Career Bliss

Gold Medals Don't Buy Happiness

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Hansen) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 22:21:00 +0000

Gold Medals Don’t Buy Happiness

Mark Twain said, “The secret of success is to make your vocation your vacation.” With four out of five people “unhappy” in their current jobs, our society doesn’t have enough vacationers.

What is success? Many people define success simply as winning. During the London Olympics, so much pressure was placed on winning; not just winning, but winning a gold medal; not just winning one, but multiple gold medals. With only one gold medal awarded per event, is every other participant who didn’t win gold unsuccessful? I’m all for being the best you can, but if you feel unsuccessful because you only won a silver or bronze medal (or none at all), sheesh! Did you notice there were plenty of them at the games?

Beyond the Olympics, why are 80 percent lacking happiness in their jobs? I believe the pressure to succeed (i.e. win) causes negative results. Many people see success as something on the horizon. In my business as life coach and executive recruiter, I speak to countless people who are stuck on this treadmill of have, do, be: If only I had one million dollars, then I could do what I really wanted; then I’d be happy. These people wander through life unhappy, then are surprised when they get that involuntary “early retirement.”

The true pathway to success is be, do, have. All you have to do is simply be happy, then you’ll be drawn to doing work that feels like a vacation; then you’ll have more than just financial reward; you’ll find success in all facets of life. In my book, “The Bliss List—the Ultimate Guide to Living the Dream at Work and Beyond,” (www.YourBlissList.com) success is defined as meaningful happiness. The good news is that meaningful happiness is easy to obtain—it’s a state of mind, a choice. And it doesn’t cost anything.

Thomas Jefferson, in the “Declaration of Independence,” wrote about our inalienable rights of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” That phrase has different meaning today. Pursuit today is akin to the word “try.” Hey, I’m moving this weekend, can you help me? I’ll try…Pursuit in 1776 meant practice. Quite a different meaning. Jefferson figured it out and I wish our schools would add a footnote.

Sheryl Crow nailed it in her song Soak Up the Sun: “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you’ve got.” Be, do, have starts with gratitude—being grateful for what you’ve got. Gratitude is an ideal starting point to obtaining success. Beyond gratitude, provide value. Provide double the value for your goods and/or services and success will follow. The more you give—without expecting anything in return—the more you will receive.

If it sounds easy, it is. The best things in life are free and choosing happiness is at the top of the list. Be leery of obstacles—four letter words—can’t, don’t, won’t, and fear. There is no true reason you cannot find happiness—it’s your inalienable right! There can only be one successful gold medal winner, but there is no limit to success.

Declaration of Happiness!

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Hansen) — Fri, 28 May 2010 17:09:00 +0000

Why have we strayed so far from Thomas Jefferson’s bestselling essay (aka The Declaration of Independence), proclaiming our “inalienable right” of the “pursuit of happiness,” and made it feel so alien?

With 4 out of 5 people “unhappy” in their current jobs—an epidemic I call “The Whine Flu”—how about a return to a Declaration of Happiness?

Find out how: www.YourBlissList.com

Students Looking for Summer Jobs

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Hansen) — Fri, 14 May 2010 22:16:00 +0000

Fox TV - Denver interviewed me about students looking for summer jobs (linked on www.YourBlissList.com under "Press Room"). I offered the following tips:

Dress professionally and always apply in person.
Bring a resume and a brag book (letters of recommendation, awards, etc.)
Be enthusiastic!
Be flexible on hours, including holidays.
Consider an internship with a company you would like to work for after graduating-even if it is unpaid.

The job market has been in an upcycle for the past four months. There are plenty of jobs available. Don't limit yourself to "Help Wanted" signs. Apply in person with enthusiasm and think big!

The 3 P's of a Winning Interview

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Hansen) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:13:00 +0000

In today's job market, the person who "wins" the job offer isn't always the best candidate on paper. To win, you have to demonstrate the 3 P's of a winning interview:

Prepare
Practice
Persuade

Prepare: find out as much information about the company, hiring manager, reason for the opening, needs of the position, key skills and attributes required.

Practice: become Lance Armstrong. Think back to when you first tried to ride a bike-you probably fell (I rode into a fire hydrant...and the hydrant won). After several tries, finally you were able to ride the bike. In today's tight job market, you have to ride like Lance. Practice with interview Q&A in "The Bliss List" at www.YourBlissList.com.

Persuade: put yourself in the hiring manager's shoes and sell your sock off! Always ask for the order (job offer) before leaving.

