“Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
– Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Financial pressures pile up. Your self-esteem takes a beating. You begin to fear you won’t make it and experience the “I can’t” syndrome:
- I can’t look for work because I’m too depressed
- I can’t get up today because I’m too tired
- I can’t go on the interview because I’m unprepared
- I just can’t find a job because it’s too hard!
And on and on –
How do you feel as you make these statements? Self-pity? Frustration?
Fear of failure, fear of rejection, and fear of criticism are closely related; and this discomfort will make you resist getting out there and working hard to find a new job.
Rather than being immobilized by fear of failure or a feeling that things are hopeless, take action!
Here’s how:
- Act as if you were still working. Get up at your usual time, shower, have breakfast, and continue with your usual routine. This will give you a feeling of structure, which is what you need at this time.
- Get out of the house. Remember, employers don’t make house calls, so you need to get out and circulate. Network.
- List your abilities, skills, and your positive personal characteristics on paper. Read the list daily and remind yourself of your value.
- Remind yourself of the reality that unemployment in the US is about 10% and finding a job can be brutal.
- Be good to yourself. Take care of yourself. Be patient.
Don’t be afraid to fail. As the great salesman Frank Bettger said, “Failures mean nothing at all if success comes eventually.”
Keep going!!!
Want to learn more about this career tip?
http://www.guyfinley.com – Guy Finley wrote the bestseller The Essential Laws of Fearless Living: Find the Power to Never Feel Powerless Again. He is also founder of Life of Learning Foundation and publishes the “Weekly Key Lessons” e-newsletter to help you build the foundation of a fearless life.
