NJ Miller, LifeWork Coach

Howard Figler Tele-Interview

2010-11-30T20:22:00.000-08:00

As I was listening to Howard Figler's Careerwell Tele-interview on, "The Role of a Liberal Education in the Development of Career" I was looking up community college courses on writing and publication. Mr. Figler has a wealth of knowledge and information about career development. The "Career Counselor's Handbook," and "The Complete Job Search Handbook" are just two of the many books and

The Entrepreneurial Spirit at Work

2010-11-23T12:41:00.000-08:00

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The Art of Storytelling

2010-11-04T10:48:00.000-07:00

Is learning the art of storytelling in your personal career and/or business plan? The ability to tell your story in a professional positive light is an important part of your career development. Why is storytelling so important? In her book, "Tell Me About Yourself: Storytelling to Get Jobs and Propel Your Career," storytelling guru Katherine Hansen, PhD says that your story makes you unique and

Conference Opportunities

2010-07-06T13:26:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the opportunity to go to the National Career Development Conference in San Francisco. The conference was a wonderful networking opportunity. Coordinating the CCDA table and presenting Local Chapter Leadership awards at the membership meeting gave me a chance to meet so many interesting people as well as board members I have been teleconferencing with for the last year (some of

A Three Goat Day

2010-06-06T12:41:00.001-07:00

I just got home from a trip with my daughter, three preschoolers, and a dog from Albuquerque, NM to Sacramento, CA. We traveled through 6 states in 7 days with a layover in Colorado Springs to visit friends and family. After driving two ten-hour days, my daughter was getting very tired of driving and the kids were restless. Our trip was delayed by a trip to the emergency room to have many deep

TechnoKids

2010-04-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

Are devices like the iPhone, iPod, Wii, and computers making kids smarter? In the April 2010 Fast Company magazine article, “A” Is for App, author Anya Kamenetz, claims, “New studies and pilot projects show smartphones can actually make kids smarter.” Kids as young as preschoolers and toddlers are getting comfortable with using technology in their everyday lives. But what happens when tasks don’t

Success Stories Inspire Successful Programs

2010-03-20T14:55:00.000-07:00

Counselors, program analysts, and researchers are often great problem-solvers. They have excellent skills for defining a problem, analyzing it, and then finding a solution. Problem solving is an important skill, but problem solvers may find themselves looking at the big picture and missing a simple solution. A recent article in Fast Company magazine, taken from the book, “Switch: How to Change

My Avatar Interview

2010-03-13T17:10:00.000-08:00

The sharp buzz of the alarm hits my ears at 6:00 AM. It’s a blustery January morning in the year 2020. It’s time to get moving. The interview is at noon. I’ve had a good night’s sleep, and it’s time to shop for my avatar. Over fresh fruit and a whole grain bagel, I tell my computer to wake up. After being unemployed for 6 months, I hired a professional career coach to make sure I would be

Bright Spots in Winter

2010-02-04T09:31:00.000-08:00

Winter breeze rustlesbright flowersmidst graying canvasEnjoy what's bright this winter. Winter weather brings wind, rain, storms, and dark clouds just as the environment has challenges for your life and career. Look outside, take a walk, talk to a friend, stay connected, and find inspiration. Bright flowers, birds flying against the wind, and ripples in the lake remind us that there is always

Vision Statement Revisited

2010-01-11T08:51:00.000-08:00

It’s a cold overcast damp January morning. As I took a walk along the creek, I had time to reflect on my "Vision Statement." I created a Vision Statement" about five years ago, and at least once a year I go back and re-evaluate it to make sure it still fits with my current values and goals. In 2006 I wrote this vision statement after completing the "Vision Mapping Assessment." My Personal Vision

Color Your Style with Vegetables™

2009-12-31T17:00:00.000-08:00

Do vegetables have personalities? Do they have characteristics that we can see, feel, and taste? Can eating vegetables have a positive affect on personality? These are some of the questions that I will be exploring. In the coming year I will be focusing my attention on vegetables. Eating healthy and adding more vegetables to my diet whenever possible. The more I find ways to identify with

Spread Happiness

2009-12-24T09:32:00.000-08:00

What is happiness? Measures of happiness have been studied for years. In fact, for ages youth was considered a measure of happiness as people searched for the "fountain of youth." With all of the money spent today on looking and feeling youthful and ageless, it is obvious there is still a market for youthfulness as a measure of happiness. Sometimes the amount of money we spend is considered a