People who practice the 3 P's are winning job offers today! Practice makes perfect.

A Case of the Yeah, Buts...

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Hansen) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:15:00 +0000

I've done eight interviews during the past nine business days with the #1 rated Radio shows in key markets across the country. I've noticed a recurring theme: the hosts all have a case of the "Yeah, buts..."

What is a "Yeah, but?" It's when a guest like me suggests optimism onto the airwaves, and, as if on autoreply, the host automatically responds, "Yeah, but..."

With the mainstream media infecting us with negative news 95% of the time, having an optimistic message like the Business Roundtable CEO Report revealing that 73% of the CEO's see sales increasing this year or Business Week reporting about a dramatic economic recovery that will resemble a "V-Shape," the media can only retort, "Yeah, but..."

Well, to all the doom-mongers who would rather wallow in fear (remember Y2K?), you're running out of steam. I have only one thing to say: "YEAH!"

The Number That Matters

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Hansen) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:34:00 +0000

During the past week, I've been doing extensive radio interviews around the U.S., speaking on the positive news in the job market. That's right, I said it: positive news! That's become an oxymoron.

After speaking as the "jobs expert" with very influential and successful talk show hosts around the country, I've noticed a recurring theme (after 5 interviews): the media cannot process or convey positive news. Despite numerous positive signs of an uptick in the job market, the media cannot accept the glass as half-full.

Part of the problem is the paradigm that negative news sells. Almost all of the positive news was met with yeah but...yeah but don't you think its an aberration? NO I DON'T!

Why do we focus on the unemployment number? Shouldn't we focus on the over 90% of the U.S. who are employed full-time? Isn't this the number that matters?

www.YourBlissList.com for podcast recordings of some of the interviews.

A Cure For Tiger Woods

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Hansen) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:54:00 +0000

Everyone is talking about Tiger Woods' "problems" lately, but nobody has accurately grasped the essense of his woes. And, it has nothing to do with his putter (pardon the pun!).

Tiger had a Michael Jackson-esque childhood with a father determined to constantly force golfing greatness on his son. Not many 3 year-olds get on The Tonight Show putting golf balls for the host. Eldrick (that's right, Tiger's real name is Eldrick) grew up as the classic nerd you'd expect with that name. He couldn't buy a date - even in college. Then overnight, Eldrick became super-hero Tiger and was cast onto the world stage. He performed admirably on the golf course but failed to achieve The Six Spokes of Bliss (www.YourBlissList.com).

Tiger carried Eldrick's insecurities into adult life. Any negative emotion that is suppressed festers and repeatedly rears its ugly head until handled properly, especially insecurity.

To achieve greatness beyond the golf course, he needs to go six for six on his Bliss Spokes. Physically, financially, and intellectually, he's fine, but his relational, spiritual, and emotional spokes are broken right now. If his "sex addiction therapy" includes work on these missing components, superb; if not, so much talent will ultimately go to waste.

Job Market Optimism!

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Hansen) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:42:00 +0000

According to Business Roundtable, CEO's expect to increase jobs for the first time in over two years! Plus, nearly 75% of the CEO's forcast sales growth over the next half of 2010. The U.S. has been adding 54,000 jobs per month for the last 3 months (compared to a year ago, when the U.S. was losing 753,000 jobs per month!)

Now's the time to prepare for your dream job (or to land that job if you're unemployed). You will need a killer resume, a networking strategy, an understanding of the inner workings of a recruiting firm and how to leverage their help, preparation in handling any interview question; most importantly, you need to develop a winner's attitude: set a goal with enthusiastic confidence.

"The Bliss List, the Ultimate Guide to Living the Dream at Work and Beyond!" will help: http://www.yourblisslist.com

The Happiest Place on Earth

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Hansen) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:03:00 +0000

Disney World claims to be "the happiest place on earth," but the real area for human bliss comes from a seemingly dreary, cold, mediocre country. (Hint: it's not the U.S. which ranks an unimpressive #23).

It's also not a tropical paradise with palm trees and beautiful beaches. (Fiji ranks more than 50 spots below Iceland in worldwide happiness rankings).

The happiest place taxes its people at between 50 - 70% of income. Ironically, this perceived negative is the source of their happiness. Give up? Read on.

Denmark ranks #1. Even with higher taxes: the Danes have a thing called "Jante-lov," which basically means, "You're no better than anyone else." Since an accountant can end up taking home as much money as a garbage collector, people don't choose careers based on income or status.

