If you are working towards the achievement of a goal it is important to know how that goal fits in with your values. To know this, you will need to listen to your intuition, but there are some times when you will plough ahead without thinking carefully about what you really want. That is where an internal values check can help, because you don’t want to waste your time and money going after something that isn’t going to best suit your needs.

Before you embark on any significant change, run it past your values. Ask yourself:

What might be the upside consequences of my actions? What might be the downside consequences of my actions? What extra will I have do to achieve my goal? How much will it cost in terms of time and resources? Is it worth the price? What do I like about my current situation? How can I keep the aspects of my life that I like while I make the change?

You might also want to consider whether your goal meets the values of your family and close personal relationships. You wouldn’t want to be halfway through the achievement of something that is important to you, only to find that you then lose a close friend or family member because they don’t agree with what you’re doing. On the other hand, sometimes you might not want to worry about what everyone else thinks.

Do consider the answers to these questions also, as the happiness of your friends and family will affect your own happiness:

How will this change affect my loved ones? Does it go against any of their values? How will they react?

Once you have considered your goal from the perspective of time, money and relationships you’re ready to go. Get started and achieve your goal!

Get a free copy of Petra’s book Fast Track Your Success and Happiness today, and start achieving your goals.

Very early on in life we think we know what we can expect from life as a whole. This is a built in, sub conscious, self defence mechanism. We choose to adopt this protective barrier to stop us expecting too much or being hugely disappointed. The old saying about ‘glass being half full or empty’ is an excellent way to judge someone’s character. Unfortunately, up until a few years ago I would have put myself in the later category but not any more. I am now a fully paid up member of the ‘glass half full club’ – in fact I would go as far as to say I think it is now constantly almost full.

The Pessimists are a lovely family who live in a neat semi in a medium sized town. They have two teenage children and a dog. The Optimists are another pleasant family who live in the same street and town. They also have a dog, two children and are related to the Pessimists through marriage.

My relationships have never been plain sailing and I now know that in the past I was always sub consciously expecting the worst – and guess what? That’s what I got. I got into the habit of half expecting them not work out and was just waiting for it to happen – glass half empty! I now realise that these and other areas of my life have been decided by my negative mindset. I must point out that I have been married twice and my last long term relationship of 7 years ended when my partner tragically died last year. I bear none of my ex partners any bad will and have fond memories of the good times we shared.

Funnily enough my health has never been an issue for me – I don’t take it for granted and try to live a reasonably healthy lifestyle. It’s just that I don’t dwell on it and do not expect to get ill. We all have a hypochondriac friend who spends way too much energy thinking about their ailments and possible conditions. This introduces way too much negativity into their mindset and takes up a lot of their thinking time. These people are seen by those around them as negative and they are almost satisfied when they do have something wrong with them. In fact, at any time, we will all have something wrong with us. Positive people keep this in perspective and do not let it hold them back. I realise that this does not apply to serious conditions and we can only hope and pray that we don’t come across this too early in our lives, so let’s not think about that.

This was the situation of these two families a few years ago. Today life has moved on for both of them.

Mr Pessimist still works at and hates the factory he has worked in for 24 years. Mrs Pessimist no longer works in the shoe shop as she developed a bad attitude towards the customers and was asked to leave. She has not bothered looking for work since then. One of the children has found a job in a call centre where he is unhappy, whilst the other is on benefits and looking for work.

My dream was always to be successful and achieve great financial success. This was one part of my life where I just knew I would find a way to succeed at this. This was a positive belief I had always kept with me and was convinced I would make this a reality some time in my future. As an adult, I have had success in various areas but had never quite reached the heights I wanted to achieve.

I took the decision some time ago to wake up in the morning and take control of my own future, make things happen and start working on my future success. As soon as I decided to start living like this and being in an almost constant state of positivity, my fortunes really did start to change. Things I wanted to happen did, although not without effective change on my part. The difference was tangible within a few weeks, and I couldn’t believe the change in my world. I read everything I could get my hands on about my chosen subject, forgot wasting too much of my time on TV and took great personal satisfaction on any progress I made.

