Many years ago, I met a minister then probably in his late 70s, with deep wrinkles and rheumy eyes. He had a book of poetry with him, closed it and began to recite one very long poem from it from memory, with joy on his face and with gusto. When he was finished, I applauded, then asked him why he was doing this. Surely, he loved the poetry. But that's a lot of work!

He answered by tapping the side of his head, and said "Gotta keep the gray matter going. I plan to live a long time, and poetry is not only wonderful, memorizing it helps me stay sharp and alive!"

A contrast: Last week, a client in his 20s said to me, "I am the way I am and that's the way it is. I can't change". I interrupted him to say "You sound like you've given up on yourself -- there's always room and time to grow! You already have, since we first started working together. You'll change a lot over your lifetime." Because he will.

Jello sets into a final form, and it's complete. A roast cooks until it's done, finished, can't go any further. Humans are neither. We are never "finished", to change no more. In order to stay part of life, and have a vibrant career, embrace change and challenge yourself with new things. You are never "finished". You'll change even if you don't try to, but if you do, it's rewarding: you'll constantly be open to wonder. Otherwise, you are not alive.

That minister did live a long time, and is long gone now. But he was probably the one person in any gathering most likely to challenge himself to change. And that made him the most alive person in the room.

Don't miss this update of my December article about Skype interviews, with lots of new material!

I make available many materials that will give you some coaching, right off the page, several ways. So whether you're a new vet, a career shifter, a new grad, or planning your second or third career, there's something for you that's designed to help.

First, at my Ignite Your Job Search Store. Now I offer gift certificates at the store! Mention this (or forward this newsletter) to family and friends for a gift for yourself, or get one for someone you know who needs a boost in their career or job search. And the gift certificates are personalized for your recipient. Samples of the guides that are at the store: Want to know how to create a target list of employers? There's now a guide for that. What are the only five interview questions? There's a guide for that, too.
You can even get live coaching time with Joanne here -- at rates that will more than pay you back when you use what you learn!
All are at minimal prices, with a secure connection when you use a credit card to purchase.

Also, right on the home page is a link to my free YouTube channel, where you'll see more and more helpful videos. Right now there are three short videos about Applicant Tracking Systems, helping you get your resume INTO the system. Check it out.

And while you're at the site, see what else you can read that will help you (the blog, the Trapezes newsletter), or what's free to download.

C O L L E G E * S E N I O R S: About to graduate and need a road map to a great job upon graduation? Or you're a recent grad who is lost in finding that first, real, professional job?
Tired of living with mom and dad, or of having to keep that weird roommate?
Then you need my College Seniors: Step Up Your Job Search in January So That You Can Land In May - A Step-By-Step, Month-by-Month Timeline and Checklist.
Right now, this renewed-for-this-semester 17-page guide is FREE (usually $29.97). You don't have to read it cover to cover to get help, just go to the sections that apply to you. There are links galore and a checklist that helps you achieve the steps that get you closer to landing a REAL job upon graduation.
But time's getting short for you to start looking, and you HAVE to do it now to get the most out of the weeks ahead so you can land in May or June and start your real career. Download it today!