It’s easy to let ourselves slide into our comfort zones and stay there. When you think about it, it’s not difficult to find reasons NOT to write an e-mail, pick up the phone, or go to a networking event to find a job. Have you already thought of any of these excuses?

Here are Excuses to NOT Contact Potential Employers…

• Because of the poor economy, no one is hiring.
• I don’t have my resume the way I want it. The first impression means everything.
• I’m too old or too young to find work.
• I don’t want to bother them.
• I don’t know where to start, especially with social media like LinkedIn.
• I’ve earned some time off.
• It’s no use. I’ve tried before.
• There is too much competition.
• I need more training first.
• I’m not feeling well.
• I’ll wait until after I come back from vacation.
• My computer is acting up. I need to get it fixed.
• I’m having car trouble.
• It’s too early or late in the day.
• I have a doctor’s appointment or need to take the kids to school.
• I can’t take the rejection again.
• I’m hardly making ends meet now, and I can’t afford to waste money on gasoline for interviews all over town.
• I’ve applied at a couple of jobs already and I’ll just wait for their answer first.
• I’m worth more than they could pay me.
• I have company visiting.
• My mother is sick and I need to take care of her.
• I don’t have a car or a computer.
• I don’t like looking for a job.

There are two ways to look for a job. Either we can have “excuses why not” or we can “get results.” It’s just that simple.

If you need help getting rid of your excuses, contact Vickie Champion for a discovery coaching and consulting session.

By Vickie Champion

In this economy it’s easy to get caught up in the fear and put getting your perfect job on the back burner. It seems that the only thing important now is just having a job. And finding a job in a lousy economy is neither encouraging nor easy, but there is hope. Economic downturns are cyclical and things will get better so now might be the time to take a step back, listen, and consider your values, dreams and hopes for the perfect job.

When you…

• Believe security and money is more important than enjoying your job.
• Dread going into the office and can’t wait to leave.
• Would quit your job immediately if you won the lottery.
• Have parents that didn’t have their dream jobs either.
• Haven’t read What Color is Your Parachute? and answered the questions.
• Wouldn’t even consider doing the job for minimum wage or free.
• Find yourself making excuses why you don’t have your ideal job: you’re waiting for your kids to leave home, you’re the primary bread winner or your spouse would never allow it.
• Seek comfort in too much food, alcohol, shopping sprees or other overindulgences.
• Daydream about things you would rather be doing than working.
• Suffer physical symptoms like a racing heart or knotted stomach when you think about starting another work week.
• Count the years and months until retirement.
• Envy others doing what they love to do.
• Are too scared to try something new or to even consider changing your career.

If you were nodding along as you read this, first try listening and then try trusting your intuition or gut feelings. Not only will you find a job, but you’ll find one you enjoy.

If you need more advice or tips about getting your dream job, contact Vickie Champion for a discovery coaching and consulting session.

I ask this question all the time: “What are your dreams?” Most people stare at me blankly, or fish around for something to say (and it usually has nothing to do with what they really want). After exploring their answers further, I’ve discovered there are certain mindsets that most people have that can subconsciously sabotage their dreams.

If you are having trouble accomplishing your dreams, look at this list…

1. Not Knowing What Your Dreams Are-We can get so lost in the day to day routine of our daily life that we forget about our dreams. Sometimes we never really dream at all! What to do? Ask and you will receive. You will get an answer simply because you started asking! You will find yourself pleasantly surprised at how easily your dreams come to you when you simply ask yourself for what you have always wanted in life.

2. Thinking You Don’t Deserve Your Dreams-Many of us believe, whether consciously or not, that we are destined for certain fates: becoming rich or successful is attainable only by certain people, or that some are privileged and others are not. Some believe they don’t deserve the best because of things they have done. Circumstances or your past are not indicators of your future when you change your perspective. Look at it this way: We teach by example. When we don’t go for our dreams we are teaching everyone around us not to forgive themselves or rise above their circumstances to go for what they really want in life. Put this thinking to rest once and for all, and go out and get what you want! This not only benefits you, but when everyone else sees what you can accomplish, they will be motivated to dream big also.

3. Nickel and Diming it away-When we believe we can never have what we really want anyway, we tend to settle for something else just to “make do.” Instead of saving for that beautiful living room set, you make do with a new futon and wire-top coffee table. “Making do” keeps us from achieving our dreams. Make a budget, start saving, and go for it!

4. Waiting for Your Ship to Come In-Winning the lottery is NOT going to make your dreams come true. Some wait for perfect circumstances or have an all-or-nothing attitude. These are common excuses for not starting NOW. This does not mean that you should settle for less than your dreams- it just means they may require simple steps to achieve them. And those steps will be worth it! Everything that happens is a work in progress. First we dream it; then we think it; then we take mini action steps to achieve it.

5. Placing Everything Else a Higher Priority-You will focus on your dreams when your student loan is paid off… when the kids are older… when you have a better job… when your spouse has a better job… Just START already, and do it now!

If you need more advice or suggestions about finding or achieving your dreams, contact Vickie Champion for a discovery coaching and consulting session