8 Lessons from the Hunger Games

Many of my students, clients, colleagues and friends have asked my opinion about the Hunger Games books and now, the movie. In the interest of research and despite NOT being in the target demographic, I read two of the books in the trilogy and am starting the third. I have not seen the movie which made $155 million in domestic revenue in its opening debut. That's the third biggest opening in Hollywood history, even surpassing the Twilight movies. 

Entertainment critics, bloggers and religious leaders are debating the deeper moral issues, symbolism, violence and messages of governmental oppression conveyed by the Hunger Games. As of today, I have not come to any deep moral conclusions about the books or the movie. That could change as I observe the intensity with which teenagers, college students and colleagues (both young and old) embrace the Hunger Games trilogy. I believe we will be discussing this entertainment phenomenon for awhile. So for those who keep asking me for my observations, I have eight simple life lessons gained from reading the Hunger Games books:

1) Strong, independent women can also be vulnerable and conflicted.

2) The guy who loves you most may not be the one you notice first.

3) You will eat burnt bread and squirrels if you get hungry enough.

4) Everyone needs a relevant survival skill for everyday life. What's yours?

5) Even in the future, you need to be physically fit. 

6) We all know a few TrackerJackers and are thankful for the MockingJays.

7) Every woman needs a personal stylist like Cinna.

8) If Katniss can survive the Hunger Games twice, you can do anything. 

If you saw the movie or read the books, what life lessons would you add to this list? Serious or funny comments welcome below this post....Go!

5 Factors of Running and Finding a Career Path

As a runner, I typically set a marathon time goal and test out the progress of my training by entering races throughout the year. Whether it's a 5K or the 13.1 miles of a half marathon, I run regularly, try various nutrition and hydration approaches and pace myself before a marathon. Sometimes, my training doesn't always yield the results I want. Sometimes I don't reach my finishing time goals but I usally know I was just having an "off" day or it was something in my eating, hydration or training plan that caused me to miss my target. For me,  finishing well means at the end of the race, I'm still walking upright and not puking. Nice visual, huh? I always end a race knowing I did my best at that moment. Training time is never wasted time even if I don't always hit my goal. As I prepare for my next full marathon in October, I realize how much running and my "day job" as a career and student success coach, converge. When it comes to conversations with college students seeking the perfect steps to finding the perfect career, I have a few thoughts:

1) Finding a job is a competitive endeavor. You must move quickly. Being competitive does not mean you have to crush or hurt others, just represent yourself well. You will need some basic tools like a well-crafted resume, work or volunteer experience (most important) and an engaging personality with a dose of courage for networking. Many students say there are so many things they like and want to do--that's great, choose one thing and put forth some time and effort to doing it. You have a lifetime to change your mind and try new things. Don't over-think it and miss any opportunity to learn and grow. Despite an apparent economic recovery, it may still take anywhere from six months to a year to get an interview and obtain an entry-level job--even longer in some states. Whenever and where ever I run, I get focused and train my mind and body for that race. Same deal. Get moving.

2)  "Do what you love." " You can do anything." "Follow your passion." I don't agree with this advice.  I say put time and training into doing something well. It may or may not be your passion. You don't have to be miserable either. Get to know yourself. Sometimes you may have to temporarily do something that you don't love to figure out what you do love or are ultimately called to do. Most people have a vocation and an avocation. The effort and time spent discovering your career calling is NEVER wasted time. Don't be afraid of it. Do something. Start now. Change it if you want.

3) A college degree simply makes you eligible to enter the professional working world. It does not guarantee a dream job. A degree still matters for a better quality of life. Research indicates that those with a college degree tend to ultimatley make higher annual salaries and have a chance for greater career satisfaction. During the sprint to get a degree, you must acquire critical thinking and interpersonal communication skills that will help you in the real marathon of life. Grades matter but not everyone is a 4.0 student. Do your best but don't freak out if you have an off-semester. Get academic help when you need it. Stop pretending you know what you're doing when you don't.

