Working with Wisdom

To Find Your Ideal Job, Go Beyond Your Network to Your 'Inner Work'

Searching for a new job can be one of the most challenging and emotional experiences of your life. Polishing up your resume and tapping into your network of contacts are two key strategies. However, it also pays to focus on your "inner work"--like what you say to yourself.

When you capitalize on the power of your subconscious mind and your own inner wisdom, you'll have the clarity, confidence and commitment you need.

Whether you're looking for your ideal job or choose to excel at the job you have, here are three simple strategies to support your success.

1. Clean Out the Clutter. New opportunities and helpful people can't reach you if physical, technical and emotional clutter is distracting you, draining your energy and blocking the way. Here's what to do. Clean out the physical clutter of unnecessary paperwork, the technical clutter of old emails and the emotional clutter of resentments, like forgiving your last employer for letting you go.
2. Keep a Positive Attitude. Looking for a job can be frustrating and often creates fear and doubt and a negative attitude. Since energy attracts like energy, you'll attract other negative people and circumstances. You've heard "Misery loves company." To attract positive people and circumstances and make the best impression, keep a positive attitude by taking good care of yourself. Here's what to do. Eat healthy, exercise, spend time with positive people, be grateful, find reasons to laugh, sing, play games, enjoy a hobby, appreciate nature, and practice random and not-so-random acts of kindness.
3. Affirm Success. Studies show we speak to ourselves about 10,000 times a day and 80% tends to be negative. Affirmations or positive self talk allow you to communicate with your powerful subconscious mind. Here's what to do. Be aware of what you're saying to yourself and others when you wake each morning, before making phone calls, at networking events and as you prepare for interviews. Keep it positive, in the present and brief. It works for athletes, Make it work for you. Consider using affirmations like these: "I attract ideal job opportunities today." "I am guided to make smart job search choices." "I have all the skills and abilities to be a valuable asset to this company." "I am the greatest (fill in your profession)!" Write your affirmations down, post them, say them with a smile and share them with others.

Stressed at Work? Here's Help!

Stress at work and home has been at an all-time high lately. It's easy to consider this feeling as normal. But it's not and it's hurting you.

You may be less focused and productive, and more likely to get annoyed at clients, coworkers and your boss. You feel tired and achy and out of sorts. Although we can't always control what happens to us--from growing responsibilities at work to a dwindling portfolio--we can control how we respond.

You know what you should do, like eating right, drinking lots of water, exercising, being around positive people and taking time to play. Here are three more ways to alleviate stress in your life without even leaving your office.

1) Take a nature break. Got ten minutes to spare? Go to www.lime.com/meditation_room and choose your environment, from a forest or winter wonderland to space or the Zen room. The music, sounds and images will take you away and bring you back more relaxed and centered.

2) Breathe. One of the best things I learned from my yoga practice is alternate breathing. It helps balance both sides of the brain and charges it with extra oxygen so you can think clearer. With one hand, simply cover one nostril with your thumb and inhale deep through the other nostril. Then, close the other nostril with your next two fingers and exhale through the open nostril. Inhale through the same nostril and repeat. After a few times, you'll feel energized. You just might not need that coffee break after all.

3) Control your environment. Whenever possible, design your work environment to be stress free. I burn lavender and eucalyptus candles at my home office. You can get the same scentual effect from potpourri or a scented bar of soap. Surround yourself with your favorite music and pleasant images like family photos and nature scenes. And, remember to clean out the clutter that distracts you and drains your energy. Learn about Feng Shui to create more balance and harmony in your office and home.

Got a stress relief strategy that works for you? Please share it.