Dream Job

Have you ever thought about your "Dream Job?" The job you would really like to do. When I first heard this assignment in one of my graduate courses in the counseling program at CSUS, I didn't really see the point. I wasn't sure if it was possible to have my dream job, so why would I want to write about it. I did the assignment anyway and wrote about having my own office, having time for self-expression, and helping to inspire others.

Since then in workshops and classes, I've given the assignment to "Write a job description for your dream job." The job description makes the dream job more real and concrete. In my own job description I was:

• my own boss
• gave presentations
• facilitated workshops
• provided coaching and counseling
• had flexible hours
• traveled occasionally

Now I am doing all of those things. Writing down my job description helped make my dream job happen. I made my priority health and happiness over high profits, and I am happy with that decision as I continue to grow my business.

Career expert and author Kathy Hansen, PhD writes about the "Storytelling Resume" and the idea of writing a "Job Wanted" description. I think the "Job Wanted" description would be the next step after writing your dream job and job description. These three steps would help prepare you for writing a "Storytelling Resume.":

1. Describing your "Dream Job"
2. Writing your own "Job Description"
3. Developing a "Job Wanted" ad

Cultures around the world use storytelling and understand that painting a vivid picture leaves an imprint on a person's mind that will stay with them. When you apply or interview for a job, you want to make an impression that the interviewer will remember. Storytelling paints that picture. For more on storytelling, follow Kathy Hansen's blog (see side panel) or follow her on Twitter for career insights. Knowing how to tell a powerful story in a short period of time in writing or verbally is the key to making a lasting impression.






This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations.

Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

You Are Your Business

If you were a business, what would you name yourself? Actually, you are in the business of YOU. You were given a name at birth that you have been identified with, but you could take a few minutes to think about what you would name yourself. I found that naming my own business gave me an identity that I had developed myself. Regardless of whether or not you own a business or ever want to, you do manage yourself, your family, and/or a career. Having a personal brand or identity that you have thought about and personally named can help you in your career or business. Thinking about your personal brand or identity can also help you determine your purpose in life. Writing a name, telling your story, or making a graphic picture like a coat of arms to identify your family will help you envision your purpose. You are the boss in your business. If you were to write a job description for yourself, what would it look like? How would you spend your time, and how much would you pay yourself? No matter what your current career path is, knowing what you want will direct you to the success you are looking for.

Have you ever thought about the fact that if you consider yourself an employee in your home, work, or family, you are not taking charge of your wants and needs. As your own boss, you don't always get everything you want, but you will develop skills in compassion, resourcefulness, teamwork, and leadership. You will plan how you want to spend your time and money. In fact, you are in the business of you. It's up to you to make your business a success. You're the boss, enjoy the process.

This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations.

Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

Freedom Walking

Walking frees the body and mind. Moving the muscles frees them to do what they were meant to do. Our muscles are stressed by lack of use. In fact, if they are not used often they are stressed to the point of injury at times when they are suddenly used for high impact activity. Our mental muscles are no different from any other muscles. They are stressed by sudden changes and overuse such as watching television and then driving in traffic. But strengthening your physical and mental muscles creates a resilient body and mind. A resilient mind is:

• creative
• fluid
• intuitive

When your brain gets regular healthy exercise it is more prepared for the sudden changes in life. Healthy non competitive exercise increases blood flow and circulation to your brain that improves your ability to think creatively.

Choosing to walk whenever possible frees the air of pollution while freeing your muscles to grow and develop. Endorphins are generated by increased brain activity that frees the brain to create and adapt. How can you find time to walk you might ask. You can choose to make opportunities when things are not going the way you would like them to. For example, yesterday I missed the bus coming home from the dentist's office. I knew the next one wouldn't be coming for another hour. I assumed it was only about 3 or 4 miles home, and I could walk that in the time it would take to wait. I had already taken my two and a half mile morning walk, so I was in the habit of walking. A few months earlier I would have thought of the walk as a daunting task, and I would have stopped for coffee rather than walk. But knowing the freedom of walking rather than driving or taking the bus, I was off. An hour's walk is actually very pleasant if the weather isn't extreme. I was glad I chose freedom walking.

You can easily find opportunities to walk or ride a bicycle when your car doesn't start, you forget your lunch, you need to run an errand, or you find an event to walk or run for a cause. Children and dogs are great motivators. With increased obesity and diabetes in children and even pets, you can prevent so many health problems by getting out for a walk. Dinner time? Have a salad, smoothie, or veggie burrito instead of a big meal. You will free up plenty of time for walking. My daughter and I walk our dogs and motivate each other to get up early in the morning and take longer walks than we ever would alone. I would never get up that early consistently to walk by myself. You can easily motivate someone else to walk or ride a bike. Find a partner and enjoy freedom walking!


This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations.

Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

"Three Cups of Tea"

I just finished reading the book, "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. I bought the book thinking I would dive into a story about a heroic man who went to the middle east to establish schools for girls. I was surprised to find that the book was about a mountain climber who attempted to climb K2. It is amazing to me that people will risk their lives and that of others to climb mountains. While it takes admirable stamina and bravery to attempt such feats, I was looking for a story about schools.

I stuck with the story and learned about more than schools or programs. I learned about rugged terrain, unfamiliar cultures, and brave people. I was amazed at the whole process of starting a massive project with no money, experience, or support. Dogged determination, gratitude, and passion for a people drove Greg Mortenson to persevere until a school was built.

I read several reviews of this book on Amazon. Reviewers were quick to call Mortenson a great hero or to call him an overzealous ramroder. While most people felt the book was exceptional, a few thought it was poorly written and glossed over Mortenson's short comings. But one of the things I really like about the book was the fact that the author showed Mortenson as a hero as well as compassionate, independent, and obsessed with his mission. Every hero has a human side, and anyone who accomplishes the magnitude of work that Mortenson did, will have his faults. I thought the book showed both sides of Mortenson very clearly. Through his journey, we also saw how a man who began by single-handedly attempting to build programs in a country he knew little about, learned to work with the people and cultures he lived with. I would highly recommend this book, not for it's literary style, but for the shear breadth of experiences, accomplishments and adventures through worlds we often know little about.

"Here (in Pakistan and Afghanistan), we drink three cups of tea to do business; the first you are a stranger, the second you become a friend, and the third, you join our family, and for our family we are prepared to do anything--even die."
- Haji Ali, Korphe Village Chief, Karakoram Mountains, Pakistan ("Three Cups of Tea")


This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations.

Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

Run 4 Independence

What a great way to celebrate the 4th of July! Fast walking in the Run 4 Independence to support the Elk Grove Food Bank Services. I enjoyed walking with my daughter among the many families who participated. Despite the tough economy, there was a record turnout. Layoffs, furloughs, and cut backs are affecting all of us in some way. Friends, family, favorite stores, and neighborhood restaurants are closing. But even in tough times, most of us have support systems. We may have job skills, the ability to relocate, work experience, unemployment, or family who can help.

There are some families however, who are stuck in a cycle of poverty lacking family support and work experience. Young people and adults with disabilities need opportunities to function as members of a society in a great country. Parents who work at minimum wage jobs and those who come from temporary jobs with no benefits need help to survive and feed their families until they can get back on their feet. The community of Elk Grove as well as runners from other areas made the effort to support basic services for those who need them.

As a career counselor and coach, I always encourage people to use the services they need and then give back to the community when they are able to. Children don't need to be hungry in America. Families need a chance to eat, work, and live. It was wonderful to participate in this 4th of July celebration!


This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations.

Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller