Once a month, I curate the best links on how to find work that you love, be excellent at what you do, and unlock any door that stands in your way.

Here’s your list for February!

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Thinking of going to art school? Not sure if it is the right move? Many well-known designers say: go-go-go.

We have all heard of Sheryl Sandberg and Marissa Mayer. But they aren’t the only fierce women that are changing the face of tech. See here and here.

Tried and true promo ideas from Danielle LaPorte. Here’s one of my favorites: Talk publicly about what you’re working on: “I’m writing this book”, “I’m researching a cure for…” You never know who’s listening.

Steve Jobs left behind a larger than life legacy. This great article gathers the memories from those who had close encounters with him.

One sure fire way to success is to act in ways that make people like and respect you. Here are 42 ways to make that happen.

There’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Snapchat. Then there are the actual people that we surround ourselves with. How many friends do you really have?

The amazingly inspiring story of the nonprofit Charity:Water is just one example of how millennials are reshaping charity online giving.

Feel like you get stuck at the office every night? Here is one answer: a disappearing workplace!

Coffee-naps. It may sound counter-intuitive: but drinking a cup of coffee right before your afternoon nap will make you more alert when you wake up.

Do you wake up with your brain filled with thoughts, worries, anxieties and to-do lists? Here is a much better way to start your day. Morning pages: filling three-sides of paper with words, stream of consciousness-style, first thing every day. It could change your life!

And all that creative writing can get you in the groove to write the perfect cover letter! Here are 31 tips you need to know.

Find great work. Do great work. Unlock every door in your way.

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Image: Willie Franklin

Once a month, I curate the best links on how to find work that you love, be excellent at what you do, and unlock any door that stands in your way.

Here’s a big, epic list to begin this New Year!

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Do you wonder if you have the credentials to do what you are doing? In this fascinating talk, James Altucher tells you not to let that stop you from moving forward. His advice: Choose Yourself!!

Some more good advice. Don’t ask important people to go have a cup of coffee with you. Ask them instead if you can do a podcast interview. It’s a win-win situation for you, your guest and your audience!

So you’re super serious about your site. You bought the domain name, you’ve got social media on lockdown, and you’re ready to buy ad space so you can piggyback off someone else’s traffic. Sarah Von Bargen’s advice on how to buy the best ad space and make the most of it.

Do you want to get the most out of your money? Buy experiences — not things. Research shows you will forget the thrill of that new car — but you will never forget the vacation where you hiked in Nepal.

Composing emails can be a draining time suck on your day. Here are 27 pre-written templates for your toughest work emails.

Sometimes the most unlikely things end up being the key to your future success. This CEO- spent his years at Stanford taking dance classes and they changed his life — and view of the world.

Two South African entrepreneurs started an amazing company called Rethaka that makes Repurpose Schoolbags for kids that live in remote areas. The beautiful bags include: an outside flap that is also a pocket for a solar panel, which charges on the long walk to and from school. That screws onto a Consol glass jar that the kids use as a lamp at home when doing homework in the evenings. The bag is also reflective because many of these kids wake up at the crack of dawn and walk in the dark to get to school on time.

In need of some good advice? Here are 7 pieces of wisdom that will change the way you work! My favorite from choreographer Twyla Tharp: Build your solid routine!

You send an important email to someone. The problem: her in-box is flooded with emails every day. Here are 6 secrets to help insure that yours will be seen AND that you will get an answer back.

Find great work. Do great work. And have a great weekend!

—Ellen

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Image: Willie Franklin

Once a month, I curate the best links on how to find work that you love, be excellent at what you do, and unlock any door that stands in your way.

Here’s a big, epic list to carry you right into the New Year!

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Got a great idea — but strapped for cash? Check out these unique ways to fund your business venture.

Some say that Millennials are superficial, self-obsessed, and care more about Pinterest than reading the Classics. Not true. In fact, young people are out- reading their elders by a wide margin.

Want to get more done without working yourself to the bone? Here are 28 steal-worthy tips from the most productive people on the planet!

