College Student’s Guide To Change: Susan Hanshaw’s 7 Step Action Plan

The following “how to” article was written by my business partner and author Susan Hanshaw of personal development firm Inner Architect and publishing firm Inner Architect Media. Please consider these steps as a check list action plan to begin your journey of change and discovery. Her new book “Inner Architect: How To Build The Life You Were Designed To Live” made it’s debut in June to wonderful reviews such as the review written by Tom Royce of http://therealestatebloggers-

Susan Hanshaw

Is there something that you wish to achieve or create in your life, yet you lack the confidence in yourself to follow through? Here are some tips for staying relentlessly focused on your goal.

1. Break your goal into executable steps.
2. Recognize that the key to achieving your goals is following through with the necessary steps.
3. Assign a schedule for each step and commit it to your calendar.
4. Use your calendar as your “to do” list. If you can’t get to a step on the scheduled date, reschedule it. Keep the step on your calendar until its completion.
5. If you are feeling resistance to following through with a particular step, get in touch with the belief that is in your way.
6. Replace the limiting belief with an idea that empowers you to move forward. Get inspired from someone who believes in you.
7. Hold yourself responsible for the life you create. Don’t allow room for regrets!

College Student’s Secret Weapon: How To Choose The Right Career And Right Life

Do you want to live a great life? Yes I assume and one step is going to college to get more education that qualifies you for a great job-right? But what if you are about to enter college and you have NO CLUE which direction to pursue.

The following is a short story about such a person–author Susan Hanshaw, her new book, and a review that will change your life–IF YOU ARE READY.

Author Susan Hanshaw left a successful 20 year corporate career that culminated in a position as Vice President and second in command of her direct marketing firm. During her transition she learned how to step into her current life as author, keynote speaker, and Founder of personal development firm Inner Architect.

The following is a smashing debut review for her latest work “Inner Architect: How To Build The Life You Were Designed To Live.” Reviewer Lori Hoeck of the blog spaceagesage.com succinctly and accurately analyzes Susan’s work; with a honest and impacting style, Hoeck captures the true essence behind this book and the meaningful messages contained within. For further information and to order “Inner Architect: How To Build The Life You Were Designed To Live”

List price: $14.95
innerarchitect.com price: $11.95 (save 20%)
Also available at Amazon.

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Lori Hoeck:

“When I started reading Inner Architect by Susan Hanshaw, I was perplexed. Other books I have read on self-help or personal growth immediately delve into meaty matters of mind, body, and soul, such as “Here’s your problem, here’s every reason behind your problem, and here’s the answer to your problem.”

I assumed Hanshaw would follow this pattern in the typical parental or professorial or counselor-type writing style. She does not. After a few more pages, it suddenly struck me. She is writing this so I can be my own life coach! I expected this book to give me just a few new insights here and there. Instead, it gives me the right tools for me to kick my own life into gear.

Her writing style isn’t for the reader to passively ingest words and ideas. Instead:

• It is about taking action.
• It is about taking action right now.
• It is about cutting through the hype and hyperventilation we often use to avoid change.

Her approach challenges the reader to actively progress through change in the form of over 30 fill-in-the-blank exercises. None of the exercises can be completed with superficial thought. For example in the section on Personal Obstacles, one asks, “What frightens you most about making this change?”

Her book is subtitled “How to Build the Life You Were Designed to Live.” Hanshaw uses the metaphors of designing, clearing obstacles for, constructing, and even moving into that life. I liked her stair-step process of beginning from the earliest point of considering a change to embracing, claiming, and enjoying a new life resulting from that change.

As I read more, I could easily imagine a life coach sitting across from me motivating me to think through all the steps. For example, in the finding purpose section, she helps readers find their passion by listing these “Clues:”

• Activities that cause you to lose track of time
• Unique talents and characteristics
• Yearnings and dreams that don’t go away
• Section in a bookstore you are most drawn to
• Classes you enjoy taking
• Complements you often get
• Roles that you naturally take on with family and friends
• Someone whose life you admire and wish you could be doing the same

Because of the straight-forward nature of the book and the mental work involved, readers may shy away from this type of life coaching in a book. If, however, you are ready to make changes and need a guidebook to your new life, Inner Architect will get you moving and thinking in more clearly defined, step-by-step, and motivational ways.”

