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TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE: EMBRACE

Mar 20, 2019 03:58PM ● By Staff Writer

Babe Ruth said it best, “Never let the fear of striking out get in your way.” This applies to baseball and to life. A change of seasons can either bring challenges with things that aren’t the same or opportunities to grow and improve.

Curve balls represent a significant deviation to a preceding concept, so every great batter will practice hitting this type of pitch. When our career throws us a curve ball (like losing a job or finding out that our job description has significantly changed without additional benefits), we can either live in denial that something different is a bad thing, or we can move forward to EMBRACE the unknown with the full knowledge that practice makes perfect!!

E – Eliminate things in your life that stress you out!! If disorganization messes with your mind, consider planning a fun work day to get yourself organized. The feeling of relief after accomplishing this will set you free and move you on a positive path!!

M – Make great use of your time by practicing things that make you uncomfortable. If you don’t understand how Indeed.com works, spent time with someone who knows how to utilize this amazing tool. Soon, you’ll be looking forward to checking your email daily to find positions that are best suited for your skills and experience!!

B – Be aware that the hidden job market is something you need to embrace. This might include LinkedIn.com (which is now owned by Microsoft). What might have been intimidating to you two years ago should become easier today. Technology is meant to improve processes so that job search tools become more intuitive to manipulate!!

R – Retain a list of people who are expert in any given field. Just as you keep a short list of professionals who help with running your household (plumber, electrician, gardener, lawn service, veterinarian, physicians, etc.), create a list of job search professionals who might be able to guide you through the process of changing careers. When you reach out for help, you’ll be amazed at what answers you can find!! Just ask!!

A –Accelerate your tolerance for trying new things!! We often discover things about ourselves when we try something different. If you’ve never tried the “kettle corn” at a Ragin’ Cajun outdoor sporting event, consider making this purchase. Not only will you enjoy the taste, you will also enhance your sporting event experience. The kettle corn will put you in a better mood, and you will notice other great things about the event!! Ask the vendor about the kettle corn process … that’s trying something new also!!

C – Concentrate on every opportunity thrown your way!! We all have unlimited choices each day, and we usually overlook them. Volunteer at work for something that is completely out of your comfort zone!! You might surprise yourself and your employer with your hidden talents. If not, you will learn a new skill or way of doing something that can help you and others along the way!! 

E – Enter every situation with confidence that you can choose to create your desired outcome. If things don’t’ turn out the way you want, consider flipping the situation and remaining thankful for the end result, no matter what!! Consider the New Orleans Saints crushing “no-call” in the NFC Championship Game last season. Our NOLA friends created a Boycott Bowl which helped all Saints fans embrace and handle the situation, positively and productively. That’s definitely something to EMBRACE!!

 

By: Laurie J. James, MCD, CCELW, CDCC

#IntentionalPositivity

About the Author: Laurie J. James is one of the only 12 Master Career Directors globally. She co-founded and presided over the Professional Resume Writing and Research Association from 2000-2004. PRWRA rebranded to Career Directors in 2005. Laurie has created 10,000+ job-winning resumes in her career. She is a credentialed resume & LinkedIn profile writer, seasoned public speaker and award-winning career image coach. Visit her at www.lauriejjames.com.