Bullet journaling can be a simple way to plan, take notes and compile ideas in one place. Although this method requires a time investment upfront, the technique can help you strategize ahead of time and streamline your tasks, writes Kat Boogaard. The Muse (11/17) Don't give in to irrational fears If you find yourself worrying your colleagues will lose respect for you if you don't have all the answers, you're not alone, writes Lindsay Tigar. Remember that irrational fears such as this one can backfire by creating an environment in which you're scared to fail or can't collaborate well with others. Ladders (11/17)
Making the Connection
Tips for productive brainstorming sessions Brainstorming is a great way to generate useful ideas while simultaneously building better collaborative relationships with colleagues. Each session should have a specific goal and be scheduled during the first hours of the workday, writes Emily Moore. Glassdoor (11/20)
The Landscape
Tips for engaging, motivating employees The best way to motivate employees is by nurturing personal interaction and human relationships, writes Mark Sawyier, CEO of Bonfyre. Sawyier suggests four ways to foster "intrinsic motivation" in the workplace, including promoting small, informal events to let employees know they matter and rethinking digital platforms that encourage impersonal interactions. Training magazine (11/15)
Your Next Challenge
How to get your resume past HR bots You're more likely to get an interview with companies that use bots to screen applicants if you include relevant keywords in your resume, writes Krista Jones. Also, utilize some creative touches in your layout, font selection and other aspects of your resume so it stands out when viewed by hiring managers. VentureBeat (11/20)
Balancing Yourself
Improve your mindset to be happier at work If you find yourself feeling discontented at work, try to remember that no job is perfect and that focusing on the negative aspects of your role won't help, writes Chrissy Scivicque. Write down at least three things each day that made you happy at work; this can help you focus more on what you enjoy about your job. U.S. News & World Report (11/10)
The Water Cooler
Study questions whether water is present on Mars Evidence of subsurface water on Mars may actually be flowing sand and dust, according to a recent study published in the journal Nature Geoscience. The dark streaks on the planet's slopes don't behave like flowing liquid, according to the study's lead author. CNN (11/21)
Editor's Note
SmartBrief will not publish Thursday, Friday In observance of Thanksgiving in the US, SmartBrief will not publish Thursday and Friday. Publication will resume Monday.
When we first begin fighting for our dream, we have no experience and make many mistakes. The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and get up eight times.
