Monday, December 10, 2012

Staying Motivated...

Yesterday I received three job rejections…all at the same time.

I have been actively looking to start my career since my graduation a year and a half ago. The search has been arduous to say the least, and for the first time I cried. I cried because I was frustrated, because I felt stuck. But mostly I cried because I did not know how much more rejection I could take. ..A moment later I dried my tears and began looking again.

Upon my search, I came across a post for an event titled “Staying Motivated throughout the Job Search Process “by New York based speaker and career coach Kristina Leonardi. The event was scheduled for that same day at 6pm. I made a mad dash for the door hoping I would make it on time.

On my way over to the New York Science, Industry and Business Library, I prayed that the event would not be a waste of time. I was in no mood to hear the same old job search tips. You know, the ones you usually get from a talking head in a business suit telling you to put your best foot forward and “Network Network Network!“. Fortunately, it was nothing like that.

The first thing I noticed about Kristina, besides her awesome jewelry (an array of really cool rings all over her fingers) was her holistic approach. Her language was relatable to me. She talked about the universe, visualization, affirmations- terms that resonate with me, an individual who believes wholeheartedly in the power of the mind. Yet, she did not just tell a crowd of mostly unemployed individuals that if they believe that they will find a job, it would magically happen. That would be unrealistic. No, instead, she gave us a quick kick in the rear. She challenged us to reevaluate what we are looking for, to know what we want, then take the necessary steps to attain it. Put it out there and it will be yours and I for one, am up to that challenge.

Here are five things that I learned in that brief hour and a half:
  1. Identify your own definition of success:  Success differs from person to person. Sure, many define it as being famous and making lots of money, but that’s not the case for everyone. It is important to find the right combination of success for you. What does “making it” mean to you?  Kristina asked, "What did you picture yourself doing as a kid?".   Reevaluate what it is that you want and align it with your career.
  2. "Your time and energy are your most precious resources":  Your time and energy are yours and should be cherished as so. Being where you want to be requires that you put in work, so be mindful of what you spend your time and thoughts on. Your resources should be put to good use.
  3. It’s not all about credentials:  As someone with a master’s degree that in practicality has been pretty much useless, I know this to be true! Kristina’s resume is exemplary- she has taught, founded her own company, served as a career/life coach and several other magnificent feats, all with just a bachelor’s degree. Having the most diplomas does not mean you will accomplish the most- it takes much more than that.
  4. "Check your ego at the door":  Kristina told us of the time that she took a job as a smoothie maker. She did this, not as a teenager, but as an adult with several accomplishments already under her belt. She took that $10 an hour job in order to realign herself- what she got in return was a plethora of opportunities. She made connections with several of her customers and discovered a love for career/life coaching. It takes a lot to humble yourself and know that you are not “too good” to do something. The universe will reward you for it.
  5. "Patience- A grape does not become a vintage bottle of wine overnight":  Even if you’re not a big drinker you’ve got to admit that this is a great quote! In your career, as in life, patience is key. Sometimes the universe puts things in front of you not when you want it, but when you are ready to get it. So…don’t give up.
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