Job search is mentally exhausting. Who doesn’t need a weekly dose of motivation- a good ol’ kick in the pants or an inspirational moment to take on new challenges? Monday’s posts are motivational because you need it and I need it. It is easy, I mean much too easy, to say, “I am afraid”. This has stopped me and I am fairly sure it stops most of those new to job search also.
What Is YOUR Fear?
I remember when I was younger (oh, 20 years ago), I used to declare my biggest fear was losing my parents. It was easy for me to say this and it made me feel good that I could admit this and articulate it. But it was too easy, too flip. I didn’t think enough about it and I wasn’t honest with myself. I didn’t dig deep. This doesn’t mean that I wasn’t fearful of my parents’ dying. I was. But that wasn’t the honest fear. It wasn’t the one holding me back. I didn’t run home after college and live with my parents to spend time with them. Did this mean I had moved beyond my fear; or was I avoiding my fear? Maybe a little of both.
Eventually parents do die. I was faced with my biggest fear of losing one of them. My Pop died a little over two years ago and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of him, wish I could talk to him, or get one of his hugs. My biggest fear was not losing him. My fear was life without him. When I put it this way, my fear was no longer a fear, but turned into a new pattern of thought…how can I keep my Pop’s memory alive and close to me. This was a problem I could solve.
Fear is Not An Excuse
When I see people who are afraid, many times they are stuck in some sort of a holding pattern. Claiming your fear is not an excuse to stay stuck. It has to be used to solve the issue. These are not excuses, they are opportunities for growth and new ways of thinking.
- I am afraid of networking with people.
- I am afraid I will never get a job.
- I am afraid of looking for a job.
- I am afraid of interviewing.
- I am afraid of using social media.
- I am afraid of following up after I’ve applied for a job or had an interview.
Really…
Now, will you ask yourself what you are really afraid of. Dig deep. Be honest.
Life keeps going, whether we like it or not.
Wouldn’t it be a shame to miss out on it? What amazing experiences might you not encounter? What interesting people might you not meet? What fulfillment might you be denying yourself? Can you spin this in your head and give yourself permission to shake, rattle and roll? MOVE!
Moving Towards A Dream Rather than Fighting Fear
When you are moving towards something you want so badly, fear no longer holds you captive. It might still be there, but it may not stop you. Instead of focusing on what is getting in your way and battling with your fear, can you identify your dream? What is it you really, honestly want to do next?
What is your biggest fear and what is your dream? Share them in a comment and see what happens.
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.