Job hunting can be one of life's more stressful experiences. There are the stresses of job interviews, the feelings associated with rejection, the choices and decisions that have to be made and, particularly if you are unemployed, the anxiety of having to find an income.
The problem with this level of stress, however, is that it seldom brings out the best in you. Under stress you are likely to show up badly in interviews, be unable to think creatively and make poor choices. So even though the situation is stressful, during the job search process you really have to "mind your mind".
Take care to monitor what you are thinking. Watch out for that negative self-talk which tells you that you will never be accepted, not find a job, are not worthy of being employed in a decent position, are incompetent and a failure. By following those thoughts you will be sucked into a spiral that will make you less likely to show up as a good prospective employee.
Bear in mind that whether you have negative thoughts or positive thoughts the situation remains the same. If you can't find work and are dismal about it, it doesn't change the situation. You are still unemployed. All the negative thoughts do is to weigh you down and make life unpleasant.
On the other hand, positive thoughts might not magically bring you employment, but they certainly will make life feel better while you are searching. You will be a more pleasant person to deal with, your ability to think clearly will improve, you will be more creative, be able to see opportunities and you are likely to make better decisions. To help you remain positive here are some exercises to set you in the right frame of mind:
Jonathan Payne The problem with this level of stress, however, is that it seldom brings out the best in you. Under stress you are likely to show up badly in interviews, be unable to think creatively and make poor choices. So even though the situation is stressful, during the job search process you really have to "mind your mind".
Take care to monitor what you are thinking. Watch out for that negative self-talk which tells you that you will never be accepted, not find a job, are not worthy of being employed in a decent position, are incompetent and a failure. By following those thoughts you will be sucked into a spiral that will make you less likely to show up as a good prospective employee.
Bear in mind that whether you have negative thoughts or positive thoughts the situation remains the same. If you can't find work and are dismal about it, it doesn't change the situation. You are still unemployed. All the negative thoughts do is to weigh you down and make life unpleasant.
On the other hand, positive thoughts might not magically bring you employment, but they certainly will make life feel better while you are searching. You will be a more pleasant person to deal with, your ability to think clearly will improve, you will be more creative, be able to see opportunities and you are likely to make better decisions. To help you remain positive here are some exercises to set you in the right frame of mind:
- Practice affirmations. Tell yourself a number of times each day that you will find the work you want and need.
- Define your desire. What is it that you really want out of work? Focus on achieving what you want.
- Mind your mind. If you find negative thoughts building up, stop the chain right there and turn to something positive.
- Remind yourself of your own worth, whether you are earning an income or not. Your value does not depend on if and where you are employed or how much money you earn.
- Don't approach job interviews as the beggar pleading for work. Approach them with dignity as someone who can add real value to the organisation.
- If you are not currently working, take care to maintain a businesslike attitude and a daily routine. Don't sleep in late because you have nothing to do, keep business hours but make it your business to find work opportunities, eat well, exercise and keep up your friendships and contacts.
Motivational Speaker and Business Trainer
Based in Durban, South Africa
Jonathan Payne draws on more than two decades of working with people at their best and worst and through his unorthodox interpretation of ancient wisdom and sceptical analysis of modern pop psychology and business hype he goes on a myth busting tour to the heart of the problem - and sometimes emerges unscathed!
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