Category: Adapt, Innovate, Win

Unlock Doors and Opportunities: The Power of Showing Up and Simply Asking People can overcomplicate the path to success, searching for secret formulas and hidden strategies. Yet, two of life’s most profound lessons are surprisingly straightforward: show up and just ask. While seemingly simple, mastering these two principles can unlock doors you never imagined existed.…… Continue reading Unlock Doors and Opportunities: The Power of Showing Up and Simply Asking

When I first opened my recruiting company, occasionally someone would ask me if I minded being called a “headhunter?” I saw in that question an opportunity to embrace the idea of being a headhunter. I incorporated the name into my introductions. I had the attached memo pad printed. When I sent people a handwritten note,…… Continue reading Should I Rebrand my Business?

Introduction Please let me start with original content that I wrote for background on how I am using Gemini AI. Since I first started creating content and posting it on my website, I have worked alone. I didn’t know anyone I could discuss anything about building a website or what type of content would be…… Continue reading Gemini and JayWren.com: A Story of AI-Powered Transformation

We live in a world of unprecedented change. Technology is evolving at warp speed, industries are being disrupted, and the very nature of work is transforming before our eyes. In this dynamic landscape, traditional credentials and static job descriptions are becoming less relevant. A new paradigm is emerging: the Skills Economy. In the Skills Economy,…… Continue reading The Skills Economy: Your Future is Forged in Learning

The most effective people know how to ask great questions and how to learn from listening. ~ www.jaywren.com Listening: What is the role of asking questions and listening in creating cooperation?  Here are examples of how great questions lead you to getting what you want when you understand what other people need. In the Workplace,…… Continue reading Listening and the Persuasive Power of Asking Questions

Dealing with stress is simple, but it is not always easy. ~ www.jaywren.com Life’s challenges create pressure. I can’t always control the world around me. However, I can reduce stress with my actions. Here are seven things I do. Procrastination I feel tremendous stress when I put things off. Also, thinking about doing a large…… Continue reading Eliminating Stress: 7 Steps to a Smarter Way of Living

I first ask myself, what is the fundamental puzzle I am trying to solve? Then I can crack the code and solve the puzzle. Not always, but at times, for me, life is a stream of puzzles waiting to be solved. Just for this article, I am going to use the word “puzzles” instead of…… Continue reading Cracking the Code: How to Solve Puzzles and Create Solutions

Introduction Circumstances change, industries evolve, and what worked yesterday might not work today. The ability to adapt, innovate, and win in the face of these shifts is crucial. There are core fundamentals that enable individuals and organizations to thrive regardless of the circumstances. Embracing Change Change is the only constant. Resistance to change often leads…… Continue reading Adapt, Innovate, Win: The Fundamentals of Success Under Any Circumstances

Welcome to Jaywren.com! Hey there! If you’re visiting jaywren.com for the first time, I want to extend a warm welcome. I’m thrilled you’ve found your way here, and I’m excited to embark on this journey of growth and discovery with you. Think of jaywren.com as your go-to resource for creating a life that truly resonates…… Continue reading New to My Website? Welcome!

  Ultimately, Kipling suggests that embodying these traits leads not just to success but to the fulfillment of one’s potential as a human being. This poem resonates across generations because of its universal lessons on character and strength. “If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on…… Continue reading If You Can Keep Your Head When All About You Are Losing Theirs

“Remember that failure is an event, not a person.” Zig Ziglar Never equate your self-worth with your success.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”  Winston Churchill Success is not final. Even repeating our actions does not guarantee success. As our circumstances change, the actions we need for success change. For nearly thirty years, I built a recruiting business based on using a telephone,…… Continue reading Courage to Continue

I am not a nutritionist. I worked in grocery stores while I was in college. I also recruited for food manufacturers over 30 years. Consequently, I have spent decades reading about and working in the food industry. Inflation and Food Inflation has been a hot topic, especially when it comes to food prices. While many…… Continue reading Eating Healthy Foods while Beating Inflation

I wrote this post for my own mental and emotional well-being. Perhaps some of these suggestions will help you. Changing How I See and Feel About My World For me, the constant wave of negative news is overwhelming. I can take control of the information that I expose myself to with these steps: Curate My…… Continue reading Happiness in a Controversial World

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the concept of a linear career path is becoming increasingly obsolete. The rise of automation, globalization, and the gig economy has created a landscape where adaptability and resilience are paramount. This is where career agility comes into play. What is Career Agility? Career agility is the ability to adapt…… Continue reading Career Agility: Thriving in a Changing World

You are capable of amazing things. Boosting your self-confidence can have a profound impact on various aspects of your life. Here are five practical strategies to help you get started: Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and avoid self-criticism. Treat yourself with the same understanding and compassion that you would offer a friend. Set Achievable…… Continue reading 5 Ways to Increase Your Self-Confidence