There is no greater feeling than knowing you have made something positive happen. It doesn’t matter what you want to do, just find a gap in the market or work on what you are good at and go for it. If it is fear of failure that is holding you back, then rid yourself of these negative thoughts and say to yourself that it will happen with determination and a positive mindset. I personally have found success in helping others to achieve success.

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No one really likes the idea of going to the airport and then waiting for a flight. Airports are dirty and the entire experience often wears us down.

Every little thing turns into an ordeal. Between visiting the pharmacy to buy travel sized toiletries, paying for a ride to the airport, making sure our luggage bag will close, and more, everything can be really stressful to any traveler.

No matter how we try to remedy the situation, there are certain things that we may find to be time consuming and tedious no matter what. On the other hand, a few extra measures taken in advance can make everything far less painful and even pleasant at times.

I’m going to share two ideas that I believe you’ll benefit from as long as you make a few preparations in advance. The goal is to limit the number of headaches associated with air travel, and these two measures will help.

One of the biggest headaches with many people comes with checking luggage. I’m the kind of traveler who always likes to travel with my bags, and I benefit greatly from this. Sure, you might need to pack a smaller bag, but you’ll save a lot of time in the process.

The baggage check can add an extra half hour or more to your overall experience, and you obviously want to avoid this if you can. Not only is there the time factor, but airlines are beginning to charge extra money for checking bags too.

I would also recommend buying a few snacks to bring with you onto the flight. The sad thing about travel these days is that meals are limited and often cost money when they’re available.

Whether you’re getting a few things inside the airport or bringing them with you from your house before you arrive at the airport, it’s key to have a few things to satisfy any hunger cravings while you’re flying. You never know how long you might be stuck on a plane for with delays and all, so some smart planning can help to make the best of this situation in the event that you’re hungry.

This author additionally regularly writes on platform bedroom sets and canopy bedroom sets.

categories: airplanes,airports,travel,leisure,tourism,advice,education,food,drink,health,stress,money,free,time management

Williams and Evans conjures up a bye-gone era, so it was with some trepidation that I was asked to review this menswear shop in Bridgend. Stepping in to the well lit, beautifully laid out range upon range of stylish clothing, my breath was truly taken away. I guess it was because I was expecting to see clothes that my grandfather would wear that I was so pleasantly yet abruptly surprised. This is a gem of a clothes shop for men, whether you are shopping for yourself or for that special man in your life

A long line of fashion conscious business owners have handed the store down over the generations. The service ethos has also been passed down but what is definitely true is that the style and fashion have definitely changed over the years. Catering mostly for style conscious men, probably the most demanding customers on the planet, there truly is something for everyone in the centre of Bridgend, South Wales

Top European brands permeate the store, of note being the largest maker of mens shirts in Europe, Seidensticker. The range of shirts Splendesto is the Rolls Royce of shirt brands Coupled with Bruno St Hilaire who make the most wonderful trousers alongside Gurteen make up an excellent portfolio of products available in all sizes. HJ Hall socks are perhaps the most comfortable socks in the whole world. A gentleman’s secret comfort weapon for years, you really ought to try them- you won’t want anything else on your feet I promise you

An online offering is nowadays to be expected and Williams and Evans certainly does not disappoint in this respect As you would expect, service levels are as good online as in the store and that really is saying something. The website can be accessed through the links at the bottom of this article. Service has always been at the centre of the business ethos of Williams and Evans. Staff are very knowledgeable, courteous and yet unobtrusive, allowing people to browse at their leisure yet attentive and available when the need arises

A comprehensive range of mens clothing is to be expected. One stop shopping for men is perhaps going a little too far but the ranges are more than adequate to create a substantial stylish and also classical wardrobe, all available from a single place. If you are in the Bridgend, South Wales area, you would do well to check them out. Having always been in the centre of town, the business is conveniently located, reasonably priced and really is a hidden gem in a sea of mediocrity. If you want to have the best choice, Go to Williams and Evans

