ParticiPant UPdateMarch 1, 2012

Keeping you Informed, Empowered and Prepared

How Enthusiasm Can Help You Reach Your GoalsBy Arina Nikitina

If enthusiasm can be bought as an item from a store, do you think it will sell?

And if it does, just how much are you willing to pay for it?

Just how important is enthusiasm in goal realization; in one’s life? It is so important that it occupies one of the top slots in the list of elements needed for successful living.

There is no doubt that everyone likes talking to enthusiastic people, unless a person likes to be in a gloomy state, which I doubt that person does. Enthusiastic people keep the conversation alive and upbeat.

The point is, enthusiasm is contagious like a disease. This is one contagious disease that has a desirable effect. Matter of fact, enthusiasm is the only disease everybody wants to get.

Now, just how do you get enthusiastic especially when your surroundings, the weather condition, and the general situation feels down and out?

Here are some helpful tips to develop enthusiasm:

1. Adopt the “as if” principle. This is an effective time and people tested principle. I would suggest at this point that you try to apply the “as if” principle with someone near or beside you to confirm its effectiveness.

2. Another similar principle is the “what if”. If you are in the business of developing products, you are most likely exposed to a lot of experimentation. When you come up with an idea on a product you’d like to try even if the idea seems unconventional, would you try it? Would you be saying to yourself: “What if I try to...”

3. Adapt enthusiasm into the “practice makes perfect” principle. In other words, be enthusiastic on almost everything you do every day no matter how insignificant they are, no matter how small they are. All those small things when added up become big.

4. As you wake up each morning, be enthusiastic about the things you are going to do that day. Bring enthusiasm to even the routinely morning chores like taking a shower, getting dressed, eating breakfast, taking the bus or driving your car, enthusiastically looking forward to tomorrow.

Employment Essentials

DID YOU KNOW?

Employers ARE hiring, are you applying?

2012 has started out strong with hiring in many different industries across the Twin Cities. So far, 2012 is proving to be the best year for hiring since 2008!

DID YOU KNOW?

Employer Services is available to all participants. We offer personalized assistance in the following areas:

• How to find the right job match for YOU

• How to apply online• Cover letter review and

feedback• Resume review and polishing• Follow up strategies• Networking advice• Interview practice and

preparation• Marketing to employers for

employment ready candidates

DID YOU KNOW?

An effective job strategy is one of the first steps to reaching your goal of Final Placement. Stop by the Career Center today for more details!

DID YOU KNOW?

Success is where opportunity and preparation meet! Are YOU preparing to succeed? Let Employer Services assist you!

Be sure to visit Scott and Bill in the Career Centers at both locations:

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 widely available. All F2s and above are encouraged to apply. Please join us!

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

Mark Your Calendars

MAR12-16

MAR14

MAR15

MAR15

MAR6-9

Final Evaluations for January session classes.

Tax Clinic: How and where to file your taxes 1-2:15 pm in Minneapolis

Discrimination in the Workplace: Protect your rights when looking to get hired or promoted1-2:15 pm in St. Paul

Participant Celebration! 5:45-7:30 pm at Neighborhood House in St. PaulRSVP to 612-338-0295

MAR12MAR13

Empowering U9:30 am-12 pm in St. Paul Learn how to understand and participate in your community as an active leader. Participants that attend every workshop will get $50 Target gift card. Max 15 spots.

Converting Opportunities to Full-Time Work 4:30-5:45 pm in St. Paul

Safe Sex Practices: What to know about HIV, AIDS, STDs 4:30-5:45 pm in Minneapolis

Education Extra: The latest class updates at TCR!

Know your State - Fun Facts about Minnesota!

◊ The Mall of America is the size of 78 football fields -- 9.5 million square feet. ◊ The stapler was invented in Spring Valley, Minnesota.

◊ Minneapolis has more golfers per capita than any other city 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.

Coaches’ CornerFirsts. February was a month to recognize the “firsts” of African descent to make contribution and establish new standards in American life. The first to perform open heart surgery, have their picture on a magazine cover, to invent a life changing game.

Coaches help TCR! participants establish goals

and make plans to achieve their ‘first’. What are your goals and how do you work SMART with our coach to achieve your firsts?

• The Job Search Log is going digital! Starting March session, a new Excel version of this tool will be available for your use. It has already been posted on the I-drive in the Information and Forms folder.

You will be able to:- Paste information from online postings directly- Sort and filter your data to track your progress- Manage your follow-up activity- Communicate with TCR! staff - All while sharpening your computer skills!

• Work Smarter! In March we will be launching a redesigned course called Job Search Strategies. In addition

to offering in-depth training on the new Job Search Log, JSS will give you tools for planning, networking, job-matching, and getting your foot in the door.

This course will be offered on Friday mornings in both Minneapolis and St. Paul. All F3 and Advanced participants are encouraged to enroll. Talk with your coach about signing up!

• MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! Course Surveys will again be offered during Week 8. In the past year, we have made major updates to our program based on feedback we’ve gotten from participants,

and we look forward to hearing about your experience and your ideas.