What to do..

I've been talking with friends lately about plans after graduation. Some have jobs lined up already, others have found internships and then there are the others. Some have decided to take some time off from PR, some are "killing time" until law or grad school, and then there are the others who just don't know. There are so many decisions to make and it can quickly become overwhelming. 

Here are some ways to help choose your path:

1. Listen to your instincts.

This primal tool is generally right.You should listen to your instincts but don't become a victim. Don't just move to Idaho because your instincts said to move there, but make a plan. Acknowledge the feeling then ask yourself why. Do you want to move there because a friend is? Or are there other reasons? 

2. Give yourself time.

Make a decision and then think about it for a day or two. If you decide to go into PR and two days later catch yourself thinking about how much you love something else and hate all of your PR classes, you need to stop and re-evaluate. Make a decision you are comfortable with two days later, in fact it would be even better if you were excited. 

3. Write it down.

Write your thoughts down. I always make a pros and cons list before a big decision. It helps clarify and organize my thoughts, and it's easier to discuss ideas when written down. Seeing the things you like versus what you dislike may really open your eyes.  

I recently bought a new car- in my head it seemed dumb to sell of a nice, low mileage, paid off Explorer and take out a loan to buy a Prius. But when I wrote it down and really thought things through, I was spending $500 on gas a month for the explorer. Now, my car payment is $290 and gas costs about $120 a month. I'm saving money.

Good luck to everyone who is about to begin a new venture. If you have have any suggestions on what helps you make a good decision, please share!

Sprinkle some inspiration in my direction...

Lately, I’ve noticed that I’ve become un-inspired with life it seems. The stress of graduation, end of semester strain and the normal stresses of life have really worn me down lately. I’ve noticed it takes me much longer to do school work then it should, especially basic projects that should have me very excited about the future.

I’ve decided to combat this stress with an inspiration journal. One of my favorite blogs, NYC PR Girls, recommended keeping the journal as a way to stay sharp in the field. I’d never considered something as simple as inspiration to get me through these last few weeks as a full time college student (Next semester will consist of an internship and two classes). But we’ll see how it goes!

Although my journal/blog will not be centered wholly around PR, inspiration in the rest of one’s life will carry over to their professional life.

As my first Inspiration entry, I chose several quotes :

 Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow.”

                -Mary Anne Radmacher

 “Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

                -Steve Jobs

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.

-Mark Twain

 Here' to the crazy ones. The misfits. The trouble makers. The rebels.....You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. But the only thing you can't do is ignore them....Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones that do.

 -Steve Jobs

Perhaps imagination is only intelligence having fun.

 -George Scialabra

Once I get started with quotes, it is very difficult for me to stop! I could have gone on for hours :) Hope these have left some others feeling inspired, I'm off to finish some school work!