Parents: Do Your Students Know How Much They Owe On Their Student Loan?

One of the most important details to understand is to make sure your student fully understands what will be owed once they graduate college. In our opinion, their total Student Loan payments upon graduation should not exceed 8% - 10% of their monthly gross income.

If in doubt, be sure to gather your pay off information and plan to pay back your loan within your budgetary constraints. Make a timeline for when you will be paid off by building in time for unexpected events. Review your timeline as a way to stay on top of your dwindling debt, and as a incentive to remove this burden from your life forever

Virginia Tech Tragedy: Always Pay Attention To Signs

The horrible tragedy at Virginia Tech last year is a reminder to always be aware of your friends and fellow students, watch for signs that something is not right, and be willing to get involved to help. The following is a retrospective from deansguide on the tragedy:

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Monday April 16, 2007, the day a very disturbed Virginia Tech student shot and killed 32 people, will be remembered for many things. It will be remembered as the worst case of gun violence on a school campus in American history. It will be remembered for those lost and those who were left behind. Most importantly it should be remembered as a wake up call to everyone around the country: A call to each one of us to take personal responsibility in our everyday life to spread love and goodwill to our fellow man.

The mainstream media, as predictable as ever, focussed on sensationalizing this tragedy. Their sound bite mentality and catch phrase riddled reports (ie “Massacre at Virginia Tech”) concentrated on garnering sympathy and ratings. Consequently the issues of campus police response and gun laws in the state of Virginia were emphasized with a very heavy dose of personal information about the victims. Impact upon the family members, surviving students and teachers, and their biographical information (one student “loved Nintendo”) was the focus. We watched people grieve, cry, and hold vigils.

Yet no collective social behavior was ever explored as a possible solution to these kinds of events. Here in lies a huge problem we face as a nation: gun violence apathy. Our complete and collective acceptance of gun violence as a part of American society is the status quo. People are so desensitized by the astronomical incidences of gun violence in this country, they have come to accept these events without question. If we as a society do ask questions, they always seem to focus on gun control laws, ease in purchasing guns, and the psychology behind the perpetrators.

We have reached a point in our violent history where we as a country and as individuals need to take a collective approach to creating a safer planet. On a grassroots level each one of us can and should at least attempt to spread love and care to our fellow human beings. We need to watch out for those people who display irrational behavior; we need to follow up those observations with action and a loving-caring response.

It is time to get involved. It is time to reach out to one another. We must not accept gun violence in our society. Instead we must become more tolerant, observant, caring, loving, and active in our responsibilities to each other.

San Francisco’s Horrible Secret: Golden Gate Bridge The Last Destination

The clip above from “The Bridge”

I am stunned! I am sitting here trying to wrap my arms around what I just witnessed. No film has had the effect that “The Bridge“, playing on the Independent Film Channel, has had on me in a very long time. It is a documentary about the Golden Gate Bridge. Unlike every documentary I have watched on our beloved landmark, this one focuses on the bridge’s notorious reputation as the #1 spot in the world for suicide.

In 2004 Eric Steel set up multiple cameras trained on the Golden Gate Bridge. What he caught was 20 separate suicide attempts; Steel spotlights 4 cases with interviews with family and friends of the victims. In two cases, he interviews the actual subjects of this documentary.

Although all of the cases were extremely compelling and shocking, the most important message came from the story about “Ken.”

This story is about a young man who suffers from bi-polar disorder. “Ken” describes his illness with passion and honesty. He describes his torn relationship with his father which is a central theme in “Ken’s” life. Interjected within this vignette, is “Ken’s” father’s description of “Ken’s” history and struggle with this illness, his own search for answers for his son, and a forlorn resolve that his son is one bad day away from tragedy.

