Career Growth Made Easy

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Mastering The Slow "Yes" and Fast "No"
When brainstorming ways to improve your time management, you probably don't think about your listening skills. What's the correlation? It's more connected than you'd think.

How well do you manage your time? When it comes to assisting others with tasks or projects, do you jump at the chance to help? While that may be admirable, you could be creating a reputation you can't afford to keep.

In today's episode, let's talk about how to master the art of making choices.

Chapters
[01:48]
There is a psychological difference in how we approach "to-do" lists versus "task lists"

[04:15]
Give your listener your full attention so you can properly respect and process their information.

[07:53]
If you're saying "yes" to a commitment, are you able to actually follow through?

[09:51]
Do your best to avoid the fast "yes" as an instant reaction. You can't use your critical thinking skills to assess the given task, and you're not using your critical listening skills to actually hear the request.

[10:17]
"No is a complete sentence."

[11:27]
'Decision fatigue' is real!

[15:54]
Follow us on social media! @craignancel on Facebook. Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn!

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Are You Making Progress?
Today's episode may be a personal challenge, but it will benefit you greatly! Ask yourself, "Am I making progress?" First, how can we accurately determine if we've improved or not? It's more than a feeling. Let's see some results!

But what kind of metric can we use to gauge how much we've progressed? Can it really be so simple? Let's perform a self-check! Hopefully, this episode can shed some light on how to give you perspective and boost your confidence so you can look back on all that you've achieved and find ways to identify your progress in the future!

Chapters
[01:18]
I share my inspiration for the show, which happened at Podfest Expo 2023!

[04:02]
Deja vu! I realized I had attended the SAME panels and speakers the year prior!

[08:22]
If the same content was interesting to me, it means I still had more to learn! And yet, I had a different perspective when listening this time around.

[11:24]
We aim to challenge you! Both personally and professionally.

[14:24]
Think back to a few months ago. Are you still facing the same challenges, or have you overcome them?

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Why You Need Emotional Intelligence
What is emotional intelligence? How does it work? How can it benefit you in your personal and professional life? It's all about communication. How you receive information and what you do with it demonstrates your ability to prioritize efficiency, all while taking others into consideration. While it may seem like mental gymnastics to always be alert when talking or listening, it can easily become second nature to you with a few simple tips. In today's episode, let's dive into the importance of emotional intelligence as I share strategies to help you achieve it!

Chapters
[02:23]
Having emotional intelligence allows you to read other people's body language and facial expressions.

[04:55]
Craig shares a lesson he learned about trigger words.

[11:07]
What it means when someone is "seeing red" and what you can do.

[14:26]
Every experience is a learning experience!

[16:50]
Follow us on social media to check out Craig's recommendation for a great book on Emotional Intelligence!

[18:54]
Check out Ep 40: Becoming Aware of Your Emotional Intelligence!

[19:29]
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcasting player!

Mentioned Links
Ep 40: Becoming Aware of Your Emotional Intelligence

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How to Fall Back In Love With Your Job
When asked, "Why do you have a job?" many of us would answer back obviously, "To make money." No brainer. Maybe a better question would be, why did you pick THAT job? The one you have right now? While it's true your job provides you with income, there are other reasons you chose this job in particular. Think back to your interview. Think back to when you were awarded the position. Were you excited? Why? What about your current job makes you love what you do? If you're struggling to find the answer, today's show will help you dig deep and reevaluate your current position, so you can get back to loving what you do.

Chapters
[02:29]
Think back to when you were hired for your current job, why did you apply?

[05:16]
Getting regularly evaluated is common for most jobs. How do those evaluations tend to go? How do they make you feel?

[08:18]
Evaluate yourself. What makes you happy? Analyze your role and see what tasks you prefer versus what you tend to avoid.

[11:41]
Make sure the work you're performing is actually adding value to your job!

[13:47]
Meet with your supervisor for a check-in to see if you're on track with your performance and get some helpful goals.

