Personal Space

Sometimes, I just need to get away!  In a house with two kids, I need a place to think, breathe, and yes, be alone!  It seems, that more times than not, people are somehow always around me. Regardless if it’s to write, eat, read, sleep or even the bathroom, the more I yearn for alone-time, the more they seem to follow.

Does this remind you of your life at times?  If it does maybe it’s time to create your personal space.

 What is Personal Space?

Somewhere that you can go to have complete privacy.  Free from phones, kids, family, pets, technology, or anything that interferes with your quest for peace. Your creative corner could be a closet, space in the basement, or anywhere you can call your own sanctuary.

My Saturday Project Was Finding and Creating My Space

I found my space in the basement.  A space about 6x8, just big enough for me!  Because it is in the corner, I had two walls and then an open space. The challenge became how to close up and create walls cheaply.  I went to JoAnn Fabrics and purchased heavy couch fabric in a beautiful green.  I sewed the fabric into a curtain and cut holes in the top to hang from the ceiling. I used PVC pipe, wires and nails to attach to the beams in the basement to hang the curtain as an enclosure.   While this took some time, trial and error, it was rewarding to see it begin to become mine.

 Next, I selected paint for the two walls. Since the curtains I made were a deep green, I chose a bright yellow to perk the room up.  I then went to Burlington Coat Factory and found a great light green ottoman that fit perfectly!  I painted an old bedside table and stuck that in there with a lamp. The result ROOM DONE!

Once you have created your space, name it. Insist that everyone in the house know the name of your space.  This makes it personal to you and for others, it lets them know how important it is to you.  Make sure they understand that when you are in (name) respect your need for privacy.

Set-up boundaries and rules for your space to keep it safe for you.

Rule:  This is my space, please respect it whether I am in there or not. Do not come in uninvited.

Boundary:  If the curtain is open, you can come in.  If it’s closed, please respect my time and need for peace.

Realize that your space can affect your mood and stress level. Give yourself time to unwind, relax and enjoy.

The RLS Method

Going on an interview?  The RLS Method is a great tool to have in your toolbox!  This is something that I created for use when teaching Career Development courses to all ages!  For more in-depth information please email me at: Lisa@LCRay214.com

Research

·       Use Social Media to help you do your homework.  (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)

·       Does the company have a website?  If they do, read over and get to know the company.

·       Do you know what the position that you are applying for entails?

o   Can you easily learn those duties if you are not familiar with them?

o   Are you qualified through school, training or previous work experience?

o   Can you get further education/experience to qualify you for this position?

Language

How you present yourself is everything not just in the interview, but when you first walk in as well as when you’re leaving.  REMEMBER:  How you come across over the phone counts too!

·       What type of language are you using? While we all speak “differently” when in various situations, you never want to go into an interview and talk to the interviewer the same way you would with your personal friends.

o   Cussing, loud, and obnoxious tones is definitely an no-no

o   Sharing your personal business or problems is never a good idea.

·       

      Do you know the language of the profession/business you are trying to get into?

o   Are there technical terms that you should be familiar with?

·       

     Your body language (non-verbal communication) is just as important as what you say.  It is the visual trademark impression that you leave with a possible employer.

o   Are you neat and clean

o   Did you take the time to visually prepare for the interview?

Sell:

The overall goal here is to show the interviewer who you are as well as what type of employee would will be for the company.  Two main points are:  Selling yourself in a personal sense, as well as selling you – the business person.

·                           Personally:

o   Who are you as an individual?

o   Are you positive in nature or are you negative?

o   Do you speak negatively about previous employers, or do you focus on what was “right” with the company and your co-workers.

o   Will you bring your home life (issues) to the workplace?

·                       Professionally:         

o   What skills do you bring to the table that will enhance this company’s bottom line?

o What have you done (work-wise) in the industry that will contribute to what you will do for this company?

These are some brief things that you can incorporate into you career development training. 

For more information - email me at:  Lisa@lcray214.com