Why Your Resume Can Use a Second Proofreader

Why Your Resume Can Use a Second ProofreaderWhy Your Resume Can Use a Second ProofreaderWhy Your Resume Can Use a Second ProofreaderSometimes we cant help but depend on the kindness of strangers.One day this week, right after parking my car in a parking garage, a gentleman who had been driving behind me told me my brake lights were out as we walked toward the exit.Now thats something I would never have noticed, and its a critical road safety issue.I thanked him twice, then made a point to visit my mechanic later in the day.If I hadnt had that second set of eyes to notice the problem and alert me, I might have gone on for days, thinking I was driving safely and wondering why all those crazy drivers were almost crashing into me.As I thought about that, a light bulb (pun absolutely intended) went off in my head about sending your resume without noticing that one little thing that can prevent you from landing an interview. It might be a typo, a grammar error, or some formatting issue (su ch as non-aligned bullets or one word thats mistakenly in a different font). You may not notice it when you review your resume, but then someone else is kind enough to point it out to youand you avoid a potential job search disaster.You need to proofread every square inch of your resume, but its important to have someone else proofread it too, whether its just to check grammar and spelling, or to go deeper and address the content. You dont want even the tiniest of blemishes, such as a misspelling or grammar gaffe, to turn out the lights on a chance at landing a job thats perfect for you.

Experienced Paralegal Resume Template 2018s Top Format

Experienced Paralegal Resume Template 2018s Top FormatExperienced Paralegal Resume Template - 2018s Top FormatCreate ResumeEvan Washington100 Main Street, Cityplace, CA, 91019Home(555) 322-7337 example-emailexample.comSummaryEnthusiastic paralegal skilled in research and client communication, with more than five years in legal administrative assistance.ExperienceProbate paralegalJuly 2012 to August 2013, Hughes, Watters, Askanase Houston, Texasprobate paralegalJanuary 2012 to January 2013conducted research on deceased borrowers and heirs using Westlaw and local county online services prepared contact letter to heirs drafted correspondence and pleadings for creditors administration and requests to the underwriter to insure around deceased borrower coordinated with attorneys, dependent administrators and local counsels with hearings updated to clients with status of loans handled by the firm performed title reviews and determine if title claims are needed for prior liens, missing con veyances, legal discrepancies referral administrator.January 2009 to January 2012Opening all referrals that come through ur department Foreclosures, Bankruptcies,evictions, Litigation and credit union loans Data entry Document retrieval Making files Maintaining Excel spreadsheet with current information Extensive research Responsible for pulling loans from going to sale if necessary.Paralegal/receptionistSeptember 2008 to July 2009, Patterson, Boyd Lowery Houston, TexasAnswer phones greet clients general office duties data entry maintain calendar and journal entry system research and investigative reporting typed and proofread documents electronically and manually.HighlightsSuperb legal research skillsExpertise in legal proceedingsProbate law familiarityDatabase managementFluent in SpanishMS Office proficientTexas Notary Public commissionEducationAssociates Degree Paralegal Technology, 5/2007, Houston Community College Houston, TXCoursework in Paralegal Studies Customize ResumeMore Legal Resume TemplatesEntry Level Paralegal Resume Templates

