This economy has us all feeling a bit vulnerable when it comes to employment. Media headlines tell us that unemployment rates may be in double digits by 2010. While there are jobs available in many markets, laid off or experienced professionals along with newly minted college graduates are competing for the same entry-level jobs. As our December graduation approaches, I regularly speak with parents and college seniors who are thinking about what they will do after graduation. I've noticed that parents have a great influence on student behaviors and expectations during a job search. Here are a few concepts that both parents and college graduates should consider to avoid a meltdown in your relationship (and in my office) during these trying times.
Start early.
Many college graduates wait until the last moment to address their future. Recent research indicates that if you are not in accounting, engineering or nursing it can easily take up to six months or more to find a job after graduating. If you have waited, there are no quick fixes now. There are jobs in every market and industry, it just takes longer to find them and may require some flexibility. Avoiding a conversation about the future because the economy is bad, will not make it go away. A parent may have contacts that could help the new college graduate secure a job. If so, make sure it is the responsibility of the graduate to initiate and follow-up with the contact. Is the new college graduate willing to relocate? That may shorten the time it takes to find a job. While it may be scary at first, relocating to a new city, state or country can be a growing and exicting experience. It may also make the graduate more marketable if they return home after a year or two. A word to parents: Do not allow your graduate to blame the economy or anyone else for not finding a job. Resist the urge to whine and complain with the job seeker. Love, pray and encourage the job seeker at all times. The first professional job may not be your forever job, but your graduate must start the search and gain experience.
It’s a different world.
If you are a parent or adult coaching a new college graduate through a job search, you should be aware that many things have changed since you last applied for a job. What worked for 5 or 10 years ago may not work for today’s job seeker. The internet and social media now require nuances that you may not have had to consider. Online applications are common. If the employer does not have the option of attaching a resume then cut and paste from your resume into the application. If your new college graduate uses Facebook, MySpace or other social media, encourage them to be aware of the image portrayed to potential employers. Yes, 40% of recruiters say they are looking at social media to evaluate integrity, maturity and make hiring decisions. Blogs that have meaningful, interesting content or demonstrate technical knowledge are a useful way for an employer to get to know what you are capable of doing. Just make sure the blog is not a political, religious or social ranting about a controversial subject. Twitter.com and LinkedIn.com are good places to follow employers and join groups where you can be in the know about who is hiring and recruiters can contact you about an opportunity.
A one page resume is still preferred.
Employers are busy. On average, they are receiving 60 resumes for every one position available. To be sure you get noticed, keep the resume to one page as a courtesy and especially if you have less than 10-15 years of experience. Avoid using fill-in-the-blank resume templates because they may lose their formatting when emailed and are difficult to edit. Create a Microsoft Word document and also save it as a PDF. As a PDF, if you email it to employers it retains its formatting. Which leads to my next point, one size does not fit all. Customize your resume by highlighting skills and using words that relate to each job for which you're applying. Create two or three versions that highlight skills and interests that are valuable to an employer. Use verbs, (yes, action words) to describe what you’ve done in previous roles. Job and career objectives on a resume are optional. Recruiters and other employment professionals tell me that few people write them well. If they are too specific, a job objective can do more harm than good by shutting you out of potential opportunities. Summary statements are better. These are two-three bulleted sentences at the top of the resume that clearly state what you have accomplished and what you bring to the table. Community service, mission work, student government, sorority/fraternity leadership and other non-academic activities that indicate you are a well-rounded person should also be included on the resume. Checkout this resume mistakes link: www.myonlinecareerspace.com/training/biggest-resume-mistakes.html
Don’t overthink cover letters.
Typically, a cover letter should accompany a resume, but the cover letter can also be the body of an email with the resume as an attachment. Some employers may call this a letter of intent or a letter of interest. All are the same thing. A cover letter/email should be no more than two-three very short paragraphs. It should indicate where you found about about the job, who your mutual contact may be, highlight a few skills you possess relevant to the job, close with an action step and a thank you.
Good manners matter.
A few things that have not changed and still get noticed by employers: politeness, follow-through, a positive, energetic attitude and good (verbal and written) communication skills. Rudeness, arrogance, impatience and entitlement attitudes look ugly on everyone. You know who you are and what you do...stop it or better yet, start it: be kind and polite during your job search. While a job search can be stressful, there is no reason to be rude or arrogant.