Family Gatherings

2009-12-19T17:11:00.000-08:00

We are very blessed to have many family gatherings during the holidays. We plan to eat, sing and play games. I had a wonderful pre-Christmas with my daughter, son-in-law, grandsons & new granddaughter in Albuquerque, NM. The boys enjoyed seeing Santa and the "River of Lights." We had a wonderful view of the aquarium from a large glass window during our "Dinner with Santa."This website is intended

Joyful Holidays

2009-12-19T15:52:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is here! The holidays for many people are a time of "Great Expectations." For some it is a time of joy, warmth and happiness, while others feel lost and empty. It is a great time to fill your emptiness by sharing with others in your community or spreading the joy you feel. It's wonderful to enjoy the music and lights on cold dark nights. But some of the simple expectations can

Building Alliances

2009-12-10T13:13:00.000-08:00

Networking is the key to finding a job. In the broadest sense it is the key to finding any job, but networking is even more important if you are looking for a job that you feel passionate about as in a career related to the green economy or sustainability. If networking is so important, what is it? In the world of computers, networking is sharing data between two

Color Your Style with Vegetables Presentation

2009-11-20T22:58:00.000-08:00

The presentation on "Color Your Style with Vegetables" for the California Career Development Association's Regional conference at Stanford University was fun and informative for myself as well as the participants. I learn as much or more than anyone else by preparing for the workshop and getting comments from everyone. Just as the garden grows as it is nurtured and tended, the analogy builds as

2009-11-20T22:47:00.000-08:00

The California Career Development Association's Regional Conference at Stanford University was a great success. The response was so overwhelming that registration had to be closed because it had reached full capacity. We will be looking for a bigger space next year. The keynote speech by John Krumboltz was both entertaining and informative.The panel discussion led by Carol McClelland, Jim Cassio

CCDA Regional Conference Nov. 7

2009-11-05T10:37:00.000-08:00

It's been a great week preparing for the California Career Development Association Regional Conference November 7th at Stanford University. I'm having fun preparing for my "Color Your Style with Vegetables" workshop at the conference. I always eat better and live healthier when I work with the Vegetable Characters. If you miss the conference, you'll hear more about the Vegetable Characters. I

Having fun

2009-10-18T17:41:00.000-07:00

When frosting cupcakes was more fun than eating them, And playing ball was more fun than eating at all. When smiles came quicker than frowns, And birthday candles fit on one cupcake. When I spent the day with a 2-year old, And learned to play just for the fun of it.I had a great time getting away from it all and visiting my grandkids in

Sustainable Careers Conference

2009-10-16T23:37:00.000-07:00

I'm looking forward to the CCDA REGIONAL CONFERENCE on SUSTAINABLE CAREERS.With John Krumboltz, Carol McClelland, Jim Cassio, and Alice Bush as featured speakers, we'll have the opportunity to hear the most up-to-date information on Green Careers. There will be four afternoon workshops to choose from and a CCDA membership meeting. Lunch will be provided.I willl have the opportunity to present a

How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free.

2009-09-20T20:52:00.000-07:00

Check out my book review on the "Quintessential Careers" website. "How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free" is a fun read for audiences of all ages. Retirement planning involves so much more than investments and financial plans. Planning for the retirement lifestyle you want involves finances and so much more.http://www.quintcareers.com/career_book_reviews/Retire_Happy.htmlYou can contact Nancy

CCDA Social

2009-09-20T17:39:00.000-07:00

What a nice evening in Davis Friday for the California Career Development Association social sponsored by the Sacramento Chapter of CCDA. It was a great fun networking and sharing information. CCDA will be having an all day conference at Stanford University November 7 on green careers. The National Career Development Association will be having a poster contest for all ages this fall. More about

Fantabulous Smoothie

2009-08-11T10:10:00.000-07:00

How to Make a Fantabulous Smoothie(with tips for designing your own)Add:2 Kiwi2 Fresh FigsSmall wedge CabbageHandful of SpinachAbout a cup of green/rasberry tea (any tasty liquid)Blend on high til smoothAdd:Local honey1 tsp Watkins Pure Vanilla6 oz plain yogurtBlend lowAdd (slowly if frozen/ice if fresh):Berries (blueberry, rasberry, marionberry) til berry coloredStrawberriesBlend high for a few

A new way

2009-08-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

My goal this week after completing the exercise "Use your strengths in a new way" at happier.com, was to write in a different way. Last week I was very focused on writing my book. I found myself writing like crazy and then drawing a blank. So I decided that this week I would write a new way. I must admit that blogging isn't really a new way, but I wrote, "Just me and my book" which added a little

