In a world where we are inundated with images and messaging around success, it is easy to get into an overloaded mode when you are trying to do too many things all at once, which leads to too much multi-tasking and unfocused energy. This can leave you feeling overwhelmed and feeling like you can’t accomplish anything. In many cases, you can’t when you are in this mode. As a result, there is the imminent danger of that negative little voice in your head, reminding you of all your failures and missteps.

I have an antidote for you. Try a little exercise today to start creating little wins. Start easy. Start with what’s in front of you, like your desk. Pick up that paperclip that has been sitting on your desk for the last month and put it back into the paper clip holder. Then, smile and pat yourself on the back for that little win. Celebrate that little win. Your desk is that much neater in matter of a couple of seconds. Then, go through that pile of papers on your desk. Attack it with a vengeance – sort, file, and trash. Done. In 10-15 minutes, win #2. Remember to stop, smile and say “win” to yourself for every small task you do. Celebrate it every time. Before you know it, your desk will be organized and neat. Now that’s a big win. The point is that all the little wins add up to the big win. It is easy to focus on looking at the overall picture and feeling immediately overwhelmed. In many cases, it can paralyze us.

So, change your point of view. Start small, remembering to create little wins for you everyday. Remember to stop and give yourself the pat on the back using the “win” language. Celebrate your accomplishments daily, no matter how small. That consistent positive messaging will start to change your attitude and if you can create a series of little wins and successes on a daily basis, then you will be surprised at what you can accomplish. Now, get out there and create that little win!

With majority of today's recruiters using social media and with LinkedIn leading as the site most used, it makes sense to give your LinkedIn profile some time and attention. It is a free platform to start building your personal brand. Consider that both clients and vendors may assess your credibility via your LinkedIn profile. You never know what great opportunity can be uncovered or what potential connection you can make with a compelling LinkedIn profile. If nothing else, think of LinkedIn as a great way to keep your resume current and updated.

You may worry that your current employer connections will see you updating your profile and/or making new connections, so you don’t do anything at all. That is a mistake and there is a solution. If you don’t want to broadcast all the changes and new connections you are making on LinkedIn, then you can shut off activity broadcasts in your privacy settings. Under Account & Settings, go to Privacy & Settings. Under the heading Privacy Controls, you can shut off activity broadcasts.

You can also choose to be Anonymous when you look at other profiles. In my business, I want people to know that I have visited their profile, but it may not make sense for you if you want to fly under the radar. It is also located in the Privacy Controls as mentioned above.

Here are some basic rules of the road for you for updating your LinkedIn profile:

1. Include a professional looking photo of you in your profile. While I do not recommend headshots on resumes or cover letters, I do recommend having a professional photo of you for your LinkedIn profile. This is not the time to use an avatar, character or your favorite actor/actress. Be authentic. Use a clear headshot photo, facing forward and smiling. You want to project a positive image.

2. Be thoughtful about your summary. Unlike a resume, where your summary is concise and short, your LinkedIn summary is an opportunity to tell your story and to reveal who you are as a person. Take the chance to inject your personality here, toot your horn a bit, and set yourself apart.

3. Optimize your profile, so it can be found with key search terms. Pick the top skills that you want to be known for and infuse them through your profile in the headline, in your summary, in your job descriptions and your skills summary. You can prioritize the order of your skills, so put those you want to be most recognized for at the top. While you are editing your profile, you will have the option to add, delete or drag your skills in the order of priority that you would like them.

4. Make your profile URL easy to search. While in the edit function of your profile, make sure to edit your profile URL to include your full name http://www.linkedin.com/in/suehardek/ so it is easy to find. The option to update your profile URL is located underneath your picture while you are in the edit mode in your profile.

5. Ensure that the information on your LinkedIn profile aligns with the information on your resume. Most recruiters and potential employers will peruse your LinkedIn profile prior to interviewing you. So, if the information on your resume differs from the information presented in your LinkedIn profile, then both could be questioned. Alleviate any potential roadblocks or concerns, by aligning the information on both.

6. Add links to personal websites, work portfolios or blogs. Don’t be afraid of a little self-promotion and taking advantage of being able to showcase your work and your personality on top of your skills and talent. It will allow you to present the full picture of who you are to your network.

7. Join Groups. Groups will give you access to people in your industry and also gives them access to you and your profile. You can get direct access to group members without having to be connected. It also demonstrates, that you have interests outside of your current position.

8. Education. Do add college and graduate degrees. Not having a degree can be non-starter for many organizations, so include this information in your profile. It’s okay if you don’t want to include the year graduated, but do include the Bachelor or Master’s degree obtained. Adding professional certifications is a plus as well.

9. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations and to give them. The key is to be picky about whom you ask and how well they know you and your work. Make sure it is someone that will vouch for you off of LinkedIn as well. Also, be careful in recommending those who you also feel comfortable vouching for offline. Recommendations do help paint the picture of you in other peoples' words, validating the quality of work you do and how you do it. It also showcases your ability to communicate how well you work and play with others via your recommendations.

There are a number of other tips and tricks that you can use to continue to improve your LinkedIn profile, but these are some recommendations to get you started. Take the opportunity to use LinkedIn to start building your personal brand and projecting the image you would like to your peers, clients, current and potential employers.