Today’s job search requires the skill, patience and follow-through of an elite athlete in training. Cultivate your desire to find a job and stick with a plan until you accomplish your goal. Do one thing each week to keep your job search moving forward and your skills fresh. Send that resume, make that call or research an employer. A decision to do nothing is simply false expectations appearing real, hmmmm...that’s an acronym for FEAR. Brian Tracy says it best,"The key to success is to focus our conscious mind on things we desire not things we fear." And Dale Carengie reminds us, “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” There is hope and you must keep trying. Never give up and most of all don't be afraid to ask for help. Meet with your college or university's career service professionals for help with resumes, interviewing and creating a job search plan. It really is possible to cut through all the noise and get that first job experience you need. Oh yes, don't forget to get some exercise to release stress and so your interview suit will fit!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Having a Bad Day? Keep Running
I opened the November issue of Runner's World magazine with the same anticipation I do every month when it arrives at my house. I usually sit in a comfy chair near the fireplace with a honey sweetened, warm cup of green tea while devouring the pages of training tips, shoe recommendations and lists of races to enter around the country. But this issue was different. There on page 82 was a story about a friend I'd known during my corporate days in Wisconsin. Jenny Crain. There she was with those big, expressive eyes peering out at me from page 82. I paused after reading the title and my mind drifted to memories of years past.
Jenny and I first met at Northwestern Mutual in the late 90s. She was known around the company as a talented runner, had won many titles and was always training for something. While I never trained at her level, I do remember occasionally seeing Jenny when I ran along Milwaukee's beautiful lakefront or eastside.
We reconnected again in 2006. Our professional paths crossed as we both worked with field representatives and participated in events sponsored by Women in Insurance and Financial Services. I'll never forget during a conference in Colorado, all of the women swarmed the dance floor and we gyrated to the music showing off our best albeit pitiful dance moves. We laughed at the top of our lungs and enjoyed the moment of freedom from our serious corporate lives. Someone had a feather boa. Jenny wrapped it around her neck dancing the whole time and we all thought that was a hysterically funny sight. We continued dancing and laughing the night away.
Just before I left Milwaukee, Jenny and I had dinner at Hotel Metro in downtown Milwaukee. We joked about how our lives were rapidly changing and we could not predict the future. We talked business too. We spoke about how we might partner on projects to help coach women financial representatives to more successful practices. Jenny was full of good ideas. And of course, we talked about running. Jenny was training for the Olympic Marathon Trials. I shared how I was planning to run a half marathon soon. Jenny was her usual helpful, positive self and gave me tips on training properly. She made me feel like even my small goal was important and equally as impressive. We hugged and promised to stay in touch. By the middle of 2007, my husband and I had relocated to another state. With so much going on, I had not spoken to Jenny in about a year.
I remember getting the email informing Northwestern Mutual friends and colleagues that Jenny had been hit by a car while on a training run. I spoke to several of my former colleagues and we were joined together in our shock as we learned of the severity of her injuries. Someone created a care page and we left motivational messages for Jenny and her family. Being in another state, the last I'd heard was that Jenny was undergoing extensive rehabilitation and recuperating in a nursing home in Wisconsin.
Now as I held the pages of the November issue of Runner's World magazine, there was Jenny Crain peering back at me from her wheelchair. Those big, expressive eyes staring at me, yet I could tell this was a different Jenny. I read more of the story which was gut-wrenching. It contained details I did not know since I was not in Wisconsin at the time of the accident and have not lived there since. The accident had fractured her vertabrae, shattered her jaw, bruised her aorta and caused massive, severe brain damage. I now know that the brain damage has limited her ability to read, impaired her spatial awareness, limits her ability to swallow, prevents her from walking more than 50 feet and she even struggles to grasp a tea cup.
Last week, I was was complaining to no one in particular about having gained a few pounds, not feeling physically strong and not being sure if I was making a difference in my work. I was having a bad day. Heck, it was a bad week. It seemed nothing was going quite right. Whether we are searching for a new job/career or trying to figure out our life's purpose, I'm reminded of the truth found in cliche's: Live life to the fullest. Make plans but be flexible. Don't place limits on yourself or others (but be realistic). Avoid becoming self-absorbed. You always have something to give to another and its not always a material gift. Set goals and do one thing each day to bring you closer to your goals. Be kind to others. Live. Love. Laugh. Never give up. And most of all, don't wait too long to contact a friend, family member or colleague. These truths can also be found in another book that offers great wisdom and comfort. The Bible.
