Commitment in 2011-An Exercise for Inspiration

You see this good looking couple pictured above? They are my grandparents and this past December, I was HONORED to celebrate their 61st wedding anniversary with them.

61 years....that's a long time! How did they do it? How did they manage to stay together? 

Marriage wasn't the most difficult obstacle that my Grandparents had to face. Try fleeing communist Romania, immigrating to Greece, Lebanon and Israel all BEFORE finally making their way to the United States. Thankfully, New York City greeted my grandparents with open arms however, they did not speak English and were in total culture shock.

That did not matter to them. Their challenges were merely a part of life, something they had to deal with and overcome for my grandparents knew the meaning of commitment. 


I can't help but examine this topic. After all, we live in a world of "here one day, gone the next." We live by the principles of the instant gratification generation and have no problems moving on (again and again) whether it be from people, jobs or even our personal aspirations. As entrepreneurs, dreamers and members of society...we can't afford to lack commitment.

By definition, Commitment means: to show loyalty, duty or pledge to something or someone.


Could you commit to something for 61 years? Honestly, I'm not sure if I could but that doesn't mean I won't try. 

What are your commitments? 
When was the last time you asked yourself this question? 
How do you maintain them?

Personally in 2011, I am committed to blogging daily, exercising and reading more often. Aside from identifying these tasks as my commitments, I am also holding myself accountable. Everyday, these 3 things are the most important items on my "to-do" list to ensure I can get them done.

I'm trying to get back my youthful physique. (Jaclyn of All Trades, 3 years old.) 

That's me, smiling and sitting behind the boy hunched forward.  

It also helps that I have an example of commitment right before my eyes. Which is why I have chosen to share this with you! 61 years of marriage for my grandparents....reading, writing and working out for me.

What about YOU??? Could you use a little help in the commitment department?

Write down one thing you are committed to this year. Heck, you can even place it in the comments box on my blog then use this post as a reminder to, "show loyalty, duty or pledge to something or someone".

(Even if that someone is you!) 

Being Brave-Putting The Big Girl Panties On (And Other Lessons Of Adulthood)

Facing our fears is NOT a fun task. 

As Natasha Sunshine, owner of Byuti Salon in Santa Monica, taught me last year when I attended a SMARTY entrepreneur event she held, FEAR "should" stand for:

FALSE
EVIDENCE
APPEARING
REAL 

So, if that's the case, what are we supposed to do when the evidence isn't false? When we find out that a friend may have lied to us? When we suffer the loss of a loved one? Or perhaps, when we get diagnosed with a life threatening illness? These aren't my fears but they could be some day.

Just last week, as I faced my current fears head on in Los Angeles, I heard the following statement...TWICE.

"It's time to put your big girl panties on."

(Thanks Liz Dennery Sanders and Nada Jones)

What does that mean? Can men have "big boy panties" too?

Of course they can, since the statement, by my definition, means:

• To deal with things like an adult. 
• To find a solution for your roadblocks. 
• To take care of your health. 
• To prioritize your time. 

These tips have helped me be brave and forge ahead, big girl panties and all. (For my part, it took big girl panties to post this.) 

1. Don't get mad, get clear. What is it that may be frustrating you about the situation? Concentrate on the facts. Do you feel as though you have not been heard? Can you see the other persons perspective? What is the solution? I am all about expressing one's feelings so I am not saying don't feel "mad." Take it from me, being Armenian and Irish, sometimes getting mad about something is only natural. But it won't do me (or you) or the other party any good to fester. Take time to collect your thoughts and figure out a way to communicate your disappointment or frustration without finger pointing.
2. Take responsibility for yourself.  You always have a choice when it comes to your life. At some point, you have to accept that good or bad childhood, your dead end job--you control your choices. If your career isn't going in the direction you want it to, perhaps you should take a class or seminar. Expand your network. Launch your own business. The possibilities are endless. All that matters is you remain in control and accept responsibility. 
3. Your health is your wealth.  When I woke up this morning, one of the first things I came across on my Twitter feed was an article entitled, "Pizza and Ramen Are Hurting Your Start Up." So true! We are what we eat, we are what we think. Having realized this (for the 100th time this weekend) I finally went to the grocery store and stocked up on groceries; most importantly breakfast!!!! No time, no problem. Toast an english muffin, spread some peanut butter on top and pair that with a glass of Orange Juice and you've got some of those basic food groups covered. Make sure to balance the diet with exercise, get plenty of rest. Nothing can happen, good or bad in your life, if you aren't here. 
4. Accept criticism but don't hang around with too many skeptics. You and I are not perfect so there may be a time when you hear that feedback. Hard as it is, I read a quote that summed it up best. "Criticism is a part of life. Sometimes it's warranted. Address the valuable, ignore the juvenile and move on." Sure, there is a little truth in everything. The last part of this quote is key--move on! You don't want to be around someone that ALWAYS brings you down. Find your support group, be it friends or family. Balance is essential to helping you remain in reality. Criticism helps you change (hopefully) and praise keeps you motivated. 

