Category — getting Beyond Adversity

Getting Your Great New Job is a five part series based on my experience coaching and helping my clients through their job searches and get great jobs.  Jobs that they are excited about and feel great about, better jobs than they’d been trying for, jobs that are a big step forward on a path toward their chosen future… yes, even in this economy.  You can have YOUR great job too!  This is Part 2 – Your Job Search.   See Article Introduction and Part 1-Your Inspiration

Your Job Search – Getting Your Great New Job

Hopefully now that you’ve read the first two posts of this series you’re thinking about that next job, your new job, in a new and positive way.  Thinking, just maybe, you get to have what you really want.  You’re thinking about working at something you’re passionate about.  This makes a huge difference when you’re looking for a job.  Now the search…

If you just said to someone, “ya, I’m looking for a job.  I work in I.T.  Do you know of any?” that’s not going to get you very far.  That’s what most people do when talking about needing a job.  They talk about what they used to do and that they want a job.  It doesn’t work and the more it doesn’t work, the worse it feels.  Let’s try a new way to search for your job that empowers you. 

Be Specific about what you want from your job, share your passion and get excited.  You’ve come up with ideas about what you really want in and from a job.  You’re more aware of your skills and what you have to offer.  Now get out there and talk about it.  Talking about something your passionate about makes a huge difference…it gets people interested… and that gets you excited too.  When you are specific and passionate, people love to help you.  When that happens, you feel less alone and the job search feels more possible. 

So, how?  If you have a certain type of experience (sales, computer, management, anything) and you’re passionate about say… physical health.  What kind of jobs are there that include both those things?  Let’s play with this so you’ll see what I mean… hmm… let’s say someone has ”sales” experience and they are passionate about ”physical health”.   Let’s say they went for a sales job at a gym, or that had something to do with nutrition… don’t you think they’d be more apt to get it than someone who is just a good sales person?

So, what about you.  What are your skills and what are you passionate about?  Now how can they fit together?  If you’re not sure, start talking about it and searching – get on line, talk to friends, talk to friends of friends, and strangers in coffee shops.  Go hang out in places where people that are interested in whatever it is go and talk to them.  Tell them your idea or ask your questions.

Let’s say you have project management experience and you’re really into boats and water and want to learn more about that, and be around people that share that interest.  (Are you starting to see how different this is than just saying, “yeah, I’m looking for a project management job”?)  

Start talking to people about what you really want, even if you’re not sure of the specifics.  Start talking to them about the job and the passion.  Think of people and places that may have some connection to that passion and start talking.  Share your passion.  You meet someone and say, “I’m looking for a job.  I have project management experience and I really want to get a job working around boat… I really enjoy… I spend a lot of time…I’m thinking of going to school to be a…and want to work in that industry.”

If the person you’re talking to has a passion for boats or knows someone who does they might have ideas for you.  It might be a great conversation that will lead you to the next step. A great company that they know of, the next person to talk to that might have more insight and information… a step forward.

Open up to the possibilities… if your passion was health care where would you hang out?  Who would you talk to?  There are so many possibilities.  It could be in the medical field, a gym, health food store, vitamin store, dance classes… the list goes on.  What type of people or type of group within that arena interests you?  If you’re not sure, ask people.  You don’t have to have all the answers and you don’t have to be 100% specific… share what you know you want and let others share their wisdom, ideas and connections.

Most people love to connect other people.  If you’re looking for a job and someone else is looking for an employee it makes them look like the hero… it’s a great thing to ask and let other people do things for you.  If they see the connection and think it would be a good thing they’ll do the work for you. 

When you talk to people it’s not just asking them for a job, you’re sharing information and your sharing your passion and hope.   How many people out there love their jobs or think of work in this way.  As you talk to them about this, it might just get them excited thinking about what they really want to do next too.  It’s not just asking for a job, it’s connecting, inspiring, having conversations about passion and purpose and possibility.  Take risks, build community, believe that you get to have what you want, that you can ask for help, and go for it.  Talk to people… and follow the leads. 

• If someone starts talking about how hard it is or complaining, walk away.  That’s an excuse.  You don’t need excuses.  You’re going for what you want.  You’re a winner.  Talk to other winners.