Storytelling Seminar

2009-08-09T20:43:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Storytelling Seminar. The value of storytelling is being recognized in business, career transition, and creativity. More later.http://astoriedcareer.com/2009/08/storytellings-golden-age-my-te.htmlThis 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

Dream Job

2009-07-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

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

You Are Your Business

2009-07-08T10:32:00.000-07:00

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

Freedom Walking

2009-07-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

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

"Three Cups of Tea"

2009-07-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

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

Run 4 Independence

2009-07-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

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

Solar Heater

2009-06-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

In my list of things I'm mad or unhappy about today I wrote, "the heat." I really don't like triple digit heat. I would like to think that I don't get unhappy and especially not mad, but truthfully I do. Admitting it to myself is the hard part. It's easy to say I'm not really mad, just annoyed. Or I'm not unhappy about anything, I'm just waiting for a better day (like things to cool off.) When

Frugal Phone Lunch

2009-06-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

Save time and money with a frugal phone lunch. I was looking forward to having lunch with a friend today, but fortunately for her she had just had a second interview and needed to write a proposal. We decided to catch up and share information over the phone. We saved time and money by having a phone lunch. We had a great conversation, and we didn't need to talk with mouths full of food. We just

Are you ready to love?

2009-06-20T17:27:00.000-07:00

Love has so many very different meanings in the English language that it is hard to imagine they all come from the same word. Love can mean anything from a score in tennis to deep love and passion for something or someone. For example it’s not hard to fall in love with a puppy, but to make a long-term commitment to care for that cute little puppy as it grows and matures takes a different kind of

Job Hunting Full Time?

2009-06-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

Should your job search be a full-time job? I was just reading an article about how to work on your job search full time. The article on The Dollar Stretcher, recommends taking a couple of weeks off and then diligently working 40 hours a week on your job search. There are some excellent suggestions in the article for organizing a full time job search such as using a calendar, planning your day,

Fabulous Smoothie

2009-06-13T10:24:00.000-07:00

Fabulous Smoothie (makes 2-4 servings) 1 Orange 1 Banana 5-7 Baby Carrots cut in half Soy Milk (about a cup) Blend high speed Add frozen Blueberries Add fresh of frozen softened Strawberries Add about a cup of crushed ice Blend high speed Add about a cup of plain yogurt A couple of handfuls of spinach A squirt of honey Blend on low to medium The spinach/

We All Have Dreams

2009-06-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

We all have dreams and visions of what our lives will be. Our dreams and aspirations keep us motivated, energized and ready for the next opportunity. You may be starting a business, a career, a family, or facing a crisis. Your passion may be drawing you in a new and exciting direction, or you may be wondering, "what next?" A sudden change may set you in a whirlwind, or you may feel like your

Living Greener

2009-06-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

As I was cleaning out a wastebasket this morning, I reached for a biodegradable, flushable, Disposable Cleaning Cloth. For the dirtiest jobs, I still rely on disposable cloths or paper towels, but I am much more conscious of the environmental impact of tossing paper towels and disposable cleaning cloths into the trash. I rarely use paper plates and minimize the use of napkins as I find ways to be

Enjoying Blue Skies and Blueberries

2009-05-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful morning! We beat the heat with a morning walk with our two dogs. Then my husband and I enjoyed coffee and breakfast on the patio. If I'm not enjoying one of Bruce's famous fruit & vegetable smoothies, I enjoy blueberries on my cereal for breakfast. I was left with only the bag of frozen blueberries, since I finished off the fresh ones one my cereal, but frozen blueberries are

Unspoken Language

2009-05-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

Ellie is a new guest at our house. She will be staying for a couple of weeks. Although we've known her since she was a baby, she's never stayed with us before. This is the third morning that she has been adjusting to Pepper and Maggie. Pepper and Maggie have their rules. I'm not even sure what they are. But I can see by the way they respond to an unspoken language I don't understand that they are

Adjust our expectations?

2009-04-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

On the second page of the pamphlet inserted in our retirement portfolio, it says that with our declining investments we need to “adjust our expectations” and re-examine our time horizon. Has your retirement resource brochure been that creative in saying that since you are losing money by investing with them, you should keep your money in the account and not expect a return on your investment?

