How Long Will Candidates Wait for a Job Offer - Spark Hire

How Long Will Candidates Wait for a Job Offer - Spark HireSo, you have a couple of great candidates in the line-up for your new position. You interviewed with them a week ago and are still trying to make a decision with your coworkers and the other hiring managers. On top of that, you have a ton of work piling up that you have to take care of as well during this hiring process. Unfortunately, youve let the candidates wait on the back burner while you figure everything out. Three weeks after your interviews with the candidates you finally come to a decision and make a job offer. Problem is, the candidate has moved on and is no longer interested. Or perhaps they have already been offered aleidher position elsewhere. All of that time spent is now wasted and you are left with no one to fill your position. You can go with your second choice, but they were second for a reason.This is a situation you want to avoid as the hiring manager trying to fill an open position. Waiting too long to ma ke a job offer can turn candidates off. How long will candidates wait before you offer them a position?First and foremost, when you tell a candidate that they should be expecting a job offer by the end of the week and never follow up with them, youre only hurting yourself. For you to make a statement like that, the candidate must have really piqued your interest and impressed you in the hiring process. Therefore, why make them wait longer than you said they had to? That is why you should never tell a candidate that they should be expecting a job offer if you are not positive you are going to make one. That said, if you still make an offer but it is weeks later they still might be hesitant to accept.Though there arent any hardcore numbers out there on how long you can make a candidate wait before you make a job offer, its safe to say that it has the shelf-life of dairy two weeks. As hiring manager, you know there are a lot of factors that weigh into the decision-making and hiring pro cess. First and foremost, if this position is part of a greater team, then you are going to want to get the input from other team members and managers. It can be difficult to find a time when everyone on the team can meet, but it is important that you do it in a timely manner. Especially if there is a candidate you think would be perfect for the position. If they are a top candidate, then its highly likely another company will move in to sweep them up as well.Furthermore, savvy job seekers know that they should not give up on their job search until they have a hardcore job offer. Its the old saying, Dont put all your eggs in one basket. It would be foolish of a job seeker to wait on a job offer from one company when they could be continuing their job search and increasing their chances of snagging a job. That is why implementing video interviews into your hiring process can really shave some time off and make it much easier to collaborate on a new hire.Collaborating on a hire can ta ke a lot of time. As stated earlier, it can be really difficult to get everyone together to discuss a candidate. With video interviews, you can share with other members of your team and managers the recorded job interview you had with a candidate. They can review it on their own time and see for themselves if this job seeker is qualified to fill the position. Then once you bring the candidate in for the in-person job interview, the other team members will be more willing to accept your decision since they already got a taste for what this candidate is like.No matter how you go about the hiring process, you should not let top candidates wait on the back burner too long while you try and make a decision. Two weeks should be your limit, but even that is a long time to wait for a job offer that may or may not be made. If you know you want a candidate, then hop on it quick and offer them the job. Waiting may be the downfall of your hiring process.What is the longest you will make candida tes wait before you make them a job offer? Let us know in the comments section belowImage shock/BigStock.com