The results of “Ken’s” struggles with family relationships and his illness was his attempted suicide from the deck of the Golden Gate Bridge in 2004. Ken, in minute horrific detail, gave his account of his last minutes before his leap. Although he jumped from a height of 220 ft., traveling at 75+ mph, “Ken” survived the leap with multiple fractures of his lower back.

Since his suicide attempt,”Ken” has become a very spiritual person; he seems to have taken steps toward a better more normal life. “Ken’s” father sums it up best: “Ken” has resigned himself to the fact that he must stay within the boundaries, the safe brackets if you will, of his medications.” “Ken’s” illness is controllable.” According to “Ken’s” father, it (bio-polar disease) is unlike a serious case of cancer where a person has little control over their destiny; he believes “Ken” should feel lucky to have control through medication of his medical situation.

The reality of this problem is the role we all can and should play in helping our fellow human beings. If we could feel compassion, take action, and believe in being proactive in a “My brother’s keeper” way. . . maybe together we could help spare just one lost soul from a permanent horrible decision.

Student’s #1 “Cost Of Living” Tool: Economic Research Institute

The best source for students to find free “calculator” tools, to help decide on the best cities in the US to live, are provided by the Economic Research Institute. The best page to find these valuable tools is the ERI “Career and Cost of Living Comparison” page which includes the following free tools:

2 Career Cost of Living Comparison Tools For Students

1. Salary Potential 2023: This tool “reports the estimated annual mean salary potential for 5,634 positions in the Year 2023.”

2. Student Cost of Living: This tool is a fantastic point of reference. It calculates cost of living for cities around the world and in some cases neighborhoods within the cities.

In my example I found the following information about San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood: “Student Cost of Living for Consumables as a percentage of the U.S. National Norm: 125%”

There are many more detailed reports comparing cities globally or nationally, cost of living conversion rates and economic condition calculators. Although these reports are not free, the descriptions of the reports can give you a starting point to performing your own (free) research.

Top 10 Cities: Job Prospects For College Graduates To Consider

As a college graduate you are either buried in student loans waiting to be paid, you have lived a bare thread existence, or you are just ready to prosper after a long preparation period called your “whole life.” The following list was compiled from Hannah Clark’s beautiful article in Forbes.com “The Best Cities To Get A Job.”

The numbers represent a small part of why these cities are considered the top 10 cities for college graduates to find a job. Each city’s economy is outlined with new companies or industry highlights. In addition “affordability” ratings for housing (NAR calculator) and cost of goods (Cost of Living Index by infoplease.com) should be areas that students investigate on their own.

Top 10 Cities

1. Washington D.C.: Unemployment rank: 4 and Job growth rank: 12

2. Phoenix, Ariz: Unemployment rank: 17 and Job growth rank: 8

3. Las Vegas, Nev: Unemployment rank: 12 and Job growth rank: 1

4. Orlando, Fla: Unemployment rank: 5 and Job growth rank : 6

5. Bethesda, Md: Unemployment rank: 2 and Job growth rank : 32

6. Richmond, Va: Unemployment rank: 6 and Job growth rank : 28

7. Raleigh, NC: Unemployment rank: 18 and Job growth rank: 22

8. Jacksonville, Fla: Unemployment rank: 13 and Job growth rank: 20

9. Oklahoma City, Okla: Unemployment rank: 21 and Job growth rank: 44

10. Virginia Beach, Va: Unemployment rank: 16 and Job growth rank: 25

College Student Marketability Tool #1: Learn How To Be An Expert To Maximize Your “Employability”

If you believe that believing in yourself is a choice then you must understand how to begin the process. The first characteristic that shapes our reality is our self confidence. But how do you feel confident when you have never done something that feels so difficult like making a life change?

How Do I Build My Confidence?

