Archive for the ‘Positive Mindset’ Category

This morning I made a decision to go big and bold. To totally trust my intuition. To go after something I’ve dreamed of and to do it with absolute confidence.

For a couple of months I’ve dreamed of getting my book to the right person at CNN. Someone like Kyra Phillips whose show features 30 second job pitch segments linking job seekers with potential employers. I imagined how incredible it would be to have her announce that a copy of my book is being sent to every person who does a job search pitch.

But I’ve hesitated and didn’t do anything about it…

…until today when CNN anchor TJ Holmes rolled into Charlotte on the Election Bus. We’re a banking city with high unemployment and he was here to interview people about the economy.

With this opportunity right in front of me, there was only one choice: play big and go for it!

Like you do for a job interview, I envisioned the best case scenario and set my intention. I wanted to ace my elevator speech and get my book and PR packet in the hands of the CNN team.

As soon I got to their location I met the photographer who seemed interested in my story and suggested I stay until they finished a live feed with TJ.

Standing in the shadows of sky scrapers and the Panther’s stadium, I kept thinking, “I’m following my dream. Please let this go really well.” 

After  the shoot I hit the jackpot and got to talk with the producer (they decide what gets air time). I enthusiastically talked about encouraging job seekers, teaching effective job search strategies, reinventing my career, an idea for a promotion with CNN, and then I got interviewed! It was like hitting the bonus round on a game show!

It was an incredible day! As the CNN bus heads south to Florida a copy of Surviving The Unemployment Roller Coaster: From Stress To Success is on board.  Hopefully, this innovative marketing idea will open new doors and you’ll see me on TV if you look really fast!

What’s most important isn’t how this turns out but that I chose to go big and bold and given the chance, you can too!  Opportunities constantly present themselves so be gutsy and seize the moment. Trust your gut. Even if your dream seems impossible, believe it’s yours and be passionate about getting what you want! 

When the opportunity to seize your dreams comes cruising into view, don’t hesitate one second. Go big and go bold! There’s nothing worse than regret over missing the time of your life because you played too small or didn’t play at all!

Now is the time to Let Your Best Self Shine!

Hugs and prayers,
Elizabeth

Yes, you read it right. Happy Boss’s Day to you!

You are, after all, the CEO—Chief Exploration Officer of your own job search organization. You’ve climbed to the top of the ladder, and your hard work deserves recognition and celebration like all the other bosses out there.

You’re the talented boss who wears multiple hats as the chief financial officer, human resources director, receptionist, marketing guru, administrative assistant, trainer and housekeeper. Research and development, information technology and strategic planning are all yours.

Being your own boss is tougher than most of us realize. All the responsibility sits squarely on your shoulders. For lots of folks that means learning new skills and technologies to effectively search for and land a new job.

Since I can’t send you the typical Boss’s Day gift like a coffee mug, pen set, or box of chocolates, I’m giving something you can use! Practical, easy to implement tips that will help you be your own best boss and outstanding Chief Exploration Officer.

Believe in yourself and trust your instincts., write it down and let it continue to evolve.

Take action! Implement ideas knowing some will work great and others will flop. Either way you will learn something and be moving forward. Move away from the computer screen and into the flow of life.

Get clear on communicating what you job you are looking for and your unique skills to do that job.

Show appreciation for everyone who helps in your job search. Update people regularly on your progress. And how about a big ol’ shout out to your family thanking them for their love and support?

Keep your sense of humor. As Jimmy Buffett says, if we couldn’t laugh we’d all go insane. And job loss is its own brand of insanity.

Be a generous giver. Give compliments, offer your assistance, share your expertise, and do whatever is in your power to make the world a little better today.

Make a plan to find your ideal job

And last but not least, celebrate yourself as one great boss on National Boss’s Day (officially October 16). Give yourself a pat on the back, take yourself and another job seeker out for a cup of coffee, or send yourself a free Boss’s Day e-card. Just do it! Do something to recognize and appreciate your self for all the energy and focus you put into finding your next job! You deserve it! 

Happy Boss’s Day To You!

I had the best time as a guest on Sharon Marquart’s blog radio show, Living At Yes! Sharon is a spiritual life coach and a delightful, energetic woman. She is a gifted at helping people remove the stumbling blocks that keep you from saying yes to your most magnificent life. YES = You Embracing Spirit.

Her show is on every Monday evening at 6 PM and she has fascinating guests who offer tips for living a fully integrated life: body, mind and spirit. They talk about a variety of topics and simply listening to her show is healing!

We not only talked about the stress of job loss, but lots of practical tips for coping with any life transitions. For so many people, it feels like you’re running in place all the time and just can’t get a break. I hope you’ll listen to the interview and find new ways to say “yes” to living your very best!

