Nicki, Have You Been “Packaged For Success™”?

Packaged For Success™  is not just a portfolio development program – it is a brand – my lifestyle.  I founded The Teen Toolbox because I am my client.  Through the Packaged For Success Program I deliver the customer service and support that I wanted to receive.  I created programs and workshops that were not available to me as a teen.

Where Did Packaged For Success™ Come From?

Packaged is a common theme in my programs, services, and blog posts — Packaged For Success™, Pack-A-Purse.  Being ready and/or prepared is a common theme in my life.  I think it’s part of my DNA.  I’m drawn to news stories and movies where people survive for days in the wilderness or in a blizzard. I will watch the weather channel for hours. Recently I became a Disaster Mobilization Center Volunteer for my county.  The Volunteer Training and Coordinator asked me what interested me in volunteering and I couldn’t think of one specific event.  I’ve always known that I would somehow be involved in the emergency preparedness field but I wasn’t sure when or how.

One of the most important questions asked of Disaster Mobilization Center Volunteers is “do you have an emergency kit”.  My answer was “of course”.  My home first aid kit is always stocked and I travel with a trial size first aid kit.  Extra batteries and flashlights are in each area of my home.  I change my emergency food and clothing supplies with the seasons.  And yes, I even do the same in my car.  Did I mention that I always have a pair of tennis shoes in my trunk and flat shoes under my desk in case I need some relief from a beautiful pair of high heels?

Is There A Difference Between A Job And A Career?

I encourage teens to do what they love.  I believe that teens should do what they love when it comes to hobbies, community services, and employment.  So, when asked the question is there a difference between a job and a career my answer is a resounding yes.

A job is what you do to earn money but a career is a series of connected employment endeavors. Let me use myself as an example.  Since graduating from college many years ago I have been employed in various organizations working with various populations – families, pre-school and elementary school, pre-teens, teens and teen parents.  I have also volunteered in many different capacities, and just like my employment opportunities, they all fit perfectly in my social work career path.  All of my jobs have led me further down the same career track.

Creating A Portfolio Build’s Winner Habits

The process of developing a portfolio in our Packaged For Success™ Portfolio Development Program builds winner habits.  Success is within our reach.

A habit is a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition.  Winner and losers do things differently.  They not only think differently but they also act differently.  Winners have habits that are valuable and move them forward.

Winner Habits:

1. Get Clear– You cannot achieve success or reach your goals without a clear vision.  You will not know if you are making progress is you do not know what you are working toward.  Clarity allows you to focus on what you want to accomplish.

2. Strategize and Plan – Winners create strategies and plans before they take action.  They do not waste time and energy by taking action without careful consideration.

3. Self-Motivation and Enthusiasm – Winners are proactive.  Winners do not wait for someone to tell them what to do.  Winners are go-getters who are enthusiastic about their goals.  When you are not passionate about something the work is like drudgery.  The excitement and enthusiasm that winners exhibit about their purpose and goals is often contagious.