So my mind returns to Jenny. I'll think of the determination and endurance it takes for Jenny to take a simple step. I'll think of the strength it takes for her to try to lift a tea cup or to form a word.
As I sit here with my cup of green tea, I savor the golden, warm liquid and fond memories of my last conversation with Jenny. Her bright smile and that warm embrace. I read the final pages of my issue of Runner's World magazine and raise my teacup with a tear rolling down my cheek. Here's to Jenny Crain, a former colleague, friend and still a runner--just in a different way. I don't cry because of what she's lost I cry because of what she's still teaching us all. I can clearly see Jenny impacting lives and motivating us all from her wheelchair in Wisconsin, running just as she's always done. I promise even when I'm having a bad day, a bad week or doubtful moments, I'll keep running too! Thanks Jenny!
Jenny and I first met at Northwestern Mutual in the late 90s. She was known around the company as a talented runner, had won many titles and was always training for something. While I never trained at her level, I do remember occasionally seeing Jenny when I ran along Milwaukee's beautiful lakefront or eastside.
We reconnected again in 2006. Our professional paths crossed as we both worked with field representatives and participated in events sponsored by Women in Insurance and Financial Services. I'll never forget during a conference in Colorado, all of the women swarmed the dance floor and we gyrated to the music showing off our best albeit pitiful dance moves. We laughed at the top of our lungs and enjoyed the moment of freedom from our serious corporate lives. Someone had a feather boa. Jenny wrapped it around her neck dancing the whole time and we all thought that was a hysterically funny sight. We continued dancing and laughing the night away.
Just before I left Milwaukee, Jenny and I had dinner at Hotel Metro in downtown Milwaukee. We joked about how our lives were rapidly changing and we could not predict the future. We talked business too. We spoke about how we might partner on projects to help coach women financial representatives to more successful practices. Jenny was full of good ideas. And of course, we talked about running. Jenny was training for the Olympic Marathon Trials. I shared how I was planning to run a half marathon soon. Jenny was her usual helpful, positive self and gave me tips on training properly. She made me feel like even my small goal was important and equally as impressive. We hugged and promised to stay in touch. By the middle of 2007, my husband and I had relocated to another state. With so much going on, I had not spoken to Jenny in about a year.
I remember getting the email informing Northwestern Mutual friends and colleagues that Jenny had been hit by a car while on a training run. I spoke to several of my former colleagues and we were joined together in our shock as we learned of the severity of her injuries. Someone created a care page and we left motivational messages for Jenny and her family. Being in another state, the last I'd heard was that Jenny was undergoing extensive rehabilitation and recuperating in a nursing home in Wisconsin.
Now as I held the pages of the November issue of Runner's World magazine, there was Jenny Crain peering back at me from her wheelchair. Those big, expressive eyes staring at me, yet I could tell this was a different Jenny. I read more of the story which was gut-wrenching. It contained details I did not know since I was not in Wisconsin at the time of the accident and have not lived there since. The accident had fractured her vertabrae, shattered her jaw, bruised her aorta and caused massive, severe brain damage. I now know that the brain damage has limited her ability to read, impaired her spatial awareness, limits her ability to swallow, prevents her from walking more than 50 feet and she even struggles to grasp a tea cup.
Last week, I was was complaining to no one in particular about having gained a few pounds, not feeling physically strong and not being sure if I was making a difference in my work. I was having a bad day. Heck, it was a bad week. It seemed nothing was going quite right. Whether we are searching for a new job/career or trying to figure out our life's purpose, I'm reminded of the truth found in cliche's: Live life to the fullest. Make plans but be flexible. Don't place limits on yourself or others (but be realistic). Avoid becoming self-absorbed. You always have something to give to another and its not always a material gift. Set goals and do one thing each day to bring you closer to your goals. Be kind to others. Live. Love. Laugh. Never give up. And most of all, don't wait too long to contact a friend, family member or colleague. These truths can also be found in another book that offers great wisdom and comfort. The Bible.