And there you have it. The brave way to deal with life. Sure, it's not always going to be as simple as I have made it sound HERE. Hopefully the fears will be false. 

But if they aren't, just think of that Pampers Song "I'm A Big Kid Now."

You sure are. And when a big kid gets knocked down, they get back up AGAIN and AGAIN. 

It's Coming Along (Or So I Think)

Bon jour. Happy Sunday! If you've been to my blog before, you know that it is undergoing a transformation. I changed the design and layout, added my Twitter feed and a section for the blogs I frequent often. Totally tubular, right?

Towards the end of last year, I had also changed my hair color. I'm a brunette now.

This Blog is still a work in progress but I REALLY enjoy it! (and I hope you do too).

The more I try to develop TheJaclynOfAllTrades, the more I am reminded that we are all a work in progress.  

With this new year, I know we are all assessing our goals, our wants and our desires for 2011. 

And just as my blog has transformed these past few months, I am undergoing the process of transformation too (aside from hair color). Some of my growth experiences have been within my control while others were not. But I've realized, this is all happening for a reason (cliche...yes, but true indeed!)

So why do I chose to share this? Why post this online? I've always enjoyed communicating and I know there may be people out there that need someone they can relate to. Most people aren't willing to share their innermost thoughts, let along blog about them and that's ok because I am. 

Personally, my transformation involves writing, taking pictures, singing and networking with some of my closest friends. I am helping people and I am helping myself. All of this would not be happening if I wasn't willing to change.

 Santa Monica Sunset photo by yours truly

Why change? Things are fine the way they are. Why stir the pot and stray from normalcy?

The old me wasn't expressing my inner artist. The old me was on a hamster wheel and couldn't get off. The old me was stagnant.

The new me has open eyes (see picture above). The new me is on an open road with tangible goals. The new me is in charge of my life again.

Sure, you can stay comfortable. You can have a wish list that you'll never get to cross off. But for what? Life is uncomfortable. Life is meant to change so buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Think of one thing you want to accomplish this year in 2011 and set into motion the plan to make it happen.

Enjoy the transformation. Here, within, anywhere.

If You Blog It, They Won't Come. But That's OK (For Now)

Well......if you read yesterday's post, I have news for you. Maybe the news is more for myself. The term Blogaholic has existed FOR AWHILE. There seem to be some pretty creative people out there online that have beat me to the punch (and that's ok).

A Snapshot of some other Blogaholics Online

http://www.blogaholicdesigns.com/

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=blogaholic

http://www.theconfessionsofablogaholic.com/

Speaking of blogging (while poking a little fun at myself), just because people offline always ask for your opinion or advice does not mean that when you transfer "said advice" and information online, you will automatically have an audience for your Blog. (Are you listening Jaclyn of All Trades???)

And you know what? I am ok with that. Part of this Blogging process for me is experimentation, trial and error, uncovering my audience--which is a good metaphor for life.

This is the heartbeat of my Blog. At least it's alive

None of us should shoot in the dark but how many of us are? You wake up, you go to work, but what do you want out of life? Do you even know? Are you getting what you think you want out of life?