How To Leverage Conflict To Generate Employee Innovation

How To Leverage Conflict To Generate Employee InnovationHow To Leverage Conflict To Generate Employee InnovationHow To Leverage Conflict To Generate Employee Innovation Van SlykeOn the surface, you work for a congenial organization where people are polite, friendly and rarely disagree. But try to create change and you are met with resistance, delays, confusion, or even sabotage.The style of your work environment may be less a reflection of intent and mora a reflection of capability. It may be that your team, colleagues or leaders are notlage applying the skills to leverage conflict as a tool to build relationships and generate employee engagement.While changing your companys culture may be more than you can tackle alone, you can change the dynamic of your individual relationships. This is done by modeling three behaviors that encourage the employee innovation, collaboration, and creativity that come from constructive disagreements listen, confront, and collaborate.1. Listen.When tryi ng to introduce organizational change, the first step we often take is to spell out the logic and reasoning that supports our ideas and solutions. When others remain unmoved, we usually try harder to convince them by repeating the message, selling the benefits, persuading, or using charm. At our worst, we argue, manipulate, sulk, or withdraw from the interaction.When we use unterstellung behaviors, change often proves time-consuming and frustrating, and the process is delayed or derailed. The bottom line? The more we try to sell our point of view, the more everyone walks away from the interaction thinking, Why dont they listen to me?Exactly. Listening is the key to drawing people out, maintaining conflict at the right intensity and ultimately, to creating effective and well-timed solutions. Only after we have listened to others will they want to listen to us. Only after they feel understood will they want to understand and be influenced by us.Often, the reason others dont go beyond polite head-nodding is because they dont feel they will be heard. By seeking first to identify and understand the needs and interests of others even if it comes out as a complaint or problem we create an environment that increases the chances we will get their point of view on the table. Only then can we uncover the criteria to create solutions that are satisfactory to everyone involved.It requires that you not only listen to whats said, but also whats not said body language, word choice and tone. Thats where you find clues to what they are feeling and thinking. When you reflect back to them what you see and what you suspect, it not only helps them feel understood, it is an initial, gentle way to . . .2.Confront. A second critical skill required to model the behaviors of constructive conflict is confrontation. One of the more significant reasons conflicts become destructive is because we avoid them.In order to receive the benefits of conflict, however, we sometimes have to create it. At minimum we have to draw out the disagreement we suspect may exist beneath the surface.Confrontation forces issues to the surface and generates dialogue. Constructive confrontation communicates the problem, but also demonstrates our continued desire to listen to the other party. By engaging in face-to-face interaction, we demonstrate mutual respect, the willingness to explore new ideas and a commitment to agenda-free resolution.Confrontation can be as simple as saying, Im sensing . . . or, Whats on your mind? Even then, it requires courage because you might hear something you dont want to hear. For confronting to stay constructive, you have to accept that their thoughts have validity.And that requires that you to listen . . . patiently . . . and work to understand the concerns beyond the words.3.Collaborate. Finally, constructive conflict requires that you maintain a focus on collaborative problem-solving. This process ensures that both parties in a conflict benefit from the interaction. You can model this win-win thinking by not rushing to a compromise solution just to move forward. Insist on solutions that all parties find satisfactory and are committed to implementing. Collaboration recognizes that constructive resolution is not about your way or my way. It is about a better way.Individuals who model collaborative behavior communicate openly and refuse to accept limitations of individual needs. These individuals help colleagues search for the underlying common goals that demonstrate how everyone is an important contributor and critical to final solutions.Collaborative people also are adept at redefining problems in ways that compel others to participate. They do so by tapping into the individual motivators that make everyone feel understood and critical for success. A collaborative focus considers both objective business interests as well as the often overlooked emotional needs required for buy-in and commitment.By using listening and confrontation y ou can create an atmosphere of open communication and trust within your company culture.When coupled with a focus on collaborative problem-solving, you help others seek solutions that will satisfy themselves while simultaneously satisfying others. Together these tools will enhance your interactions and lead to more employee innovation in the workplace.Author BioErik Van Slyke is the managing director of Solleva Group, a change management consulting firm, and the author of Listening to Conflict (AMACOM, 2009).

9 Brilliantly Inspiring Quotes From Commencement Speeches

9 Brilliantly Inspiring Quotes From Commencement Speeches 9 Brilliantly Inspiring Quotes From Commencement Speeches Graduation season stirs up a lot of feelings.For graduates, its an exciting and scary time, while those of us whove already walked across the stage may feel nostalgic and wistful.Whether youre the one graduating or already deep into the real world, the life advice that comes out of commencement ceremonies this time of year can be a valuable, inspiring, and bold reminder that you can do this - that you can take on anything life throws at you. Maybe youll even change the world.Dont believe us? These brilliant quotes from commencement speeches by speakers you know and love will move you to action1. If you have found that thing, that purpose in life that gives you access to maximum enthusiasm, trust that Im not talking about a job, nor a career, for that matter. Im talking about a calling, that thing that forces the metaphorical lampshade from your soul and mandates that everyone wear sunglasses in your presence because you just that damn bright This is not a selfish act Because now, those who fall within your sphere of influence know that what is possible for you is possible for them, as well. Sterling K. Brown, Stanford University2. There will be blind alleys and one-night wonders and soul-crushing jobs and wake-up calls and crises of confidence and moments of transcendence when you are walking down the street and someone will thank you for telling your story because it resonated with their own. - Lin-Manuel Miranda, University of Pennsylvania3. When you are free from self-doubt, you fail better, because you dont have your defenses up. You can accept the criticism. You dont become so preoccupied with that failure that you forget how to learn from it, you forget how to grow. When you believe in yourself, you succeed better. Hours spent questioning, doubting, fearing can be given over to working, exploring, living. - Jennifer Lee, University of New Hampshire4. We have, if were lucky, about 30,000 days to play the game of life. And trust me, thats not morbid. In fact, its wisdom that will put all the inevitable failures and rejections and disappointments and heartbreaks into perspective. - Arianna Huffington, Vassar College5. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself - right here, right now, in this single, solitary, monumental moment in your life - is to decide, without apology, to commit to the journey and not to the outcome. - Joyce DiDonato, Juilliard School6. I dont know what your future is, but if youre willing to take the harder way, the more complicated one, the one with more failures at first than successes then you will not regret it. - Chadwick Boseman, Howard University7. Dreams do not come true just because you dream them. Its hard work that makes things happen, its hard work that creates change. Ditch the dream and be a doer, not a dreamer. My dreams did not come true, but I worked really hard an d I ended up building an empire out of my imagination. So my dreams? Can suck it. - Shonda Rhimes, Dartmouth8. Fearlessness means taking the first step even if you dont know where it will take you. It means being driven by a higher purpose rather than by applause. It means knowing that you reveal your character when you stand unbekannt more than when you stand with a crowd. Be fearless. Be the last people to accept things as they are and the first people to stand up and change them for the better. - Tim Cook, Duke University9. And finally, this This will save you. Stop comparing yourself to other people. Youre only on this planet to be you, not someone elses imitation of you. Your life journey is about learning to become more of who you are and fulfilling the highest, truest expression of yourself as a human being. Thats why youre here. You will do that through your work and your art, through your relationships and love. - Oprah Winfrey, University of Southern CaliforniaA versio n of this article originally appeared on SUCCESS.com.