1. Increase Your Knowledge and Expertise:

Take classes at a college, apply for an internship, or hire a specific expert
Read books, periodicals, online sources to supplement your base of knowledge
Understand that being an “expert” is defined by Websters as “skill or knowledge representing mastery of a particular subject.” You do not have to be a Ph.d; life experience and a willingness to learn will help you become an expert

2. Practice Your Craft:

Repetition and critiquing your performances are the mainstays of any effort to improve. By seriously practicing, being mindful of quality, and relentlessly striving to improve you will become an expert and build your confidence in the process

3. Offer Your Work For Free:

Give free workshops, tutoring, mentoring, or offer your resources to businesses. The key to offering your work for free is the priceless feedback and experience you gain from this activity

4. Find a Mentor:

Look for someone who is successful in your niche. Surround yourself with positive people. Allow their positive habits to rub off on you. Make the commitment to expand your base of friends and acquintances

Student Job Applicant’s Tool #1: Avoid “Derailing” Your Career Before It Starts

This article was originally presented on http://deansguide.wordpress.com; Dr. John Eggers, Ph.d researcher, has identified the best method for hiring people in corporate America. If you are a recent graduate and you are searching for a job consider this article a warning. Understand your personality type, research the firms you want to work for in your career, then present yourself in the best light.

FoxBusiness.com published this article on Valentine’s Day 2008
John Eggers, Ph.d and President/CEO of Proclivity LLC is an expert in human capital issues effecting businesses, employee challenges in the workplace, and measuring the best method for hiring the right people within an organization. Egger’s University of You (YU) is billed as “A Personal, Career & Organizational Development Forum” and “Resources to Help You Win.” One of the best and most simple lists to help Realtors and Brokers assess their employees is his list of the “Top Ten Executive Derailment Factors”

According to Dr. Eggers: “fifty percent (50%) of executives overrate their abilities and a few simple steps can stop this from happening”

Egger’s “Top Ten Executive Derailment Factors”

1. Hubris

2. Mishandling Office Politics

3. Alienating Your Boss

4. Over Reliance on a Mentor

5. Suffering from a Bad Image

6. Being a “Problem Child”

7. Not Producing Results

8. Succumbing to Stress

9. Changing Everything

10. Getting Off to a Bad Start

The “Attitude Crisis” Students Face: Tips For Maintaining Positive Energy

The following article is the first in a series of articles to help students and professionals maintain a positive attitude through positive thought process. This series will be authored by myself and Susan Hanshaw, inspirational teacher, coach and speaker. This article, written by Susan Hanshaw, gives steps you can take to make positive thinking a method to achieve happiness and relieve stress. Thank you Susan!

How do you maintain a constant positive thought process without letting the stresses of the outside world interfere?

Positive thinking really can become a habit if you work on it. It just takes practice. There are many things you can do to practice:

1. Begin every day with some kind of practice that reminds you that whatever you manifest in your life begins as a thought in your mind. Your create your life through what you think about. Make a habit several times throughout the day to remind yourself by bringing this idea to your awareness.
2. Be aware of your thoughts and the control that you have over them. If you catch yourself thinking negatively, stop the thought and replace it with a positive one.
3. Approach your world from a place of gratitude. Focus as much as possible on all the things you have to be grateful about. It’s impossible to experience a negative thought while you are dwelling in gratitude.
4. Develop a strong faith in the good of the Universe. Expect that all your needs will be met and that you have absolutely nothing to worry about.
5. Think of your mind as a sacred place and protect it. Don’t allow yourself to participate in negative energy. Claim your power to change or remove yourself from negative environments.
6. Look for beauty in everything you encounter.
7. Think of your experience of life like starring in a movie that takes place in your mind. If you want to experience happiness, think happy thoughts. If you want to be miserable, fill your mind with negative thoughts.

Remember that you don’t have to put up with the negative thoughts that may seem to naturally dart through your mind. They may continue to show up uninvited, but that doesn’t mean you have to let them in the door to visit.

Thank you for visiting. Here’s to a life of richness!

Susan Hanshaw
innerarchitect.wordpress.com ; innerarchitect.com

susanhanshaw.wordpress.com