I am guilty as charged, guilty of shooting in the dark. Of having great ideas and aspirations but being "too busy" to really sit down, to slow down and create the action plan necessary to put those ideas into effect. It wasn't until recently that I started the self examination process and began saying to myself "I don't want to shoot in the dark anymore. What do I offer? What am I good at versus what am I passionate about? How do I WANT to spend my life?"

I owe the beginning of this process to the mentor I was paired with through Step Up Women's Network, Nikki Hamedani, who pointed out that there is a distinction between a JOB and a career. Sure, the job pays the bills, puts food in your mouth, it most likely even provides health insurance.

My Step Up mentor and I. Skybar Los Angeles circa August, 2010.

But is that what you dreamt you'd be doing when you were a child? Would you be willing to do your job for FREE if you had to?

These are the questions to ask yourself. What if you already pursue your passion but want to crank if up a notch? Then, I ask you this.

• What do you define as success?
• What is your expectation regarding the growth and fruition of your goals?
• Are you shooting in the dark?

If the answer is yes, at least you are shooting. But take a step back, identify a way for you to obtain tangible facts or answers. For examples sake, I will use my blog. The answers I need to "shoot in the light" come in the form of page views, key words and traffic sources.

So take it from me-if you blog it, they won't come (at first). But maybe you will learn a thing or two about yourself and how to fine tune. With that information, you can build from there.

If you don't plan it, it won't happen. Take a small step...today. I double dare you.

Signing off,

Jaclyn M Mullen

The Jaclyn of All Trades

Have you started following me on Twitter yet???

http://www.twitter.com/jaclynmullen

Confessions of A Blogaholic: There's Just So Much To Read and See On the WorldWideWeb

I have a new term. Maybe somebody else has already thought of it (it wouldn't be the first time) but I'd like to think that this one is all me.

Blogaholic.

Yep, you heard it here. Thanks to the Internet and Twitter, I've become a Blogaholic...."with benefits."

BLAWG-A-HALL-IK

Reading blogs, promoting them to my friends-that's the kind of peer pressure I'm engaging in these days. But why? Because there are just so many great bloggers, talented writers and intellectual thinkers at our disposal that provide great content online.

We can learn how to remix our wardrobe thanks to the lovely Kendi Everyday. We can receive motivation from Peter Shankman's blog to get up earlier or even get our recommended Apple A Day from Amy Merrick. We can discover that luxury can be holistic from Dr. Susanne Bennett's blog.

Content can be entertaining but it can also be educating and more importantly, encouraging.

On a daily basis, I come across at least 3 new blogs as well as revisit my favorites. I go as far as recommending various blogs to my network. And personally as a Blogger, reading another individuals style of writing or perspective helps me develop thoughts and create the content that you read here.

That said, I hope some of you out there can relate to what I am talking about. If so, I'm here to tell you we can start a support group. Fellow Blogaholics, let me know which blogs inspire YOU.

Also, be sure to comment on blogs and let the authors know that you are there, that their content isn't falling amongst blind eyes and deaf ears.

Tweet about them or start your own blog and link the ones you love back in true Blogaholic fashion. Most of all, stand tall and stand proud. There are worse vices in life than being a Blogaholic.

Signing off,

Jaclyn M Mullen

Lessons Learned-A Reflection On Entreprenuership and Life in General

Today is just one of those days. Yes, I am aware that it's 1/11/11 but I have a huge to-do list and I am making headway through it quickly yet it just does not feel fast enough.

I have not had coffee, I have 1,000 ideas running through my mind that I should probably write down but don't have time to right now.

But you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way because I control my day, I control my time....I'm an aspiring entrepreneur and I am happy!

Me and some of my happy entrepreneurial/dream chasing friends. 11/10

Sure, attempting to work for oneself has it's pros and cons. Take starting this blog for example. Here I spent the last year working for an Internet company and thought I had learned enough to launch a blog that would have a great number of pageviews and blast off into successful cyberspace. Here I'd thought to myself "I really get Twitter and have a solid following there for my blog will appeal to people." Wrong! This blog is taking hard work however the effort is worth it to me.