See everyone as one and don't worry, be happy (or "hygge" in Danish). 92% of Danes say they regularly sing, dance, socialize, even deliberately laugh with fellow Danes, regardless of status. It's not about the stuff, it's about the trust in their fellow man; seeing each other as truly equal, and reveling in relationships, spells bliss.

Bliss is not about money, power, or status. You don't need to move to Denmark to find bliss either. Don't worry, be hygge!

Is it Normal to be Natural?

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Hansen) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 16:59:00 +0000

Many people confuse "normal" with "natural." The two words may seem similar, but are diametrically opposed.

Normal means following your mind; natural means following your instinct. It may seem normal to criticize someone, but it is not natural. Arguing may seem normal if your position seems right in your mind; afterwards, though, you realize that it no longer rings "true" inside. This is the essence of normal versus natural. Your true "nature" is bliss, joy, and love. Trying to act normal while bypassing your natural instinct is a counterfeit illusion.

Natural requires no effort. Follow your inner bliss (natural self) and your actions will follow along for the ride of your life!

Why is it important to be happy?

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Hansen) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:12:00 +0000

This morning, a very astute national news reporter posed the question, "Why is it important to be happy in your work?" Actually asking that question is compelling. A better question: "Why are you unhappy in your work and life?" More, importantly, "Who controls your happiness?"

4 out of 5 people are "unhappy" in their work, so the question is certainly relevant. The unemployment rate is currently hovering around 10% nationally; yet, even though 90% (of the working age) U.S. population are employed, the perception is that unemployment affects the majority. Why?

"The Bliss List" www.YourBlissList.com offers insight into the cause of this dilemma, but, more importantly, offers solutions. What's holding you from your happiness and when is a good time to change?

Six Spokes of Bliss

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Hansen) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:23:00 +0000

The Six Spokes of Bliss:

Spiritual
Relational
Emotional
Intellectual
Physical
Financial

Learn how you can prosper and go six-for-six in 2010: www.YourBlissList.com for your copies of The Bliss List and The Bliss List Journal.

Cure for The Whine Flu

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Hansen) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:27:00 +0000

Four out of five people are "unhappy" in their current jobs. This is an epidemic! And, the primary cause? Not money, though money can be a factor.

It's lack of appreciation, or The Whine Flu--and I have the cure: The Bliss List and Your Bliss List Journal. Order your autographed copies today at www.YourBlissList.com

The Best Dope!

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Hansen) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:49:00 +0000

The Best Dope!

Did this get your attention?

Know what the best dope is? Hint: it’s free, builds up your energy, and really makes you feel good, and the more you use, the better it is for you…and, it’s totally legal—and safe! Give up? It’s dopamine (and serotonin). Huh? They are natural drugs (chemicals) that are produced by you!

Gender plays a role in the production and the need for dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine is needed for men and serotonin is necessary for women. The emotional center in the brain, for example, in women is twice as big as it is in men. And when the emotional center gets stimulated, eight times more blood flows to the limbic system. Serotonin gets produced to relax it. So, by the end of the day, women tend to have deficiencies in serotonin. And for men, they tend to have low dopamine levels. Since dopamine gives men energy, by the end of the day, they often feel as if they have no energy. Once you understand the brain chemistry, you understand that when dopamine levels dissipate, activity in the prefrontal cortex of the brain - the front part of the brain, actually lessens - and it happens to men and not women. Low serotonin symptoms include feeling overwhelmed, having food cravings, or feelings of depression, which women are more prone to experience than men, because they're more vulnerable to low serotonin levels. Symptoms of low dopamine are simply low energy, and inability to focus or listen. So wives, there actually is a medical explanation for why your man doesn’t seem to be listening to you when he gets home from work.

Ever feel this way? Everyone has. But, you don’t have to - any more. How can you produce dopamine and serotonin? It’s easy: Exercise! And proper nutrition. So, the advice of eat right and exercise is accurate.

The best time to exercise is first thing in the morning—on an empty stomach. When you exercise right after awakening, you burn pure fat that was stored in your body—and build natural healthy chemicals. So, instead of thinking about trying to rebuild it at the end of the day – when it is too late, you want to build your supplies in the first part of the morning. It's the first two hours of the day that you create your supply of dopamine and serotonin. Exercising when you first wake up is the most important thing you can do to produce more serotonin and dopamine—and more energy. It is also the best cure for depression (not a bunch of drugs!) and will boost your energy during the day.