So my mind returns to Jenny. I'll think of the determination and endurance it takes for Jenny to take a simple step. I'll think of the strength it takes for her to try to lift a tea cup or to form a word.
As I sit here with my cup of green tea, I savor the golden, warm liquid and fond memories of my last conversation with Jenny. Her bright smile and that warm embrace. I read the final pages of my issue of Runner's World magazine and raise my teacup with a tear rolling down my cheek. Here's to Jenny Crain, a former colleague, friend and still a runner--just in a different way. I don't cry because of what she's lost I cry because of what she's still teaching us all. I can clearly see Jenny impacting lives and motivating us all from her wheelchair in Wisconsin, running just as she's always done. I promise even when I'm having a bad day, a bad week or doubtful moments, I'll keep running too! Thanks Jenny!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Just Waiting
I keep a journal and sometimes I look back at what I've written to gain perspective. I originally wrote some thoughts about waiting in 2007 when we first moved to Mississippi. At that time, I was waiting for clarity on why we were here, trying to figure out my true calling and how could I make a difference on this planet. For some reason, these words from 2007 have come back to me. Perhaps somebody else needs to read this along with me today.
When we become anxious about situations in our lives the mind is flooded with questions: why did this happen to me? what will others think of me? what is the perfect job for me? whom will I marry and when? why are my prayers not being answered? God does not always answer these questions quickly, so join me in the "waiting room."
Think about the last time you were in a waiting room. Was it at the doctor's office, mechanic's garage, the DMV or a job interview? What thoughts entered your mind? Did you feel a little fearful? nervous? anxious? I've felt that way too when waiting.
Sometimes God places us in life's waiting room so we pray harder about our decisions, listen closley, become wiser and sometimes, learn to be more patient. God's plan is at work as you sit, stand or pace around in circles in the waiting room. He gives you His word (the Bible) to make your waiting room experience one of anticipation, contentment and hope. Find peace in promises like Jer. 29:11, I Cor. 2:9, Proverbs 16:3, Isaiah 55 and so many more!
God is teaching me Isaiah 55 in a very real way because I have no answers in my current waiting room. That's right...His ways are not our ways, nor His thoughts our thoughts. This is not a cop out. This concept alone can bring amazing clarity in times of confusion, despair, loneliness, fear, doubt and disappointment. Sometimes we just don't have all the answers we need to make a decision or understand why something happens to us. This gives me freedom to let go.
Roy Lessin puts it this way:
"As you wait upon the Lord, you learn to see things from His perspective, move at His pace and function under His directives. Waiting times are growing and learning times. As you quiet your heart you enter His peace. As you sense your weakness you receive His strength. As you lay down your will, you hear His calling. When you mount up, you are being lifted by the wind of His spirit. When you move ahead you are sensitive to His timing. When you act, you give yourself only to things He has asked you to do."
I'm learning to thank God for placing me in the waiting rooms of life. It forces me to rely more on prayer, then act in faith when opportunities are placed before me. I can be in the waiting room with hope, anticipation and contentment. I can listen for my name to be called, and when it is, I leap to my feet with joy for whatever is to come. If you are in the waiting room too, be encouraged, your name will be called. And when it is, will you be prepared? Listen, Leap, Learn, and Grow! You don't have to have all the answers. What are you waiting for?
"But I want you to know brethren, that the things which happened to me haved actually turned out for the furtherance of the Gospel." (Phil.1:12)
"Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is its twin." (Kahil Gibran)
"Father in heaven, I pray for those who have decisions to make, need answers and are waiting for something. Give them peace and contentment as they wait, let them learn and grow while waiting. Open their hearts and give them a joy unspeakable. Help them to make decisons and move forward in freedom as you fill their cup to overflowing with clarity,love and peace." (Karen Lindsey-Lloyd, yep...that's my prayer for you!)
When we become anxious about situations in our lives the mind is flooded with questions: why did this happen to me? what will others think of me? what is the perfect job for me? whom will I marry and when? why are my prayers not being answered? God does not always answer these questions quickly, so join me in the "waiting room."
Think about the last time you were in a waiting room. Was it at the doctor's office, mechanic's garage, the DMV or a job interview? What thoughts entered your mind? Did you feel a little fearful? nervous? anxious? I've felt that way too when waiting.