The Power of Job Search Prioritization

The Power of Job Search PrioritizationThe Power of Job Search Prioritization1Finding a new job can take a lot of time and effort. How can you maximize whatever time you have available to get everything done? The truth is, you cant. Thats why its so important to be clear about your dream job- so you can maximize on your job search prioritization that will help you leapfrog your competition.Keep reading for five job search prioritization tips to boost productivity and get ahead in your job search1. Focus your search.Dont waste your time applying for jobs that arent likely to provide the salary, benefits, or growth opportunity you want- or that youre not qualified for. Instead, spend that time on activities that are more likely to pay off, such as reaching out to colleagues in your field or applying for freelance, temporary, or contract positions at companies that can use your skills and expertise.2. platzset daily goals.Set three goals every day and prioritize them A, B, and C. Make yo ur goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely). For exampleA) Identify five potential employers by 500 p.m.B) Ask two people I know for connections in my desired field or company.C) Read three chapters of a self-help or job search-related book.3. Block out your time.Instead of making a to-do list, group job search activities into categories. Block out time in your schedule to work on one category at a time instead of flitting between tasks. Keep in mind that some activities need to be done during work hours, while others can be done after hours. Categories might includeSearching- Looking for whos hiring by using job seeker websites, classified ads, company websites (for job postings and application procedures), or job placement centers.Writing- Updating your resume, writing a 60-second elevator pitch, emailing friends and colleagues (especially those employed by companies where youd like to work), or sending private messages on Facebook to ask for help, be it a dvice or connections.Networking- Making connections at live events and on LinkedIn and other social media sites.Following up and following through- Calling or emailing networking contacts or interviewers you havent yet heard back from, as well as following through on your promises to send resumes or other information.Researching- Researching trends in your industry and doing your homework on companies prior to interviews.Honing skills- Perform job search prioritization by attending a local gathering of Toastmasters to improve your public speaking skills or working on a certification.Meetings/Interviews- Got an interview? Schedule another meeting or two while youre out This may also be a good time to run any needed errands.4. Give yourself a break.Work at your job search prioritization with the same energy as you would work at your desired job, but also give yourself regular booster breaks. Plan to work without distraction for 60 to 90 minutes and then take a break. Choose to do some thing less mentally taxing like tidying your schreibstube area, checking your social media feeds, or playing your favorite game app. Go for a run. Meet a friend for lunch. Then get back to work. Taking a break will refresh your mind, body, and spirit and youll be more productive as a result.5. Be mindful of your happiness. Arecent groundbreaking study found a strong relationship between well-being and productivity. Participants asked to watch a 10-minute video clip of a stand-up comedian were 10-12 percent more productive than the control group. So go ahead and watch that funny video clip your friend posted on Facebook. Or start a gratitude journal and add one thing for which youre thankful every day. Hopefully, one day soon, youll be able to add, Landed my dream job.Findmore job search tips hereReaders, how have you accomplished job search prioritization? Tell us in the comment section belowDonna Smallin Kuper is a cleaning and productivity expert who writes for Quill.com. She is a lso the author of a dozen best-selling books on simplifying life as The One Minute Organizer.

How to Customize a Job to Fit Your Life

How to Customize a Job to Fit Your LifeHow to Customize a Job to Fit Your Life Engaged employees use mora than the skills their job descriptions detail to get work done. They take the list of responsibilities that define their roles and filter those through their characters-enabling them to dig into that work and make it their own.Tweaking a role to suit your skills and personality , once youve lived in that job and you understand its nuances, is both a survival skill and a self-management initiative. Professors Jane Dutton and Amy Wrzesniewski coined the term job crafting to describe how employees use their personalities to reshape their roles and earn themselves a better fit in their work. Dutton, Wrzesniewski and their colleague Justin Berg point out that job crafting is what employees do to redesign their own jobs in ways that foster engagement, job satisfaction, resilience and thriving. When crafting your role, you use your skills , character and connecti ons to enact your work in ways that honor the individual you are. This makes your job more suited to you, and thus more meaningful. If youre not already job crafting, heres what you need to know. Job crafting is about being engaged, alert, mindful and proactive. Youre not waiting around to be noticed. Youre using the opportunity you have to find fulfillment in your work. In every job description , theres a range of responsibilities and expectations some are major parts of the role, some are minor responsibilities. As you work your way into your position, you are inclined to developed tricks, short cuts and collaborations that help you enact your duties effectively. As you systemize your workflow, you may find yourself with room to explore the less-prominent responsibilities associated with your job. Grow these. Further develop a project that is at the edge of your scope of responsibilities. Dutton, Wrzesniewski and Berg point out Your job comprises a set of building blocks that y ou can reconfigure to create more engaging and fulfilling experiences at work.Perhaps, for example, you have a marginal role entering data for your team. In your conversations with the database manager, youve learned about a new mode of reporting that you think could help your unit. You have the time and expertise to take it on. Talk with your manager. See if you can stretch into this. It would enhance what you produce for your team, and it would be exciting to dig deeper into the database component of your role. In the same way, you may have a skill that youre eager to further develop in your daily work. Lets say, for example, that writing is a minor part of your role. If you love to write, and you can streamline your other operations, you earn yourself more time to volunteer for new responsibilities that are aligned with your interest. Make it your goal to take on more writing projects. As you grow and strengthen this skill, add it as a performance goal. Check with your manage r to see if there are development resources that you can secure to grow the skill perhaps theres a writing or grammar workshop that you can attend, for example. Identifying ways that you would like to deepen your role to be a better fit for your skillset is a win-win for you and your company. If you have a hand in defining the trajectory of your work, using your talents and interests to streamline it, the work will feel more like yours. It will matter more to you, and it will help you evolve professionally. Wrzesniewski explains One trend that I think will continue is the likelihood that individuals will not be spending their careers in one firm or even a few firms. Thats going to necessitate taking responsibility for putting together your own plan for how youre putting together the steps of your career , the skills that youre building and the eventual impact you hope to have in a way that will be your responsibility as opposed to the responsibility of people who used to develop y ou in firms. Job crafting is a self-management initiative, which gives you the power to find satisfaction in your work and forge your own development and trajectory. Wrzesniewski explains that most employees engage in some level of job crafting . Understanding whats involved and directing it mindfully can enable you to do it strategically. Its ideal when a manager notices that youre doing great work and offers you a meaningful opportunity. But rather than holding your breath to get noticed, take responsibility for your own professional satisfaction. Job craft like no one is watching, because soon enough someone will be.