What kind of exercise? Very moderate lymph stimulating exercises are all that’s needed: a brisk walk for one half-hour, and a nutritious supplement at breakfast will produce your serotonin for the day. For nutrition, what you need is mineral/enzyme supplementation, the right balance of a complete protein in the morning, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Health Food Stores sell the supplements you need and you can make it into a delicious shake – a brain shake. John Gray wrote a great book titled, Mars and Venus Diet and Exercise Solution, about the subject and gives some exercise examples that everyone can do—and they don’t require much time.

I often hear people say, unless I have a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, I have no energy. Have you ever said this? And, I’ve also heard people say, I don’t (4 letter word!) have time to exercise. Nonsense! Exercise actually gives you MORE TIME, by building up your energy. We are all comprised of energy; what sounds better to you: taking drugs (caffeine) to give you energy or creating it naturally with the two best drugs: dopamine and serotonin? If you don’t think caffeine is a drug, try to cease using any drinks or foods which contain caffeine (coffee, soda, chocolate, energy drinks). I’ll make a prediction: your head will pound like a drummers’ convention.

Runners often say they get a “natural high” right after running but can’t really explain why. Now you know why. Start each day with one-half hour of exercise and put your physical (and mental/emotional) state in position to maximize your waking time. You cannot attract your bliss without energy. And, dopamine (and serotonin) is the best dope!

(From the deleted chapters section of The Bliss List. Order your copy today at www.YourBlissList.com)

What are Your 3 Greatest Strengths and 3 Greatest Weaknesses?

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Hansen) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:06:00 +0000

This is a very common interview question. The first part is a slam dunk; the second is a potential landmine unless you are careful. For strengths, keep in mind that every company needs people who can do three things well: (1) earn revenue, (2) save money, and (3) save time. Plug this in, interspersed with some business traits and make the interviewer smile.

For weaknesses, don’t ingest truth serum and tell of your paranoid fantasy to kill your current boss. Avoid admitting to character flaws like the plague. I prefer a “weakness” to be skill-related and past tense: “I wasn’t astute with PowerPoint when I first started, but I read a great book, practiced, and became very proficient; now I train others in PowerPoint presentations.”

You are admitting to something that everyone had trouble with at first. You are not born with computer software skills, so this is not a damaging answer; furthermore, you can show that you are a quick study, able to learn it and then teach it. Any time you can demonstrate how you overcame a weakness, all the better.

Another good “weakness” example is to give a general answer in which you can plug perceived strengths: “I am passionate about my work and always give each task my all. So, when sometimes I see others loafing, I can get frustrated. I have improved by always trying to demonstrate a positive attitude and hope it will catch on,” or “I set lofty goals for myself and am sometimes too demanding of myself.”

Again, you have another chance to mention that you are a goal-setter who raises the bar very high. Not a bad weakness. The trick with discussing your weaknesses is to avoid the landmine answer. Turn your weakness into an actual strength with a throw-away, past-tense skill that you have now learned.

(Excerpted from The Bliss List. Order your copy today at: http://www.yourblisslist.com/)

If You Could Be An Animal, Which One Would You Be?

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Hansen) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:28:00 +0000

I was asked this as the follow up to the color question. My instinct told me to avoid saying panther and polar bear—no benefit in messing up my previous answer with the black and white thing. Also, shark, snake, and turtle were landmine replies.

I answered, “Jaguar.” She looked intrigued, smiled, and asked, “Why?”

I replied, “The jaguar is very versatile—able to patiently wait for its prey for hours on end if needed and can pounce with lightning speed and grace. Plus, it’s a cool car!”

She smiled and said, “Great answer” for the second time as she reached into her purse to pull out her car keys with the Jaguar emblem on it (I got the job offer).

(Excerpted from The Bliss List. Order your copy today at www.YourBlissList.com)

If You Could Be a Color?

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Hansen) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:47:00 +0000

Q: If you could be a color, which one would you be?

Recommended Answer: "I was actually asked this question by an impressive, Ivy-League-educated, African American female in a high-powered job interview. Talk about a landmine question for a Caucasian male! If I answered "black," I would have been seen as kissing up to her, and disingenuous; if I answered "white," I would seem like a member of the Klan.

I smiled and answered: "The rainbow." She smiled, looked interested and asked, "Why?" I replied, "There are four basic personality types in individuals, and I pride myself on trying to recognize and adapt to each one, depending on the situation. Sometimes I need to be red; sometimes green; sometimes black and white; sometimes even pink."

She laughed and actually said, "Great answer!"

(excerpted from The Bliss List, available at www.YourBlissList.com)