Become Irreplaceable

" In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different."
~ Coco Chanel

Picture by realkuhl

Have you ever wondering how you can be different from your work peers, in your classroom, in your team or how can you made a difference? Most of us have had this experience, and it can be quite frustrating. While you know, you are special and bring a lot of assets in what you do, maybe you are not feeling like others are valuing you as you are expecting or maybe you just feel like you are not doing enough. Therefore, you feel unmotivated and unhappy.

Here is a list I am personally applying to overcome this situation & feeling:

1. Learn as much as you can: Not matter where I am, I am trying to learn something new. I love learning but I also do it because maybe some day I will need that knowledge for a great opportunity.
2. Define the result: What is it you would like to accomplish? Define your goals so you know what your target is. Define if there is any problem which is a measurable result rather than something vague and generic. . Perhaps you want to answer a question, “What are some projects I can work on?”
3. Write it down: Brainstorm on paper (or digital device). I’ve found that the moment I write an idea down, not only do I have a record of this idea, but more ideas will start to flow my way. Also, because I am the person who likes to check lists, I love the feeling of checking my list of accomplishments.
4. Brainstorming: It’s an effective tool for helping to remove the mental roadblock and come up with ideas and solutions. Brainstorming is a method of generating ideas that allows the brain to think freely and use both sides of the brain to ideally come up with creative solutions to difficult problems. Brainstorming can be used whether you’re sorting out what to do to being seeing as an irreplaceable, or resolving a personal relationship issue. Brainstorming can help you hone in on the problem and come up with creative ways to approach it.

"Sometimes, being unique and special means more than blending in. This rock that I found on this deserted beach that few would ever stop to walk came from many miles to the South..... but fits perfectly into making this a much more beautiful place than if it was not here....."

~by realkuhl

How to Diminish Stress at Work

Don't let work, co-workers, papers, deadlines, etc make you tense. Stress raises your body's production of cortisol and adrenaline hormones, which lowers your immune response, making you more susceptible to illness. Here are simple ways to work on managing your stress at work:

1. Get Moving
   Short bursts of intense physical activity burn off stress hormones, release endorphins and restore balance. Instead of taking a coffee break, go for a walk around the building or climb the stairs at work.
2. Eat Breakfast
   Skipping breakfast may cause you to eat more later in the day. If you're hungry by the time lunch rolls around, you're likely to overeat, which isn't just harmful to your diet, but your stress levels as well. Putting too much glucose (blood sugar) in your system at one time adds stress to your body. Plus, any glucose that isn't used is stored as fat and carrying around extra pounds is a strain.
3. Grab a Snack
   Another way to keep your hunger pangs and blood-sugar levels in check is snacking throughout the day. When your blood sugar gets too low, your body goes into survival mode. Stash some healthy snacks at your desk so you're not tempted by the vending machine. Keep in mind that a snack should be no more than 200 calories; a handful of nuts, a piece of fruit or nonfat yogurt are good options. By fortifying yourself with food, you'll have enough energy to cope with the day's stresses.
4. Cut Back on Caffeine and Alcohol
   Many people reach for a latte to stay alert at work or relax with a cocktail after a busy day. These substances only aggravate your anxiety by releasing stress hormones. Your best bet is to replace your caffeine fix with a walk and hit the gym instead of happy hour.
5. Stretch It Out
   Even if you're stuck in an epic meeting or tied to the phone with constant conference calls, you can still move your body. Hunching over a computer all day can take its toll, so do some stretches to release muscle tension. Reach forward to stretch your upper back and shoulder. To relieve tension from your neck, lift each ear away from the shoulders. Cross one foot over the opposite knee and lean forward slightly to stretch your hip and butt muscles. Or, sign for a Yoga Class!

Work-Make Up Emergency Kit

I read the following article and I believe it will help you!

Every working girl must be prepared for those "O-M-G I can't believe this is happening to me at the office!" moments.

From coffee stains to stocking snafus, the key is to be well-equipped with an emergency kit to combat any fashion or beauty crisis with a quick fix.

Simply create your own go-to bag stocked with essentials to get you through any disaster without breaking a sweat.

First, pick up a cute cosmetic case to keep all of your travel-sized must-haves in one organized place. This also makes it easier to discreetly transport your "top-secret weapons" to the bathroom.

Skin Care Products:

You never know when you'll need a dab of cover-up, a concealer touch-up for those dark circles, or a smidgen of moisturizer for super dry hands. But rather than spend a fortune on full sized bottles of all your favorite skin care products, see if a brand you love makes a great set featuring mini versions of your must-haves.

Nail Polish Remover:

You've been holding out until Friday for a manicure so your nails look impeccable for the weekend. But your boss just summoned you to a meeting with some major bigwigs. Nail polish remover to the rescue! Quickly wipe away those last chips of the super dark polish you tested out last week, so you look less tormented Emo chick and more executive.

Safety Pins and Double Sided Tape:

Who has time for sewing? If you noticed a busted button on your shirt or pants (big lunch?), a safety pin and/or double sided tape will do the trick.

Stain Remover:

Your day got off to a rough start when you spilled your morning coffee all over your keyboard. But even worse, it splattered on your clothes. Having a stain remover on hand will help tone down the damage.

Roll on Perfume:

Sometimes an extra dab of perfume is necessary, especially on your way out for after-work cocktails. A roll-on version of your favorite scent is easy to tote around and won't overwhelm your cube-mates the way an "over-spritz" does.

Tooth Brush, Floss and Mouthwash:

Salads can be risky business if you're not prepared to tackle spinach-in-the-teeth fiascos with an after-lunch brush, floss and rinse. Pop a mint for good measure.

Baby Powder:

Especially in the summer months, the inside of those ballet flats can get a little … sticky. Freshen up and keep your feet comfy with a dash of baby powder.

Band-Aids:

Breaking in those new heels has caused you some major blisters, but you refuse to stop wearing them. A few protective band-aids will keep your tootsies in tip-top shape.

Pain Reliever:

No need to suffer! Ease anything from a bout of cramps to spreadsheet-induced headaches, pronto!

Hair Brush and Elastic Band:

If you get caught in some inclement weather on the way to work, quickly brush and pull your hair back into a sleek pony, rather than rocking an "I just stuck my finger in a socket" look.

Lint Brush:

In case that new winter scarf sheds all over your outfit; de-fuzz quickly with a few rolls.

Everyday Work Makeup:

Rather than lug around your full makeup bag, keep an extra lip gloss, blush, and mascara on hand to brighten up when you look particularly burnt out—or need to easily transition from an office to evening look. If you think your makeup needs a refresher at the end of the day, use a makeup remover pad (which come in handy individual packs) to start from scratch.

If you want to take it a step further:

*Keep another a pair of black stockings tucked aside in case a little run goes a long way. That disheveled look may work for Lindsay Lohan, but it's certainly not office appropriate. Although you could use some clear nail polish to seal up a tiny snag.

*Your work space shouldn't be a shoe closet, but keeping a practical pair under your desk doesn't hurt. They'll come in handy when you feel like walking home instead of taking the bus, or don't want to ruin your new suede pumps in a sudden snowstorm.

*A black blazer always adds a professional touch when you have an unexpected important meeting (plus it will match pretty much anything you're wearing). So if you have an extra, keep it on the back of your chair just in case! While these products can't veer your boss off his daily warpath, an emergency kit complete with your favorite everyday work makeup,skincare products, and wardrobe-malfunction fixes will certainly keep other scary occurrences to a minimum.