Find Freedom from Anxiety Right Now 1. Change the subject in your head. 2. Get up and move around. 3. Focus on your surroundings. 4. Breathe in deeply and exhale slowly. 5. Make a list of your blessings. 6. Sit still and let painful feelings pass. 7. Meet with a friend. 8. Smile. Jay Wren…… Continue reading Eight Steps for Freedom from Anxiety Right Now

Career agility is critical for long term success. ~ Jay Wren The best example of the reason why is the closers of retails stores across America. It’s tough to keep a completely up-to-the-minute list of retail closures, as the landscape is constantly shifting. However, here are some notable retail chains that have closed entirely or…… Continue reading 4 Steps to Success Through Career Agility

Life is a lot easier when I don’t think about it and just start living in the world in front of me. ~ Jay Wren I Can Solve Problems  When my mind clears, I can concentrate on making good decisions and finding excellent solutions to opportunities in front of me. There is a difference between planning and…… Continue reading Stop Overthinking and Start Living

No one has the instruction manual for life! No one has It all figured out. ~Jay Wren It’s a common misconception that there are people out there who have it all figured out. They have successful careers, happy relationships, and wonderful lifestyles. But the truth is, no one has it all figured out. Everyone is…… Continue reading No One Has It All Figured Out

The Magnetic Compass vs. The True Compass: Navigating Life’s Course In the world of navigation, we encounter two distinct compasses: the magnetic compass and the true compass. While both point towards a direction, they differ significantly in their accuracy and the forces that influence them. The Magnetic Compass: Relies on Earth’s Magnetic Field: This compass…… Continue reading The Magnetic Compass vs. The True Compass: Navigating Life’s Course

Self-talk, the internal dialogue we have with ourselves, plays a crucial role in shaping our attitudes, behaviors, and overall well-being. Positive self-talk has the power to transform our lives by boosting our self-esteem, enhancing our mental health, and empowering us to achieve our goals. Understanding Self-Talk Self-talk can be defined as the thoughts and words…… Continue reading The Importance of Positive Self-Talk

Gratitude lists are a great way to focus on the positive aspects of your life and cultivate a sense of appreciation. Here’s a quick introduction: What is a gratitude list? A gratitude list is simply a collection of things you’re grateful for. It can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like. People write…… Continue reading Gratitude Lists: A Happier and Healthier Life

How Saying No Can Lead to Greater Success It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and constantly pulled in different directions. We say “yes” to every request, every opportunity, every social invitation, leaving little time for ourselves and our own goals. But saying “no” more often could actually be the key to achieving greater success? Here’s how…… Continue reading Save Time and Become More Productive: Just Say “No”

Remember to Reward Yourself Start Small: Begin with manageable changes. For example, if you want to read more, start with just 10 minutes a day. Be Consistent: Consistency is key. Try to perform your new habit at the same time every day. Track Your Progress: Use a journal or an app to keep track of…… Continue reading When Developing New Habits Remember to Reward Yourself

Remember that affirmations are a powerful tool for self-improvement, but they are most effective when used with intention and consistency. For Self-Confidence: “I am strong, capable, and worthy.” or “I believe in myself and my abilities.” For Stress Relief: “I am calm and peaceful.” or “I release all tension and worries.” For Motivation: “I am…… Continue reading The Power of Affirmations

This simple act of scrolling through Internet pages has become part of our lives. But why are we so drawn to it? The Dopamine Hit: The “feel-good” hormone forms habits or motivational sensations. Reward-Anticipation Cycle: Every time we scroll, we are anticipating a reward. It could be a funny meme, a heartwarming story, or a…… Continue reading The Endless Scroll. A Deep Dive into Our Digital Habits

Horrible things happen to all of us, things beyond our control. But developing winning traits can change the questions we ask when we meet challenges. We stop asking, “Why me?” Instead, we ask, “What steps can I take today to make things better?” ~ www.jaywren.com       Photo by Mathias Reding on Unsplash

“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” Marcus Aurelius. How do you direct your mind for better thoughts? A gratitude list is a good place to start.     Photo by Mona Eendra on Unsplash

The best way to change your life today is to decide to be in a good mood. Jay Wren Photo by J Lee on Unsplash

People who are truly confident in their beliefs have the ability to listen to the beliefs of other people. ~ Jay Wren   Photo by Luke Chesser on Unsplash

Before starting any new experience, ask yourself, “What do I need to know?” ~ jaywren Starting a New Job The first few weeks in starting a new job are critical. You must establish yourself as a great hire. Moreover, while people are forming impressions of you as a new hire, you are faced with many…… Continue reading What Everyone Should Know When Starting a New Job

