“The torment of precautions often exceeds the dangers to be avoided. It is sometimes better to abandon one’s self to destiny.” – Napoleon Bonaparte
Do you need a Plan B? Or should you just to say yes to the opportunities around you?
As I looked forward to the New Year I was asking myself if I needed a Plan B, because 2010 was ending differently, than I had hoped. December began with seemingly few opportunities, and my planning for 2011 was proceeding in a very cautious manner.
Then, one of my mentors shared the above quote with me and what followed was a discussion on why we often question or wonder if we have what it takes to achieve our goals. She asked, what was holding me back why was I afraid to leave my comfort zone. Then the big questions “why is it still a challenge for you to step up? and “why are you using caution as an excuse?”
When she asked the questions, I did not have the answers. In fact my thoughts were negative, defensive, and I knew from that reaction, I needed to find the answer and quick. So, in lieu of answering I asked to give the questions some thought and get back to her. In her style and with a kind smile she said “Okay, let’s talk tomorrow.”
Then later the same day, after several conversations with job seekers and some of my clients, the answers came to me – YES, I was using caution as an excuse. I see this so often in others in their job search, career transitions, or business, yet I was doing the same thing. I needed others around me to hold up a mirror, so I could see what I was doing.
My normal no-excuses get it done approach had slowed. I too, was making an excuse and I was not sure why.
Looking back over the events of the past six months, I was questioning if I had the courage to do what I needed to do and could I learn what I needed to learn. Where was I going to find the information, time, etc? I was afraid, time, information and the need for a Plan B were just excuses.
Was I just going to allow fear stop me? Would I just stay in my comfort zone by repeating the excuses until I believed them? Have you ever felt that way?
The opportunities are right in front of me. Yet my fear and my lack of willingness to say YES to the opportunities were holding my back.
What I realized is that until I said yes to challenge and the opportunities around me, I could not say yes to learning and doing what would be needed to step up and out of my comfort zone. Once I realized this I also realized the information was easily available. The help I needed was also available, therefore I did not need a Plan B, I just needed the courage to step up, stop making excuses, and say yes to the opportunities in front of me.
For me, talking about a Plan B was an excuse. It was a way, not to say yes. You MUST say yes to the opportunities around you, if you are asking yourself if you need a Plan B. Before you develop a Plan B, ask yourself some tough questions:
What is holding you back? Are you saying yes to the opportunities around you? Are you using caution as an excuse? Have you been afraid to leave your comfort zone? Are you using excuses like the economy and the high unemployment rate to avoid stepping up and out of your comfort zone? It is easy to do, I know, I too have done it.
Are you willing to say Yes and then do what it takes? Do you have the courage to do step up?
The job search process has changed. If you are still, hiding behind your computer screen, applying online, posting your résumé, and waiting for a call you are not saying yes to the opportunities around you. These “old” ways to job search are not enough to land the job you want.
If you ready to step up and you are willing to say yes to the opportunities around you, why not take the first step?
Take the first step, embrace the journey to success say “Yes, I am willing to go on this journey. That simple act is an amazing and a simple thing, your willingness to say “Yes” and then take action to see and act on the many opportunities around is very powerful as well as humbling.
Do you have the courage to say yes?
It can be scary. The simple and super neat thing is that saying yes, is that it opens the doors to all you need. Saying yes and then taking action, qualifies you for what you may need to achieve your goals, no matter what it is. A connection, resources, skills, information, experience, time, or help, have the courage to say yes and whatever you need shows up.
Now, you must still reach out and take action or the opportunities will go to someone else. Saying yes, and having the courage to step up, is the first step to reaching your goals.
Do you have the courage to step into the fear, to see and embrace the opportunities, to grow, and to take action? Or will you stay in your comfort zone, settle for mediocrity, or create Plan B within your comfort zone?
If you are ready to land the job you want, fast and with less stress, say yes to the opportunities around you. Step up and have the courage to take action.
If you are ready to say yes, and take action I am happy to help you. Start the New Year with proven action steps.
I am happy to share proven ways to accelerate your search and take action. Go to AccelerateYourSearch complete the form and I will send you “162 Ways to Accelerate Your Job Search”.
no comment until now