You Did Not Fail
by Deborah Brown-Volkman, contributing columnist

Has your work life been crazy lately?

Today's work environment is tough. Psychologically, the uncertainty has taken a toll on all of us. In many cases we are not as successful as we were a few years ago. And, even though we know it is not our fault, we are blaming ourselves.

After all, whom else can we blame? If we are sending out resumes and not getting replies, it has to be something we have done wrong. Maybe we did not use the right words. Maybe our cover letter was not that effective. Maybe nobody wants us. If we are at work and a project we wanted funded was turned down, it has to be our fault. Maybe we did not have the right conversations with the right people. Maybe we did not propose the idea very well.

Here is the truth; it is not your fault. You are working harder than you ever have in very difficult times. Applaud your effort. And, please know that you are not alone.

So What Can You Do To Beat Your Feelings Of Failure?

1. Recognize That You Did Not Fail

Even though we read in the paper that the economy is
not doing well, we are still looking inward for the
reasons that we are not succeeding. This is a useless
exercise. You are not the cause of our country's
economic situation. Your present situation is a
character building period in your life, and it will
get better. Happier times will be here sooner than you
think.

2. Decide What's Important To You

Maybe there is more to life than money and material
possessions. Could being fulfilled in your work be more
valuable? It really does not matter what career you
have as long as you are happy. Are you doing what you
love? If not, what is stopping you? It is important to
discover what you want, so you can create a future that
ignites your passion.

3. Recognize That What Lies Around The Corner Is
Inspiration

What have you learned from this experience? I bet you
have learned to rely on yourself more. You probably
have learned to trust that you can handle whatever
comes your way. Remember that out of darkness comes
light. The light is what brings vision and purpose
into your life.

4. Decide What You Will Do Next

Your career is not something that you fix when you have
to. Rather, it is a work in progress. Have you wanted
to switch careers? Now is the time to begin the
research phase. Have you wanted to improve your skills?
Now is the time to take that class you have been
talking about. Decide NOW what your next move is.
Once you know what you want, implementation is less
difficult.

5. Get In Action

What is your first step? Your second, your third? One
step each day gives you thirty steps completed at the
end of the month. Goals are not reached overnight.
They are achieved with consistent movement over time.
Get yourself into action. This will be the catalyst
that will move you in the right direction.

6. Stop Struggling Through Your Career By Yourself

Are you moving at a consistent pace? If not, enlist
the help of a friend, spouse, coach, colleague, etc.
Someone who will listen and support you through this
uncertain period in your life. Standing still or moving
backwards can be frustrating, and disheartening.
Remember that you do a disservice to your career and
yourself when you work through your career concerns
alone.

7. Reward Yourself

Yes, the final reward may be more money, a promotion,
or a new career, but do not forget to reward yourself
along the way for your hard work and effort. A year
from now, you will not be the same person you were
before your career was shaken up a bit. And, you'll
smile to yourself because you will know that this is
a good thing.

So what do you say? You only have one life to live so it might as well be a life you love!







 

**************************************************** 
Deborah Brown is a noted Career and Mentor Coach that shows Entrepreneurs, Executives, Professionals, and Coaches how to transition into careers they love, excel in the careers they have now, start their own businesses, and find time for themselves. She is the author of the "21-Day Career Empowerment" program. This 21-day e-mail program gives participants the insight, clarity, and knowledge to either choose their current position or their next career To Learn More Visit: http://www.surpassyourdreams.com , send an e-mail to info@surpassyourdreams.com or call (516) 432-2440.