If your neighbor’s kid asks you for some guidance: say yes! Studies show that kids with mentors find happier, more fulfilling careers.

This writer thinks that successful careers have three distinct chapters — each about 15 years in length. Which chapter are you in, right now?

You’ve read it and proofed it and read it again. But then… oh no! As soon as you press send, you see a mistake! Why is it so hard to catch your own typos?

Want to be a great public speaker? Here are 9 steps to guide you. (Plus: a power-stance that boosts testosterone production… and confidence!)

Got a question? Here are 10 research tips for finding answers online (and yes: some of them are borderline stalking…)

Need an office? Try the public library. (Tons of entrepreneurs are working between the book stacks, these days. Who knows who you’ll meet?)

After reviewing more than 20,000 resumes, this Google recruiter reveals the 5 biggest mistakes that he sees. Word to the wise: don’t lie.

Are you a graphic designer? Don’t over-work and get under-paid. Here’s how to negotiate your salary.

This scrappy company used a Kickstarter campaign to get up and rolling. Today, they make toys designed to get girls interested in engineering. (I love this!)

Do you know the single biggest reason why most entrepreneurs fail? (You might be surprised.) Here it is… plus 5 things you should do to overcome it.

Ready to re-invent yourself and leap into a new business or career? Here is the ultimate cheat-sheet from the great James Altucher. (The good news: you can do this! The bad news: it will take at least 4 years to make a good living.)

I hope that 2014 was a productive and satisfying year for you.

Let’s make 2015 even better.

Find great work. Do great work. See you next year!

—Ellen

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Image: Willie Franklin

Once a month, I curate the best links on how to find work that you love, be excellent at what you do, and unlock any door that stands in your way. Here’s your list for today!

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

FIND WORK YOU LOVE

Now, here’s a college commencement speech with a different kind of message: “Don’t follow your dreams!”

Calling all introverts! Networking to find the perfect job doesn’t have to be agonizing. Here’s how to overcome the fear of “putting yourself out there.”

Feel like your cover letter is guaranteed to induce…a nice, long nap? Snoring included? Here’s a fresh + unique approach.

BE YOUR OWN BOSS

So, you’re leaving your job at a start-up? Read this before you go.

Trying to raise money online through Kickstarter or Indie GoGo? Check out the do’s + don’t’s of a successful crowd-funding campaign.

Feel like your blogging is soggy and sad? Here’s a 4-step system for writing a great blog post.

NEAT TOOLS + INVENTIONS

Tech trends come + go, but there’s a lot to be learned from this collection of great software that has stood the test of time.

100 time, energy and attention hacks to make your life easier and more productive. (One of my favorites: “Remember that perfect is the enemy of good.”)

“Did I send my resume to her already, or not?” If you’re struggling to keep all of your ducks in a row, here’s an awesome tool to keep your job-hunt on track.

LIFE LESSONS

From the always-brilliant Seth Godin: “Saying no is the foundation that we can build our yes on.”

You like writing light, sexy chick lit. So you go to graduate school to learn how to be a “real” writer. You can guess the moral of this story …

GET OUT OF THE HOUSE

What’s it like to talk to strangers — like, really talk — when you’re riding the subway or taking the bus? The answer will surprise you.

Planning a trip around the world — or just a road trip back home? Here are 40 genius travel tips that will change your life for the better.

36 hours. A brand new city. What to do, first?! Find out how to squeeze the most out of a lightning-fast trip with the 36 Hours columns from The NY Times.
Find great work. Do great work. And have a great weekend!

—Ellen

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Images: Willie Franklin

Once a month, I curate the best links on how to find work that you love, be excellent at what you do, and unlock any door that stands in your way. Here’s your list for today!

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

FIND WORK YOU LOVE

Allergic to small talk? Tired of asking — and answering — the same old questions at every networking event? Here are 100 alternatives to, “So, what do you do?”

Fantasizing about moving to a new city — but only if you can line up a job, first? Here are some brilliant tips on how to look for jobs remotely.

