Achieving a goal -- whether it's personal or work-related -- lies in the strength of motivation that comes from within ourselves and the circumstances around us, as well as the enjoyment we derive from the goal or the pressure we feel to do it, says Anja Van den Broeck, a professor at KU Leuven, Belgium. "Your self-esteem may depend on the activity," says Van den Broeck.

Creating strong connections with peers -- both inside and outside of your organization -- doesn't have to be hard or intimidating, writes executive coach Elisabeth Owen Hayes, who offers five steps including how to find potential connections, what to say, how to set up meetings and how to foster deeper relationships. "Go into this process with the goal of not only learning from others but also providing assistance, sharing ideas and making introductions," Owens Hayes writes.

HR leaders are being promoted to chief executive as the CEO's role becomes more focused on talent and culture and HR professionals' understanding of business grows, executives say. "CHROs that move into CEO roles will be more attuned to the impact on people of job cuts and be less likely to reach for that option as a first cost-cutting measure," says Tim Ringo, director of LACE Partners, an HR consultancy.

The Federal Trade Commission has proposed a rule that would bar companies from requiring employees to sign a noncompete agreement, which limits workers' ability to leave for a rival or to strike out on their own in the same field. The FTC says barring noncompete agreements could raise pay by $300 billion annually.

There were 223,000 jobs added to the US economy last month, while the unemployment rate fell to 3.5%, according to the Labor Department. While the numbers point to a still solid job market, recent headlines of mass layoffs, especially in the tech sector, suggest that it may be softening.

Playing pingpong requires balance and hand-eye coordination and facing opponents -- and sometimes bantering with them. These are the reasons why doctors say the sport can provide benefits to people with Parkinson's disease, along with the fact that it activates parts of the brain that are affected by the disorder. "[Pingpong] really hits the trifecta of physical, cognitive and social activities," says Dr. Elana Clar, a neurologist who encourages some of her patients with Parkinson's to play and started a New Jersey chapter of the nonprofit group Ping Pong Parkinson.