Sometimes God places us in life's waiting room so we pray harder about our decisions, listen closley, become wiser and sometimes, learn to be more patient. God's plan is at work as you sit, stand or pace around in circles in the waiting room. He gives you His word (the Bible) to make your waiting room experience one of anticipation, contentment and hope. Find peace in promises like Jer. 29:11, I Cor. 2:9, Proverbs 16:3, Isaiah 55 and so many more!
God is teaching me Isaiah 55 in a very real way because I have no answers in my current waiting room. That's right...His ways are not our ways, nor His thoughts our thoughts. This is not a cop out. This concept alone can bring amazing clarity in times of confusion, despair, loneliness, fear, doubt and disappointment. Sometimes we just don't have all the answers we need to make a decision or understand why something happens to us. This gives me freedom to let go.
Roy Lessin puts it this way:
"As you wait upon the Lord, you learn to see things from His perspective, move at His pace and function under His directives. Waiting times are growing and learning times. As you quiet your heart you enter His peace. As you sense your weakness you receive His strength. As you lay down your will, you hear His calling. When you mount up, you are being lifted by the wind of His spirit. When you move ahead you are sensitive to His timing. When you act, you give yourself only to things He has asked you to do."
I'm learning to thank God for placing me in the waiting rooms of life. It forces me to rely more on prayer, then act in faith when opportunities are placed before me. I can be in the waiting room with hope, anticipation and contentment. I can listen for my name to be called, and when it is, I leap to my feet with joy for whatever is to come. If you are in the waiting room too, be encouraged, your name will be called. And when it is, will you be prepared? Listen, Leap, Learn, and Grow! You don't have to have all the answers. What are you waiting for?
"But I want you to know brethren, that the things which happened to me haved actually turned out for the furtherance of the Gospel." (Phil.1:12)
"Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is its twin." (Kahil Gibran)
"Father in heaven, I pray for those who have decisions to make, need answers and are waiting for something. Give them peace and contentment as they wait, let them learn and grow while waiting. Open their hearts and give them a joy unspeakable. Help them to make decisons and move forward in freedom as you fill their cup to overflowing with clarity,love and peace." (Karen Lindsey-Lloyd, yep...that's my prayer for you!)
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Cycling, faith and your job search
I enjoy cycling. I find great physical and mental delight in riding my bike outdoors, indoors (teaching a spinning class) or even watching professional cycling on television. Every year, for one week in July, I am glued to the television to watch the Tour de France. This race attracts professional cyclists from around the world and is highly competitive. It is made up of 21 stages that cover a total distance of 3,500 kilometers or about 2,200 miles. These 21 stages include the following profiles: 10 flat stages, 7 mountain stages, 1 medium mountain stage, 2 individual time-trial stages, and 1 team time-trial stage.
The riders spend months and years training their minds and bodies for this event. Every pedal stroke, morsel of food they eat, piece of clothing they wear and bike they ride, is pre-planned. For each stage of the race these cyclists have prepared mentally and physically. However, many factors beyond the riders control can influence the outcome of their placement on the final day of the Tour De France. These factors include weather (rain, heat), rocks in the road and other riders. If these professional cyclists focused on these external, uncontrollable factors, I’m certain they would want to just pack up and go home. But they continue because they believe in their preparation, planning and the possbility of winning or simply finishing well. Your job search and career requires similar planning, endurance and stamina.
Professional cyclists devote time to training well before the actual Tour de France. They make sacrifices for their sport. They have a determination and passion to complete what they started even though they know only one man can win the yellow jersey. Many of the cyclists know that there are often favorites to win (think Lance Armstrong), yet they show up, prepared and ready to race. For many, simply to finish what they started, is to win.
Just like the profiles in the Tour De France, there are stages in a job search or establsihed career. The flat stages in a job search or career, is where we just keep the pace and roll along. It's not good or bad, it just is. We might ask ourselves, what is my purpose? Where do Is ee myself inthe few years? During the flat stages there are often more questions then answers. Sometimes we have team stages. We ride with others and they hold us accountable and encourage us when the race gets tough or we become discouraged. During your team stage there are various people around to cheer you on or provide a little tough love when needed. Who is cycling alongside you in your career or job search? Who encourages or challenges you to keep going? Who understands your industry or situation and can provide wise counsel? Next, we have individual time trials in the job search and our careers. This is when we have to ride alone and try to get to the finish quickly. We may feel alone and that there's no one to help us. This stage allows you grow stronger in mind, body and spirit. Hopefully during this stage you learn how to better use your time and the resources that God places in your path. This stage requires focus and movement. If you are in an established career do you have good mentors and people you can trust and talk to? If you're in a job search, do you keep track of where you've applied,dates of interviews as well as contact names and phone numbers? Do you try to accomplish one thing each week designed to get you closer to your new job? Do you follow-up with a thank you note after an interview?