6 Cheats to Help You Rocket Up the Corporate Ladder

6 Cheats to Help You Rocket Up the Corporate Ladder 6 Cheats to Help You Rocket Up the Corporate Ladder Even though the bedrngnislage-so-ambitious are bailing out of the corporate rat race in swarms, it hasnt exactly becomemuch easier for the remaining workers to climb the organizational ladder. There still remain millions of workers all over the world competing for the limited number of elite management positions at the top.Climbing up the management ladder is as hard as its ever been, so I thought I would outline some hints and tips to help you get an edge on the competition1. Get an master of business administrationDespite what the skeptics might tell you,it seems that MBAs do confer upon their holders a number of benefits.Post-MBA starting pay is 50 percent higher than pre-MBA pay for full-time students, and part-time MBA graduates also see incremental boosts in pay. The payback period for an MBA is about four years on average.So, the message is simple getting an MBA seems to b e a very effective way to accelerateyour careeradvancement.2. Be Adaptable and FlexibleWhen your boss asks you to do some tasks that are outside of your job description, resist the temptation to say, Thats not my job. Why? Because 71 percent of employers see this lack offlexibility and adaptability asa red flag, one that could prevent you from getting a promotion.If you want to be seen as a promotion prospect, and you shouldalways be willing to take on work outside of your job description.3. Become the Managers FavoriteA survey from Georgetown Universitys McDonough School of Business found that 56 percent of senior executives had favorites for internal promotions before interviews even took place, and that 96 percent of these executives ended up giving the promotions to their favorites. That means that, regardless of whether or not it is fair, one of the best ways to climb the corporate ladder is to become the managers favorite.This may be easier said than done, because you may simp ly not be your managers type. However, there are somethings you can do to get into your managers good graces. Go above and beyond the call of dutyat work, and be sureto showan interestin your bosss hobbies.Do you and your boss both enjoy endurance sports? Thenuse that to your advantage and bond with your manager over that marathon you just ran.4. Take an Overseas AssignmentMercers 2012 Worldwide Survey of International Assignment Policies and Practicesshows that one of the top five reasons for international assignments is to support career development. In a global business world, research shows that multinational employers favor management candidates who have international experience. Having international experience on your resume is a great way to boost your promotion potential. The next time you see an opportunity for a not-so-glamorous role overseas, jump at the aussicht to take it. View it as a freestepping stone in your career.If you cant get an overseas assignment, consider le arning a second language, preferably in a country where your company or industry commonly does business. This should also increase your attractiveness as a potential manager.5. Start Your Own Business and Build Your Management SkillsIf you are struggling to be seen as promotion material, one option is to leave your company and start your own business. This will enable you to develop skills in sales, marketing, finance, people management, customer relationship management, and customer satisfaction. After gaining a few years of experience, you can either continue on your self-employed path or rejoin the working world at a higher level, thanks to yourvery impressive resume.6. Wear Professional AttireAsurvey developed by OfficeTeam found that 80 percentexecutives agreed that clothing choice can affect an employees chance of earning a promotion. It seems that something as simple as presenting apolished appearance, wearing a suit, and dressing so that you look like management material is a great way to make yourself more promotable.If yourequesting to reach the top of the corporate ladder, these tips should help give your journey a little boost. They may not solve all of your problems, but theyll definitely make you more promotable and give you some serious advantages over your competitors.