Mentioned Links
Ep 16: What's Your "Why"?
Learning is what you make of it. Make it yours at edX.
Add Value To Your Job - Download this FREE chart

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Becoming An Expert In Your Field
Becoming an expert in your field. Sounds admirable, right? Like a great goal to strive for. What really matters, though, is how you get there. Even more importantly, WHY you want to become an expert in the first place. The term 'expert' can be misleading. Once you are considered an expert in your field, it doesn't mean you've learned all there is to know. You could never, in fact, as there is always room to grow, plus, things are bound to change. So, is it possible to be an expert? How can you make it happen? Should you aim for a different goal entirely? Let's break it all down in today's episode.

Chapters
[01:23]
On a previous show, I mentioned how I don't like the term 'expert'

[02:12]
Let's talk about 'job hopping'

[04:08]
Think about how you approach becoming an SME, or, Subject Matter Expert

[07:48]
It's not just what you do. It's HOW you do it.

[09:49]
Emotional intelligence plays a critical role in communicating with your coworkers, your managers, and your customers.

[10:53]
What are you good at? What are you passionate about?

[14:34]
There may be resources your job offers that allow you to connect more with your favorite parts of the job. Like a mentoring program, or group volunteering. Think of what makes you happy - and do it!

[16:30]
There's nothing wrong with wanting to be an expert, as long as you don't stop learning!

Mentioned Links
Ep 21: Level Up Your Customer Service

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Podfest Talk: 3 Years of Podcasting in 300 Seconds
We're back from Podfest! Speaking alongside other wonderful podcasters and entrepreneurs at Podfest Expo 2023 was a truly unforgettable experience. Being given the opportunity to share my podcasting knowledge with others was a very "full circle" moment. While I usually focus on career growth and personal growth, my experience as a podcaster can help others who are new to the podcasting world - and maybe even potential creators who want to dive in but don't know how! In today's episode, I want to share some tips from my presentation at Podfest Expo 2023. If you follow these tips and start your own show, who knows, maybe I'll see you at Podfest next year!

Chapters
[02:09]
Certain elements of my presentation were out of my control, which was nerve-wracking!

[03:16]
If you've ever considered starting a podcast, grab a copy of my presentation from Podfest, which is FULL of great tips for beginners!

[04:48]
It was inspiring to share a stage with so many wonderful, talented speakers.

[06:38]
Thank you to Podfest for gifting me with a Creator Pass and for selecting me to speak!

[08:17]
My daughter and digital manager, Madison, was able to attend Podfest with me, thanks to Alban Brooke and Buzzsprout for allowing us the opportunity!

[10:53]
"Excuses are lies wrapped up in reasons" -  Howard Wright

[12:04]
Joie Gharrity is a two-time author with an incredible skillset. Get her latest book, Being Your Own Superstar: Expand Your Love Capacity

[15:56]
Share our show with your friends, family, and colleagues!

Mentioned Links
NEW Free Guide: Podcasting 101: Quick Start to Podcasting
Being Your Own Superstar: Expand Your Love Capacity by Joie Gharrity

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Celebrating Little Victories
When you're solely focused on achieving a specific goal, it can be easy to feel like anything less than what you aimed for is not worth celebrating. Maybe you scored a B on a test but you wanted an A. Maybe you were hoping for a 5% raise but were given a 4% raise. While it's good to set impressive goals, we do ourselves a disservice when we fail to recognize our achievements - even if they're different than what we had hoped for. In today's episode, Craig shares his amazing accomplishment of being chosen as a speaker at Podfest Expo 2023! At first, it wasn't what he expected...But now? Tune in to find out! 

Chapters
[02:28]
Craig wasn't in the first round of candidates to be chosen as a guest speaker.

[03:46]
Craig was chosen to be a speaker at Podfest Expo 2023! But not in the way he imagined...

[05:39]
All wins should be celebrated, no matter how small.

[08:43]
Change your perspective and try about things more positively. Be grateful for what you have, rather than frustrated with what you lack. 

[11:34]
If you've ever won an award, cherish your accomplishments and display your achievements with pride - no matter what!

