By Mel Robbins
I know you are worried about your job or thinking about starting business.
I also know that you know exactly what you need to do.
So let me help you power through the biggest obstacle in your way - YOU.
At some point during your job search or the launch of your business, your head and spirits will take a nose dive.
And when it does - you've got two options - push through it or plummet.
It's not fun to look for a job. I was fired from a job at a start-up early in my career - and boy, I know first hand how low and isolated you feel when you have to dust that resume off, start repairing your confidence and look for your next job.
From one entrepreneur (who's married to an entrepreneur) to another, starting a business is a BLAST - but there are periods of time when you feel like it might have been just about the dumbest thing you ever did.
Question: What's your plan for managing your mind and your attitude while you are looking for a job or starting that business?
This is where I come in.
1. PACK YOUR CALENDAR
If you look at your calendar and there is nothing but blank space - say Hello to depression.
One of the fastest and easiest things you can do to boost your confidence and build momentum is to make sure your calendar is packed. Schedule in everything. From the time you wake up to your calling blocks to the trade show, to personal errands, to web research.....HAVE TIME BLOCKS FOR EVERYTHING! Not on your calendar? Then you are not doing it.
The more packed your calendar is, the better.
- You will feel like you are "up to something
- You will have little downtown to start spinning your wheels and thinking negatively
2. EXERCISE DAILY
Dr. John Ratey of the Harvard Medical School has written a book proving the connection between exercise and the brain. The book is called Spark - and you should run down to Borders and grab it. Read it and you'll learn that exercising will not only get rid of those love handles - it is cognitive candy for your brain.
Reason #2 to exercise - control. When you are looking for a job you feel like things are out of your control. You send resumes off, make phone calls - often without a response. If you carve out the time and the discipline to exercise every day - you will feel back in control of your body and your life. And that feeling of control will bleed into all areas of your life. I'm not kidding.
You can walk. You can run. You can step run.
3. POST EXERCISE - SCHEDULE THE TASKS YOU ARE AVOIDING
Right after you exercise, your brain is primed and ready to rock and roll and emotionally you'll be more confident and motivated. Let me cliff note it for you - after you exercise - you process information faster, think more clearly and feel more confident and motivated. Check out Dr. Ratey for the science that proves it.
Just 30 minutes of aerobic activity will give you the Miracle Gro that your brain needs to function optimally for about 90 minutes - so GET BUSY right after you exercise. And do the things you don't want to do (yes, that means calling people). Again, the science and proof is all in Dr. Ratey's book, Spark.
4. DRESS THE PART
After you exercise. Get out of those sweats and get dressed for the day. No sweats. No slouchy wear. Dress as if your business is already launched or you are going to that job you seek. It's a little trick I learned from Donald Trump - you dress the part, you will start to feel the part.
5. EDIT YOUR MEDIA INTACT
There is so much negativity in the press these days. You can't open the paper or turn on the tv or the radio without being hammered with war, recession, rising prices. It'll bring you down even if you are feeling up. So edit your media intact. Subscribe to RSS feeds to limit input.
Look at just your industry specific information. Watch shows that push you to be better - like The Big Idea. Or listen to my radio show on the web every day, just click here!
6. STAY CONNECTED
Isolation is a big danger for all job seekers and new entrepreneurs - so now more than ever. Be connected to people. At least two LIVE conversations a day about what you are up to.
7. CALL INTO MY RADIO SHOW
You can get the advice, coaching, kick in the pants that you need - for FREE. Call 888-454-3378 between 1pm-3pm EST. Just send me an email - radio@melrobbins.com and I will help you. I promise. For free.
*****
And one more thing - a couple of entrepreneurs launched a (recession proof) business, StyleYES NYC. They reached out to me and asked me if they could style me by selecting my outfit today. The owners, Monica and Kate are amazing to work with. And now they have me as their newest client because of their initiative.
Check them out:
www.styleyesnyc.com
StyleYES NYC offers a unique service of luxury shopping and personal styling.
www.agentredintl.com
Is the international fashion wholesaler - where you can find the clothing line I was wearing.