Welcome to MyPath

Fears and limiting beliefs play a big role in our ability to unplug from work.  Many of us fear being replaced if we take time off. If we don't respond immediately to each IM, text or phone call could we really lose our job? Could we be taken less seriously when it's time for raises, promotions, or plum assignments?

Possibly!  However, the bigger block from unplugging is likely to be YOU!

Last year as we spent a week in beautiful Turks & Caicos, there were a number of people who were poolside with their laptop, PDA, or smart phone and others who locked themselves away in their room to handle business. Sadly, some of these people had families with them who were vying for their time and attention and losing big time. The well deserved and needed break from the day-to-day responsibilities was instead being driven by a need to stay connected, to feel important and to be needed. Without establishing clear boundaries, technology makes it easy to stay in touch with anyone, anywhere. On the flip-side, the convenience of readily accessible technology can also make it difficult to get connected to the people you're closest to---your friends and family; it can interfere with self-care, renewal and rejuvenation.  With stress levels at a high, it's more important today to rest and relax because we are truly less effective when we don't take care of ourselves.

The reality is that in most cases, you don't have to be available 24/7.

Here are some keys to help you unplug either at the end of the day or while on a vacation:

• Set realistic expectations and appropriate boundaries.
• Communicate when you'll be out of the office.
• Prepare your co-workers to handle most things while you're away.
• Set-up out-of-office messages on your phone and in your email. Be sure to provide back-up contacts for urgent needs.
• Define true emergencies and inform co-workers not to call unless one of those emergencies arise.
• Establish a time frame each day (at the beginning or end of the day) or specific times every couple of days that you'll be available for phone calls or email check-in.
• Create a rule in your email program, if possible, for important email to forward to a specified folder.

Unplugging begins with your mindset and willingness. The tactics are less complicated than getting around your own fears and beliefs. There's too much on your plate but there doesn't have to continue to be an over-flowing plate while you're away from the office!

I have had the distinct pleasure of helping several unemployed groups of professionals by delivering one of my sought after workshops.  Although it's important to distinguish yourself when you're employed, it's even more important in this time of high unemployment rates to be sure you stand out from the crowd.

One of my clients was an IT Director suddenly laid off and afraid he wouldn't find another comparable position.  However, within 3 weeks he was gainfully employed in a similar position!  Not having much experience as a job seeker he wanted to get this off of his plate very quickly.  He turned to me, as his career coach and asked for my help and support.  We did all of the 'normal' things....updated his resume, talked to headhunters, had his resume reviewed and critiqued, networked with former colleagues and clients, practiced job interviewing, and researched potential employers and the job market. In the end, what really made him stand out in the pool of potential employees was the fact that he is a strong technical leader with the up-to-date skills to diagnose and fix problems.  Not only could he provide the leadership needed but he could do much of the work himself without hiring consultants and contractors or expanding the technical team.  He had an excellent track record and positioned himself based on what he knew the potential employer needed.  He marketed his personal brand!

Personal branding is about fully understanding your unique combination of qualities—your strengths, values and passions—and using these qualities to differentiate yourself and guide your career decisions. When you're well branded, packaged and positioned you attract people and opportunities that are exciting, fun and a great fit for your gifts and abilities!

Some of the benefits of creating your own brand include:

• understanding yourself better
• increasing your self-confidence
• building your visibility and presence
• differentiating yourself from the competition
• expanding your opportunities
• out-performing 'non-brands'

Your career success lies in producing the clarity and authentic presentation

that is the essence of a brand.

For expert help managing everything on your plate or distinguishing yourself in the marketplace, contact natalie@theprioritypro.com.