How to Major in Success by Following Your Passion

How to Major in Success by Following Your Passion If you’ve thought that getting good grades makes you a successful student, think again. In his book, Major in Success, Patrick Combs clearly outlines what being successful really means for students, no matter how old they are. The difference between mediocrity and greatness is not family or intelligence, Combs says, it’s extraordinary drive. How do you get extraordinary drive? It’s all about passion, baby, about discovering what it is you love to do. Combs suggests you: Admit what really interests youPinpoint your true aspirations (including the ones your family might not agree with)Discover the many jobs related to your interest (Combs shows you how) Feel your fears and do it anyway. What I really like about this book is that Combs anticipates the arguments against his ideas and answers them with helpful exercises that walk you through what he’s trying to get you to realize, experience, and act on. His own passion for helping others find their passion is evident. So many other books on success focus on more tangible advice, and that’s important too, but if underneath all that surface stuff your fire isn’t blazing, satisfaction is going to be hard won, if won at all. Trust your emotions, Combs writes. Choose enjoyment, satisfaction, and learning over dollars. He also suggests your best job may not be what you’re good at, and that life is very generous to those who follow their passions and pursue their dreams. I find that inspiring, not only for twenty-somethings just starting out, but also for those of us who have tried a career or three and are still searching for the one that brings us joy. The older we get, the more important that becomes. Combs provides plenty of exercises for discovering which job that might be. He also discusses: Power journalingDealing with fearSetting goalsChoosing the classes that really matterManaging time and stressFinding a coachNetworking in professional organizationsInterviewing effectively Major in Success is filled with practical advice about the things that really matter in life, the things that lead to true success. About the Author Patrick Combs is a best-selling author, inspirational speaker, and humorous entertainer. He is in the Motivational Speakers Hall of Fame and has an off-Broadway solo comedy act. You can lots of helpful stuff for students at goodthink.com, one of Patricks early sites where you will also find great tips on writing, speaking, and planning meetings. Google Patrick Combs and you will find him at patrickcombs.com and at livepassionate.com, the site for his company, MIGHT, an online tool and community that enables people to accomplish phenomenal results in record time. And, of course, you can find him everywhere on social media. I love it when I find a company that generously shares information that helps others succeed. Patricks company, Good Thinking Co., is one of those companies. Goodthink.com is filled with witty, inspiring quotations, movie lists, book lists, favorite essays, stories, videos, seminars, and links to other helpful sites. Patrick Combs has published two other books: Man 1, Bank 0 - the true story of one mans battle against his bankGearing Up (Inside and Out) for a Great Life You can pay a little extra for signed copy. Go forth and be successful. Theres an abundance of advice available and no excuse not to!

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Lawyer

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Lawyer Choosing a lawyer can be the most important decision an immigrant makes. Before hiring legal counsel, take the time to find out what youre getting. Here are the questions you should ask during an interview with a prospective attorney. What to Ask an Immigration Lawyer How long have you been practicing immigration law?- There is no substitute for experience when it comes to handling the most challenging cases. It’s important that your attorney not only knows the law but also understands the process. Don’t be afraid to ask about the lawyer’s background and credentials, either. It can be a good idea to talk to a former client and ask how things went.Are you a member of AILA?- The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is a national organization of more than 11,000 attorneys and law professors who practice and teach immigration law. They are specialists who are up to date on U.S. law. AILA attorneys represent U.S. families seeking permanent residency for family members and U.S. businesses seeking talent from overseas. AILA members also represent foreign students and asylum seekers, often on a pro bono basis.Have you worked on cases similar to mine?- It’s always a plus if the lawyer has been successfully working a c ase that is similar to yours. Immigration cases can vary greatly and experience with your particular situation can make all the difference. What actions will you take immediately and what will follow?- Try to get a mental picture of the road ahead. Get an idea of how complicated or difficult your case may be. Take the opportunity beforehand to find out how knowledgeable and how aggressive your prospective attorney is.What are my chances of a positive outcome?- An experienced, reputable attorney will have a good idea what’s ahead and won’t make promises that can’t be kept. Be wary if you hear something that sounds too good to be true. It just might be.What can I do to improve my Chances for success?- Try to be a working partner in your own cause. Get your lawyer the documents or information she or he requires as soon as possible. Make sure you are forthcoming and that the information you give about yourself is accurate and complete. Get involved and learn the legal terminology.Can you give me an estimate of how long my case will be resolved?- It is always difficult to come up with a precise timetable when you’re dealing with the government, especially when it comes to immigration issues. But an experienced attorney can give you at least a rough estimate of what the schedule ahead might look like. You also can check on your case status directly with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Who will be working on my case besides you?- Support staff can be critical. Ask about any paralegals, investigators, researchers or even secretaries that will be assisting your attorney. It’s good to know their names and understand their roles. If there are language or translation issues, find out who might speak your language in the office.How will we communicate with each other?- Find out if the lawyer wants to talk by phone, or communicate by emails, text messages or overnight mail. Many attorneys still rely on traditional postal services (snail mail) to do much of the work. If that doesn’t suit you, make other arrangements or hire someone else. Don’t leave the office or turn off the phone without getting all the contact information you will need. If you’re overseas, you need to think about time differentials when you’re calling or text messaging.What is your rate and your best estimate of the total cost?- Ask what type of payment the lawyer acce pts (are credit cards OK?) and when you will be billed. Ask for a breakdown of the charges and see if there are any ways to minimize the cost. Find out if there are any extra expenses that might come up.