Choosing Good Hospitality Resume

Choosing Good Hospitality Resume Your summary of qualifications should incorporate a great array of examples that produce your resume really stick out. Irrespective of your degree of job practical expertise, your resume structure is essential to making your program stick out. Resume objectives are occasionally regarded as the old schooltype of resume. Entry-level objectives can be particularly hard to write since you likely dont have loads of work experience, but you do want to solidify that you know the kind of career youre searching for. The Battle Over Hospitality Resume and How to Win It Amazing hospitality employees have strong leadership abilities and have the ability to command projects are make important contributions to the customers overall success. Contrary to what some folks say, summaries are not just written in resumes that may boast of experiences. So long as youre able to emphasize and highlight the skills you know can give rise to the businesss well-being, y ou are certain to acquire short-listed and be invited for an interview. With a summary statement, you are still able to emphasize your abilities and accomplishments, but could also highlight your private brand. Different job postings will have different keywords and phrases, different job duties listed, and so forth. The very first thing recruiters see is whats up-front and center. Zetys resume templates are made with the aid of recruiters and adhere to the best practices in HR. On the flip side, functional resumes are normally used by fresh graduates or those who have less experience but want to grab the work vacancy. schriftart of Hospitality Resume A summary statement is a brief expert introduction you may increase the peak of your resume. The resume summary will act as their sales pitch. In general, the second summary tells us 90% of that which we need to know more about the applicant in only a few clear sentences. Whilst you write your summary for your resume, attemp t to think of what you want them to discuss with you, and what exactly you desire an opportunity to discuss. fruchtwein good job ads include contact information and several HR departments will provide you with a contact name if you explain why you desire it. Demonstrate what youve learned about the business and the place to demonstrate that youre not just utilizing precisely the same letter for each application. On the flip side, once the work applicant has strong experience, there is not any need to require the academic training any longer and it doesnt need to get mentioned. Everyone knows that when looking for work, the very first task you will need to complete for a possible employer is, Send a copy of your resume. The Lost Secret of Hospitality Resume Most individuals will at least try to have some appropriate expertise in the work field theyre attempting to enter. If building your very first post-college resume has you feeling under qualified, here is what you want to understand. Scanning through the work description is a remarkable method to pick out the keywords. If you dont find out how to begin your resume summary statement you can select a resume template or employment from an online resume creator to discover examples and suggestions to compose an effective resume introduction. The summary goes at the exact top of the webpage. Your LinkedIn summary is among the most significant components of your profile. All About Hospitality Resume Delve as deep as possible into the work description. Youve got to clearly state what your experience is centered on. Additionally, its simple to find experience fast for just about any job. Therefore, you will need experience to find an entry-level job, but minus the job, you cant acquire experience. Hearsay, Deception and Hospitality Resume Communication failure may also accur whether a message doesnt reach the receive. An expert summary is the very first thing people will see on your resume. A s trong summary statement at the peak of your resume can increase the possibilities of them noticing what youve got to offer from the beginning. Writing a strong and compelling resume summary can dramatically increase your odds of being called in for in interview, so its vitally important you know how to make yours stand out from the crowd. Some individuals become intimidated by the thought of seeking connections. You should state your occupation together with some common key terms in your industry. Now, the aforementioned examples are obviously of the more prevalent variety in regards to how folks pursue careers in their chosen fields. Thus, when you sit down to compose your first resume, attempt to consider your prior jobs in a new light. The Tried and True Method for Hospitality Resume in Step by Step Detail The applicant managed to mention important qualifications in just a few sentences. If youre, then you must make the objective statement really appealing to enhance the effect of the document on the recruiter. Just compose a couple quick sentences that you believe sum up your very best skills. Your resume should note your particular work experience in managing scheduling difficulties, preparing travel arrangements, and preparing reports. The Advantages of Hospitality Resume Your choice may be based on the position, business or industry youre applying for in addition to the complexity of your previous experience. There are various work in the hospitality company, and you may wish to consider which one that you want, because that should be part of your career objective, among the initial portions of the resume youre putting together. Industrial loan rates for hospitality properties can fluctuate significantly. When you consider it, businesses wish to put money into employees who care.

Multicultural Career Fair Reports Huge Success

Multicultural Career Fair Reports Huge Success The One Club, a non-profit organization aimed at promoting excellence in advertising and design, has confirmed that their one-day career and job fair event, Where Are All the Black People?, a multicultural career fair for graduating seniors and young professionals, was immensely successful. The career fair drew hundreds of job seekers and dozens of recruiters from various advertising agencies. A followup to brde years influential panel discussion (also titled Where Are All the Black People?) the career fair featured keynote speakers Jeff Goodby of Goodby, Silverstein Partners, Jimmy Smith of Amusement Park Entertainment, Neal Arthur of Wieden+Kennedy and advertising trailblazer Roy Eaton. The presenters discussed the distressing lack of multicultural diversity in the advertising industry and offered words of wisdom and encouraging advice for attendi ng job seekers.Also during the career fair, four winners of a live talent pitch competition were selected and awarded interviews with ten major advertising agencies. At the same time, hundreds of other attendees benefited from the event forging business connections, pursuing job leads, and learning from established thought leaders.The event was hugely successful and afforded hundreds of participants an invaluable opportunity to connect with a mentor, meet important industry contacts, and establish a network, said Kevin Swanepoel, President of The One Club. But more importantly, many were offered a second interview and the real possibility of a job, which was our ultimate goal.