Thanks Sharon for having me as a guest! Check out her whimsical site at www.LivingAtYes.com

This is the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and those hardly folks in Biloxi, MS. are hosting the Tears to Cheers Festival. It’s a week-long celebration to remember their losses, showcase their triumphs, and look to the future. It sounds a lot like what goes on with job seekers every day: promoting your accomplishments to hiring managers and hoping they will catapult you into a brighter future.

Less than 7 days after the hurricane, I was volunteering as the only chaplain at Biloxi Regional Medical Center. The resilient, spirited folks I met stayed in my heart partly because I came away with some powerful life lessons. They taught me what it means to have the courage to believe. This phrase became a touchstone in my life, especially while I was unemployed.

So, in tribute to the people who call Biloxi home as well as all the Katrina survivors along the Gulf Coast, here’s the story from my book about finding the courage to believe.  

The Courage To Believe

From my own experience and conversations I have had with other job seekers, one trait we all seem to share is courage. It takes tremendous courage to face the reality of job loss, to stay positive in the face of overwhelming odds, and to be honest with yourself, family, and friends. The phrase “have the courage to believe” is a touchstone in my life. I’ll share the story of why these words are so special to me, in the hope that you will be inspired to continue in your job search with renewed hope and faith.

Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, I served as a chaplain at a hospital in Biloxi, Mississippi. With little warning, people lost their homes, possessions, vehicles, livelihoods, places of worship, and entire communities. They were left to mourn the deaths of family, friends, and beloved pets. Their sense of security and way of life was cruelly washed away under the cover of darkness.

Biloxi Lighthouse after Hurricane Katrina

Some had nothing but the clothes they wore and a plastic bag holding what remained of their personal possessions. As I listened to their stories, one
common theme was clear. They were thankful to be alive; and despite all of the loss, they continued to look forward to a new day. Their faith, hope, and
can-do attitude touched my heart.

I had several in-depth conversations with a man named Leopold. Reflecting on his losses, he said, “I have no idea who I am today; and I don’t know how
to figure out who I will become tomorrow.”

We talked about finding the courage to keep the faith and continue to believe. We stumbled upon the phrase “have the courage to believe.” It summed up the inner fortitude needed even to imagine rebuilding one’s life and community. Those words profoundly influenced me, and became the guiding force in my life.

Courage comes from the French word Coeur, which means heart. It takes a big heart and bold faith to believe in invisible possibilities when there is nothing solid to hold on to. The Sufi philosopher, Rumi, said it best: “Where there is ruin, there is hope for treasure.”

Having the courage to believe became more meaningful to me during my unemployment. When I hit my worst, felt sorry for myself, or wondered how to fix my unraveling life, I remembered the inner strength of those hurricane survivors. Life as they knew it was washed away, and still, they had the courage to believe life would be good again.

Unemployment continues to sweep across the United States and the world. Like a natural disaster, it can leave a wide path of destruction in its wake, affecting lives and communities. Some people survive job loss and grow into their best lives; some learn a powerful life lesson, some struggle, yet manage to keep it together; some barely hang on, and for some, life is now tragic beyond words.

I pray these words and this story will shine light into your current darkness and give you hope. May you be filled with the courage to believe. Take these words into your heart and know that when everything around you is changing or appears lost, a new day is coming. Be open, and believe in endless possibilities.

I Let My Best Self Shine Through when I live my life with courage and conviction. I have the courage to believe I can overcome any obstacles in my life. I am inspired by the way folks on the Gulf Coast continue to have hope and faith as they rebuild their lives.

thumbs-down

Wouldn’t it be great get the inside scoop from hiring managers about their pet peeves? Know makes them shake their heads and say, “No way…we’re hiring this person.”  

Kudos to Kaitlin Madden, blogger and writer for CareerBuilder.com, who has  the answers to this question. She’s interviewed 10 top hiring managers for the scoop on what definitely disqualifies a candidate. Most are common sense, but you’ll want to check out the article so you’ll be a candidate of positive distinction.  

Use your common sense:

• Dress appropriately for the company’s culture and in most cases, conservative is better.
• Have accurate directions to the interview ahead of time. If you call the interviewer at the last minute for directions, you might as well stay home.
• Whether lies are of the “big fish tale” or “itty bitty” variety, they will catch up with you.
• If you’re young and speak “social media” lingo, save it for your friends; not to the hiring manager. Good communication skills are always a big plus.
• Go Google yourself! What’s on your social media pages and voice message is like a bill board for the entire world to see. You want your ad to sell you at your best.

Follow mama’s advice about good manners

• Saying hello, please and thank you coupled with a good hand shake and smile will take you a long way in life.
• Speak politely to everyone you encounter at an interview including security guards, people you pass in the hallway, receptionists, and any one else you encounter.
• Being rude is never in style and definitely won’t get you a job.