If you are searching for wonderful mens clothing, at a wonderful price, check out Williams and Evans menswear in Bridgend. Online shopping from a business that has been rading since 1900. Menswear Bridgend has never been in better hands- go and have a look

Is it ok to lie on your CV? Whilst this might seem acceptable as seen on the recent series of The Apprentice on the BBC, the truth is that it is never alright to lie on your CV. You knew that already? Lying on a CV is a quite reasonable reason to sack someone if the employer finds out. Stay safe, tell the truth

Is it necessary to have a cover letter to accompany my CV? The simple truth is that it isn’t necessary- but then, survival isn’t compulsory either. Setting yourself apart from the competition in a positive way is always a good idea. There are plenty of applications for every job, make your application stand out from all the rest

Having a professionally written CV available at all times can be a very useful asset. It doesn’t matter how well one person may know you as it is always useful for them to have something readily available to show to a colleague. The ability to be able to produce a CV quickly shows that you are serious about your intention to progress in your career. It also shows that you are well prepared and should not be taken lightly

Q: Why don’t I just write my own CV or get a family member to do it? A: Many people actually do this- at the same time, most people don’t get interviews. You are too close to yourself to be objective. The other issue is that most people undersell themselves- British reserve has no place on a CV- you need a professionally produced CV- we have a success rate of over 95% having written over 1200 CVs for people in all sorts of occupations.

Mass mailing my CV is a great idea isn’t it? The answer is both yes and no. It is a complete waste of time if it is not targeted. Targeted mailing of your CV electronically through a service like CV Trumpet is, however a great idea. It gets you results

Surely I need to make my CV stand out using bright colors and wacky fonts? If you want to get your CV trashed straight away, go through this process. Of course sometimes this will work but you’re taking a serious risk with your career. You need as many people as possible to take a look at your CV. Never ruin your chances by trying to be too individualistic. Boring definitely is best

About the author: Mr. Hughes is the managing consultant and partner of the cv writing business, CV That Works. If your career is in need of assistance, consider employing their cv writing service

Your CV is a selling document. It’s probably the best chance that you will ever have to show someone else just what you can do. It may help to think of it as a glossy brochure, rather like the one you might pick up in a Mercedes or a BMW showroom advertising their latest model car

I have no idea why, but people in the UK (and other English speaking countries as well) tend to hide their light under a bushel. The CV is not the place for shrinking violets, it is a place to sell, to brag and boast and most of all to show a potential employer just how valuable an asset that you will be to their business

Coming over like a pushy double glazing salesman in a CV will no help you. Not unless you’re looking for a job selling double glazing anyway! Quiet confidence in factual achievements leap out of the page as they are honest and have the recruiter wanting to know more. Achievements in the past show a track record that is likely to be repeated (at least in the recruiters eyes)

Most mothers taught us to be honest. So where did we learn to lie? Your CV is one place where lies genuinely have no place. No half truths either please. The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. There is nothing, however that says you have to put anything in your CV about your mistakes. Focus on the good things that you have done. Mistakes? Leave them out

A CV is amongst other things a detailed document. It is meant to show the reader a potted life story of the subject of the CV. Including significant levels of detail starts to colour what can be a very bland document. Make it easy for an employer to find the information that they need to know. If they can’t find the information that they want quickly and easily, your CV will be binned and you won’t know why

Your educational and professional qualifications should be listed separately. Educational qualifications are gained through institutions like colleges, schools, etc. Professional qualifications are gained through companies, training providers and the like, They are different and should be listed separately

Passing a driving test of any sort shows people that you have a degree of persistence, independence and stickability that many people simply don’t have. It is a common assumption that everyone drives. They don’t. Make sure that anyone reading your CV knows that you can drive (if you can), and specifically, which classes of vehicle that you are licensed to take out on the road

Recruiters don’t really need to know your age. Of course, for some professions it is important, for example professional sports people. Otherwise, leave your age off your CV. Make absolutely certain though never to include your date of birth. This is highly sensitive information which could be used with other information (like your address) to steal your identity