How to Handle an Employment Gap

How to Handle an Employment GapHow to Handle an Employment GapMany of us have had periods in our work history when we were not employed. That might be due to going back to school, raising children, illness or job loss. While it might not seem like an issue from the job-seekers perspective, it can send up red flags to employers. Gaps in your employment history without explanation make potential employers question those periods before having the option to meet you.Heres how to handle an employment lapseAvoid Gaps Altogether. If you arent in a paid position, you can certainly find creative ways to fill that time and make it more appealing to future employers. For example, an internship or volunteer work can both help boost your resume learning new skills can as well.Show how you put your time to good use, says Patrick Sweeney, president of the management consulting firm Caliper. Examples could be learning more about your industry, networking with others, taking a course, a volunteer rol e, working closely with your friends or family on a project together or any number of things- no one is absolutely static when they are unemployed. Show that you filled that time with purpose.If adding skills acquired during an employment eu-agrarpolitik doesnt fit into your resume, give a brief explanation of the period and what you did in your cover letter. Only discuss recent employment gaps (those in the last three to five years) nothing older. You can always go into detail in your interview if youre asked about it.And once you explain the gap in your cover letter, let it be. Many job-seekers obsess about how the gap might appear to hiring managers, but you shouldnt bring it up unless they do. Think of it like this, if you received a bad haircut, you may be self-conscious of it, Sweeney says. But you dont want to walk into the interview and start talking about it...Communicate with enthusiasm and show that youve done your homework. That you know about their company and their bus iness.Keep Up to Speed. If youve been out of the market for awhile, a potential employer might be concerned that you lack technical skills and an understanding of current industry trends. You can remedy this with a little do-it-yourself work Read industry blogs and publications so you can intelligently have a conversation about whats going on in your profession. Take continuing education classes or seminars that bring you up to speed on things like social media and new industry applications so you can compete with the current workforce.By showing that you are proactive in learning skills, you demonstrate to potential employers that youre dedicated to your professional development. That can put you in a more favorable light than a job candidate who has done only the bare minimum, even if he has a more consistent job history.Dont let an employment gap become an excuse for why you didnt get the job you really wanted. Proactively work to continue your career development while youre unem ployed, so you stay sharp for potential employers. A gap is like a missing chapter in a book, Sweeney says. Left unaddressed it becomes a concern. Your resume is your brand, your advertisement to be hired. And it is an opportunity to differentiate yourself from other similarly experienced candidates.Lindsay Olson is a founding partner and public relations recruiter with Paradigm Staffing and Hoojobs.com, a niche job board for public relations, communications, and social media jobs. She blogs at LindsayOlson.com, where she discusses recruiting and job search issues.

How to Look for a Job You Love

How to Look for a Job You Love How to Look for a Job You Love Lets departure with a simple question Do you love your job?If the answer is no, nowis the perfect time to make a change. The first step is to identify what you like and dislike about your current job. Being in tune with your feelings will help you spotthe perfect new opportunity.What would make you want to go to work every day? Are you looking for more meaning? Would you like a bigger paycheck? Do you prefer more autonomy and respect from your boss? Perhaps you want all of the above.What do you like about your current job? Do you feel youre working on something with a purpose or a mission that motivates you? Does the job give you flexibility in your daily schedule?What else do youenjoy about your work?Whenyoure unhappy at your current job, your first instinct is often to start looking through job postings for the perfect job title. You assume that the right title and job description will make all the difference. However, a job change is rarely that straightforward.Finding the right job is about finding the right situation. Its about finding a supportive boss and good coworkersat a reliable company in a stable industry.The perfect job title doesnt mean much if you hate your boss or your workplace. Alternatively, you might be willing to make a little less money if you could just find a job you loved.Remember, finding a job is a lot like dating. If you breakup witha personbut you dont take time to reflect on what went wrong,you very well might end up in anotzu sich equally unhappy relationship. The same thing happens whenyou run from one job to another without first understanding what you need to be happy at work.Once you have a good idea of the pros and cons at your current job,you should start building your professional network. Even if youre not ready to make a change today,you will need your network when you are ready. Plus, finding a job through networking givesyou a higher chance of success. You may already know your future boss you just havent figured it out yet.The more you know about the company going in, the more likely you are to find a match. After all, finding a job you love is all about fit.A version of this article originally appeared onCopeland Coaching.Angela Copeland is a career coach and CEO at her firm,Copeland Coaching.

