the NALS docket July 2011 : Page 5

who wants to have a popular blog, but who spends more time reading posts about blogging than actually writing articles. The key to finding direction is identifying the activities that lead to success. For every goal, there are activities that pay off and those that do not. Make a list of all your activities and arrange them based on results. Then make an action plan that focuses on the activities that lead to big returns. To continue the example from above, a blogger’s list would look something like this: Member Spotlight! Marilyn Huffman, PLS Marilyn Huffman, PLS, has been a member of NALS since 1960. She is a member of the Springfield (Missouri) Area Legal Support Professionals, formerly known as Greene County Legal Secretaries Association. She obtained her PLS certification in 1984 and was one of the first members to do so. Marilyn served on the NALS of Missouri Board of Directors as National Director for three years and has held all offices on the local level. She is the most requested state convention chair the association has ever had because &#0d; she is well known for her artistic themes, food, and special touches. Marilyn received the Missouri Legal Secretary of the Year Award in 1978 and the Sandy Schoen “Enthusiasm is Irresistible” award in 1996 from her local chapter. In celebration of her 50 years of membership and service to NALS, her local chapter gave a special tribute to her at their 2010 Installation banquet. Her membership in NALS has allowed her the opportunity to develop friendships and a networking community that have lasted over 50 years. She gained necessary professional development and skills through her association in NALS. That, along with her college education, allowed her to work in several areas of the legal profession over a lifetime. Marilyn worked for Neale & Newman, LLP for 27 years. After her attorney in the law firm left to become a Missouri senator, she became Judicial Administrative Assistant to Judge Kenneth Shrum and, subsequent to his retirement, Judge Daniel Scott of the Southern District of the Missouri Court of Appeals. She was employed with the court for 13 years before her retirement in December 2009. Since retirement, Marilyn has had the opportunity to pursue her love of traveling and cooking. Marilyn has been an instructor and mentor to many members throughout the years and has served as an outstanding representative of NALS and the legal profession. Nominate someone to be featured in the Member Spotlight by filling out the form online at www.nals.org/?p=810 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Write content Research relevant topics Network with other bloggers Optimize design and ad placements Answer comments and email Read other blogs Keeping track of your most important tasks will direct your energy toward success. Without a constant reminder, it is easy to waste entire days on filler activities like reading RSS feeds, email, and random web surfing. When my motivation starts to wane, I regain direction by creating a plan that contains two positive actions. The first one should be a small task you have been meaning to do, while the second should be a long-term goal. I immediately do the smaller task. This creates positive momentum. After that, I take the first step toward achieving the long-term goal. Doing this periodically is great for getting out of a slump, creating positive reinforcement, and getting long-term plans moving. It is inevitable that you will encounter periods of low energy, bad luck, and even the occasional failure. If you do not discipline your mind, these minor speed bumps can turn into mental monsters. By being on guard against the top three motivation killers, you can preserve your motivation and propel yourself to success. Article reprinted with permission from PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement: http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog URL to article: http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/how-to-motivate-yourself/ July 2011 5

Member Spotlight

Marilyn Huffman, PLS Marilyn Huffman, PLS, has been a member of NALS since 1960. She is a member of the Springfield (Missouri) Area Legal Support Professionals, formerly known as Greene County Legal Secretaries Association. She obtained her PLS certification in 1984 and was one of the first members to do so. Marilyn served on the NALS of Missouri Board of Directors as National Director for three years and has held all offices on the local level. She is the most requested state convention chair the association has ever had because she is well known for her artistic themes, food, and special touches. Marilyn received the Missouri Legal Secretary of the Year Award in 1978 and the Sandy Schoen “Enthusiasm is Irresistible” award in 1996 from her local chapter. In celebration of her 50 years of membership and service to NALS, her local chapter gave a special tribute to her at their 2010 Installation banquet. Her membership in NALS has allowed her the opportunity to develop friendships and a networking community that have lasted over 50 years. She gained necessary professional development and skills through her association in NALS. That, along with her college education, allowed her to work in several areas of the legal profession over a lifetime. Marilyn worked for Neale & Newman, LLP for 27 years. After her attorney in the law firm left to become a Missouri senator, she became Judicial Administrative Assistant to Judge Kenneth Shrum and, subsequent to his retirement, Judge Daniel Scott of the Southern District of the Missouri Court of Appeals. She was employed with the court for 13 years before her retirement in December 2009. Since retirement, Marilyn has had the opportunity to pursue her love of traveling and cooking. Marilyn has been an instructor and mentor to many members throughout the years and has served as an outstanding representative of NALS and the legal profession. Nominate someone to be featured in the Member Spotlight by filling out the form online at www.nals.org/?p=810

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