4)Your training plan must include more than your degree. Choose extra-curricular activities, internships and part-time jobs wisely. College should be fun (it was for me) but networking and gaining work experience is what matters most. Volunteer regularly and choose activities that will help you develop and use skills for the future. Avoid over-extending yourself with things that don't ultimately matter. You can still have fun just be sure to initiate fresh, frequent and relevant discussions about what can (or cannot) be done with a specific major/degree well before the April of May graduation. Don't speculate about a career, conduct your own research. Stop listening to your room-mate. Tune out some of the advice and do the work to know what's out there for you. Set some goals, Have some fun. Make mistakes. Recover. Find good, realistic coaches who have experienced life. While everything may not be tied up in a neat little bow by graduation or the year after. Do your part and don't run from reality. Discover you. Ask for help when you need it. Get experience. Stop trying to make it perfect. Move forward.

5) Just like running, don't compare where you are or what you are doing to anyone else. You are uniquely created for a specific purpose. Your 10K time might be someone else's half marathon time! Define the three factors of success for you. Stop letting others dictate your definition of accomplishment. You are not your room-mate or best friend. Your training may be different from theirs...and it should be. You are not a clone of your parents or siblings or...well... you get the picture. Each attempt along your path of life can get you closer to discovering the thing that will allow you to use your gifts and talents. Don't fret about it, just move forward. Stop depending on others to take care of all of your needs. Do it yourself. You might even make a mistake. You might even fail. I have been injured while training or even while running a race, but I always recover. You will too.

Notice the picture of me on this blog finishing a half marathon? I was unaware the photographer was taking the picture. As I finished the race,  I realized I did not make my targeted finish time of 2:30. I finished in 2:51...not fast at all...but notice my smile? There was pure joy in my heart. There was a great sense of accomplishment and relief knowing I had done all I could to finish well on that day. I put forth the effort and I was fine. I didn't puke or aggravate my hip injury. That made it successful for me. I defined my path to success. Please keep running. Train your mind, body and spirit. Finish well.

I want to hear from you...leave a comment below...what advice would you give a college student on finding a career path? What advice have you received that has not served you well?

13.1 Fitness Tips

Next weekend I will run my fourth half marathon. Yep 13.1 miles. As I prepared for this race over the past several months, I found myself asking how are others doing with fitness goals they set at the beginning of the year? They may have even called them... resolutions? As a part-time fitness instructor, people always ask me for fitness tips. So inspired by an article I read in the Wall Street Journal written by Jason Gay, and, in honor of my upcoming half marathon, I offer 13.1 things to remember about fitness:

1. Commit to a regular exercise schedule. Try to go at least 4-5 times a week. Include a mix of strength training and cardiovascular conditioning. Some days will be tougher, others will be easier. Do it anyway.

2. No one in the history of fitness has ever lost a pound while walking on a treadmill at a speed of 3.0 talking on a cell phone or while reading a magazine on a recumbent bicycle. 

3. Stop it with the fad diets. The only tried-and-true method to lose 10 pounds in 48 hours is food poisoning. Eat foods from the earth and drink water. 

4. Practice good gym etiquette. There are two types of members: those who wipe down the equipment after using it, and those who are the most disgusting, rude people in the world.

5. Avoid the male or female gym rat who knows everything there is to know about fitness yet has never been trained, certified or accomplished any real fitness goals personally. Please ask them to stop creeping around machines and start working out.

6. You cannot out-train poor eating habits. Take 10 Minute Abs or 30 Day Abs. Flat abs are made in the kitchen. It makes me sad too that Nutella is not a health food.

7. There's a spinning instructor everyone loves, and the one everyone hates. Find out why. If the class is effective, it's hard, you will sweat. If you're relaxed and chatting with friends, you're at brunch on a bike. 

8. You don't need to buy expensive running shoes or muscle shirts to get fit. Running shoes are for runners. They only work if you run in them. Muscle shirts are for people with muscles and, members of rock bands.

9. If you are just thinking about going to the gym--- that burns anywhere between 0 and 0 calories. Get up and go whenever it fits your schedule. Just go.

10. Rest, recover and stretch. It matters in your overall performance. 

11.  P90X, Crossfit, Spin, Zumba, whatever you do... move intentionally, intensely and then try something new every 4-6 weeks. Muscle confusion can bust a plateau...or confusion in general!

12. Don't compare your flexibility, speed or endurance with anyone else. Know your body, its limitations according to age/fitness level and push it to a point just outside your comfort zone. Weekly.

13. Exercise regularly, eat clean, drink water and eat less of everything.
.1 The secret is...there is no secret.. Sorry. The end.