Flight Attendant CV Template Format

Flight Attendant CV Template Format Flight Attendant CV Template Format Create this Resume ObjectiveVersatile and multi-lingual flight attendant with extensive experience in aircraft management seeking to join a new organization and explore my knowledge and skills as flight attendantPersonal InformationAndrew Adams4578 Platinum DriveBridgeville, PA 15017(777)-634-5287a.adams@sampleresume.netDate of Birth: May 6, 1979Place of Birth: PACitizenship: AmericanGender: MaleProfile Summary Experienced in every aspect of flight emergencies Basic knowledge in flying a plane Certificate in general emergency training Ability to speak and understand various languagesEducationB.S in International Studies, 2002Wichita State University, Wichita, KSEmployment HistoryFlight Attendant II, 2007 PresentBridgestone/Firestone Americas, Nashville, TNResponsibilities: Demonstrated to the passengers the aircraft safety measures and regulations. Checked the cabin and ensured that it has the emergency equipments. Reviewed the passengers masters list. Demonstrated the use of emerg ency equipments to passengers. Served beverages and foods to passengers.Flight Attendant I, 2006 2007Bridgestone/Firestone Americas, Nashville, TN Educated the passengers on emergency measures. Greeted passengers as they entered the plane and checked their tickets. Assisted the passengers with the proper use of seat belts. Attended to clients inquiries regarding departure and ETA. Conducted head counts for record purposes.ResearchN/ATrainingCertificate in Aviation TrainingAwardMost Friendly Attendant Award, 2005Professional MembershipAircraft COOPSkillsExcellent communication skillsSkilled in the used of parachutesKnowledgeable in flight trainingAdept in medical applications Customize ResumeMore CV Samples:Executive Secretary CV Fashion Designer CV Firefighter CV Flight Attendant CV Game Designer CV