Buddy Up… One of the things that works well with my clients is that we talk every week and look for the gold.  They sometimes feel discouraged until we start talking.  If they’ve done their work for the week and gotten out there in their search they’ll have info.  Sometimes it feels disappointing because they didn’t get a job.  What we do together is focus on what they learned, what forward progress they made, and how to use that to find their next steps.  That get’s them feeling positive and excited again.  That is the path to continue on.

Find your team, a person or a group of people (or a coach), set some boundaries; no complaining or excuses, take full responsibility of your results.  Share your weekly experiences and help each other see what you might have missed as a win or a path to something great.  Sometimes we are so close to things we don’t see them.  And in a job search, especially if we really need it, we can miss the possibility in our disappointment of not getting the job (yet).  Work together to think of leads and new ideas.

Job Search Websites, Headhunters, etc… Talk to people who have been successful at using those tools and find out what they’ve used and who they worked with.  What I’ve noticed is that some people can make almost anything work and some make excuses.  Learn from the ones that make things work for them. 

Now that is a great time to check out the job search websites, companies for job postings, and headhunters because you’re more excited and have a clearer idea of what you want.  It makes the search easier.  Go for it.

The next step is having a resume that fits you and let’s people know that you are the right person for Your Job. 

Getting Your Great New Job is a five part series based on my experience coaching and helping my clients through their job searches and get great jobs.  Jobs that they are excited about and feel great about, better jobs than they’d been trying for, jobs that are a big step forward on a path toward their chosen future… yes, even in this economy.  You can have YOUR great job too!  This is Part 1 – Your Inspiration.   [See Article Introduction -  Don’t Just Get a Job, Get a Great Job…YOUR Job.]

Your Inspiration – What Is A Great Job… YOUR Job!

What’s a “Great Job”?  Well that depends on who you are.  For each of us there is a job that we will really enjoy, a job that will bring out the best in us.  I love what I do and there are a lot of people who really wouldn’t like it.  So a great job is YOUR job.  

It’s a job that uses your skills, abilities and talents.  It also includes your values, interests and desires.  It values and appreciates who and how you are, personally and professionally. 

We all have different skills, talents and experiences.  There are people we like to hang out with and fit in with, and people we don’t.  We all have different things we like to do and things we don’t like to do.  I believe we also want to make a difference.  We want work that matters to us and that gives our life meaning and a sense of purpose.

Think about the job you want.  What qualities does it have?  What kind of people do you want to work with?  What kinds of experiences would you like to have at work?  Really dig in and think about it.  The more clear and the more you know what you want the better.

Getting clear about what you want does two things.  When we know what we want it’s easier to find it…think about going to the grocery store for a specific item versus going for something because you’re hungry.  The first, you go in, get what you want and go.  The second, especially if you’re really hungry, can feel frustrating, it can take a long time, and even when you get something you may not feel satisfied. 

The other plus from thinking about what you want in your next job is that it gets you feeling positive about having a job, and maybe even excited to get it.  If you really dig in and think about your possible new job, the new people you’re going to meet, the opportunities to learn and grow, maybe even the possibility of making a difference in the world through your work, that may get you excited about that new job and wanting it…not just needing it.  Your motivation will go up and so will your energy for finding that new job. 

Here’s some questions to get you thinking:

• What did you like most about your last job(s)?
• Which of your skills and talents do you really like to use?
• How could you benefit an organization or a team?
• What do people appreciate you for at work, or in life that you could use at work?
• What impresses you about different companies and why?
• What skills, talents and experiences do you have – from past work and  beyond?  What interests?  What volunteer or hobby experience do you have?  What do you have a passion for because it’s close to your heart and matters to you?  This is much more than what you’ve done in past jobs…this is bringing all of you to your next job.
• What does it feel like at work when what you do and who you are is really valued?  What have people said to you and about you that felt great?

To get your self more upbeat when looking for a job think about some of these.  Make a list or lists.  What we usually do is focus on our need of a job, which puts so much pressure on us.  Yes, you do need a job and you will find it faster if your looking for something you really want.  Don’t limit your future by only going for what you had in the past.  Go for what you want… it may take work, you may have to stretch and take some risks but it will be so worth it.

• One thing to remember… you only need one job.   You’re not looking for 20 jobs, just one.

If you went for the job you really wanted, not just what you had in the past, but what you really want… what would it be or what would it include?  You deserve to have work that you love, work that builds your spirit.  That can be anything for you.  

