by Mei Zhang, Insue Kim, and Helen Zhang

Why is getting started important? It is said that getting started is perhaps one of the most difficult things to do. But, once you take the first step, everything else follows. The first few steps you take on any journey won’t get you where you want to go, but without those first steps and the many more that follow, you would always be standing right where you are.


QUICK TIPS:

1. Self-reflection: Ask Yourself The Tough Questions – And Be Honest!
 Examining what worked and what failed in the past can lead to future triumphs.
Honest self-reflection is key. That means that we must regularly examine what has worked and what hasn't, despite how painful it can be to look in the mirror.

2. Strengths and Weaknesses: Knowing your strengths as well as your weaknesses will help you become a more well rounded individual.
Make a list of your five strongest and weakest areas. You owe it to yourself and those around you to figure out what makes you tick and what are the things that you excel in so you can better your future.

3. Aim high: Goals need to be set high; expectations need to be limitless; and ambition need not to be restrained.
Oprah Winfrey has made her fortune by setting clear and ambitious goals on both professional and personal levels. According to her, the biggest hurdle people need to overcome in order to be successful is their belief that there are limits to how much they can accomplish.

4. Build a little community: You will need these people’s help one day.
In reality, people who have the largest circle of contacts, mentors, and friends know that you must reach out to others long before you need anything at all. So always be ready to network and build connections with those around you.

5. Do your research: Adequate preparation can make your journey more fruitful and prevent some frustration and aggravation along the way.
Having a purpose in mind for your research will help keep you focused and make the planning easier.


FUN QUOTES:

“I don't care how much power, brilliance or energy you have, if you don't harness it and focus it on a specific target, and hold it there you're never going to accomplish as much as your ability warrants.”  ~Zig Ziglar


“Some of the challenges of starting your own business are fun: figuring out a name for your company, creating new products, thinking up innovative marketing ideas. Some aren’t as much fun: budgeting, visiting a lawyer, getting business licenses. Don’t let any of it scare you. Just pull out a pencil and paper, and let’s get started.”  ~Anonymous


FURTHER RESOURCES:

- Live It, Love It, Earn It: A Woman’s Guide to Financial Freedom by Marianna Olszewski - and see www.liveitloveitearnit.com for downloadable resources to help you get started!
- Good to Great by Jim Collins (see especially Chapter 5: The Hedgehog Concept) - check out Jim Collins videos at www.jimcollins.com/media_topics/hedgehog-concept.html.
- Carolyn Rubenstein’s blog post "What Are You Waiting For? 4 Steps to Begin Taking Bold Action” https://secure.85broads.com/experts/carolyn-lisa-rubenstein/what-are-you-waiting-for-4-steps-to-begin-taking-bold-action
- Check out LYJ Now's "Love Your Job Search" 5-week class beginning April 5th. Receive a discount if you sign up by tomorrow! http://lyjnow.wordpress.com/lyj-search.

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