Einstein on the only productivity tip youll ever need to know

Einstein on the only productivity tip youll ever need to knowEinstein on the only productivity tip youll ever need to knowIn 1902, a young, depressed and solemn, 21-year-old, Albert Einstein, was on the verge of giving up on his dream of becoming a physicist.Six years prior, Einstein had enrolled in a Mathematics and Physics teaching diploma at the Swiss Federal Polytechnic in Zurich, Switzerland where he frequently skipped classes and spent his spare time wooing girls, whilst playing his violin at ladies luncheons and cocktail parties.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraAs a result of his devil-may-care attitude, Einsteins professors cast him aside as a lazy student destined for a mediocre career in Physics.And after graduating, Einstein couldnt get a job- in fact, he was passed over a job role as a lab assistant, and even contemplated selling insurance.After two frustrating years of job hunting, Einstein moved to Bryne, the capital of Switzerland, to work as a clerk in the Swiss kapitnspatent office.Working six days a week as a patent clerk, Einstein could barely find any time to develop his scientific ideas, and would eventually give up on a career in Physics.Or would he?In March 1905, Einstein submitted a paper that challenged the general consensus that light was a wave, and instead proposed that it was a particle.Two months later in May 1905, Einstein submitted a second paper. This time he challenged widely held beliefs that atoms didnt exist, and provided proofs of their existence.But Einstein wasnt done yet.In June 1905, Einstein submitted a third paper- the granddaddy of them all.Einstein proposed the idea that time and space were the same, and formalized his thoughts as the special theory of relativity.Then, in September 1905, Einstein published a furth paper as a follow-up to the previous one.He suggested that mass and energy were equivalent, and der ived the most famous equation in the history of mankind E=MC2.In the years to come, these fur papers- produced during Einsteins Miracle Year- would radically transform the way humans understand the world.And by the end of his career, Einstein would publish over 300 scientific papers, receive a Nobel Prize in Physics and firmly establish himself as one of the greatest physicists of all time.So, heres a puzzling questionHow is it possible that this failed scientist and unknown 26-year-old clerk destined for a mediocre life, could suddenly produce four groundbreaking papers within the span of a year, that would change the course of history?And whats the most important lesson on productivity and success, we can learn from Einstein?The cult of extreme productivityIf youre lonely when youre alone, youre in bad company.? Jean-Paul SartreWe live in a world that rewards busyness andthe idea of getting things done an addictive rat race to cross off as many things from your to-do list, as fast as possible.Because of this viral hype, we bury ourselves in busyness and attempt to achieve much mora than were capable of.Each day, we create unrealistic expectations torespond to every single emailin our inbox, spend quality time with our family and friends, exercise, read a book, sleep by 10 a.m. and so on.But, these superhuman attempts to get so much done and the constant bombardment of new productivity tips, hacks and gadgets, leads toprocrastination, stress, burnout and disappointment.And worse of all, the cult of extreme productivity has robbed us of the ability of enjoying our own company.Astudyconducted at the University of Virginia, discovered that participants would rather subject themselves to electric shocks, than be left alone with their thoughts.Likewise in our everyday lives, we distract ourselves with social media, emails,new goals and ideas, to avoid being alone with our thoughts.The cult of extreme productivity has traktement us the lie that boredom should be av oided at all costs, and doing nothing at all is an unproductive strategy for lazy people.Yet, it is during moments of solitude that we can discover ingenious solutions to familiar problems and gain clarity to make better decisions.A time to do nothing but be aloneIn his book,Einstein His Life and Universe(audiobook), biographer and historian, Walter Isaacson shares Einsteins thoughts on the need for solitudeI am truly a lone traveler and have never belonged to my country, my home, my friends, or even my immediate family, with my whole heart in the face of all these ties, I have never schwefellost a sense of distance and a need for solitude.From his youth, Einstein had a habit of spending a lot of time away from his friends, family and work, to do nothing but think.He would regularly go for long walks, wander off to quiet cabins in the mountains, play his violin, or sail in the seas with his wooden boat to find serenity.It was during these moments of solitude that Einstein would disc overingenious solutions to difficult problemsHe would often play his violin in his kitchen late at night, improvising melodies while he pondered complicated problems. Then, suddenly in the middle of playing, he would announce excitedly, Ive got itIronically, Einstein often lamented about the distractions of communication devices his discoveries later created.In a letter to his friend, he wrote, How conducive to