About the writer: Glenn Hughes is the managing consultant of a cv writing service based in Wales. Part of a team of cv writing professionals that help people get the interviews that they deserve

categories: career,employment,recruitment,finance,motivation,psychology,politics,business,money,men,women,family

Some interviewers are tougher than others. It helps a great deal to know some of the questions that you are likely to be asked. This article details some of the most difficult and some tips that will help you to answer them. Fail to plan and plan to fail- more than just a buzz phrase- really good advice to get you through that tricky interview

Please tell me about yourself. One of the oldest questions in the interviewers armory but still used every day. Answer by finding out if they want to know about your personal or your professional life. If you are quaking inside, answer by starting to talk about your recent achievements and what these meant to you. Be positive, and focus on the job roles from your past most appropriate to this one. Be ready to answer this question, it’s almost bound to come up

What interests you about this particular role? Make sure that you focus on what you can deliver for them. Not just a good tip in answering this question alone- show what you have done for people in the past, i.e. achieved and more importantly how much that potentially means for the new company

Tell me about the company that you used to work for. Flashing lights here right now- they are looking to see if you will bad mouth them. No matter what happened at that company, you must come across as positively as possible. Any negativity on your part will be seized upon as they are looking for the real reason why you left them. They are also looking to see if you can be trusted. Watch out for this question, it could trip you up

What sort of salary package are you expecting? Never answer this one directly- ask back what sort of salary that they were looking to pay. They are fishing, trying to see if they can get you at a cheap price. It isn’t a good idea to discuss salary at an interview but in this case, they started the debate. Stay positive, ignore the churning in your stomach- they are interested in you or they wouldn’t be asking

Do you always have to tell the truth in business? What a great question- the answer is that of course you do. They are trying to see if you will lie. At times, you cannot tell everyone the full story- for example if the company is considering redundancies, however, you never have to lie. I would never work for anyone who forced me to lie, period

What is the worst thing about you? A massive trap this one- you feel like you need to say something, but what? Try to answer by focusing on something innocuous. For example, I can work a little too hard sometimes and people who don’t put in the same effort don’t like being shown up. Corny answer? They asked the question!

More about the author: Glenn Hughes owns and runs a professional cv services business situated in Wales. A cv service can really help you with your job prospects

Tip (1) Do your research. Get ahead of the competition by doing your homework. I’ve lost count of the times when I’ve asked someone what they knew about our company and couldn’t answer. You’re on the way out the door if you don’t know who you are dealing with. You really have no place being in that chair if you don’t know the answer to this question. Preparation is everything. Miss this one out and forget it.

Tip (2) Get there early. Make sure you know exactly what time it will take to get to the place you are looking for. My advice, aim to get there an hour early. Too conservative? Better that than being one minute late. If you’re late for an interview with me, you’re already history. Of course things happen, so allow time for traffic, the dog being sick or any of the thousands of other things that might get in the way.

Tip (3) Quietly impress with your classical but boring dress sense. For men, suit and tie, for ladies, smart business attire with jacket. Obviously there are exceptions to this but in the end, if you don’t offend, there is nothing that rules you out of the game at this stage. Take time out to find out the dress code. Dress up rather than down, if in doubt, conservative is best. Clean shoes, pressed clothes, clean, well groomed hair and a close shave complete the picture

Tip (4) Clean everything does no harm. If you’re turning up by car, wash it, inside and out. I have known people being asked for a lift just to see the inside of their car. Don’t believe me? Ask around- it’s more common than you might think. While you’re at it, press all the clothes that you will be wearing. Clean nails, well polished if you wear nail vanish, subtle jewelry all help.

Tip (5) Who are you meeting? Make sure you know the name and title of the person you are meeting. A persons name is one of the most important things in the world to them- make sure you know the interviewers name, use it often- it makes you seem much more amenable and friendly.