We all have dreams.  Usually those dreams have to do with doing something original (art, music, writing, leading a new way, etc.) or making a difference in the world socially, environmentally, or spiritually.  What about you?  What are your dreams?  What do you really want to do?  

Often times we think we have to settle or go way out on a limb.  What I’ve found is there are stepping stones or ways to bring the pieces together.  If you have project management experience and love boats, in what kind of jobs could you have both?  What if you’re an executive but burned out because it was all about making money and you want more from your work… you could use your experience, power, and connections in an area of business/industry that you’re passionate about and gives your life meaning.  If you’re an administrative professional or have sales experience, or whatever skills where could you use those skills that would excite you, what kind of company or industry?  And that is also how you make a transition that bridges your skills to your passions.   And besides, if you go for what you’re passionate about, you are much more apt to get the job.

Don’t sell out or settle.  Don’t go for something that isn’t you.  Value who you you’re your personal and professional skills and talents.  For the right job, you are the perfect person, just as you are.   Go for a job that values who you are, a job that you’ll enjoy.  Go for YOUR job.  You’ll find it faster and easier. 

Then, when you get “your job” versus “a job” you’ll naturally enjoy it more, do better at work, rise faster, and enjoy the process.  You’ll want to give your best because it’s something that matters to you.  You’ll also be a vital part of the team because it’s not just another job to you.  It’s your job.  It will expect your best from you and you’ll want to give it.  It won’t just be a paycheck.  Think of the difference that would make in your life.

Are you feeling inspired?  Are you starting to want that new job yet?  Do the lists!  What do you have to give to your next employer and what do you want? 

When my clients get excited about getting their next job, good things start happening because they really go for it.   Now it’s your turn…

What if you could have a job that empowers you, helps you grow and feel good about your self, pays your bills (within reason), and is a stepping stone to your next even better job/career and better experience in life?  Does that sound impossible?  It’s not.  It’s also not some magical thing that I’m trying to sell you.  It’s very possible, my clients have found those jobs for themselves and I’ll do my best to guide you to find yours… even in this economy.

Getting your great new job doesn’t start with looking on Monster.com or going to a headhunter, although that may be part of your job search later.  Getting your great new job starts with you… you need to know what that job is your looking for… not just “a job” but “your job”, and you need to know it’s possible for you to get it.  The first will help you know where to look and to recognize it or a path to it.  The second will inspire you to go for it.

Getting Your Great New Job is a five part series based on eight years of experience coaching clients on getting jobs, their right livelihood, jobs that they are excited about and feel good about getting…not just another job but jobs that are a step forward on a path toward their chosen future.

• “No one can go back and make a brand-new start but anyone can start from here and make a brand-new end.”  – Dan Zadra

If you’ve been looking for a job for a long time it can feel disheartening, to say the least.  It’s hard.  Your self esteem and motivation wane and that makes it even harder.  Going for jobs that are less than what you’ve had in the past, thinking that will make it more possible, then not even getting those adds to the pain and disappointment.  Then add to that the financial stress.  It’s tough.  So my first job is to help you get motivated again.

So, this is a new way to help you find a job that is really an old and natural way.  It’s filled with lots of common sense, listening to your instincts, and valuing who you are.  I will ask you to take risks, to go for what you really want…to dream again.  I’ll ask you to work at it and push your self to do your best, be your best, and go for the best for you.

This will start to motivate you, help you feel better about your job possibilities.  It will help you feel better about you, build your self esteem and empower you.  You’re next job can be a job that you want and will be happy in, as happy as we are at work, and lead you to a better job after that… yes, even in this economy.

The five parts are:
1.      Your Inspiration – it’s hard to set off on a journey and take the steps every day if you don’t believe it’s possible.
2.      Your Job – defining what you want and what you have so you know what you’re really looking for.
3.      Your Job Search – new and more natural ways to find your job…when you know what you want, and know you’re qualified, it’s easier to find it.
4.      Your Resume – yes, you’ve read all the “things to do”, the tips to creating the perfect resume that will get you any job… but do you want any job or do you want Your Job.  I’ll give you different tips.
5.      Your Interview – your time to shine…as you.  (and know that you and your interviewer are working together to find a fit… you’re both searching).
Bonus….Your Future – It’s your life and your choice.  It will be as great as you make it.

