Attitude is Everything

      I recently read the book  "Attitude is Everything  10 Life-Changing Steps to Turning Attitude into Action" by the late Keith Harrell.   Reading motivational books such as autobiographies and self -help books are a great source and inexpensive way to maintain a positive outlook while addressing a life challenge.  
     The 10 steps that the author discusses are:

1. Understanding the Power of Attitude
2. Take Control of Your Life
3. Practice Self-Awareness
4. Re-frame Your Bad Attitude
5. Find Your Purpose and Passion
6. Be Pre-Active
7. Discover How to Motivate Yourself
8. Build Supportive Relationships
9. See Change as an Opportunity
10. Leave a Lasting Legacy

      The fact that you are reading this Blog indicates that you are addressing several of the steps.  Please note that there is a significant difference between pre-active and pro-active behavior.  A Google search of these terms indicates that they are 2 of the the 4 methods in which organizations plan.  Those methods are: reactive, inactive, pro-active and pre-active.  Pro and pre-active planning are necessary to facilitate a career change.  In the book, the 7 Habits of Highly Successful People the need to be pro-active was stressed and fully described. 
      How you perceive change is extremely important.  If the loss of your job is seen as a negative then you are less likely to want to seek employment elsewhere.  Why?  Because somewhere in your mind you believe:

• you will never find another job or position as good as the one you had
• that job was the only type work you can do
• you deserve to be unemployed

However, if you can see the benefits of not having the job then you are consider other options such as:

• being able to explore other career options
• going back to school
• re-organizing your lifestyle
• having more time to pursue your personal goals

     There is the old saying "Smile and the whole world smiles with you but, when you cry  you cry alone."  By having a positive attitude, you are more likely to gain and maintain the support of people while you seek other employment.  You will appear more confident, professional as well as being percieved as being a team player during your interviews.  These are all positive attributes that any employer will want!

Do you watch reality TV?

     There is a reality TV show called "Downsized".  I have never watched an episode only the commercials.  The concept is to observe how a large family (more than 4 kids) make ends meet while the parents are either not working or under-employed. I am not a big fan of reality TV, sitcoms or programs that "address" social or family issues.  This includes watching political candidates and financial wiz-bangs discuss the economy.  Yes, there is a school of thought that says these shows are educational because they present coping skills, possible solutions, reduce the feeling of being in an unique situation and are politically informative.  I strongly disagree!
      First, life's problems can not be solved in 30 minutes.  Secondly, my spouse, kids, dog, co-workers and neighbors are not as insightful, forgiving, open minded, forgetful, or as caring as the people on the sitcoms.  Finally, when I am in a crisis, I seldom view my  problems as fodder for jokes.

      In the books  "The Secret"  by Rhonda Byrne and "The Law of Attraction" by Abraham and Hicks, the authors describe how our thoughts affect our lives.  Even the Bible states that our thoughts predict how we will behave.  It is my opinion, that filling your mind with subtle negative messages (ie there are no jobs, you have to accept less than a satisfactory position, these are desperate times)  that are conveyed in these programs your ability to participate manage your career will be significantly compromised.  Staying motivated is key to a fulfilling career.  These messages will not help you.
    Should you avoid watching the news or reading the paper and assume a Pollyanna approach to life?  By no means would I advocate that life style. You need to be aware of developments in your community and career field, so that you can anticipate changes and opportunities.  However, just like your diet, you need to monitor both the amount of "negative" calories you are consuming and exercise (positive/supportive activity) you are performing in order to maintain a healthy life style. What are some steps you can take to maintain a positive attitude?