You finally lined up an interview for your dream job (hooray!) and now, you need to do your homework. Start here: The ultimate guide to researching a company pre-interview.

BE YOUR OWN BOSS

Want to ditch your boss and go out on your own? You’re not alone. More + more Millennials are becoming their own bosses than ever before.

Making the shift from “employee” to “self-employed” requires a new way of thinking. Check out these smart ideas from the recent 99U conference on re-imagining the way we work.

How does creativity…happen? Is it possible to accelerate your creativity and generate better ideas…faster? James Altucher breaks it down with the ultimate guide to becoming an idea machine.

NEAT TOOLS + INVENTIONS

Got the travel bug? Here’s one of my favorite new hotel booking apps.

Venture capital funding isn’t just for tech gizmos + apps anymore. This woman is writing a VC-backed novel (and changing the way that book publishers generate revenue, too).

At long last! How to win at rock-paper-scissors. (Life will never be the same!)

LIFE LESSONS

“I know I need to do things differently … but I just can’t seem to do it!” The problem? It’s called The Backfire Effect. Love this fascinating piece on the psychology behind why it’s so hard to change your mind.

Underwhelmed by the keynote speaker at your college graduation ceremony? Do it over. Here’s a compilation of some of the best graduation speeches. Ever.

Do you live your life based on what will make “other people” feel happy and proud? Writer Anne Lamott talks about the perils of trying to be a people pleaser.

GET OUT OF THE HOUSE

Need a break from ramen soup + cold cereal…again? This makes me want to eat at Chipotle every night!

Plan a “movie night” date for two…or just you! Visit one of these historic Art Deco cinemas. (So gorgeous.)

Got writer’s block? When you need to reboot your creativity and get the juices flowing, here’s a simple solution: go take a walk.
Find great work. Do great work. And have a great weekend!

—Ellen

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Images: Paul Strand and Carolyn Allen Photography.

Every month, I curate the best links on how to find work that you love, be excellent at what you do, and unlock any door that stands in your way. Here’s your list for today!

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

FIND WORK YOU LOVE

Are you telling yourself a story that keeps you stuck in a job you don’t even like? Here are 5 lies that could be ruining your career … and your life.

Even Leonardo Da Vinci had to apply for jobs! Here’s the “cover letter” that he wrote to the man who eventually commissioned him to paint The Last Supper.

Having a terrible, no good day? Sarah Von Bargen writes about how to re-start a bad, annoying or unproductive day.

BE YOUR OWN BOSS

As an entrepreneur, you’re often told, “Never take no for an answer!” But sometimes, you’ve got to know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em.

Fantasizing about opening up an artisanal bakery? (Please invite me to your grand opening … especially if there’s warm, fresh, buttery bread!)

So many emails, calls, tweets, texts … and meetings! Here’s how to organize your day to maximize productivity + happiness.

NEAT TOOLS + INVENTIONS

Need to raise some cash before you can launch your new business or finish designing that prototype? Here’s a terrific funding resource.

There is the World Cup in soccer. And then, there is the World Cup of everything else.

Is the art of handwriting going to be lost, forever? Maybe… not.

LIFE LESSONS

Following your dreams might be overrated. How about following your skills?

It’s the oldest art form on the planet ― and it’s the key to success, in any industry. Do you know how to tell a powerful story?

You don’t find time to do things ― you make time. Designer Debbie Millman shares her stance on what it takes to design a good life.

GET OUT OF THE HOUSE

Thinking about getting an MBA? Before you commit to a two-year program, consider a one-day start-up school, first. Classes are offered all over the world…including the mother-ship, Silicon Valley.

Feel like you’re nevvver going to be able to move out of your parents’ house? This one’s for you.

We hear this again and again and again…because it’s true. Exercise is the single best way to get smarter and happier.So, make this the last blog post that you read today, get outside…and go break a sweat!
Find great work. Do great work. And have a great week!

—Ellen

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Images: Willie Franklin