CRUSHING IT: HOW TO HAVE YOUR BEST YEAR YET
#CrushIt
This month marked five years that I have had the privilege of conceptualizing, organizing, leading and teaching the University of Rhode Island Career Rhode Trip. The 14 students and I visited with over 50 professionals in the “real world” from the Manhattan and Connecticut areas. I always learn new vernacular and slang from the students, and found “crush it” to be an interesting expression indicative of working hard and excelling at the projects you embrace. In my day, the expression was “hit the ball out of the park,” which is a bit cumbersome for a hashtag.
Whether you are searching for an internship, job, new career, activities, friends or the love of your life, here are seven ways YOU can #CrushIt in 2019.
Confidence. Have confidence in yourself. Create transformation in areas of your life that could use it. Have confidence in others and instill this confidence by illustrating that you believe in your children, friends, colleagues, students or direct reports. Believe in yourself. You have done it – you can do it. Trust the process: things will happen when you make them happen.
Reach. In his hit song, Babylon, David Gray sings: “If you want it, come and get it, crying out loud.” Enough whining. How hard are you trying? Don’t wait for healthy relationships, assistance from others, magically appearing good grades, career opportunities or being understood. Every day offers an opportunity to reach beyond boundaries with your arms extended and your eyes wide open. Let’s go!
Unstoppable! That is you. Respectfully break through barriers, persevere and don’t give up. Henry Ford professed, “Whether you believe you can do a thing or not, you are right.” Don’t be intimidated or listen to naysayers. Enough. It’s on YOU.
Spark! Show your passion. Let people see the spark in your eyes, your step, your voice. Lead with passion. If you are not passionate now – at the beginning of a job search, new project, new activity or friendship – when will you be? If you are in a personal or professional rut, think about the actions you can take to fall in love with your job and life again. Think of each day as YOUR new beginning.
Integrate. Take your current strengths and bolster them. Fear of new technologies and processes is futile. Investigate new ideas and processes that can apply or be adapted to your respective field. Keep your brain sharp and in growth mode.
Happy YOU Year! It’s all about making today better than yesterday, for yourself and others. Go out there and start crushing it!
Gail Lowney Alofsin is an author, speaker, adjunct professor, and business executive. Her book, Your Someday is NOW – What are you Waiting For? has raised over $40,000 for non-profit organizations since April 2014.
A lifelong student and humanitarian, Gail believes that we all have the capability to be a leader in our own lives, influencing the lives of others to positive peak performance and success. To book Gail for your next conference or company meeting, email her at gail@gailspeaks.com. Follow her on twitter: @gailalofsin.