5 of 5: What Now? Positive Psychology in Tough Financial Times

2009-04-08T15:42:00.001-07:00

5 of 5: What Now? Positive Psychology in Tough Financial TimesPosted using ShareThis

Time of reckoning

2009-03-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

Tax time is a time of reckoning..We finished our personal and business tax filing yesterday. Whew! As I was gathering information for expenditures, income, assets, and liabilities, I realized that it felt like I was reconciling the last year of my life. Many things didn't work out as I had expected. There have been joys and disappointments, but for us it all worked out well at the end of the year

What did you hear today?

2009-03-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

Today I enjoyed a beautiful sunny morning in the community garden. A small group of us gathered around a block of dirt surrounded by walkways and imagined how the garden might look and what we wanted to grow. We took a few minutes to breath the air and notice the sounds around us. The sound of birds stood out in my mind. Someone else heard traffic. I seem to be very tuned in to the sound of

Looking for Band Aids

2009-03-02T10:16:00.000-08:00

During difficult times people are often looking for a Band Aid rather than a vitamin. As a personal/career coach I am in the vitamin business, but right now people seem to be looking for Band Aids rather than vitamins to improve their business or employability. As a culture and a people we have over spent and over indulged. Almost everyone who could did to some degree or another. Now we want

Valentine's Day

2009-02-19T18:34:00.000-08:00

I have sometimes thought that all of these little holidays can seem trite or pretentious if not just another excuse to sell Hallmark cards. But this year a good friend left a Valentines Day card and bag of goodies on my doorstep. It made me feel good to receive such a thoughtful token of kindness from a friend. After enjoying the chocolates, I thought about friends and family who had been on my

Your Story

2009-01-17T19:01:00.001-08:00

What’s your story? Your story includes your successes, challenges, credentials, and the people who helped you along the way. Your mentors, partners, and heroes helped shape your path, and your family, culture, and environment were a springboard for your career. Whether you feel like you took a bungee jump off of a cliff or a gentle climb through a bed of roses, your environment gave you

Not business as usual

2009-01-05T07:23:00.000-08:00

It may not be business as usual this year, but it's a new year with new hope and so much work to be done. It's a great time to start using up things that have been gathering dust in the cupboards and closets. Many of us have been buying in bulk, shopping sales for things we didn't need, and consuming treats as if they were an everyday necessity. We hear in the media that some people are having to

Fall Networking Cafe

2008-11-20T20:45:00.001-08:00

Our fall Entrepreneur's Networking Cafe meetings have been diverse and productive. The September meeting had a small turnout, but it was great to meet as always. Whether sharing information, business ideas, or just catching up, the networking meetings are always enjoyable. The downtown coffee shop is a nice environment for meeting, but it wasn't the most convenient location. The November

September Networking Cafe

2008-09-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

The September Entrepreneur's Networking Cafe will be held at:Butch & Nellies Coffee ShopDowntown SacramentoSaturday, September 20th9:00 - 11:00 AMDrop by, say hello, and let us know what you are doing. Entrepreneurs benefit from networking with other entrepreneurs, small business, and other professionals. What makes you a professional? If you are passionate about what you do, you are willing to

Knowing what you want

2008-09-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

When I tell people that I am a career counselor, I often hear responses like, "I'm not looking for a job right now." As a career development professional, I know that there is so much more to a career than just looking for a job, although a results oriented job search is very demanding. I like calling myself a LifeWork Coach because the name gives people a better sense of what I do. In the last

August Networking Cafe

2008-08-10T15:28:00.000-07:00

We were sorry to learn that Javalicious Cafe, our neighborhood coffee shop closed its doors. We will have an Open House Networking Meeting in August.August 16, 20082:30-5:30Contact Nancy for details. Stay connected to stay resilient in a changing business environment.

August 23rd Entrepreneur's Networking Cafe

2008-07-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Place & possibly time will be changedMore information soon!Javalicious Café August 23, 20089:00 – 10:00 A.M.“Show & Tell”Bring a sample of your product, brochure, etc. Briefly tell what makes you or your product unique.Participating Businesses:Pacific Pointe Insurance Agency Sandra J. Hertkorn, Medical Billing SystemsCenter for LifeWork Design The Urban FlowerFlowering Leaf Jewelry Share &

Americans House Big Dreams

2008-07-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

Is bigger always better?We've been looking for a home in the California housing market. Prices are down, but it is a crazy complicated time to buy. It's difficult, but possible for the average person to get a good price on a home in this market, but things are never what they seem. Because Americans dream about big homes, and banks lust after big loans, buying a home has taken on a whole new

July Networking Cafe

2008-07-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneur's Networking Cafe9:00 - 10:00 AMJuly 19, 2008If you are an entrepreneurCoach EntrepreneursOr think like an entrepreneurJoin us atJavalicious Cafe (Carlson Dr. Sacramento)Delicious coffee and pastriesPractice your brief introduction to your product, service or skillsin a fun friendly environment(This is not speed networking)Share & collaborateNetworking is more than a business card!