7 Agreements of a Team

I have been fortunate enough to hire many people over the course of my corporate career. I typically have and maintain great relationships with my staff because what you see is what you get. I work well with people who ask direct questions, care about the quality of their work, challenge status-quo, focus on continuous improvement, like to laugh and are passionate about delivering the best . I accept that not everyone has the ability or personality to work that way. I try to be sensitive and understanding of those who need a more delicate environment without tiptoeing around outrageous, unkind or dishonest behaviors.


After some recent turnover on my team, I find myself wondering if my " 7 Team Agreements" are useful concepts to share with newly hired staff. I suppose it makes me "old school" when it comes to communication in the workplace because I actually think teams should talk face-to-face and try to resolve issues like adults rather than whine and badmouth others. I even tend to think its acceptable for a leader to ask about progress on assignments, give input and manage the reputation of the brand over areas which he/she is held accountable. But then that makes me a micro-manager. I even believe it's helpful to have a roadmap to conduct crucial conversations and good leaders should design the basic framework through shared agreements. Finally, as the evil boss lady, I am very open to the team recreating, adding to or changing the agreements. The workplace can be fun and productive. So I turn to the blogosphere for honest, unbiased, even anonymous feedback. As a new hire, how would you feel if your boss shared these with you?

1. Integrity
This involves being true to principled behavior and honesty even when no one is watching. This means you are supportive and loyal to your team even when they or are not around and especially in front of customers or clients. Agree to show up on time and be where you have been asked to be. Don't be sneaky. Integrity requires a high level of maturity and even sometimes self-sacrifice. If we make mistakes, (and we all will) let's own it, live with consequences, forgive and move on.

2. Communication
Verbal and written communication skills are critical to being an effective team and serving customers or clients. Never rely solely on e-mail, pick up the phone and talk to people. If necessary, go visit the person. Have lots of face-to-face conversations. Communication also involves listening and asking good questions. When you are unsure of a task or directive, ask! Sometimes a leader will have to make decisions that you do not agree with, be mature and professional about it. If you have issues, address directly with your leader first. Good leaders will always honestly discuss it with you.

3. Service
Be a host, not a guest at events. Serving others is a noble purpose greater than just doing the work. Seek to help people. Talk to people and find out about their needs, wants and how we might help them. Don't ever clump in a corner at an event. Be out and among the people we are there to serve or taking care of volunteers who are helping us. Let's be kind to each other even if one of us is having a bad day. If you have a problem with the leader or one another, find time discuss it. Honestly and maturely. Gossiping is a weak, spectator sport. It's never healthy or fun for anyone. You can even hurt people with your negative words. Don't. Let's be of better service than that to one another.

4. Confidence
Demonstrate confidence in your area of expertise. This involves your ability to respond and react in uncertain situations with a level of certainty. No one has all the answers, but you are in your role because you have been selected to be effective. While professional development is important, no course or workshop can give you confidence, practice it first in the smallest things. If someone corrects you, don't take it personally. It does not mean you are inferior or they are better, it's just that sometimes others can see things you might not see. Be confident enough to take constructive criticism.

5. Innovation
Always look for ways to improve existing systems and processes. Never get stuck in doing things the same way over and over again. If you have conducted an event or task once, look for a way to make it better the second time around. Do not be afraid to suggest a better way to do our work. If something you want or need in your work does not exist, create it and share it with the team. We might even have fun doing things in a new way!

6. Consistency
The power of our brand, external reputation and credibility lies in us being consistent in the delivery of our services. Without losing our individuality, let's find and agree on general approaches to deliver our consultations consistently. If each of us uses a different philosophy, we risk losing credibility and any value we might bring singularly or collectively. If you disagree with anything we're doing or our approaches become outdated, propose a new philosophy, process or system so we can all improve.

7. Timely Follow-Through
If you are given a task complete it or get answers in a timely manner. If you find yourself unsure of the definition of timely or what to do next: ASK. No one expects you to know everything. If you have too many assignments or priorities let your boss know. If you need other resources to complete your task, let your boss know. Avoid always coming to the table with a problem, come with a recommended solution on how we can make it better. Never dump and run when things get tough or you are uncertain about how to handle a situation. Ask for help, we're in this together. 

Are these reasonable? Overwhelming? Do you agree or disagree with any of these? Why? What would you add? I need to hear from you, leave your comments below...