The Key Component For Moving Ahead

Someone once said that “Losers always limp and winners never whine.” By that they meant that those folks who never seem to get ahead, who are always failing to meet expectations and who can’t seem to “get a break” seem to have a mindset that works against them. Conversely, those who tend to get ahead (even if it is slowly), manage to meet and exceed expectations and have a tendency to “make their own breaks” have a mindset that works for them.

In this job market, this is perhaps best illustrated by those who are looking for work. Now, if you are out of work, that doesn’t mean you are a loser—but if you aren’t careful, you can develop that “loser’s limp” if you don’t guard your attitude.

You see, almost everyday I hear from someone who tells me that the job market is bad. Comments like, “I’ve applied everywhere” and “There just aren’t any jobs” are chanted by phone and glare at me in emails. Most of the comments are from individuals who truly feel that they have exhausted every avenue possible to find a new position. One woman actually told me that “If Norman Vincent Peale were looking for a job today, he’d become a pessimist!”Now, since

Since I operate a search firm, I probably know more about the job market that most job seekers. And one thing I know is that companies have scaled back their use of recruiters because there are so many qualified people on the street. That’s bad news for me and those in my business, but it can be great news for folks seeking employment. In addition to the search business, we provide outplacement services for companies. From November 15 of last year through the end of March 2009 over 74% of the individuals we coached had found jobs. These jobs weren’t greeter jobs at the local box store or positions where you asked the customer if they want their order “super-sized.” More than 2/3’s of them were in the same professional field as they had been working. The other 1/3 involved career changes. In every one of these situations, the individuals involved took the steps required to jump-start their job search.

While there is no magic formula for finding a job, like everything else, one of the key components has to do with the depth of confidence you have in yourself and your abilities. Perhaps nothing in life, regardless of what you are trying to accomplish is as important as convincing yourself that you are the Champion in your profession! If you don’t believe yourself to be the best qualified, highest-performing person to fill a position, be promoted, get the sale or be trusted with more responsibility you will have a hard time projecting either the confidence or competence that managers are looking for in today’s competitive business climate.

One of the biggest obstacles most people face is that they seem to have a sign hanging above them that reads, “I Hope I’m Adequate”. This mindset affects all areas of their lives, but has the greatest impact when it comes to their career.

How do you convince yourself that you are the Champion of your profession? Find a quiet place, shut out all distractions and spend as much time as you need to make an exhaustive list of all the career related accomplishments you can think of—at this point don’t worry whether they are big or small, put them down! Next, write down 25 reasons you are the “champion” in your profession, what makes you better, more efficient, more qualified than others in your field.

These lists will grow over time, so keep adding to them.Review these lists frequently. Read them out loud to yourself every morning. Get enthused about what you’ve accomplished. Call it getting psyched up, self-talk or positive thinking—it doesn’t matter, start believing you are the only person qualified to do the job right, the first time.

Over the stairs outside the Notre Dame football team’s home locker room hangs a simple wooden sign that reads, “Play Like A Champion”. As the team heads for the field each play touches the sign. It is a reminder of their great tradition, inspires the players and sends them the message that they are the “best team on the field.” Believe you are the champion…replace your mental “Play Adequately” sign with on that says “Play Like A Champion” then touch it everyday and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes!
Have A GREAT and PROFITABLE Week!
and Play Like The Champion You Can BE!!!
Robert Hidde