Don't avoid new career challenges Professionals who have begun a new challenge in the past two years reported positive benefits for doing so, with 88% of those surveyed saying the experience has been beneficial. "So, if you are considering giving up on your latest effort at self-improvement because it's just too hard or you don't have enough time, these survey results might offer a new incentive to stick with it," Karen Firestone writes. Harvard Business Review online (tiered subscription model) (2/17)Nothing can ruin a career like these bad habits Among the bad habits that professionals sometimes exhibit at work, few are as toxic to your career potential as cutting corners on your work or failing to follow through or meet deadlines. You should also be careful not to exhibit a negative attitude and be willing to take responsibility for your mistakes, writes Marguerite Ward. CNBC (2/17)
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Business cards are always good to have, but don't hand them to someone right away when you meet them, writes Marcelle Yeager. You should also avoid giving them to everyone you meet or handing out multiple cards to one person unless they ask for them. U.S. News & World Report (2/16)
United Shore CEO on what matters for job seekers Specific skills that can be taught fairly easily and the overall quality of your resume are not that important when companies are hiring, says United Shore CEO Mat Ishbia. Instead, Ishbia said his company looks for a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. Business Insider (2/16)
If you make the effort to continue learning, you'll not only be more successful at work, but also healthier and well-liked, writes Jessica Stillman. The best way to ensure that you continue to learn throughout your life is to schedule time for learning activities each week. Inc. online (free registration) (2/17)
Insects get creative to survive the winter Most insects become dormant in winter, but others burrow into the ground or find shelter in tree trunks and elsewhere. Some species adapt to the colder temperatures by internally producing sugars to avoid freezing, while others migrate to warmer regions for the winter. SmithsonianMag.com (2/15)
The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.