Tip (6) You never know who you are meeting. A couple of years ago I walked into a restaurant looking for the owner to be confronted with someone in overalls, painting the entry hall. I asked for the owner and was shown through to wait in the restaurant. The owner arrived after a couple of minutes and in the meantime, I chatted with the painter. You guessed it, the painter was the owner’s son, helping out his dad. Of course I wasn’t rude, we had a nice chat and I walked out with a sale. Who knows what would have happened if I’d sworn, cussed or made inappropriate jokes.

Tip (7) Sit still and pay attention Once inside the interview room, wait until you are asked to sit down- it shows manners and a healthy respect for authority. Once seated, pay attention to what is being asked of you- sit still and upright in your chair, lean slightly forward towards the interviewer and show you are interested

Tip (8) Make sure you answer the question. Don’t go off on a tangent and let the interviewer think that you don’t know what he is asking. A question is being asked of you for a reason. Whilst answering, be prepared to give examples of where you have experience from the past. One word answers are not applicable- even if the interviewer gives you a question to which the answer can be yes or no, expand your answer and help the interviewer out.

The CVs we see every day are generally awful. The ones being shown us from recently qualified students are bordering on criminal. They will not get anyone an interview, particularly when there is a huge pool of people who are also looking for that same position

Start helping your child by drawing all of those achievements out o them that have been long forgotten. Whether it is being the school volleyball captain or just a class prefect, it all helps. Remember that part time job they took on at weekend to help fund the cost of college, list those as well

Young people can be surprising self conscious when it comes to listing their achievements. They may be over concerned with the views of their peers and succumb to the church of public opinion as they see it. The simple truth, however is that the CV is a selling document. Personal achievements show a recruiter the true value of a person to an organisation

There is an unhealthy over reliance on the accuracy and relevance of the spell checker. If you are writing for an English audience, make sure that words like favour are spelt favour and not favour. Whilst this may seem insignificant, it can make all the difference in the world, particularly at a subconscious level when it comes to getting an interview or being rejected

The purpose of the hobbies and interests section in a CV is to bring a little spice and interest- a talking point at interview, perhaps. This isnt the time to go on about your desire to travel to every country in the world- there a re few employers that will look favourably on the prospect of their newest recruit disappearing from view as soon as they have enough money saved for their air fare

Most school leavers have more than adequate computer skills. Can you imagine how many CVs that an employer reads that have MS Word, Excel, etc. written on them? A simple yet effective method of showing an employer the practical value of the skill is to explain just how that skill has been used. For example, MS Word, used to write 45 page eBook, published on the internet and read by 1,237 people impresses far more than just saying MS Word

Winners are remembered- second place has been described as first loser. Perhaps a little harsh but nevertheless has a ring of truth about it. A single point or goal is very often all that separates the winners in life and those who come in second place

When considering your job prospects, however, if your CV fails to make a favourable first impression, your job hopes are zero. Your CV has a single purpose- to get you an interview. The good news though is that unlike professional sports people, you dont need a genetically favourable body that simply put, most people will never have.

The main difference between a job selection process and a sporting event is that most of us will never get to compete at sport at the professional level. Of course you wont get to be considered for a position that demands a qualification that you dont hold. You owe it to yourself though to give yourself the best possible chance of career success by getting your CV just right

The smallest of mistakes in a CV hurt your chances like hitting the hurdle in a sprint hurdles race. You have about 20 seconds to make a favourable first impression or your chances are finished. Be hyper critical when reviewing your CV. If you cannot honestly say that you are sufficiently impressed with your CV to give yourself an interview, you should start again

One of the areas of distinction when comparing CVs is attention to detail. There is no place for over reliance on the ability of the computer spell checker to make up for a lack of education or attention to detail. Recruiters are notoriously hard to please- it is an easy win to just get the grammar, spelling, punctuation and document formatting correct. There really is no excuse for failure to do this most simple of things

If a company offers you the chance of a free CV review, then for goodness sake get it done. If it really is free, you have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain. Of course they are trying to get your business, but you might just get that nugget of information that makes the difference between getting the interview and not. My advice, get your CV reviewed- there is a lot to gain