ParticiPant UPdateApril 11, 2012

Keeping you Informed, Empowered and Prepared

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses!Get Them in WritingIt’s critical that you get them in writing. Not goals or ambitions. No, we’re not talking about creating a clear target. Instead, we’re talking about uncovering a clear obstacle.

Few people like to admit that they’re afraid to do something. They also don’t enjoy admitting that they’d rather not work toward improvement. The way out? The always-available excuse.

What’s Your Excuse?Whether it’s a packed schedule or the fact of kids still in school, people will reach for

anything that gets them out of the hot water of fear or sacrifice.

It’s not that you’re afraid to break free of your dead-end job and find something truly rewarding; it’s simply that you don’t have the time right now.

Obviously, with excuses covering up the truth, nothing ever changes. And even more clear is the fact that you need to break free of these destructive traps of illusion.

Where to BeginBecause these little nuggets of falsehood have enjoyed so much use in the past, it’s difficult to call them out the moment they rise to the surface; they’ve become so ingrained that using an excuse is more of reflex than rational thought. This problem is solved with a pen and paper.

By writing out, word for word, the excuses you’ve used in the past to avoid doing things that scare you or things that require sacrifice, you’ll shine the light on your rationalizations.

You can even ask friends or family the typical ‘reasons’ you’ve offered to explain your inaction.

When you’ve uncovered your patterns of explanation, you’ll be ready the next moment they come to mind. Instead of talking you out of action, you’ll know better. You’ll know it’s just your excuse reflex at work and finally break free of the trap of rationalization.

Copyright © 2010 VantagePoint Motivation Services Inc. All rights reserved

Help Lab is Here!Want some strong one-on-one help while you’re learning the computer or strengthening your writing skills? Help Lab is just the place to find it!

Help Lab starts the second week of each session. Writing tutoring ends Wednesday, May 2, while Computer and Math tutoring end Wednesday, May 9.

Transportation is available. Questions? Let us know.

Help Lab Schedule:Monday Wednesday

12:30 PMto

2:15 PM

Computers – MPLSComputers - SP

Computers – MPLSComputers - SPWriting – MPLSWriting – SPApplied Math - SP

4:45 PMto

5:45 PM

Computers – MPLSComputers – SP

Writing - MPLS

Plan B: None of the times listed above work for you? Let your coach or instructor know. We may be able to match you with a tutor based on your availability.

Employment EssentialsHiring Season is in Full Swing!

Chances are, if you are applying for jobs that you are qualified for AND if your job application activity is high (at least 12 well matched job applications per week) you WILL be offered an interview! Employers ARE hiring for full time positions.

With summer approaching, the time for you to land your full time job is now! As summer approaches, the competition from students will increase, so the time for you to be on the top of your game is NOW!

Stop by the Career Center for assistance with job leads, networking and follow up tips, interview preparation and MORE!

Monday-Thursday: 12:30-2 pm Friday: 9am-12 pm

Internship InsightLooking to gain some work experience and confidence while you search for your final placement? Learn more about TCR!’s Internship Program by attending an information session.

Both office and warehouse internships are still available. All F2s and above are encouraged to apply. Please join us!

Minneapolis: Mondays at 1:00 pmSt. Paul: Wednesdays at 1:00 pm

Coaches’ CornerSpring cleaning! The season refreshes and renews. Your coach will support you in your “window cleaning” so that you are better able to see what needs to be affirmed, addressed, changed and regulated.

If your window has endured seasons of smearing and is unclear, your ability to see your path to success will be equally unclear. Work with your coach, clean your window, see your path and renew with the songs of Spring!

Education Extra: The latest class updates at TCR!

Know your State - Fun Facts about Minnesota!

◊ Minnesota Inventions: Masking and Scotch tape, Wheaties cereal, Bisquick, HMOs, the bundt pan, Aveda beauty products, and Green Giant vegetables

◊ The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is the largest urban sculpture garden in the country.

Bonus BucksDo you know anyone that could benefit from TCR!? If you do, TCR! will pay you for every person you bring in that meets TCR!’s eligibility requirements. Right now, about 20% of our referrals come from participants like you!

Help TCR! get the word out and make some money at the same time. For more details ask the front desk, Shereese Turner, or the recruiters.

• Help Labs are Resources! If you choose to use them, you’re choosing to sharpen your skills and close the gap between you and full-time employment. To get signed up for help with writing, math, or computers, contact your instructor now.

• Strength in NumbersOn average, 100 well-matched applications lead to 5 interviews, which lead to one job offer. In short: 100 a 5 a 1.

If this number seems huge, break it down: If you apply for and follow up on 2 well-matched jobs a day, 5 days a week, you’ll hit the 100 mark in a single session. Want a job soon? Apply for 2 jobs a day. Visit the Career Center for support.

Final Evaluations for March session classes.

St. Paul Parking - For Your Information

Please be advised that the parking lot in the back of Twin Cities RISE! is one of

the parking lots that staff, participants, and guests of Twin Cities RISE! are allowed to park. If this lot is full continue east past the lot and you will see additional parking with signs designating the spots for TCR!. The parking lot along the wall on the side of the building also says Twin Cities RISE!, but it is timed parking. This means that you cannot park over 15 or 30 minutes in this lot, whichever time is listed in the parking space.

To park in this area means that you run the risk of getting your car towed and having to pay $285.00 to get your car back. Please refer to the maps posted at TCR! for further information.