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In the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives it is very easy to get sidetracked. I am sure you have heard the old cliché, “life happens”. If not, the statement refers to the everyday happenings or “issues” that come up that we have to deal with that take our focus away from what is truly important.
This could not be truer for those of us who have suffered job-loss. Because of the situation, we have allowed our “attention” to shift to the immediate need to become re-employed. For many, as time has passed and unemployment has continued, our “attention” level has declined because of our frustration, anger and sometimes even depression. It’s time to get our “attention” focused on the right things.
In order to shift your “attention” from negative to positive, we need to focus on our goals. The first step is directly addressing your attention. Do you actively control your thoughts or do they simply come in and go out? To shift attention to goals we must exercise our attention power. Like anything, unless you practice or exercise regularly, your talent will only take you as far as your work ethic.
Now we will deliberately shift your attention in 5 minutes or less. Before you clear your mind find something to be grateful for, and then clear your mind. Breathe deep focusing on your breath for 3 breaths. Then slowly shift your attention to what you’re thankful for. Once you’ve determined what you’re thankful for, say out loud, “Thank you”. Now that you’ve been thankful for that, clear your mind again. Start over and focus your attention on why a new thing, person or situation is in your life and why you’re thankful. Repeat this until you’ve done this 5 times.
(This works by picking out things you dislike, hate or that infuriate you too but we don’t encourage focusing attention on those because those discourage finding positive outcome solutions but if you would like to focus your attention to those, we can’t stop you.)
To keep gaining power over your attention repeat this step right when you wake up or before you fall asleep. This is the crucial first step to shifting attention toward goals through focus. Controlling your thoughts, realizing your power and letting your attention focus on what you need to accomplish. It is as American Scholar, Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Thought is the blossom, language the bud & action the fruit behind it.”
So with your power over attention, think over a situation you are currently facing. Do you have debt? Yes, well do you focus on increasing income or decreasing expenses? Many times people want to increase income to keep up with expenses when it should be that expenses lag behind income.
Unemployed? If so, is your “attention” focused on the best opportunity for employment or how horrible your current situation of unemployment is? Are you staying informed and connected with previous co-workers? Have you heard of previous co-workers getting hired? Many times people focus on someone else landing a job and think, “Why not me?” instead of, “I know this person, they have a job and clearly their company is hiring, maybe I should contact them and congratulate them or even ask them questions to how they got hired so quickly.”
Since we’re here to help you land a job, shift attention to networking everyday? Focus on attending networking events, creating online profiles on professional networking sites or updating career skills by reading into the field. Too often people get laid off and ignore their career field because they have a sour taste from the lay off.
Overall whenever you don’t feel focused on a task, goal or your main objective, take time to deliberately shift your attention. When doubt creeps in your mind, there is a way for you to combat the feelings. It is through your control over attention. If you can read an article because you wanted to keep your attention on the words, you can clearly control your attention enough to shift it away from doubts and fears.
"ILostMyJob.com provides information, ideas, and inspiration for people in job transition. If you have lost your job and need additional help, may we suggest you find local resources on our search by state page or browse additional articles in our Get Help library. For tips about how to perform a job search, we encourage you to visit www.careercentertoolbox.com. In particular, these articles talk about having a personal strategy and mistakes to avoid. Please feel free to start your week with our Outlook News podcast at ILostMyJob.com/monday, and to receive information and updates by email, subscribe to our free Job Transition News newsletter. Thank you for your visit, and all the best!"
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