Great leaders have things in common. They also have different ways to find their individual greatness. Here are eight ways you can find your own individual greatness.  Find the beat of your own drum and march to it.  It is so easy for me to get distracted and off course when I look at what…… Continue reading Uniquely Great

Continuing Professional Development and the 5 Elements of Learning. If you want to become a power performer, you probably have more potential than you realize, and you may underestimate the value of talent. If you are struggling, what may be missing is the opportunity to learn and grow. You are lacking professional development. Advisors Nearly…… Continue reading Continuing Professional Development: 5 Elements for Continued Growth

Lifetime Career Success: Building a successful career is a continual process of expanding your skills and your network. Don’t fear change. Embrace it. Move beyond your comfort zone. Self-doubt is a sign that I am growing. With growth, I gain greater confidence and marketability. The Texas Ice Houses At one time, ice houses sold one…… Continue reading Lifetime Career Success Requires the Power to Grow

Starting a new job:  The first few weeks in starting a new job are critical. You must establish yourself as a great hire. Moreover, while people are forming impressions of you as a new hire, you are faced with many challenges. To deal with the challenges, the first step is learning what to expect. The…… Continue reading 7 Steps to Starting a New Job

Fate and Luck: Luck comes to those who act.  Fate decides who wins.  But acting often and acting smarter increases our odds of turning fate in our favor. In life or in cards, we can’t win without playing. ~ www.jaywren.com Fate and Luck I have had good luck and bad luck.  But without work, I…… Continue reading Fate and Luck: Playing Comes Before Winning

Letting Go:  When I get caught up in trying to control everything in my life, I am setting myself up to suffer anxiety and anger.  Becoming aware that I am holding onto painful thoughts and feelings is the first step to a higher level of thought. Learning to let go of things I can’t control…… Continue reading Letting Go: Steps to a More Peaceful Yet More Powerful Mind

Picking A Career In picking a career, start with an understanding of what you want to do and what you need to do to have that type of career. First, answer these questions. What Do You Want to Do? How Important is Income? How Well Do You Tolerate Risk? Where Do You Want to Live? What…… Continue reading Career Plan: Tailored and Flexible for Your Success

Negotiations: Why do Americans struggle to negotiate? Negotiation is a skill.  You can learn it.  A few negotiation skills can help us in all aspects of our lives. In some countries, people regularly negotiate retail prices.  Yet in America, many people are frightened of the idea of asking for people to negotiate with them over a…… Continue reading Negotiations: Why do Americans struggle to negotiate?

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Learning is simple as staying curious and continuing to ask questions, simple questions like these: Is that true? How do I do that? What is this all about? Knowledge is more available than ever. Here are some…… Continue reading Learn as if You Will to Live Forever.

Words that motivate employees are words that create inclusiveness and extend recognition for the contribution of other people make.  They are also words that create a recognition of boundaries that each person feels about receiving help. I read an article on HBR.org about the power in the word “we” and a second article on HBR.org about the power in…… Continue reading Words that Motivate

How important is your college major? Graduating from college did two things for my career.  I got a key to let me in the door that said, “Degree required” on the job description.  I gained acceptance into business circles and social circles where having a college degree meant credibility. With a liberal arts degree, I…… Continue reading How Important is Your College Major?

If you have gaps in your resume, you are not alone.  Long recessions and a restructuring of the economy in the United States have created new complications for people who need to find jobs. New types of jobs often require that job seekers develop new skills.  In some cases, job seekers must receive certifications, credentials,…… Continue reading How to Bridge Employment Gaps in Your Resume

Are Standing Meetings More Productive? In a study at Washington University, St. Louis, MO., researchers found increases in the performance of people working in groups. Beginning with the knowledge that standing and working is healthy, the researchers, Andrew P. Knight and Markus Baer, created their study to learn how standing affects the performance of groups.  They…… Continue reading Are Standing Meetings More Productive?

Create a flexible plan and continue to develop new skills for success. The first key to business and career success is a flexible plan built around continued innovation and skills development. The needs and interest of consumers will always change. Successful businesses and people change with the needs and interest of consumers.  At one time,…… Continue reading 5 Keys to Business and Career Success

Soft skills help workers become more successful and enable them to help other workers become more successful. The Top 6 Soft Skills Soft skills help workers become more successful and enable them to help other workers become more successful. According to the United States Department of Labor, these are the most important soft skills: 1. Communication…… Continue reading The Top 6 Soft Skills

Seek advice before acting on important decisions.  It is so easy for me to go into difficult situations and make large decisions with the belief that I already have all the answers.  It is equally easy for me to overlook things that I should have considered before acting.  I have better results when I get…… Continue reading 8 Ways to Raise the Level of Your Job Performance and Your Leadership