash off. This conditioner makes hair thicker, shiny, soft and manageable.

Honey Conditioner:
Beat 1-2 eggs (depending on the length of the hair), 1 tsp honey and 2 tsp olive oil. Massage gently into the scalp. Steam, and shampoo after an hour.

Alcohol Conditioner:
Beat 1-2 eggs with 2 tsp brandy. Massage into your scalp. Leave for 10-15 mins. Rinse well. The egg nourishes your hair and brandy stimulates hair growth.
Your hair is a vital beauty asset, requiring constant loving care. And with a little nurturing, lush, glossy hair will be yours.

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Home Remedy for Blackheads

Blackheads Information :
Blackhead is nothing, but a black bump or plug on the skin surface. A type of acne vulgaris, it is usually caused by the accumulation of excess oils in the sebaceous gland's duct. When the skin oils combine with the toxins released from the body, the pores get clogged. This results in blackheads, pimples, and the like. Medically termed 'open comedo', blackheads usually affect people with oily skin. There are many conditions that may cause, even worsen, blackheads.

Causes For Blackheads:
Improper skin care, Oily and combination skin, Blockage of pores, Hardened sebaceous secretion, Use of excessive oil or makeup, Hormonal changes, Allergic reactions, Stress, Failures in the immune system, Chronic tonsillitis, Infection in another portion of the body, Taking certain medications, Eating wrong foods, Overcooling the skin, Use of chemical antibiotics, Menstrual cycle, Excessive smoking, Depression, Too much consumption of chocolates, alcohol or caffeine, Using oil-based creams, Too much humidity.

Symptoms Of Blackheads:

Black spots on the forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, breasts and back Pustules, Swelling on and around the skin eruptions, Scarring of the skin, Redness on and around the exanthemas, Swollen and infected nodules, Enlargement of pores, Makeup doesn't stay, Flaky skin, Occurrence of acne scars & Coarse and moldy skin.

'Blackheads' is the name given to blackish bumps or plugs on the skin. They are nothing, but blocked pores that are filled with oil deposits and dead skin cells. A part of skin disease called acne; they usually appear on the face, back, chest and other parts of the body that have sebaceous glands. Blackheads are higher in number when compared pimples or zits. They thrive in oily skin and get worsened when the latter is exposed to pollution. You need to maintain proper hygiene to get cured of blackheads. While there are many skin treatments, like laser therapy, which you can follow to get cured of blackheads, it is advisable to stick to natural ways. Check out some home remedies for getting rid of blackheads.

Home Remedy For Blackheads:

An effective home remedy for blackheads would be to combine hot water, Epsom salt and iodine.

Put 1 tsp Epsom salt and 4 drops iodine in 1/4 cup hot water. When the solution cools down, apply it on the affected area, with a cotton ball. After it dries, remove it with a clean cloth.

Make a paste of fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves, with water. Apply the paste on the affected area for about 10 to 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

Use this remedy regularly for favorable results.

For removing blackheads, taking steam would be beneficial, as steam opens the blocked pores. After taking steam, rub the affected region with a towel for 1-2 minutes.

Thereafter, splash it with cold water, closing all the open pores.

Another effective home remedy for blackhead removal comprises of a face wash, made of lime juice and milk. Add 1 tbsp fresh lime juice to a glass of boiled milk. Use this as a face wash regularly.

Make a paste of ground radish seeds, along with water. Apply the paste on the affected area and rinse it off with water, when it dries.

Yet another effective home remedy would be to make a paste of 5 gm red sandalwood and 5 gm turmeric, along with some milk. Apply this paste on the affected area and rinse off, after it dries.

Mix almond powder with some rose water, to form a paste. Apply this paste on the affected area and keep it on till it dries. Thereafter, wash it off with warm water.

Mix salt, lemon and honey, in equal quantities, and make a scrub. Yogurt can also be added to the mixture. Massage the affected area with this scrub for about 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse off and pat dry.

Application of warm honey on the affected area, as a pack, would be beneficial. After the honey dries, wash the face with water.

Combine equal amounts of groundnut oil and fresh lime juice. Apply this on the affected area and keep on for about 10 to 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

Egg white can also be used as a home remedy for blackheads. Beat the white portion of the egg and apply on the affected area. Wash off with water. While wiping the area, scrub it lightly with the towel.

Mix 3 tablespoons of honey and 1 tsp of cinnamon powder in a bowl. Apply this on the affected area and leave overnight. Wash off the next morning, with lukewarm water.

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5 Foods for Healthier Skin

You can invest half your paycheck in serums and creams - even splurge on dermal fillers and pricey facials - but none of it will get you far without a skin-friendly diet.

Of course, your skin (and the rest of you, for that matter) is best served by a well-rounded diet, including healthy fats, sufficient protein, and lots of fruits and vegetables.