thinking and working the long sea voyage is- a paradisaical state without correspondence, visits, meetings, and other inventions of the devil 5If Einstein were alive today, hed be labelled a loner in need of more social time. But, without his solitude hed never have achieved an extraordinary level of success in his lifetime.Coincidentally, throughout history, theres a theme of great thinkers- leaders, scientists, entrepreneurs, writers, religious figures, artists- who regularly sought solitude to rejuvenate and refine their thoughts Leonardo Da Vinci, Martin Luther King, Niet zsche, Jesus Christ, Nikola Tesla and Ernest Hemingway, to personenname a few.Likewise, practicing solitude would help to improve our productivity, creativity and decision-making in everyday life.For example, I take daily walks in a quiet park, travel without my headphones, and spend a few days in the woods once every couple of months.And I can say without a shadow of doubt, that my breakthrough ideas and clarity on crucial life decisions, have shown up during these moments of solitude.Simply block out a few minutes each day to be alone and do nothing at all.By doing so, youll tap into your inner genius and uncover the most effective ways to take action.Embrace solitudeWriting, at its best, is a lonely life.- Ernest HemingwayIn our pursuit of getting more things done, weve lost sight of the true meaning of productivity.Productivity isnt about getting more things done, rather its about getting the right things done, while doing less.The best way to figure out the right things to foc us on and the best ways to tackle them, is to spend more time alone with your thoughts and embrace solitude.And just like Einstein, youll achieve much more and unleash your potential.Mayo Oshin writes at MayoOshin.Com, where he shares the best practical ideas based on proven science and the habits of highly successful people for stress-free productivity and improved mental performance. To get these strategies to stop procrastinating, get more things by doing less and improve your focus, join his free weekly newsletter.A version of this article originally appeared at mayooshin.com as Einstein on the Only Productivity Tip Youll Ever Need to Know.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people Einstein on the only productivity tip youll ever need to knowIn 1902, a young, depressed and solemn, 21-year-old, Albert Einstein, was on the verge of giving up on his dream of becoming a physicist.Six years prior, Einstein had enrolled in a Mathematics and Physics teaching diploma at the Swiss Federal Polytechnic in Zurich, Switzerland where he frequently skipped classes and spent his spare time wooing girls, whilst playing his violin at ladies luncheons and cocktail parties.As a result of his devil-may-care attitude, Einsteins professors cast him aside as a lazy student destined for a mediocre career in Physics.And after graduating, Einstein couldnt get a job - in fact, he was passed over a job role as a lab assistant, and even contemplated selling insurance. 1After two frustrating years of job hunting, Einstein moved to Bryne, the capital of Switzerland, to work as a clerk in the Swiss patent office.Working six days a week as a patent clerk, Einstein could barely find any time t o develop his scientific ideas, and would eventually give up on a career in Physics.Or would he?In March 1905, Einstein submitted a paper that challenged the general consensus that light was a wave, and instead proposed that it was a particle.Two months later in May 1905, Einstein submitted a second paper. This time he challenged widely held beliefs that atoms didnt exist, and provided proofs of their existence.But Einstein wasnt done yet.In June 1905, Einstein submitted a third paper - the granddaddy of them all.Einstein proposed the idea that time and space were the same, and formalized his thoughts as the special theory of relativity.Then, in September 1905, Einstein published a fourth paper as a follow-up to the previous one.He suggested that mass and energy were equivalent, and derived the most famous equation in the history of mankind E=MC2.In the years to come, these four papers - produced during Einsteins Miracle Year - would radically transform the way humans understand the world.And by the end of his career, Einstein would publish over 300 scientific papers, receive a Nobel Prize in Physics and firmly establish himself as one of the greatest physicists of all time.So, heres a puzzling questionHow is it possible that this failed scientist and unknown 26-year-old clerk destined for a mediocre life, could suddenly produce four groundbreaking papers within the span of a year, that would change the course of history?And whats the most important lesson on productivity and success, we can learn from Einstein?A young Albert Einstein working as a clerk in Bern, Switzerland, 1905. Photo by Lucien Chavan, public domain.The cult of extreme productivityIf youre lonely when youre alone, youre in bad company. ?Jean-Paul SartreWe live in a world that rewards busyness andthe idea of getting things done an addictive rat race to cross off as many things from your to-do list, as fast as possible.Because of this viral hype, we bury ourselves in busyness and attempt to achieve much more than were capable of.Each day, we create unrealistic expectations torespond to every single emailin our inbox, spend quality time with our family and friends, exercise, read a book, sleep by 10 a.m. and so on.But, these superhuman attempts to get so much done and the constant bombardment of new productivity tips, hacks and gadgets, leads toprocrastination, stress, burnout and disappointment.And worse of all, the cult of extreme productivity has robbed us of the ability of enjoying our own company.Astudyconducted at the University of Virginia, discovered that participants would rather subject themselves to electric shocks, than be left alone with their thoughts. 