This whole article is really about valuing who you are, what you have, and what you want.  It’s to guide you to think differently about you and your work, and to support you in having a work experience that will help you thrive… because I want you to thrive and feel great about you.

I believe that your work is your way of participating in and being supported by the whole (our micro/macro community).  I believe that to the extent you know your value, as the person you are, the better your life will work and the more you will prosper in all ways.  

My Method

What’s different about my method?  I don’t tell you to conform, to hide who you are… there is the perfect job for YOU, as you are right now.  Think about actors… they are all shapes and sizes and personalities.  Right?  Everyone…each age, shape, size and personality.  Next time you watch a bit of TV think about it.  There are so many different types of roles and people to fill them.  Wouldn’t shows and commercials be boring if everyone looked and acted the same?  The same is true for jobs…and you.

If you just want any job, you can get one… it might take a long time because if you’re trying to fit into something that doesn’t fit for you, you’re going to be resistant.  None of us want to feel like who we are isn’t good enough or isn’t right but most of the job search industry will basically tell you to do just that.  Do your resume like everyone else, answer interview questions like this, and on and on.  They will tell you the only way to get a job is to conform.  I disagree.

I believe you can find a great job that’s right for you, as you are…YOUR Job.

Come back tomorrow or subscribe,  for Part 2 of Getting Your Great New Job!

You may have noticed I haven’t blogged in a while… I was on a role and stopped. If you’ve been to one of my recent workshops you may know why. I am so done with adversity, and “the adversity doctor” is no longer fitting me…I am so over it! I’m in the process of coming up with something wonderful and new and much more true to me… and I wanted to share what’s up for me during this transition. Hopefully it will empower you too.

In “Success Built to Last” a book by Porras, Emery & Thompson there is a great quote “It’s an amazing thing to think that ours is the first generation that really can end extreme poverty…[but] we let our own pathetic excuses about how it’s ‘difficult’ to [make social change really happen] to justify our own inaction…” Those are Bono’s words and they are so true.

If you look at Adversity Doctor.com it’s really about being beyond adversity. What it really talks about is knowing we have a choice and using our personal power to create/build the life and experience we want. To not shrink in the face of a challenge but to stretch and grow to meet that challenge. Facing whatever comes up, head on and using those experiences to grow ourselves and become more than we were. Whether that challenge is our own personal challenge or a challenge in the world.

I’m in the midst of that – personally and professionally. It’s very uncomfortable, and I like the shift that has already started coming. I, and the universe, seem to want me to play bigger… and I’ve been resisting. Why? It’s what we do, isn’t it?

We all have so many excuses, reasons, stories about how we’re not good enough to do what we really want to do… but those are just stories, excuses, reasons… and not the truth of us and not the truth of what’s possible for us.

So… are you ready? Are you ready to face your own adversity, whatever it is that gets in your way of being all you long to be? To be “Over It!” Are you ready… and more than that, are you willing to know how great you are and do what you are here to do?

I’m not saying it’s easy… but (I say with a laugh) it really has got to be easier than living believing that we are small and not good enough. It’s time we quit lying to our selves, to stop telling our selves* that we can’t, that we aren’t good enough or capable… WE ARE!

YOU and I ARE MAGNIFICENT… you know it. Deep within you, you know it. It hurts our ‘selves’ to believe our selves so small.

It’s time to know our greatness, our beauty, our magnificence… and to build a life and a world that we love living in. Let’s do it.

My new job is not to get you beyond adversity but to support, inspire and empower you to so much more… to be all you can be. Keep posted… more is coming.

It’s time…

In awe and gratitude,
Lisa

When things are challenging, like the current times, we can get focused on what’s wrong in our businesses and what we don’t have. Here’s a Thanksgiving tip to help you turn your business around, and help you enjoy your holiday more. The Power of Appreciation.

What is appreciation? Is it just a word or a positive thought? No, think of it this way… You buy a house. Let’s say it’s a good, solid house but not in great repair. Now, you have the opportunity to appreciate or depreciate it.

You can feel bad that you couldn’t get a better house. You can look at it, focus on all the things wrong with it, all the work that needs to be done, get overwhelmed, see it as a problem and too hard. You then let the lawn go, park cars in the yard, let it fall apart. You’ve seen the houses, you know what I mean. It decreases in value. You then have less than you started with.

