From Striving To Thriving Written by Helaine Iris
Helaine Iris © 2003“The difference between what we do, and what we are capable of doing, would solve most of world’s problems.” Mahatma Gandhi A few months ago I wrote an article about a client of mine who’s been struggling to grow her business to next level. She’s an extremely talented and creative professional with a potential gold mine of a business. She’s been determined to uncover and embrace her limiting beliefs eagerly accepting coaching to challenge herself to next level professionally and personally. She put new structures in place to build a strong foundation from which to grow her enterprise. She’s been striving to achieve her goals, yet she feels exhausted. Last week, when she “hit wall” and was about ready to throw in towel I asked her, “What if you stop striving and started thriving? How might you feel different?” There was dead silence on other end of phone. After some time she replied with a burst of relieved laughter, “Now THAT would truly be empowering.” She then went on to declare how this coming year of her life would be about thriving instead of surviving and striving. This gratifying interaction got me thinking about distinction between striving and thriving and how they are and feel different from each other. Webster’s Dictionary defines strive as 1. To make great effort; try very hard. 2. To be in conflict; struggle; contend; fight. Versus definition of thrive. 1. To prosper or flourish; be successful. 2. To grow vigorously or luxuriantly. Making a mental shift can be first step in how you experience your life. Distinguishing what you don’t want will create a contrast that allows what you do want to rise to fore. Once you’re clear about what you want, you can then prepare and devise structures to support you and begin implementing shift.
| | Searching for a Job? Use Your Time to Build Professional ResourcesWritten by Elizabeth Kirwin
With unemployment figures at 6.1% in August, there is great concern among jobless about their financial future. Though internet job posting seems convenient and opens up new possibilities, competition is so fierce, it is not unusual for an employer to receive 300-600 resumes for one posting. Since most companies do not have staffing or time to answer these inquiries, job seekers tend to feel like they are casting their resumes into a great void. Steve Hall, a 14 year Certified Personal Consultant with Find Great People in Greenville, South Carolina (http://www.findgreatpeople.com), has witnessed disappointment in internet job hunters. “When job seekers spend a great deal of time applying for jobs and receiving no word, it tends to weaken their self-worth,” said Mr. Hall. Spending five to eight hours per day on-line searching creates a sense of isolationism, too. “Most job seekers would be better served to balance their time behind computer with an effort to meet with people and build a network of professional resources,” said Mr. Hall. He suggests volunteer work geared toward job seeker’s profession with a charitable organization. “For example, an accountant could visit Red Cross, a state boy’s home, or a church and offer to do bookkeeping,” Mr. Hall suggested. “This would have professional benefits. It will keep professional skills sharp and enable job seeker to build a soft skill -- which is interacting with people. By volunteering skills and expertise, person may meet somebody that will lead to employment,” added Mr. Hall. Another activity that could stimulate job leads is participation in a weekly network group. “If you want to start a group in your area, rally a support group through professional associations,” recommends Mr. Hall. It’s important to find people of like minds, with similar passions, and in close proximity for weekly lunch or coffee meetings. “This interaction with colleagues and peer groups will allow job seeker to hear about positions that may not be posted.” said Mr. Hall. Belonging to a network group composed of those with similar professional interests could make job hunting a little less stressful. The network group will also help internet job seekers overcome a sense of isolationism. Mr. Hall notes that participation in a focused group will be like “having more than your own two eyes looking for work for you.” Job seekers can learn how others interviewed correctly or incorrectly. Sharing professional resources is also key to success with this type of group. “Say a person in your particular group received a call for a job they were not interested in,” observed Mr. Hall, “perhaps location, hours, or pay were wrong for that individual. It may be just right for someone else in group.” A simple exchange of information could be a hot lead to a new position. “If you are at home alone, you’re only interested in yourself,” said Mr. Hall, “though it might be noble, it’s not always productive.”
|
