The debate about the state of the economy continues. Are we are headed for another Great Depression? One thing I know for sure is that the state of the people is Great Anxiety. If you are unemployed, the worrisome economic news has you fearing you will never find a job. If you have a job, you are more than likely spending more time at the office and dealing with mounting workplace stress.
We all know that a little stress can be good thing and motivate us to positive action. However, too much constant stress has the opposite impact - immobilization and brain freeze. You can’t do your best thinking when you are all stressed out. It’s like walking around blurry all day because you can’t find your glasses that are sitting right on top of your head.
So how do you find a little peace of mind?
One way is to find the sweet spot – where your motivated skills overlap with the skills needed for high performance on-the-job. Once you discover the sweet spot, you will have an easier time finding a job and make a bigger impact in the workplace.
Motivated skills are your strengths that are also areas of interests. When you are contributing your motivated skills you feel challenged, energized and time flies. To discover your motivated skills, conduct a job analysis. Make a list of your top functional competencies, the skills you use or would use if you get the job. Then identify which skills bring you the most joy.
If you are unemployed, try to find jobs that will allow you to maximize contribution. Market yourself based on your motivated skills. You will have an easier time selling yourself when you talk with potential employers about the skills you are passionate about and how they can benefit the organization. If you are currently employed, determine what percentage of your day to day activities allow you to utilize your motivated skills and savor these moments. No job is going to be a perfect fit. Looking forward to a job fit of even 20% can ease your stress and help you make it though the day.
Have you found a creative way to overcome career anxiety?
Recent Comments