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you earn a certification you are directly linked to the certificaDemand for personal training tion body," says David Van Daff, vice-president of business develis also getting a boost as businesses and insurance companies opment and public affairs with the National Academy of Sports see the relationship between Medicine (NASM). "The repuhealthier employees and lower health care costs by persuading tation of the certification, both positive and negative, will employees and members – by virtue of various incentives – to impact how you are perceived as a fitness professional." get fit. Choosing the right personal Phyllis Soltis, 59, from Lakeville, Minn., has worked in training certification can be confusing says Van Daff, who recadministration and was even a ommended the following conpolice officer at one time. She was drawn to personal training siderations when choosing a program: while a member of Life Time 1. Industry standards: Earning Fitness, where she lost 70 a certification that is not acceptpounds. "All the jobs I've had involved working with people," ed by respected employers is a waste of time and money. ConSoltis says. Exercise, too, had tact local fitness centers and ask always been a part of her life, and as she considered what sort what certifications they accept. of job change she could make at If a certification is not universally accepted, don't buy it. her age, she turned to personal 2. Curriculum-faculty: What training and applied to Life you study and learn in a certifiTime Academy. cation program should have Choosing the right certificapractical application. In addition program matters. "When ... from page 1 see PERSONAL TRAINER . . . page 7 Considering self-employment? Career fields with double-digit growth Americans were born to make lemonade. If you have any doubt about the resiliency of U.S. workers, consider the many reports that indicate millions of Americans are turning life's lemon of layoffs into an opportunity to work for themselves. With unemployment rates still high, many people are looking to self-employment to create stable, rewarding careers for themselves. Self-employment offers many advantages, including more flexible work schedules, less job uncertainty and the satisfaction of working for yourself. If you're considering a career change to selfemployment and want to start your own business, insurance may be the field for you. It's one of four fields, including Procrastinator can't wait to break bad habit I'm a dyed-in-the-wool procrastinator, and it causes me some problems. While I almost always get things done on time, I know it causes a lot of unnecessary stress. What can I do to break this habit? to old thoughts, let them go, and Take small steps to get gently bring your focus back. started while you seek ways to Now, select a situation when it's build more momentum. been easy to take action.What has You'll want to think this through; made it stand out? This will differ however, in this case, I'll encourage from person to person – for some, you to focus on ways to move it may be easier to get started on toward new actions rather than something new, while others get assessment of the factors that hold going faster with something familiar. you back.The reason? You reinforce Notice if it makes a difference if that which you focus on, so too other people are involved and how much analysis of the causes might your overall stress level plays into just get your feet stuck even it. Make a list of success factors that deeper in the mud. help you get on track. So to get started on your Let other people serve as role reflection, try doing something to models. Observe others' styles of get energized.Take a short walk, do work management and find some some stretches, or get out for you'd like to emulate. some fresh air. Let your mind open Finally, think about why you'd like to new ways of thinking and to change. Make a list of specific different courses of action. If you benefits that you'd see if you can find yourself getting dragged back break the procrastination habit. A. Consider effects on your stress level, your reputation, even minor benefits such as not getting nagged to finish your expense reports. These benefits can serve as your inspiration when you're feeling your feet drag. OK – start right now. Every time you can, create the success conditions that have helped you avoid procrastination in the past. For example, if you struggle with new tasks, find a familiar aspect to help you get started. When that doesn't work and you find yourself stalling, try these steps: • Look at your list of benefits. What good things will happen if you just move forward? • Do the smallest possible thing to get the task started. • Give yourself a reward – even a verbal "attaboy" – for taking a step in the right direction. This may make it sound as if this'll be an easy habit to break, but you already know that it isn't.You'll want to find support to help keep you on track. Approach one of your role models to be a mentor for you, or talk to your boss or another colleague about ways they can help you stay accountable. Keep track of your successes, especially in the first weeks. It may seem like you're not making progress, so looking back at how far you've come will keep you motivated. Focus on movement, building the habit of small steps forward to help you break out of the procrastination rut. Liz Reyer is a credentialed coach with more than 20 years of business experience. Her company, Reyer Coaching & Consulting, offers services for organizations of all sizes. Submit questions or comments about this column at www.deliverchange.com/coachscorner or email her at lizdeliverchange.com. 2 see SELF-EMPLOYMENT . . . page 7 Volume 15 • Number 24 February 21, 2013 By Liz Reyer Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Q. child care, accounting and financial planning, that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts will see double-digit growth in the next few years. Opportunities in the insurance industry for sales agents will grow 22 percent between now and 2020, according to the BLS's Occupational Outlook Handbook. Agents help clients understand their insurance needs and choose policies that best fit those needs and protect the things that are most important: homes, automobiles, businesses and above all else, lives. The insurance field offers quick entry, even for those with only a high school diploma, and profitability can be even more accessible for GREATERmilwaukeeJOBS • February 21, 2013 A publication of Conley Media Q& A tion, research the credentials and reputation of the faculty. Evaluate their background, accomplishments, testimonials and contributions to the industry. 3. Advanced specializations: Most successful personal trainers specialize in a particular area. Investigate what specialty credentials and certifications are offered by the certification organizations you are considering. 4. References: Ask a manager at a fitness facility which certifications best prepare new personal trainers. Having managed personal trainers with varying certifications and education backgrounds, they can provide insight into the value of various certification programs. A 2012 NASM study found that certified personal trainers who were not previously employed in the fitness industry, on average found employment in less than one month. That GREATERmilwaukeeJOBS Personal Trainer Classified Sales Director: Kristi Wolf 262/670-1516 Account Executive: Donna Armstrong 262/513-2698 darmstrong@conleynet.com Story Coordinator: Dwayne Butler 262/513-2626 dbutler@conleynet.com Production: Patricia Scheel 262/513-2690 Distributed by: Conley Distribution 262-513-2646 ©2004 by Conley Media Waukesha County Independent and Locally Owned GREATERmilwaukeeJOBS is published weekly by Conley Media – Waukesha County, 801 N. Barstow St., Waukesha, WI 53186. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. GREATERmilwaukeeJOBS assumes no liability for any error in copy or content. It is the advertiser's responsibility to be aware of the laws pertaining to employment advertising. 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