Everyday I continue to learn something new. I have to create a new system, I have to hold myself accountable for my success or failure. I realize the value of my time, of planning, of not taking on too many things at once. More importantly, of continuing to promote myself while working on my dreams and goals so they don't fall by the wayside.

My past experiences and the manner in which I am approaching this blog reflect my growth. I have to get organized, real organized, more organized than I have ever been in my life which means "using my iCal and synching it to my phone" kind of organized so I can account for every minute.

After all this time, I now know my worth. As I explore the possibility of entrepreneurship and try to make a business plan, I know I provide value to the "right" company and the "right" client that sees it. I am not Walmart, I am not Neimans. I am me (and I never thought I'd compare myself to retail stores but a girls gotta do to what a girls gotta do to prove her point, haha).

The Jaclyn Of All Trades Design Collection. Just Kidding.
Designing these (my drawings are on the right) was a fun creative outlet.

I am also a creative person. If I don't have a creative outlet and utilize it, I am not happy (hence why I love Tumblr). Sure, I can sit behind my Mac book all day and crank out a bunch of great tasks for really talented people. But that would not help me fulfill my personal passions. So I need to write, dance, take an Improv comedy class, you get the gist of it.

This is my life. What are you doing with yours? Are you an entrepreneur or just wanting to follow your dream? Are unsure of the next step you need to take to get there?
What makes you want to get out of bed everyday and live? Do you have an attitude of gratitude or is something missing?

Ask yourself these questions then take a step, whatever it may be. Start a blog, take a class, travel somewhere new. You control your outcome, you control your day, you control your life so enjoy it and best of all, be free!!!

The Jac(k) Of All Trades Syndrome

Hello and happy new year. I hope 2011 is starting off great for everyone so far. With this "beginning" often come new goals. Naturally, I am curious to learn of everyone's new year resolutions so please, do tell.

I have a few myself, one of which is overcoming the Jaclyn Of All Trades stigma. What do I mean by that? I don't want to confuse you here, I will always be the Jaclyn of All Trades. But we all know how the saying goes, "Jack of All Trades, Master of NONE."

Personally, my saying is "The Jaclyn of All Trades gets the job done!"

In this day and age, isn't it safe to say that we are all Jacks of Trades? Entrepreneurs have to wear multiple hats and perform diverse functions when starting up their businesses. Employees I know that work for major corporations are doing the job of 2-3 people. Many actors I know start off as their own managers and handle their own PR. So, how can we successfully be Jacks of All Trades that get our jobs done and break down the negative association with being a professional multitasker (especially if this is the only way we can survive in business now a days)?

The following tips have worked for me, I hope they'll work for you too.

1) Find an area of expertise that you are knowledgeable in that also has some overlapping functionality. For me, social media is the best example I can provide to articulate this point. I can communicate, I can write, I can be creative and my work has a purpose--whether that's building a brand or developing potential customers for a company. I stick to digital since that is what I know and can measure not to mention that it's FUN.

2) Leverage your passions to help you professionally. I happen to love performing, writing, speaking. I use my writing skills to create quality content for the company's I work with (as well as for my blog.) Another great example of how I have done this is as follows: my third year living in LA, I did a lot of background acting where I observed directors, producers and underwent the casting process. Flash forward to a recent project I worked on-I casted, scripted and field produced 2 commercials for a company campaign. I lived, I learned, I applied my passion and skills and my former company benefited in the end by having a tangible product they could use to promote their brand.

3) This next one is important. Finish your projects and tasks through to completion. Sure, it's great to be busy and to have a booming client roster. However, if all you can do is start projects and not follow them through to completion, you keep the "Jack of All Trades" stigma alive. Get organized, plan your projects out in phases with specific targeted goals, meet your deadlines and most of all finish what you start.

These tips have worked for me, especially while working under tight deadlines and wearing multiple hats. I don't mind being a Jaclyn Of All Trades, multitasking is my specialty. Granted, remaining adaptable while being pulled in a few different directions and managing long term goals is NOT for everyone career wise. Sometimes it can be stressful but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Thanks for reading this, feel free to share with others and also comment. I'd love to hear from you.

Signing off,

The Jaclyn of All Trades