But there are a few nutritional standouts that make particularly important contributions to strong, glowing skin:

1. Fish:

Fatty fish like salmon, tilapia, and cod are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. And that's a good thing, because our bodies cannot produce those essential lipids naturally. By adding omega-3s to your diet, though, you can bolster your skin barrier - that is, the layer of lipids that holds onto moisture and keeps irritants out.
There is even evidence that the skin-strengthening effects of omega-3s can improve chronic skin conditions like rosacea and atopic dermatitis, but more research is necessary to confirm that link.
Furthermore, many types of fish (like, once again, salmon and cod) are rich in vitamin D - as dermatologists increasingly emphasize sun avoidance, we also need to emphasize the importance of finding other sources of this vitamin, which is produced during sun exposure.
Don't eat fish? Many eggs are now fortified with omega-3 fatty acids, and plant sources include flax seed and flax seed oil, walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts. And a daily vitamin D supplement is a good idea for vegans and meat-eaters alike.

2. Green Tea:

It's inexpensive, easy to add to your routine, and one of the best-researched and most powerful antioxidants around. That's why green tea is my go-to antioxidant: I drink at least three cups a day to fight aging and inflammation. Some studies even suggest that the antioxidants in green tea reduce one's risk of skin cancer. So put down that soda and start drinking your way to healthier skin!

3. Broccoli:

Rich in vitamins A, C, and K (among many other nutrients), this veggie does more than its fair share of nutritional work. Vitamin A decreases oil production, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, and vitamin K can help prevent bruises. So whatever ails you, this green wonderfood might be just what the doctor ordered.

4. Safflower or Sunflower Oil:

Omega-3s get a lot more talk, but omega-6 fatty acids - like the linoleic acid in these two oils - are also important for healthy skin. Like omega-3s, they help prevent dry skin and inflammation; they're also essential for the formation of prostaglandins, hormones that keep all the cells of the body functioning well.
While many diets are actually quite high in omega-6s - sometimes even too high - the key is to get the good ones and not unhealthy versions, like hydrogenated oils. So try sautéing your salmon or broccoli in a little safflower or sunflower oil and double those skin-soothing benefits!

5. Almonds:

When it comes to boosting skin's defenses against aging, inflammation, and even skin cancer, antioxidants are so important that I'm going to add another to my list: A handful of almonds every day boosts your levels of vitamin E, one of the most important antioxidants for skin health. Studies also suggest that consuming vitamin E orally can increase the levels of this moisturizing vitamin on your skin's surface - great news for anyone prone to dry skin.

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Seven Thoughts that are Bad for You

Our personalities do more for us than determine our social circles. They can impact a person's overall health.

"The idea that behavior or personality traits can influence health is one that's been around for a long time.

We're just now getting a handle on to what extent they do," said Stephen Boyle of Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina.

Whether you are a live for the moment kind of person or the completely frazzled ones, your state of mind is linked to physical health. However not every trait is harmful. Some might even boost lifetimes.

1.) Cynicism
Cynics who tend to be suspicious and mistrustful of others, a character trait that scientists refer to as hostility, may have an increased likelihood of developing heart disease. "These aren't necessarily hot-headed people, but people who are more likely to read into people's behavior as some hostile motive," Stephen Boyle said.
Hostile individuals might experience more stress, which can cause various diseases, including diabetes and heart disease.

2.) Lack of purpose
If you lack a sense of purpose, your lifespan could be shortened. A study involving more than 1,200 elderly participants found that those who indicated having a high purpose in life were about half as likely to die sooner.
"Persons with high purpose readily derive meaning from and make sense of the events of their lives, and likely engage in behaviors and activities that they deem important," said study researcher Patricia Boyle.
Research has suggested that people with a higher sense of purpose may have different levels of stress hormones, better heart health or improved immune systems, though more study needs to be done to confirm it.

3.) Fretting
People who are highly neurotic - constantly worried and anxious, prone to depression - die sooner on average than their more relaxed peers. And a recently reported study of nearly 1,800 men suggests that's partly because neurotics are also more likely to smoke.
Perhaps having a cigarette eases anxiety, said study researcher Daniel Mroczek adding that such a short-term payoff might not be worth it if it kills you down the line.

4.) Lack of Self-control
Late for appointments? Unorganized desk? No self-control? These seemingly benign qualities could take a toll on your health. According to a study, people who are more conscientious - organized and disciplined, as opposed to those impulsive - live two to four years longer than others.
According to study researcher Howard S. Friedman, the boost in lifetime can be attributed partly to the fact that highly conscientious individuals are less likely to smoke or drink to excess, and live more stable and less stressful lives.

5.) Anxiety
The jitters can put a strain on you're your overall health, research reveals. Compared to those who get more stressed, individuals with a mellow demeanor who are outgoing may be less likely to develop dementia, which can be caused by Alzheimer's disease and other illnesses.
The claim is based on a study which observed that among extroverts, dementia risk was 50 percent lower for participants who were calm compared with those who were prone to distress.

6.) Gloom doom
The gloomy, inhibited person is not just at a disadvantage socially, but also physically. A study showed that people with who held back their feeling were more likely to experience negative emotions and had chances of dying sooner. Researchers in their report also said that negative feelings also lowers an individuals immunity power.

7.) Stress
Research shows that prolonged stress can be deadly, and if it doesn't do you in, workplace stress can increase your chances of heart disease, flu virus, metabolic syndrome and having high blood pressure. People who are more prone to stress are likely to develop type 2 diabetes too.
Apparently, work related stress affects us more. So, keep it at bay!

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