1.  Limit the amount of time you spend observing shows, reading articles or discussing the negative economy.  More than 60 minutes per day in this pursuit will become an emotional drain.
2. Avoid engaging in conversation with people that have a defeatist attitude. 
3. Avoid seeking advise from people that are extremely critical.  They can point out your deficits but seldom have suggestions on how to play up your strengths, remove or minimize a weakness nor do they notice any positive changes that you make. 
4. Use a technique developed by Mary Kay Ashe, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, say "Cancel, cancel, cancel" to yourself immediately after a negative thought crosses your mind.
5. Make a list of your strengths/accomplishments and review it daily.
6. Before going to bed, make a "Daily To Do" list of at least 5 actions that you will take the next day to promote yourself.
7. Become involved in organizations and job hunt clubs that have an investment in your success ie many schools/training programs get a "bonus" when they report a graduate has secured suitable employment. 
8. Read biographies of highly successful people.
9. Network - have a conversation (not tweet, text, email) but actually talk with someone that is achieving their goals.  People convey energy in their voice and facial expression. Aim to talk with 30 people in 30 days.   
10. Envision your future.  Have a clear image in your mind on how you will look, act and live when you achieve your goal.  Remind yourself of this image every day. 

If you need help with any of these ideas or if you would like some more suggestions, please contact me. 

Everywhere you go - There you are!

      As a life and career coach, people frequently come to me with questions regarding their career options but I always start at at same place.  I ask how are things going in their life in general.  Your life consists of 5 sections:  health/well-being, financial, vocational, relationships, leisure and spiritual. 

• Health/well-being: your physical health, stamina, grooming, attire.  
• Financial:       savings, earnings, retirement plan, insurance, investments, taxes, etc
• Vocational:    education, work history, hobbies,
• Relationships: all social interactions including parents, friends, children, significant others, co-workers 
• Leisure:         anything you do for fun
• Spiritual:        your believe and value system

Many people don't realize that an imbalance in any area will impact the others. So, how do you incorporate the various aspects of your life into your job search? 
 Health/well-being:   are you physically able to perform your anticipated job duties,  is your medical information organized so that you can provide it if needed, can you explain any disability for which you are seeking job accommodations, are there work hours that best meet your needs, is your appearance current, should you loose some weight.

• Financial: what is the minimum income that you need, what benefits do you need, can you afford to relocate, what is the going rate for the job that you are seeking
• Relationships: are your family and friends supportive, are you on good terms with at least 3 former co-workers and 3 peers that can serve as references for you.  
• Leisure activities: can be used to demonstrate leadership skills, personal qualities, networking opportunities
• Spiritual activities:  will help you stay focused and motivated with your career transition.  Do you share your spiritual believes with those that are going to be your primary emotional supports during this time?

Take the time, to review how you are doing in these areas.  Consider how your ideal life would be, how would you change your life, what would you leave the same and why would you make these decisions.  Try not to blame problems in your vocational life for problems in other aspects of your life.

For daily job search information Tweet me @CYCWC  and for more information on balancing you life please, contact me at 402.965.1496 or chartingyourcoursewithcoaching@gmail.com. 

The Habit 7 Attitude

     Habit 7 in Stephen R Covey's book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." is tittled "Sharpen the Saw".    This means enhancing and maintaining the assets that you and every individual possess.  These assets fall in the areas of physical attributes, social/emotional health, mental acuity, and spiritual.  This habit is vital while participating in a career transition.
     Exercising, diet and rest will address the basic needs of maintaining your health.  Depending on your age and gender other issues may need to be addressed.  You should consult your personal physician for assistance in this area.  According to the Mayo Clinic there are 7 benefits to exercising (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/HQ01676).   By addressing this issue, you will have the stamina to participate in a job search as well as make a good physical impression.
    Googling the American Psychological Society (APA) for social supports results in over 200,000 hits.  Extensive research has been done in this field and documents the impact on well being.  For the employment seeker, social and emotional support can be obtained from a variety of resources.  Family and friends while well meaning could have a demoralizing effect.  Professional networks and job hunt clubs can also be a mixed blessing.  Members can be very supportive and provide leads however, caution needs to be exercised.  After being rejected multiple times, sometimes, people develop a cynical and jaundiced approach.  These negative attitudes can be absorbed and impact your job search.
     Education is the best way to maintain your mental acuity.  If there are regular postings for your occupations, then consider upgrading your skills or obtaining a current certification.  Language skills including American Sign Language, could facilitate employment in fields that require direct interaction with other people.  In some cases returning to school is the best option.  Someone that worked their way up the ladder might consider obtaining a degree in management.  In other cases, physical demanding jobs could be mitigated by becoming an instructor or  inspector. Education can be considered even while working part-time or irregular hours because there are many online programs. 
      Staying involved with professional organizations, doing research, attending seminars and workshops are other ways in which you can stay current.  Using technology, such as the Nook, Ipad, and audio books can enable you to read trade journal, books and papers while performs other tasks.
       Spirituality is not necessarily having a religious orientation.  It could be as simple as maintaining an attitude of gratitude, humility and wonder.  Some people learn to meditate or practice yoga while others pray.  Reading biographies of people that overcame unimaginable challenges can inspire you.  Attending motivational seminars and surrounding yourself with positive people will also encourage you to maintain your momentum.