2Likewise in our everyday lives, we distract ourselves with social media, emails,new goals and ideas, to avoid being alone with our thoughts.The cult of extreme productivity has sold us the lie that boredom should be avoided at all costs, and doing nothing at all is an unproductive strategy for lazy people. Yet, it is during moments of solitude that we can discover ingenious solutions to familiar problems and gain clarity to make better decisions.A time to do nothing but be aloneIn his book,Einstein His Life and Universe(audiobook), biographer and historian, Walter Isaacson shares Einsteins thoughts on the need for solitudeI am truly a lone traveler and have never belonged to my country, my home, my friends, or even my immediate family, with my whole heart in the face of all these ties, I have never lost a sense of distance and a need for solitude. 3From his youth, Einstein had a habit of spending a lot of time away from his friends, family and work, to do nothing but think.He would regularly go for long walks, wander off to quiet cabins in the mountains, play his violin, or sail in the seas with his wooden boat to find serenity.It was during these moments of solitude that Einstein would discoveringenious solutions to difficult problemsHe would often play his violin in his kitchen late at night, improvising melodies while he pondered complicated problems. Then, suddenly in the middle of playing, he would announce excitedly, Ive got it 4Ironically, Einstein often lamented about the distractions of communication devices his discoveries later created.In a letter to his friend, he wrote, How conducive to thinking and working the long sea voyage is- a paradisaical state without correspondence, visits, meetings, and other inventions of the devil 5If Einstein were alive today, hed be labeled a loner in need of more social time. But, without his solitude hed never have achieved an extraordinary level of success in his lifetime.Coincidentally, throughout history, theres a theme of great thinkers- leaders, scientists, entrepreneurs, writers, religious figures, artists- who regularly sought solitude to rejuvenate and refine their thoughts Leonardo Da Vinci, Martin Luther King, Nietzsche, Jesus Christ, Nikola Tesla and Ernest Hemingway, to name a few.Likewise, practicing sol itude would help to improve our productivity, creativity and decision-making in everyday life.For example, I take daily walks in a quiet park, travel without my headphones, and spend a few days in the woods once every couple of months.And I can say without a shadow of doubt, that my breakthrough ideas and clarity on crucial life decisions, have shown up during these moments of solitude.Simply block out a few minutes each day to be alone and do nothing at all.By doing so, youll tap into your inner genius and uncover the most effective ways to take action.Embrace solitudeWriting, at its best, is a lonely life. - Ernest HemingwayIn our pursuit of getting more things done, weve lost sight of the true meaning of productivity.Productivity isnt about getting more things done, rather its about getting the right things done, while doing less.The best way to figure out the right things to focus on and the best ways to tackle them, is to spend more time alone with your thoughts and embrace sol itude.And just like Einstein, youll achieve much more and unleash your potential.Mayo Oshin writes atMayoOshin.Com, where he shares the best practical ideas based on proven science and the habits of highly successful people for stress-free productivity and improved mental performance. To get these strategies to stop procrastinating, get more things by doing less and improve your focus,join his free weekly newsletter.A version of thisarticleoriginally appeared atmayooshin.comasThe Physics of Failure Why We Fail In Life and Work (and What to Do About It).FootnotesMichio Kaku, Physics of the Impossible (2008).Wilson et al (2014).Just think The challenges of the disengaged mind.Science (New York, N.Y.). 345. 75-7. 10.1126/science.1250830.Walter Isaacson, Einstein His Life and Universe (2007)4. Johanna Fantova, Journal of conversations with Einstein, Jan. 23, 1954, in Calaprice, 354.5. The Travel Diaries of Albert Einstein The Far East, Palestine, and Spain, 1922 19236. The period in wh ich Einstein produced the groundbreaking papers is referred to as Einsteins miracle year. To put this in context, over the lifetime of a physicists career, publishing any two of Einsteins groundbreaking papers would have been an outstanding career, let alone producing four of them within the time period of a yearBy the age of 12 years old, Einstein also independently discovered his own original proof of the Pythagorean theorem, and by the age of 15 years old, he had mastered calculus on his own.