Military Jokes and Humor - Funny Boot Camp Stories

Military Jokes and Humor - Funny Boot Camp Stories Military Jokes and Humor - Funny Boot Camp Stories One thing a veteran will share with other veterans is funny events that occur during boot camp, basic training, or other intensive training sections of their career. Being able to laugh at yourself and others is a key to success while enduring stressful training programs. The Drill Instructors give you plenty of opportunities to make mistakes and laugh at yourself. The following submissions are actual events; funny drill-instructor incidents, submitted by our readers: Getting Recycled Im going to recycle you so far youll be at your first DEP meeting by the time I get through with you! Submitted by AirmanSoto Screwing with the Dorm Guard I was doing dorm guard at the time...and the TI was obviously bored TI - DORM GUARD! Me - Sir trainee so and so reports as ordered! TI - What the hell do you want? Me - Sir you called me. TI - Are you on acid? Me - No Sir. TI - Get out of my face! - 2 seconds elapse - TI - DORM GUARD! ... let me out.. Submitted by ScopeDope001 Happiness Army BCT...I was walking out the door to a formation and I was all upbeat about passing my PT earlier this morning. I was smiling and bouncy as anything...I was walking out the door when the DI said PVT[me], get over here! I grabbed a buddy and went over to him. He looked at me and said, Pvt, no matter how you happy you get, youll still be ugly. I looked at him for half a second, looked at my buddy and we (me and buddy) burst out laughing. Another drill sergeant comes over and looks at us. He then asked me: Are you on crack? All four of us just about died laughing. Submitted by jadephoenix84 Liar! I screwed up big, Liar! (My nickname my T.I. gave me), youre the reason why I cant go to #$%! Walmart and buy spray paint. They lock that sh*t up cause of huffers like you! Submitted by SIRPHREA1 Piss Test Youd better drink some #*$ water, I dont want your piss looking like gold dust. After a recruit got a little too casual: Okay Simmons, do you wanna sit on the front porch swing, hold hands and drink lemonade with me? Submitted by COORDINATEDP Tap Water PVT: Excuse me, Drill Sergeant? DS: What is it? PVT: Drill Sergeant, I cannot drink the tap water. DS: Why not? PVT: The impurities make me ill, Drill Sergeant. DS: Ill? PVT: Yes, Drill Sergeant. I can only drink bottled water. The Drill Sergeant paused a beat, unbelieving. Then he gestured at a nearby private. DS: Private XXX, go and help Private Tapwater fill up his canteen, and make sure that he drinks it. Theres nothing wrong with that water! For the rest of the Basic Training, he was known as Private Tapwater. The other screwups like me were so glad to have him there, it saved us a lot of personal attention from the Drill Sergeants. Thank you again, Pvt. Tapwater! Submitted by Kozure Recycle Im gonna recycle you so far back its gonna take Michael J. Fox and a souped-up DeLorean to get you back!!! Submitted by kappasig1304 Every time my T.I. would recycle someone theyd tell them to pack your trash and start playing Another One Bites The Dust by Queen loud so everyone could hear it (worst part was he would sing to it and laugh). Submitted by SIRPHREA1 Excuse Tree TI: Trainee Reimer, what is this? Me: Sir, Trainee Reimer reports as ordered. Its a  sock,  sir. TI: I know its a sock, dumbass, look at how its folded. Whats your excuse for this? Me: I had someone help me, because I was working chapel guide, I just got back 20 minutes ago. TI: Well trainee, youre just one big #!%!  excuse tree, arent you? Got an excuse for everything, you like being an excuse tree? Well make you one. He starts throwing clothes over me, making a tree out of all the clothes in my clothing drawer, which I am holding in my arms, standing at attention. He finishes all the other inspections and tells me to put my clothes away, commending me for keeping my military bearing. I must have stood there, not moving for about 25 minutes, covered in clothes. Submitted by Chuck Reimer Radar Scopes My brother (Air Force, 60s) says a guy at chow was apparently looking around in line and was pulled out and made to stand at attention with his head swiveling back and forth, saying I am a radar scope, I am a radar scope....? My brother was at the head of his group going in, rounded the corner, and saw this guy doing his thing. Bro never could keep a straight face and busted out laughing, so... by the time it was all over there was a whole line of them saying I am a radar scope... Submitted by AECFNavyMom No Cussing Lima company you just #$%^! UP! *Ahem* Belay my last! Lima company, you just jerked up! Submitted by Mike