If your get & go got up & left perhaps you should too!

      How many of these words apply to you?

1. Bored________
2. Exhausted_____
3. Irritated_______
4. Overwhelmed__
5. Underwhelmed_
6. Tired_________
7. Confused______
8. Frustrated_____
9. Angry________
10. Unfulfilled_____

If you checked more than five perhaps you are experiencing burnout in your present job.  According to Websters New World College Dictionary burnout is a "state of emotional exhaustion caused by the stresses of one's work or responsibilities or physical exhaustion, as from dissipation or overwork, and there fatigued, unmotivated, etc."

Does this mean you have a bad attitude, lack work ethic or is something else a factor?    According to About.com (http://stress.about.com/od/burnout/a/mental_burnout.htm) people with Type A personalities and those that tend be perfectionist are more prone to burnout.  These characteristic initially would imply that  you should be a good and desirable worker.  So what went wrong?

Job stress is a major factor in the formation of burnout.  Stress could be the result of working long hours, limited emotional supports, unclear expectations and surviving the proverbial sword of Damocles.  Other less obvious factors that would loss of belief in the mission of the organization, being stonewalled, or the realization that you never liked the job but took it to satisfy other people's expectations.  Being aware of the factors, could help you avoid or minimise the impact of burnout.  Excessive work hours do not allow you the time necessary to recharge your batteries or develop meaningful emotional relationships.  Set limits on your work hours.  Your work expectations should be clearly delineated in your job description.  The personnel department, union representative or supervisor should be able to provide this information.  This information may not be available if your company is undergoing a major reorganization and/or there is a shortage of personnel in key managerial positions.  The lack or consistent management could be fueling your anxiety.  If your company is experiencing financial difficulties and arbitrarily laying people off  then it is easy to believe that your work performance is no longer related to job security.  Having this feeling of impending doom leads to feelings of hopelessness and depression.  Loss of faith in your company could be triggered by realization that one of your core values is being violated or is in conflict with upper management.    

One solution to burnout is to change your job or career.  Many people are reluctant to take this step because of the unstable economy.  However, consider the long term effect that remaining in this environment will have on your health, career and relationship before you decide to remain.  Making this change will take time and careful planning.  If your state of malaise is related to the company's instability, you will need to determine if the entire industry is experiencing a shift.  If it is the industry then perhaps you should explore another career field.  Your local community college could help identify other interest and careers.  If you are just tired of your present position but the industry is relatively stable consider positions in management, training, and qualify assurance.  Your expertise and experience could facilitate this transition. 

Once you make the decision to change, you may feel more energized.  Your work has new meaning because you realize that it is only a means to an end.  Do not linger in your present position any longer than necessary.  Dr Seuss said it best " You have brains in your head.  Your have feet in your shoes.  You can steer yourself any direction you choose.  You're on your own.  And you know what you know.  And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go."