The message I am going to share with all of you today is one that is extremely timely because of the record setting unemployment statistics which are inflicting our world. We crossed the double-digit mark as a nation, with many states in a worse position than the national average. This means that a significant number of households are living with the challenges of nonexistent family income and diminished savings. I understand a large percentage of the BRANDENTITY membership is overseas, but I have been told that these times are just as difficult in other countries as well. It is important to realize that with all of the stress and uncertainty we are experiencing, opportunities are becoming available for those who look past the current economic storm. This is a topic which I speak about consistently because what I have seen is that many people are living in a “survival state,” as they curl up into a ball, and have their victim mentality revealed to the world. This completely relates to the Law of Attraction because as we sit stagnant, all that we can think about is our unfortunate circumstances, which then attracts even more unfortunate circumstances into our lives.

Just the other day, I was at the gym and the woman who was on the treadmill next to me was watching the news. I began reading the subtitles as I was running because a “career expert” was being interviewed on CNN about what to do during the economic downturn in order to find work. He went into greater detail on the intricacies of the job search and provided 5 steps to differentiate yourself from your peers. His fifth and final step is one that I want to discuss in greater detail because he used a cliché in order to communicate his message to the audience.

Step 5: It is all about who you know…

Although I agree with his premise behind this philosophy because it consists of analyzing your network for opportunities, I firmly believe there is a fundamental principle that needs to take place prior to the implementation of this method. The first person who you need to know is YOURSELF! I obviously understand that the current demand for jobs far surpasses the supply, but I also believe that many people are unsure of what they are truly seeking in their lives. As a result, even if they were to have someone within their network who could provide assistance, the relationship would not be used to the best of its ability, and the unemployed individual will remain unemployed.

There is another piece to this equation in that when we operate from desperation, we often pursue opportunities which are not congruent with the “who we are.” Therefore, if we have not taken time to define the WHO WE ARE, then we do not even know if we are headed in a direction which will lead us to where we want to go. I understand that many people are living in desperation because of their lack of finances, resulting in individuals pursing any job for the sake of a paycheck. I believe this approach is perfectly fine, but what I need to share with you is that these opportunities are temporary, and you must not allow any self-limiting beliefs to prevent you from eventually pursing a more congruent opportunity when it becomes available. Therefore, I have developed a list of 6 Strategies to Become Bountifully Employed:

1. Make a list of every prior career, job, hobby, etc. that you participated in and then write what you enjoyed about each experience.

Take the time to literally put yourself in the place that brings you the most satisfaction and fulfillment. The reason this is so important is because once you allow yourself to recognize these emotions, you will do everything in your power to include these activities in your life.

2. Make a list of every prior career, job, hobby, etc. that you participated in and then write what you disliked about each experience.

The inverse of this is also true because once you take the time to put yourself in the place that leads to frustration and emptiness, you will do everything in your power to avoid repeating this pattern.

3. Make a list of organizations that would be considered dream jobs, and then write a letter to the CEO while explaining how you could add value to his/her organization.

Does this approach “sound crazy” to you? It is definitely outside the realm of what ordinary people think to do. Most people use Monster.com, headhunters, etc., but why not write DIRECTLY to the person who is in charge. I realize these people get tons of emails throughout the day, but few if any are from individuals looking for an opportunity to add value to their organization. This strategy works because I have seen it lead to unbelievable situations in the lives of the willing.

4. Read books about areas of interest and write letters to the authors.

What areas of interest exist in your world? Find books that discuss these topics, and then write letters to the authors with your vision for your future. These authors are typically well connected because there research came from people in powerful positions, and if your message echoes in their mind, they might consider making a connection.

5. Attend Networking Events

Many of you may think that a networking event consists of handing your business card to a group of unemployed people because this is typically the audience at these gatherings, but my definition is extremely different. Take time to research social events in your area where the “elite” will commensurate. Once you create a list, begin contacting the organization, PR agency, or anyone else who is responsible for arranging this event. Ask for an invite or offer to provide assistance because attending these events has the potential to open doors for you.

6. Never stop believing in yourself because you still possess all of the tools to thrive in life, regardless of your employment status.

This is the foundation to the success of your life, career, relationships, etc. Belief is the fundamental principle to controlling the outcome of your life. Life is not about having the most resources, but rather being the most resourceful. You were born with all of the tools needed to thrive, now use them!

If you take the time to implement these 6 Strategies into your life, I believe it will bring you closer to realizing your AUTHENTIC SELF within your career. I have found that one of the main sources of an IDENTITY CRISIS is pursuing a career which is not congruent with your mission. As a result, you go through the motions, never reaching your full potential, and always feeling unfulfilled and empty. The beauty of this exercise is that you do not need to be unemployed to benefit, and instead, could yearn to Become Bountifully Employed, where you awake each day with newfound energy and excitement for the endless opportunities on the horizon.

So invest the time in yourself, because regardless of the current economic climate, your IDENTITY is something that must remain consistent with who you are and what you want to become, and your career is one of the dimensions to making this a reality.

Are you currently unemployed or wrongfully employed? What are you going to do about it?

What does this mean to you? Please leave a comment.

Some pictures from Flickr.

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