There is a lot of hidden damage being created by today's economy. Like free radicals that damage our organs and cells, the fear racing through our world psyche is causing people to pull back, hunker down, and put their dreams away.
That's as true for the person who has lost their job as it is for the person who has decided to stay put, and not go for their dream career.
Our psyches are invaded by the fear parasite. We tell ourselves that now is not the time to go for that dream career. Or, instead of focusing on getting meaningful work, we focus on just getting a job - any job.
It's the wrong approach in a fearful time.
Think about it - what happens to the rabbit when he freezes as the hunter sees him? That's right. He's dispatched to rabbit heaven - pronto!
What happened to companies like C.W. Post when, during the Great Depression, they pulled back on marketing? Right again - they lost market share and customer trust. They never again regained their market position, especially relative to their main competitor - Kellogg.
The story of the Kellogg Company is very different.
Kellogg increased their marketing and outreach efforts during this time. As a result, they increased their market share and customer brand loyalty - which continues nearly 80 years later.
Proctor and Gamble created their biggest growth ever during the Great Depression. They sponsored shows on the new medium of radio and, at one point, were sponsoring over 21 programs. Their primary product was soap, and today's 'Soap Operas' are a direct descendant of those early, serialized radio programs.
As an aside, P&G's sponsorship led directly to the growth and popularity of radio as the major entertainment medium of the time.
What's the point?
The point is that pulling back on your efforts to develop a meaningful career during economically stressful times is exactly the wrong thing to do. Here's why.
When you allow fear to dominate your life, you become fearful of going forward, you play small. You're afraid to look for new ideas, trends and possibilities; you may find yourself 'sucking up' to the boss you dislike just so he won't think of you first if the time comes to reduce staff.
Or, you may be afraid of trying new things at work. You basically hide out, hoping no one will notice you, so your productivity suffers.
You may experience increasing stress that manifests in headaches, stomach aches, more colds, lethargy, increased fatigue or sleeplessness.
Finally, you begin to feel that your dream of purposeful work and a dream career are not within your reach - and you give up. How sad is that?
But there's another way.
I've often said that action trumps fear - every time!
If you want that meaningful career, take action!
If you hate your current job, take action!
If you want a work purpose that matches your values and vision for your life, take action!
Think about this: during every time of stress, downturn, difficulty, there are also hidden opportunities, needs and problems to be solved. Those who survive best, and even prosper in difficult times, are those who look for the opportunities - and take action on them.
Here are some things to consider.
Let's say that you've lost your job and your area, say warehousing, is becoming increasingly consolidated. Ask yourself, "What are my other talents and abilities? What other areas am I interested in? Should I look into additional training or schooling? Where are the resources that could help support my getting additional training?"
During difficult times, the government offers MORE, not LESS support through funded programs and training. Find out where they are in your community. Use them.
What if you are in a job you dislike. Does that mean you need to stay there - stuck until the economy recovers?
NO!!!
Instead, look at the problems and needs created by this economic situation. What skills, talents and abilities do you have that could meet the current needs?
What contribution do YOU want to make that will make you feel that your work has purpose and meaning? What legacy do YOU want to leave? How do you want to be remembered? Start from these questions and then begin to take action to move in the direction of your dreams.
In 1981 Bill Gates said, ""I think there is a world market for maybe five computers."
Even Bill Gates didn't always see the potential in computers. What potential do you have, do you see that could make a big difference?
Greater problems and greater challenges mean needing people who can solve those problems and address those challenges.
There's plenty of room for you.
My niece just last week received three job offers. Her husband was astounded, but I wasn't. She has developed her talents; she wrote down the description of her ideal job and she got it - even to hours that would accommodate her young family.
It's out there. Look. Take action. Believe in your career dreams! Don't let them die. Live your life from the potential of that life, rather than from the fear of it.
Here's to your career dreams.
Author Resource:-
Anita Web Weaver is the owner of Design to Shine Consulting, offering coaching, mentoring and speaking services to help people shine, no matter what, in their career, their life and their health.
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