Marketing Strategy for Pet Shops

Marketing Strategy for Pet Shops Marketing Strategy for Pet Shops Creating an effective marketing strategy for a pet shop doesnt have to cost a paw and a leg. In fact, there are a number of creative, low-cost options available.   All it takes is some imagination, a stick-to-it attitude, old-fashioned common sense and the ability to think outside the box. Start by being clear about your goals when formulating a marketing strategy, the audience you want to reach, plus what the pet shop’s specific strengths are, and how to capitalize on them. Here are some more factors to consider for marketing a pet shop, which cost little or nothing. Make a Great Impression at All Times Always respond to e-mails in a prompt, courteous manner. Be mindful of how you answer the phone.It’s not enough to just be polite to your pet shops customers. It’s also important to be nice to the guy on the street, the lady in the supermarket whose cart accidentally bumps into yours, restaurant waitstaff and everyone else with whom you come into contact in your daily activities. The way you treat people on a continual basis, in every aspect of your life, is an important part of your professional and personal brand, which Ill get into momentarily, plus integral to marketing a pet shop. It may also be a good idea to devise a professional and personal mission statement. This will enable you to maintain a specific focus when creating a marketing plan for your pet shop. Getting Tech Savvy as Part of Your Marketing Strategy   There are many low or no-cost options to market a business available through the Internet, such as: BlogsBusiness listing sitesSocial MediaE-mail newslettersEven this site Ask every person who comes into your pet store for their e-mail addresses and enters them into a database. If you’re not tech savvy, assign a staff member to take care of this.   Or take a course.  High schools and community colleges almost always have continuing ed courses in this. No matter what, be sure to capitalize on the Internet. Not only is this a must-have tool for any business, the ‘Net offers tons of low-cost, creative ways to market a pet shop. Become the Go-to Pet Expert As I mentioned in my article about starting a pet store, privately owned pet shops actually have many advantages over the big-box and general merchandise stores that carry pet products. Notably, one has the freedom to choose unique products and supplies. Begin by carrying products not found elsewhere in your region, then learn as much as you can about these. Some examples of the kinds of products you could carry include premium natural dog and cat food brands. As these are difficult to find in supermarkets and the big pet store franchises, this is something you may want to consider. Network, Network, Network   This is not just about attending business events and exchanging business cards, in the hopes that this will bring more traffic to your pet shop. Marketing a pet shop, or any kind of business for that matter, is about being out and about and establishing mutually beneficial relationships with others, above and beyond the business goals for your pet shop. Get Involved in the Community Of course, you do want to join local business groups, such as your area’s chamber of commerce.  But it’s good to think outside the box when marketing a pet shop. You might consider orchestrating or at least helping with community cleanups, becoming involved in a local school group, charities, and other organizations through which you can establish relationships with others in your area. Remember, you â€" and your pet shop - are a part of the community. Any given community is comprised of individuals. Be one who gets involved and gives back, not just as part of your pet shop marketing plan, but because you genuinely care and want to help the community. Be Consistent and Persistent   Whether you’ve been in business for five minutes or 50 years, new pet shop marketing strategies are not going to catch on overnight. You have to work it, repeatedly. For example, if you decide to produce a newsletter, come up with a specific schedule for this and stick to it. Whether you decide to do this once a week or once a month, always get it out at the same time. Offer Above and Beyond Customer Service Garner as much knowledge as you can about your products, services, and the pets you provide these for. Enthusiasm and belief in your products and services and yourself are also key elements of any pet shop marketing plan. Genuinely caring about your customers and the well-being of their pets goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. Branding An effective marketing plan for any business also involves establishing a “brand,” a distinct identity for an enterprise. Belief in your pet shop, your products, and/or services, as well as yourself, are very important. As part of your pet shop marketing plan, think about what you have to offer that others don’t, and how you can capitalize on this in ways that benefit pets, and the people who love them. Above all, ensure a quality experience, across the board, in every aspect of your pet business. Ultimately, a sound marketing strategy for a pet shop is not just about offering the highest quality products and services. Effective business marketing is also based on establishing good relationships with others. That costs little or nothing but is always priceless.

