Moving into 2013 with "101 Tips"

I started off 2012 with a post entitled, Merry New Year! and sure, the year brought about "merry" moments, but there were also not-so-merry moments too. Nonetheless, 2012 is behind us and all one can do is move forward into 2013 with an optimistic mindset.

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

During the summer, I  purchased "101 Tips For Graduates: Revised Edition" by Susan Morem. As a recent university graduate, I felt as though this book needed to be in my possession. I ultimately finished it on the last day of 2012 and breathed a sigh of relief that it was just in time for me to utilize what I learned, for the new year. Each tip contained profound advice and Morem went into great depth to ensure that readers understood how to move from where they are in life to a more positive position. She did this in 7 distinct categories:

• Work Skills
• Communication Skills
• Leadership Skills
• Social Skills
• Self-Discipline
• Demonstrate a Positive Attitude
• Areas of Distinction

Each section allowed me to focus on specific attributes and habits of mine, and determine whether or not they will be beneficial to me in 2013. There was not a day I did not have a highlighter in my hand, each time I picked up this book. That pretty much explains why it took me so long to complete it... I read it like a school text book... carefully and meticulously! But I didn't care, because each tip spoke to me--some more than others--and I needed each one to stick. 

I'll share some of the tips that stood out the most to me (each of the above 7 categories included). So, if you're looking forward to a successful new year, my advice is to apply the following tips to your life and expect nothing but the best for yourself in 2013! (Tip 102 and a half? Get this book!)

Tip #5: Get in the driver's seat

Not literally. But this tip offered steps to a successful road trip through life. "Don't depend on others for your happiness or success," Morem states. "You're on your own now, and it's up to you to take your life in the direction you choose... Trust yourself."

Tip #17: Your image speaks volumes about you

"If you look successful, you'll increase your chances of becoming successful"... simple as that! We each have an image, but many of us need to transform it into a more professional one, especially when applying to jobs. "Never, ever, underestimate the power of your image."

Tip #44: Dress for the position you want

I love this tip! "Don't dress for the position you have. Dress for the position you want." Morem also states, "Don't choose clothing based on who you are today; choose clothing that reflects the person you are about to become." This was definitely advice I needed to take heed to, because I personally love to feel comfortable when going out, and suits, skirts and heels are not articles of clothing I'd choose over jeans and a hoodie. But after reading this tip, I started making steps to ensure that my wardrobe portrayed the professional woman I wanted to become. I had to suck it up and realize that I could bump into someone really important one day and if I'm in sweats and a hoodie, my professionalism will be disregarded entirely. "Don't let your clothing be a barrier."

Tip #50: Network, network, network

I'm always emphasizing the importance of networking. Why? Because I know how important it is and how effective it can be. Expanding you network can lead to job opportunities, new ideas, exposure for a business you may have, or just a way to meet people you wouldn't have met otherwise. "Network to give, Network to grow, Network to gain."

Courtesy of flickr.com

Tip #62: Control your spending

This tip really hit home for me. I don't consider myself an out of control spendthrift, but I know for sure I can do much better with saving. I've created Excel budget sheets before but never stuck with it; however, in December I made the effort to record all my expenditures and was successful. It was an eye opener for me, because I was able to see how much money I had spent on things--whether it was food, gifts, or clothes. "Know the difference between a want and a need."

Tip #79: Look on the bright side

Looking on the bright side isn't always easy, especially when so many negative events occur. "Think positive. Be optimistic. Don't be so hard on yourself. Smile! Things will get better. Sleep on it. Stop complaining. Tomorrow's another day. It won't hurt your eyes to look on the bright side."

Tip #101: Never give up on your dreams

This last tip sums it all up, I'd say. We all have dreams, desires, and/or goals, yet many get lost along the way. Some get steered off course by friends or family that offer negative comments and words meant to bring him/her down, and others develop second thoughts and wonder if their dream can ever become a reality. Yet, there are those that see the dream and do whatever it takes to achieve it--even if it means defending it because you're the only one who can see it. "Believe in your dreams...know that anything is possible. It doesn't matter who you've been. Your future success is a result of who you become."

Honestly, recent graduate or not, "101 Tips For Graduates" shouldn't be looked upon as a text exclusively for grads, because a majority (if not all) of the tips provided are meant for anyone who desires to move forward in successfully--whether career wise or just in life.