Your other option is to feel glad that you got a house and know that this house can be great. It may even be a step to a better house. You can focus on all that’s right with it. Pay attention to what’s good about it. Is the foundation good? Is there something about it that you really like? Maybe it’s a room or a certain feature. Focus on what’s good, create a vision for yourself of what it could be, what you could do with it and start making those changes. As you do, make the most of it by continuing to appreciate it. Noticing how much better it’s getting and how much closer it’s moving you toward your next goal. Also appreciating you for what you’re doing to make it better, what skills you’re learning and who you’re being by your being thankful. You’re property appreciates… and so do you.

So, what about you and your business (or maybe it’s your work history, skills and resume, or even your current job) are you appriating what you have? Are you taking the good that is and adding value? When was the last time you really focused on all that is good about it… or you? When was the last time you really took stock?

We can get so caught up in all that there is to do, all that we don’t have, and we can get overwhelmed or frantic. Instead of writing a “To Do List” how about writing a “Look What I’ve Accomplished and Built List” a list of all the positives and assets in you and your business (or job/past skills and job experience).

After you’ve created that list, take some time to really sit with all the good that you’ve built. Think of the skills and talents you’ve grown, and who you’ve become in the process. I’m visual so I like to think of it like with the house… I imagine walking from room to room putting your attention on what’s right. What do you have? A website? Some skills…which ones? Really look. How about your connections, past clients/customers, contacts, people that you have or could partner with? What else?

Get caught up and excited in appreciation of what you have, get excited about it. Now see where you can add value. What can you do to make it even better? What skills or traits do you want to grow to make your self even more valuable…to get you where you want to go?

Thanksgiving is a time for being thankful… I like to use life lessons in business, and business lessons in life. Appreciate what you have and what you have built… of your business, of your self, of your life. Find and pay attention to your value and see what happens.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with blessings and love!
Lisa

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Is the current economy, the news and whatever adversity you’re facing in your own life making everything feel difficult? Are you feeling stuck?

Is there that one thing, or a maybe a few things, that you know you should face and take care of poking at you? It’s in the back of your mind every minute. Maybe it’s a call from a creditor that you need to return, mail to open, a voicemail to listen to, or checking your investments or bank balance, maybe it’s about your business, or maybe something personal.

Whatever it is, when we avoid something, like that thing poking at you, and don’t face it… it eats at our self esteem. We start thinking we can’t handle things, not just that thing but other things. We start believing that whatever it is we’re facing is bigger than we are.

Is that how you’re feeling? Would you like to feel better?

Take a deep breath. There’s only one thing to do. You know you have to face it. Simple, but not so easy, right? Maybe it is?

Have you ever had that experience of finally facing something and finding out it wasn’t as bad as you thought? Or maybe it was as bad as you thought or worse but it was easier to face and know than to have it looming like some huge monster in the closet.

What it really takes is The Decision To Face It… and Just Do It!

What I know is… You’re courage and willingness to face whatever that thing is that you’ve been avoiding can build your sense of personal power. What does that mean? Facing the challenge head on can be just the thing to strengthen you enough to take the next step, and the next and start making things better for you.

Are you ready? Are you willing to face your adversity, to take the bull by the horns, to know “I am the power in my world and I can do this!” Yes! Go! Take that first step to turn things around. You will feel so much better about yourself, and life might still be challenging but you’ll have a chance and a choice to make it better.

Remember:
– You can do this.
– You are not alone, there are so many people out there having a hard time. Get in community with people that are challenged too – just make sure they’re also working on stepping forward too.
– Ask for help, or someone to lean on. Don’t isolate – that just makes it worse.
- Help someone else. It’s great to get help and often it’s equally great to give it. It helps you feel connected again and It helps you remember how capable you are and that you have something of value – who you are, your friendship.

Affirmation: Today I have choices. I am the power in my world. Today, I am doing what it takes to build a better life for myself. I can do this!

– - – - – -

And… if you’re really feeling stuck and can’t get out from under your adversity… My Quick Fix Single Coaching Session is GUARANTEED to get you unstuck – to Change Your Mindset, Find Your Opportunity, Know Your Next Step…or it’s free. Call 425.821.9552 or email me at Lisa@AdversityDoctor.com and schedule your session now. It’s over the phone, so no matter where you are we can do this!

You are the power in your world! Face your adversity and you’ll know it.

I know you can do it!
Lisa, The Adversity Doctor