And from the “just don’t say it” category

• If you don’t get along well with people, don’t say it.
• You need customer service and team playing skills for every job.

So, what are the deal makers?  

• Be professional
• Be polite and authentic
• Be confident
• Be detail oriented
• Believe in yourself

Or as I like to say, do the things that Let Your Best Self Shine Through!

Read Kaitlin Madden’s whole article

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2320-Job-Search-10-Hiring-Manager-Deal-Breakers/?sc_extcmp=JS_2320_home1&SiteId=cbmsnhp42320&ArticleID=2320&gt1=23000&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=c2697ff2d1b0476ea125d75154116bd1-334852103-RS-4

http://alturl.com/2ushj

Music is the universal language that can shift your mood in a heartbeat. A country song about your honey taking off with the fool who fired you can leave you sittin’ in a pity pit. On the other end of the spectrum, U2’s It’s A Beautiful Day will have you dancing and smiling in no time.

If you want some to hear some bold, empowering music to make you feel successful, you’ll want to listen to It’s My Time. It’s by Paul Hoffman and on his new CD Step Into Your Power. If nothing else, you gotta like the title!

It's My Time CD

It’s My Time is about stepping up to claim who you are and shouting it out to the world. Starting today you’ll try anything because you believe in yourself. Skillfully using your gifts and talents combined with passion leads to success. This song will resonate with your spirit and have you believing it is your time to find that new job, to follow your dreams, to live with joy and to be the best of who you are!

Paul’s story is incredibly inspiring, too. He was a sought after, highly paid composer in the field of branded music. He was making fantastic money and yet, something was missing in his life. The pain-filled road of addiction led from the top of the mountain to the valley of failure.

During his recovery he discovered a whole new world of enlightenment teachings which changed the direction of his life. Today he writes unique songs with powerful messages about hope, inspiration, new beginnings, finding your way and being your best. He has the incredibly fun job of composing and producing motivational songs for some top level speakers like Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Wayne Dyer. 

Paul believes we fail because we don’t have an action plan or the support to follow through. His success music will empower you to stay the course in your job search, and if need be, make changes so you can move forward effectively and powerfully.

Now, get your successful self in gear and listen to It’s Your Time at the link below. Enjoy and soak up every successful note and word! If you want to use this song to keep you inspiried and moving forward, visit and get a free download of It’s My Time.

Now is your time! Time to ramp up your job search plan and to Let Your Best Self Shine!

Listen to It’s My Time

So why is that?

More than likely it’s from a change in environment…getting out of the house, seeing new sites and meeting new people is a guaranteed spirit lifter. A place like Julia’s that is incredibly cozy and filled with the aroma of freshly brewed, organic coffee is nurturing and soothes the weary soul…a definite plus for job seekers.
 
Any thing new jump starts your creative juices, provides inspiration and opens wide the doors of imagination. A change in location or routine frees your mind. Those every day problems you diligently drag around can look quite different when seen from another vantage point. Lots of times we get stuck in patterns without realizing it. Changing things up in one part of your life can lead to more positive change. 

At home, it’s easy to be distracted, and staying on task can be a challenge…okay…it can be almost impossible some days! There’s often something vying for your attention: TV, a honey-do list, family, or checking email for the 10th time! Going somewhere like a coffee shop keeps you glued to your chair, focused and you’ll get more work done in less time.
 
The number one reason for getting out of the house is seeing other people! Being unemployed can leave you feeling isolated and lonely. The positive energy of an upbeat place is contagious. You feel more alive being around people talking, laughing, and enjoying the moment. Plus, you never know what connections you might make like stumbling upon a job lead…that would definitely venturing away from home worthwhile.

Getting out of the house can help you get more done, and in more ways than you might think. Simply being in a vibrant environment, soaking up some good vibes, and swapping smiles will re-energize you and jump start creativity. Both are a big plus in your job search. You’ll feel good all day and be proud of what you got accomplished. And all of this for the price of a cup of coffee or glass of iced tea. What a deal!

Now is the perfect time to Let Your Best Self Shine!

Job Seeker In Hammock

If you’re unemployed, every week can be trying but this week has pushed a lot of folks to the emotional limits. Maybe you’re feeling it, too.

For the 99’ers, those who have been without a job for almost 2 years, anxiety is maxing out.  Congress decided to take their July 4th vacation but couldn’t decide to vote “yes” to extend unemployment benefits.  This left millions of unemployed folks dangling above a safety net that is rapidly tearing   apart as the holes get bigger and bigger. 