Networking

2008-06-25T12:45:00.000-07:00

The Entrepreneur’s Networking Café, June 7, was a great success. It was a small informal networking group in contrast to the “Speed Networking” event I attended last evening hosted by the Business Chapter, Sacramento State University Alumni Association. “Speed Networking” is a great exercise and an opportunity to get your business card out to a number of businesses in a short period of time. It

Center for Fathers and Families

2008-06-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

I recently attended the Center for Fathers and Families, 6th Annual Salute to Fatherhood Banquet at the Radisson Hotel in Sacramento. With the goal of strengthening families and building communities, the center has made an impact on youth and parents in the Sacramento area. I was very moved by the success story of a teen who had gone through the AWARE (Adolescents Willing to Act Responsibly

Feelings of Gratitude

2008-06-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

As I sit in my office on this cool spring morning, I can hear birds, planes, and the chug of my computer so easily grinding thoughts into words. I can sit back and feel the pleasure and comfort of my big office chair. There have been so many mornings where I dashed out without breakfast to take a brisk walk to the bus, then felt hot and tired on the walk home. This morning I pause to enjoy the

Entrepreneur's Networking

2008-05-31T10:12:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneur’s Networking CafeIf you are an entrepreneurCoach entrepreneurs orThink like an entrepreneurJoin Us at Javalicious Café(Follow Carlson Drive from Sac State toThe little Shopping Center in River Park)June 7, 20089:00 – 10:00 AMShare ideas, resources, and network with entrepreneursFirst meeting, “What you do and why you do it”Share & CollaborateNetworking is

Urban Gatherer

2008-01-27T14:03:00.000-08:00

Confessions of an Urban GathererGather, accumulate, collect, amass. The “urban gatherer” saves for the next storm or disaster. Mainly they save for fear of losing what they have. I have found myself living like an “urban gatherer” storing up for whatever future uncertainty might come my way. Rather than giving, recycling and feeling blessed for all that I have, I find myself holding on.It's not

Is Anyone Unemployable?

2007-11-04T15:01:00.000-08:00

Is Anyone Unemployable: Is career counseling for everyone?by Nancy Miller, M.S., LifeWork CoachAt first glance it would seem like there are a reasonable number of people who are unemployable due to health, disability, age or motivation. Certainly there are times when a person may not be able to work because of illness or trauma, but are they really unemployable, or are they unable to work at that

Leisure

2007-10-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

I had the best laid plans for taking time off after I quit my job, taking a trip to Ohio to visit my daughter and 2-year old grandson for a month, and diligently working on my business while I was there. I found myself spending my time going to the playground, swinging on swings, visiting parks, recreation centers, a farm and taking long walks. At first I felt guilty that I was only working

NJ Miller

2006-09-05T18:55:00.000-07:00

A little about me...I am a LifeWork Coach and Counselor with a passion for encouraging and inspiring people to find their passion and energy. I graduated from CSUS with a Master’s Degree in Counseling with a Career Development Specialization. In the counseling program as I studied career development, I began to see how important it is to understand relationships. While in graduate school, I

Home for the holidays

2005-12-13T14:07:00.000-08:00

Our thoughts turn to home and family during the holiday season. For many people thoughts of home bring warm memories of childhood dreams and fantasies. When I think of Christmas, my thoughts turn to fond memories of stringing popcorn and making cookies for tree decorations. I made popcorn and cookie decorations with my children, and I also remember stringing popcorn with my sister when I was

Writer's Conference

2005-08-09T07:17:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful opportunity to attend the Writer's Conference at CSUS this past weekend. It was a very humbling experience for some of us. It was invigorating to hear so many talented writers who had a vision for sharing something with others, whether it was something personal about themselves or a topic of importance. We heard the success stories and also the daunting reality of getting

Trust

2005-07-08T17:40:00.000-07:00

Recently my daughter and grandson from Texas stayed with us for a couple of weeks. As I held 2 month old Jonah, I could feel how trusting and vulnerable he was. We know that babies can't take care of themselves, but holding a baby in your arms and looking into his eyes, you can really feel how much more there is to the relationship than caregiving. An infant needs touch, they can sense when