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Making The Most of Your Day
There are only 24 hours in a day. How can we make sure we're being efficient? By doing our best and feeling our best. Easier said than done, but don't worry, that's where today's episode comes in. Let's explore some simple solutions to everyday struggles, like achieving a good night's rest and fueling our bodies well. These easily implementable steps can help you start your day off right, giving you the most energy and mental wellness to tackle the day ahead. Tune into today's episode and start getting the most out of life!

Chapters
[02:15]
The quality of your sleep matters just as much as the quantity.

[05:00]
Have you started the year with too many goals, stretching yourself too thin?

[06:08]
Procrastination is a silent killer. Write down your current commitments and evaluate if you have the time to complete them. If so, add them to your calendar to stay on track. Check out Episode 135: Do You Over Promise & Under Deliver?

[09:54]
It's better to ask for an extension on a project than to turn it in overdue without any notice. It's not always easy, but unexpected delays can always occur.

[10:43]
"Bad news doesn't get better with age."

[12:37]
Adding Value To Your Job: Identify Important Tasks!

[13:30]
Subscribe to our weekly podcast, access FREE downloadable guides, and book a coaching session to get actionable steps, a timeline, and other resources you deserve - all at craigancel.com

Mentioned Links
Episode 135: Do You Over Promise & Under Deliver?
Free Download: Adding Value To Your Job: Ranking Activities by Impact vs. Effort
Visit our website, craigancel.com!

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Getting Back To Work
It may be difficult to get back into our regular routines after a long break period, such as a vacation, a career break, or most recently, the holiday season. Coming back to work can be overwhelming, with impending deadlines, meetings, projects, and more. How can we find our balance amidst the chaos and pick up right where we left off? In today's episode, Craig shares some simple tips to help you remain efficient and organized, so that the next time you take a break, you can truly step away from your work, knowing you'll be ready to perform with excellence when you return.

Chapters
[02:25]
Keep a log book with notes of your tasks, that way, after a period away from work, you can jump back in and see what still needs to be completed.

[03:05]
Know the difference between a soft deadline and a hard deadline.

[04:25]
Craig shares his experience with job loss and how he went into battle stations.

[06:36]
Craig specializes in job pivoting, for those looking to switch career paths. Book a coaching session with him on our website.

[07:50]
Check out Episode 116: Your Job Title Doesn't Define You.

[10:22]
When looking for assistance, think of your network. Your friends, family, and peers can be a great resource for you.

[14:16]
It's better to work on your weaknesses than to improve on your strengths.

Mentioned Links
Ep 135: Do You Over Promise & Under Deliver?
Book a coaching session with Craig Ancel
Grab our Resume Master Class and Cover Letter Master Class in a bundle!
Check out Episode 116: Your Job Title Doesn't Define You

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Do You Over Promise & Under Deliver?
Are you ready to get energized and tackle the New Year? As we head into 2023, be sure to set big goals, but not so big that you'll never achieve them. One of the biggest issues we may have, as overachievers, is unrealistic expectations - of our schedule, our resources, and even ourselves. This can lead us to today's topic: over-promising and under-delivering. How can you maintain a productive, eager outlook while still being a reliable, foundational member of your community, family, and workforce? Let's tackle how to shoot for the stars - while still being grounded - in 2023's first episode of Career Growth Made Easy!

Chapters
[03:01]
It's human nature to want to please others. This may be one of the reasons we make more commitments than we should. 

[07:35]
Our emotions can sometimes get the best of us and cause us to overextend ourselves.

[08:21]
Episodes 58 and 59 will help you set up your meetings with efficiency, to allow more time outside of meetings to accomplish your goals.

[13:36]
Do you manage your time well, but still feel overwhelmed by your amount of work?

[15:21]
It's better to turn something of quality in late than to hand in an unfinished piece of work on time.

[17:35]
It's important to be honest about your skills and limitations so people don't come to count on you for things you can't deliver on. 

Mentioned Links
Ep 58: How To Run Meetings Effectively - Part 1
Ep 59: How To Run Meetings Effectively - Part 2
Download our FREE Meeting Minutes and Agenda Template

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