I'm Louise Fletcher. As President of 
How to Create Job Search Chi
Job search can be hard work, long hours, and lots of anxious moments - particularly if you are not working with positive energy to bolster your efforts. I was reminded of this when I read Thom Singer's thoughts in Create Your Own Positive Energy (Some Assembly Required blog). Thom points out how chi - positive life force energy - can be created and gives eight tips on how to "find" personal energy.
Later in the day I was watching the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for swimming and was enthralled by the performances of Michael Phelps and Katie Hoff, who both broke world records in their heats for the men's and women's 400m IM. Michael won over his main rival Ryan Lochte in a close race, and Katie fought back after losing her initial lead to Elizabeth Beisel.
Quotes from Michael Phelps and Katie Hoff exemplify four of Thom's eight tips on attitude and personal energy:
- Be Focused / Visualize Success (#1) and Avoid Worry (#3)
Katie Hoff: "I was just trying for a best time, and it happened to be a world record." - Surround Yourself with Great People (#2)
Michael Phelps: "I definitely wouldn't have been able to do it without Lochte in the pool next to me...I'll expect a dogfight every time we get in the water. I love racing him, and I look forward to the 200IM." - Both Michael and Katie exemplify Thom's fourth tip - Physical Activity - to condition your muscles and your mind.
While you may not be an Olympic athlete or even a wannabee, you too need to incorporate positive energy into your career management and job search campaign to "stay the course" and come out a winner. Plan your job seeking activities around the suggested positive energy tips - do it for one month consistently. You may find that you can "medal" in the career race for your next - best - job!
Cross-Posted at Career Goddess Blog
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Posted by: Rachel | July 01, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Nice post Susan. Positive attitude and mental stance are key when finding a new job. Interviewers read attitude - even if you try to hide it. A while back I worked on a large-scale outplacement project for a utility - the labor relations director told me, "Wendy it's all about attitude. In fact, I hire for attitude over skill. People can always learn a skill." Something to keep in mind during your search. All the best.
Posted by: Wendy Terwelp | July 21, 2008 at 05:52 PM
Nice post Susan. Positive attitude and mental stance are key when finding a new job. Interviewers read attitude - even if you try to hide it. A while back I worked on a large-scale outplacement project for a utility - the labor relations director told me, "Wendy it's all about attitude. In fact, I hire for attitude over skill. People can always learn a skill." Something to keep in mind during your search. All the best.
Posted by: Wendy Terwelp | July 21, 2008 at 05:52 PM