And there seemed to a contest among a few politicians to see who could say the nastiest, most defeating, demoralizing comments about the unemployed. Let’s see…job seekers have been called lazy, spoiled, welfare wanna be’s, who likely use drugs and enjoy the good life those whopping unemployment checks provide.

Ummmm….can it be decisions makers are out of touch with the reality of life on the unemployment roller coaster?  

This isn’t the job seekers I know. Folks I meet want with all their hearts to go back to work, be productive, and earn a sustainable income. They are resilient. Still out there after all this time diligently searching for work. They’re creative, flexible, and adaptable. Managing as best they can to make life work with what they have. They’re learning new skills and volunteering countless hours to make their communities better. Their values have changed and they know what matters most is love, family, friends, and faith.

Probably 99 % of the job seekers out there are good people who, through no fault of their own, got booted from jobs they liked, and now are giving it their best to move forward.

Supposedly, on Tuesday the Senate will take another run at getting unemployment benefits extended through November.  Can we all say: “Just Do It!”

So what can you do?
• Contact your representatives in Congress
• Tell them your story and why job seekers need this extension
• Give them some context of what it’s like to be unable to find a job
• Be empowered to stand up for yourself and others 
• Believe in yourself, envision your future and never give up
• If you’re of the praying persuasion, lift up some prayers and amen’s

If you’re a job seeker, you’re not spoiled or lazy or lavished with luxury. You are successful whether you have a job or not just because of who you are! So, Let Your Best Self Shine and let your voice be heard!

For the past few days my mental billboard has been cluttered with negative thoughts like dummy, stupid, and you’re not as tech savvy as a 1st grader. My numerous attempts to upload my book in digital format on Amazon led to feelings of failure and a major case of frustration.

So, this morning I knew it was time to be gear up with some positive affirmations like “I trust myself to press    the right key,” or “I’m curious about all this fun new technology.”

The thing about affirmations is the message needs to be something that you totally embrace and believe. Unless it resonates with you, your brain will kick in saying, “Hey, that’s not true,” and you’ll feel worse rather than better.  To make affirmations work, start with what feels true and expand your beliefs little by little just past your comfort zone.

If you’re familiar with the Abraham teachings and Law of Attraction, they recommend this simple, fun practice for using affirmations to feel great about yourself and raise your energy vibrations. Here’s my take on lighting up your mental billboard with powerful positive thoughts.

Get comfortable, take a few deep breathes, and put a little smile on your face which will likely make you feel better almost immediately. Here’s your fill in the blank affirmation:  I am ___.  For example, I am ambitious. Starting with the letter “A”, go through the alphabet filling in the blank with a word to describe you. I am abundant…I am brave…all the way to I am zany!

My suggestion is to try this twice a day for a week. Every time stretch for more empowering words that you believe about yourself. Soon your mental bill board of positive thoughts will light up with brilliant mega wattage! Think about who you are but more than that feel how good it is to be you!  Bask in these positive affirmations! Soak them in and believe in yourself! 

This is a great way to celebrate yourself and increase your positive thoughts about yourself. The hardest part is figuring out words that start with those weird letters at the end of the alphabet. If you come up with some really creative words, how about sharing them with the rest of us?

Let’s light up our mental billboards and make ‘em shine!

P.S.  I think my neighbor’s first grader is coming by to give me a few tech tips. He wants to design the first wifi system for Mars! 

As always…now is the perfect time to Let Your Best Self Shine!

There are a lot of things I miss about not having a job besides a paycheck. I miss the sense of belonging, being valued, having my ego boosted from time to time, taking pride in my achievements, building my career, and knowing I have made a contribution toward the good of others. When you are working alone from home to find a job, there’s no one there to pat you on the back and validate your efforts. Now that you’re the Career Explorations Officer or CEO for your job search, it’s important to feel positive about your self and your hard work. Whether you’ve been a job seeker for a few weeks or you’re a veteran, it’s time to applaud your own endeavors.

You probably think your job search isn’t successful because you haven’t landed a new job. You incorporate the same work ethic, multiple skills, and inner strengths you relied on at your former workplace into your employment search. Think of all the time, energy, ingenuity, and creativity…not to mention blood, sweat, and tears that go into your job search. It’s incredible! If this project was part of your job assignment, you’d feel pretty darn successful about all you’ve done! This is no different, well, except maybe for the paycheck part!

You can take pride and find satisfaction in your job search efforts. When you truly appreciate and value yourself, you strengthen your self-confidence. A renewed awareness of the skills and effort that go into finding a job, give you a boost to better promote yourself through networking and in job interviews. You’ll be encouraged and motivated to carry on, even if you’ve been in-between jobs for a while.

So, go ahead, sing your own praises! Put your hands together and give yourself a rousing round of applause! You deserve it! It’s time to celebrate you, and everything you’re doing to find a job in some incredibly challenging times!