Intentional Work, LLC

Being laid-off or 're-organized' out of a job can be scary and depressing, especially in the current economic climate or when you weren't expecting it, or even if you were. The feelings of doubt and desperation won't help you find work any faster, in fact they may hinder you, by draining your energy and compromising your focus (because you can't seem to gain clarity when you're in a whirlwind of panicked activity).

I've been in the 'job search' situation more than five times. Sometimes I saw the writing on the wall, and sometimes I didn't. Each time I found myself looking for work it would be different. I was in a different stage of life, had a different balance in the bank and a different level of support from friends and family. But each time, as I look back, I had similar tools in my tool belt that made each subsequent search for employment easier and dare I say it, a life learning opportunity that I'm incredibly grateful for.

There are four things that I learned which I now share with my clients looking for work or those contemplating career change. These four things help make an impact on how one looks for work, can lower stress and bring the clarity needed when your mind is swimming with doubt and fear.

1. Start piling up happy thoughts. I know it sounds like Polly Anna, but negativity saps energy and robs you of optimism and confidence that you need when you step out into the world. When negative thoughts float into your mind, hit your internal 'Delete!' button and replace it with a more positive mantra, like "Today, I choose faith over fear" or "I am freaking fabulous!" or  a power song that makes you feel energized, strong and sticks in your head. Check out iTunes or another MP3 store or even your own CD collection for inspiration. 
2. Shift your thinking. Move away from thinking, I don't have what they want, and start the dialogue that sounds more like, " what can I give that would make me happy?" That slight shift can make a huge difference.
3. Create lists of joy. This is one of my favorite exercises. On one list write down all the things that bring you joy, and another, all the ways you can bring joy to others. Then compare and see where they intersect. Start your search here. There are many charitable organizations that need your talents and are more willing to take people on who want to develop skills (more easily than the larger corporations). Remember, the work you do now doesn't have to be what you do forever. The point is to get out there.
4. Get a coach. I'm not saying this because I am one. I'm saying this from personal experience. The times I had a coach when I was looking for different employment were the easiest, most empowering and fastest I ever transitioned. So inspiring and joyful that I decided to look into coaching full time myself (when I created my joy lists and saw the areas of intersect all pointed to coaching and team building as a natural path- I dove right in).

A coach is there to help you facilitate growth and change, keeping you accountable for doing the things you need to do in order to move forward fast, helping you stay focused. A coach keeps you accountable for the results you want, and supports you unequivocally to get there. We need support, encouragement and courage to make it through a tough transition. Getting a coach isn't a luxury if you want to move out of unemployment quickly and easily, it's essential.

Of course people have been finding work and employment for years without the help of a coach, but how many of them find work they love and in a place they love doing the work? When do we give ourselves the time to even think about that when we have mounting bills to pay?  The right coach can help make what seems impossible, possible.

When you can give yourself permission to breath, make the choice to be positive, and happy you'll be more present to opportunities that are already out there, maybe you just didn't see them before. Those little gray clouds or that fog of fear and doubt tend to make seeing those silver linings difficult.

Ask for help, stay positive,  and you'll be happy and on your way in no time.

What's your strategy for staying motivated and inspired?

-Sylvia