So having recently moved to a slightly different role where it is more about explaining rationale to a client or debating and resolving issues with them, there is a definite need for beeing more assertive in the approach to the ‘customer’.

I suppose in some ways I have found this very strange, as there are times when i listen to colleagues almost arguing with clients as they attempt to get their point across.

It leads me to ask the question; when does assertiveness become arrogance ??

Short term goals can be very much about attempting to achieve a task, gain new business or simply pass a probationary period.  These will all be crucial and when you sit back and look at them, what you will probably find is that short term goals actually contribute to long term goals.

It may be that your long term goal is to gain a promotion, or enough experience that will allow you to succeed in applying for what you see as a better job.

I would say what is really important about goal setting though is that you are realistic with the, whilst still challenging, as there is no point in setting goals that you will constantly fail at.

Jut have a good think next time you sit down and assess yourself, think about what you are actually planning for !!

If you spend a little time each day, planning the day out, be it in the form of jobs lists or use of a diary on Outlook, then you should find your day get easier.

By breaking the day up into sectors and knowing what you have to get done, then you will find that getting tasks complete is achievable and you will function better either individually or as part of a team.

But have you ever considered doing a SWOT analysis on yourself as a self improvement tool ?

By doing this it can allow you to identify what you are good at, but also areas that you need to improve on or may need extra guidance within the workplace.

I think its quite important that should feel confident to go and ask for help, should you ever feel you are in a position where you aren’t able to fulfill what is required of you at work.  It is better to aks for assistance than to end up in a situation that is worse.

We all have plans to improve aspects of our lives, be it weight loss, career, personal finance or relationships to name a few.  But how many times do you look back and see the same pattern of failure occurring ?

I have been reading various ‘management’ books that give different techniques that can be applied to both work and personal life.  The biggest one I have managed to use has been to change the way I think about things.  Too often we will approach different sorts of tasks with the same attitude and then wonder why we don’t achieve.  By assessing each task and employing a different method, then potentially we will lead ourselves to success.

Think about it next time you start something new !!

The idea of self improvement is for an individual to further develop a part of themselves that either they believe needs improving or they have been told needs improving. Since no-one can be perfect, one trying their best to improve themselves is the least of what can be done. The type of improvement is usually based on one’s norms and values, for example, an overweight person may believe a diet is a good way of self improvement. Secondly, an individual who smokes may believe quitting is a good way to change their health for the better, and by doing so, is self improving. Thirdly, an individual may feel the need for self improvement because of an event that occurred in their lives, for example, a near death-experience may cause an individual to look on their life and examine where they might have been wrong. Everyone at a time in their life will feel the need to improve. Calendars can be used to check up on the way the improvement is going.

Being upfront and honest with yourself and therefore others will relieve so much pressure and stress, not only on relationships but your own well-being. You will also find that others will respect you more and will be in-turn more honest with you once you really start to open up.

Don’t put things off or leave chores until later, act on the moment you will appreciate it in the end. Imagine a week of putting things on to the ‘tomorrow’ list, by the end of the week the list would be massive, your stress levels would be high and you would have no time for yourself. Develop your own ‘to do’ list and prioritise things you have to do, it will also act as a reminder so you don’t forget to call your brother or send those birthday cards!

Remember – Don’t put off until tomorrow what you could do today!