The benefits of positive thinking have been touted for decades. In the landmark 1952 self-help book The Power of Positive Thinking, author Norman Vincent Peale posited to readers that if you change your thoughts, you can change the world. “When you expect the best, you release a magnetic force in your mind which by a law of attraction tends to bring the best to you,” Peale wrote, adding that readers should believe in themselves and have faith in their abilities. “Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy. But with sound self-confidence […]

For many, work environments have changed dramatically over the course of the past year. Perhaps you’ve experienced a shift to an online format for some of your own responsibilities due to COVID-19. About 70% of full-time workers in the U.S. worked remotely during 2020, according to a survey from Owl Labs. Work-from-home and shelter-in-place orders have caused companies to rethink their hiring practices and consider the option of long-term remote work. A number of U.S. companies have decided to stop hiring on-site workers, transitioning to only employing remote workers for the foreseeable future, and many employees expect to be able […]

If you’re thinking about going back to school, applying for a promotion, or making another life change, the first step is to nurture and embrace the confidence you’ll need to put yourself forward. Confidence not only helps you understand where your starting line is; it helps you lay out the path you’ll need to reach the finish. This is where self-empowerment comes in. What Is Self-Empowerment? Self-empowerment means making a conscious decision to take charge of your destiny. It involves making positive choices, taking action to advance, and being confident in your ability to make and execute decisions. Self-empowered people […]

Continuing education can come in many forms — ranging from college courses and book clubs to certifications and seminars — and typically applies to working professionals and older adults. Pursuing new education opportunities can be a smart choice for individuals looking to take the next step in their careers, regardless of economic conditions. Today’s uncertain job market, which has seen unemployment jump and professional responsibilities shift, adds value to this already worthwhile pursuit. Career transition, career advancement, a promotion or salary increase, and personal and professional development top the list of the benefits of continuing education. Whether you want to […]

You’re considering going back to school to pursue further education. Maybe it’s to change careers, improve your financial prospects, or simply to learn something new. But as an adult learner and a parent, you might be wondering how you can balance your desire to learn with your other responsibilities. And if your children are currently being schooled at home via e-learning, how are you going to manage overseeing their education while taking charge of your own future? Fortunately, kids aren’t the only ones who can take advantage of the opportunities that online learning offers. The many benefits of e-learning for […]

A number of factors play a role in online students’ success. One crucial factor is the ability to balance professional and family responsibilities against educational commitments. A 2019 study by education researchers Richelle V. Adams and Erik Blair found that learners who successfully integrate their studies into their day-to-day lives not only have lower levels of anxiety, they also tend to perform better academically. The study found that time management plays a critical role in helping students plan, structure, and control their activities — and how students perceive their ability to manage their time correlates positively with academic success. Whether […]

Hard skills vs. soft skills: Which help you get and succeed at the job you want? Which are important to showcase as you build your resume and LinkedIn profile? The answer is both. Employers are clamoring for employees who can keep up with the frequently changing hard skills needed for a given career. However, they also lament that too many job candidates don’t possess the soft skills that will help them adapt as those hard skills change. The job market analysts at Burning Glass Technologies say frequent transformations in job roles require employees to combine hard skills and soft skills […]