Still Job Hunting? 3 Questions that Will Accelerate Your Success in the New Year

‘I believe I can fly. Even if I can’t’

I laughed until my belly hurt this Sunday when my neighbor's kids burst into this remixed R Kelly’s song in the middle of our what is now becoming daily painting classes.

Children possess timeless wisdom, if only we could listen.

The 8-year-old choir leader went on to state loudly and clearly that even if she knows she can’t fly, she still believes she can. Such relentless faith is beautiful. That’s why children are some of my best friends. In their way of being, I am reminded there are several realities existing at the same time and whichever you choose to be true, is.

This brings me to the first question that will shift how you look at your job search and anticipated career changes in the new year.

What do I believe to be true?

Really what do you believe to be true? About yourself? About your capability? About the value, you can offer? About the job market? About the way recruiters are? About how hiring decisions are made? About what opportunities exist for you? About being successful? About what is success? About how much you should be earning? About your potential?

Either you believe that earth is one hell of an unfair place (and it might be, but you don’t have to believe it) or that the universe is full of possibilities and limitless opportunities.

You could believe you are not good enough and unworthy. Or you could believe you are magic waiting to happen, and then act to make it happen.

You could believe people are good and willing to help. Or you could play victim believing everyone is out to get you or looking after themselves.

What you believe to be true, directs your thoughts. And you know how thoughts drive our feelings? And then we act based on our feelings? And our actions become our habits? And habits become who you are?

Hence a slight shift in your perception about what you believe to be true will have a significant shift in your outcomes. Try it in the new year, even if you don’t believe me. What do you stand to lose?

What am I doing wrong?

I love it when my clients share their career journey stories and all these amazing things they have accomplished, and all the effort they are making to get to the next level and then end up here ‘There must be something I am not doing right. But I don’t know what it could be’

Now that’s someone ready for a total transformation! In a world that has glorified 'perfection,' this is the magic ingredient.

Getting feedback is scary. That’s why we stay stuck in our comfort zone cocoons.

Only if we take moments to pause, reflect, critique our actions and efforts constructively, be open to listening, ask ourselves new questions, be curious to receive guidance, and be open to following a different approach, can we start to accelerate what we wish to accomplish

Severally I have come across professionals who believe they are doing everything right. And the problem must be the recruiters and the job market. I simply smile and wish them well.

Who can I ask for help?

Dear, you don’t have to do it alone.

I shared earlier in the year my strong belief that we need to normalize asking for help. It’s a sign of strength. To crawl in fear and reach out to a friend, a coach or a complete stranger is the bravest thing I have known yet.

Over the years, I have watched several humans go down the rabbit hole of self-pity and fake ‘I got this’ while everyone around them watches helplessly. We need to change this.

Often people are willing to help, sometimes maybe not, but you will never know until you ask.

So how can I help you?

PS: I have loved engaging with each of you in the last few months. Thank you for reading, for commenting, for sharing with your networks, for taking action, for joining our programs, for being part of our communities. Thank you! I am headed on a month-long break to recharge my glow and connect deeply with nature and silence.

Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday season full of laughter and more laughter. See you in the new year. I will have many gems and gifts for your career success.

Love & Light

Martha