7 principles to develop toughness and build the life you want

7 principles to develop toughness and build the life you want 7 principles to develop toughness and build the life you want “Don’t wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles, and less than perfect conditions. So what? Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident, and more and more successful.”? -  Mark Victor HansenAt our core, all of us are looking to develop and grow in the four components of wellness: mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. Each component impacts the other, which means they have an interdependent relationship. Each day, as we make strides and build upon our core, we get stronger, more confident and smarter. We get TOUGHER.There are a lot of different definitions out there about what “tough” means. Far too often, it is given a negative connotation. Toughness is defined as, “strong and durable; not easily broken or cut; capable of great endurance; sturdy.” Think about that - capable of great endurance. Strong and durable. Aren’t those qualities you’re looking for as you develop into the woman or man you desire to be?Mentally, we hope to become resolute, committed and confident in our approach to everyday living. Emotionally, while it’s always good to be vulnerable and kind, it’s equally as important to be courageous, faithful and hopeful in the face of fear. Spiritually, getting in touch with what makes us who we are isn’t easy. It takes time. It takes perseverance and endurance through challenging personal battles.And physically, it’s important to develop our muscles and take good care of the vessel that enables us to navigate this journey called life. People who take excellent care of themselves are tough - they’re able to withstand life’s nicks, scrapes, bumps and bruises. They power through adversity and failures and on to victories.I’ve spent a lot of time coaching and working with high-achievers and top-performing teams. I’ve led them in an effort to help develop the soft s kills, emotional intelligence, identify strengths and weaknesses and enable them to breakthrough and build upon both successes and failures. I’ve found that tough people aren’t born that way - they start out as a proverbial slab of marble and are sculpted into a refined, powerful work of art.“Life isn’t easy, but you never quit. Never. I may not have been the best, but I can always give my best. That’s how you demonstrate toughness.” - Jay BilasA fantastic book was written on the topic by Jay Bilas, a former college and pro basketball player and current analyst. The eponymous title, Toughness, explores the ways in which we can all grow, develop and become tougher to succeed. I decided to extract the most value I could from his book and my experience in coaching high-performers, and synthesized it here for you to understand.I think you’ll find these 7 principles will change your life and are applicable to every one of us. I paraphrased some of Bilas’ points and illu strate how we can develop toughness and live life on our terms.1. Work so hard that you have to restThe world’s most successful people preach about the value of meditation and getting a proper night’s sleep. We all have to rest. Our rest and daily reset should come after we’ve challenged ourselves and given every ounce of ourselves to working for our daily goals. Give your absolute best to every task in front of you. And give your best to your parents, husbands, wives and children, too.Maximize your output in all of your opportunities and relationships.2. Finish what you’ve startedOne of the most common threads in why some people don’t feel fulfilled in their personal and professional lives is very simple: they get started on something and fail to finish. Think about it - what’s the point in that? The defining characteristic of every high achiever is that they finish what they’ve started. They either accomplish a task, reach a goal, or abandon course for a wiser, bett er alternative.3. Focus with determination on the task at handMulti-tasking, while very appealing, DOESN’T WORK. Don’t believe me? Take this from the Cleveland Clinic:The neuroscience is clear: We are wired to be mono-taskers. One study found that just 2.5 percent of people are able to multitask effectively. And when the rest of us attempt to do two complex activities simultaneously, it is simply an illusion.You’re growing and getting tougher when you focus with every ounce of concentration on what you’re doing in that moment.4. Encourage yourself and encourage others who work with youThis is straight out of the Dale Carnegie (of How to Win Friends and Influence People fame) playbook: Encourage the people around you, celebrate their wins and congratulate them on their success. But guess what? Do the same thing for yourself! Positive thought encouragement enables us to power through adversity and challenging tasks, leading us to triumph and victory. When you are genuinely sel f-motivated and encouraging to others, you are a person that will keep moving forward. And everyone wants to be around that person.“Failing doesn’t make you a failure. Failing makes you a competitor. Every competitor fails. If you lay it on the line, you will come up short at times. Failure is a part of competing, and embracing that fact is an important component of toughness. Tough people fail, but tough people are not failures. The only failures are those who give up, or give in.” - Jay Bilas5. Be alert to change in your life - and change all around youAs John F. Kennedy once said, “Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” Change is unavoidable. It’s always coming for us, seeking us out whether we run, hide or embrace it. So be alert. Be alert to new opportunities. Be alert to ways you can build upon your successes, and likewise how to learn from your defeats.6. Take responsibility - own your words an d actionsYou want a surefire way to fail? Blame other people for your words and actions. Make excuses and refuse to take ownership. Deny responsibility and pass the buck to someone else. Those are the marks of a person that no one wants to work with. And if you’re seeking self-employment or entrepreneurship, you would be wise to correct this before you begin any prospective venture.It starts with you. You will make tremendous strides in life, endure when others falter and continue growing when you accept responsibility in good times and bad. Forge ahead with a winner’s mindset. Winners are tough and always accountable for what they say and do.7. Have one fixed objective - get better every dayIf you’re struggling to determine what your passion, purpose, mission, definition of success or goals are, please let me remind you to start with this very simple objective: Get better every day. You have the time. Read one chapter in a book to learn a new skill. Jump rope for 10 minutes to increase your cardiovascular fitness. Spend 10 minutes in mindfulness meditation that allows you to think clearly about what’s most important in your life.Write a small journal entry about your feelings, what moves you and what inspires you. All of these things take a little amount of time. All of them can be accomplished with minimal investment. And all of them will begin forming the compounding effect of helping you to improve and get better each day. Toughness is a prized quality among the most happy and successful people. Go on, you’re a lot tougher than you think.You Can Do ThisJoin my newsletter  and  check out my book,  The Value of You. This will give you  inspiration  to start planning for success on your journey.This  article  first appeared on Medium.