The toughest stage is the mountains. This is where you develop your faith, courage, strength, endurance and sheer grit to keep climbing. The mountain stage requires the most intelligence and wisdom. The mountain demands you to be consistent, determined and sure that you can reach the highest point of the climb. In the mountain stage fatigue is often your greatest enemy. This is where you feel you've talked to everyone, applied everywhere and nothing is happening. No interviews, no rejections, nothing. Oftentimes the mountains require us to trust in our training even when we do not understand the delays or immeidately see the outcome. Proverbs 3:5 says it best: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart. Lean not unto thine own understanding." The mountains require the greatest faith in your planning and preparation. Mental toughness matters in the mountains. You can gain this toughness through a good support system, refreshing your approach and prayer. I believe God is our best trainer, coach and team member. The Hebrew word for “almighty” is Shaddai which indicates God’s sufficiency for ANY situation. The word “Lord” or “Yaweh” refers to His faithfulness. God really IS sufficient and faithful no matter what we’re going through. Who do you rely on to help you through the stages of life? I hope you will plan, prepare, avoid discouragement and pray about your career and job search. It may take some time but you can win that yellow jersey based on what you want. On yeah, get some exercise too!
The riders spend months and years training their minds and bodies for this event. Every pedal stroke, morsel of food they eat, piece of clothing they wear and bike they ride, is pre-planned. For each stage of the race these cyclists have prepared mentally and physically. However, many factors beyond the riders control can influence the outcome of their placement on the final day of the Tour De France. These factors include weather (rain, heat), rocks in the road and other riders. If these professional cyclists focused on these external, uncontrollable factors, I’m certain they would want to just pack up and go home. But they continue because they believe in their preparation, planning and the possbility of winning or simply finishing well. Your job search and career requires similar planning, endurance and stamina.
Professional cyclists devote time to training well before the actual Tour de France. They make sacrifices for their sport. They have a determination and passion to complete what they started even though they know only one man can win the yellow jersey. Many of the cyclists know that there are often favorites to win (think Lance Armstrong), yet they show up, prepared and ready to race. For many, simply to finish what they started, is to win.
Just like the profiles in the Tour De France, there are stages in a job search or establsihed career. The flat stages in a job search or career, is where we just keep the pace and roll along. It's not good or bad, it just is. We might ask ourselves, what is my purpose? Where do Is ee myself inthe few years? During the flat stages there are often more questions then answers. Sometimes we have team stages. We ride with others and they hold us accountable and encourage us when the race gets tough or we become discouraged. During your team stage there are various people around to cheer you on or provide a little tough love when needed. Who is cycling alongside you in your career or job search? Who encourages or challenges you to keep going? Who understands your industry or situation and can provide wise counsel? Next, we have individual time trials in the job search and our careers. This is when we have to ride alone and try to get to the finish quickly. We may feel alone and that there's no one to help us. This stage allows you grow stronger in mind, body and spirit. Hopefully during this stage you learn how to better use your time and the resources that God places in your path. This stage requires focus and movement. If you are in an established career do you have good mentors and people you can trust and talk to? If you're in a job search, do you keep track of where you've applied,dates of interviews as well as contact names and phone numbers? Do you try to accomplish one thing each week designed to get you closer to your new job? Do you follow-up with a thank you note after an interview?
The toughest stage is the mountains. This is where you develop your faith, courage, strength, endurance and sheer grit to keep climbing. The mountain stage requires the most intelligence and wisdom. The mountain demands you to be consistent, determined and sure that you can reach the highest point of the climb. In the mountain stage fatigue is often your greatest enemy. This is where you feel you've talked to everyone, applied everywhere and nothing is happening. No interviews, no rejections, nothing. Oftentimes the mountains require us to trust in our training even when we do not understand the delays or immeidately see the outcome. Proverbs 3:5 says it best: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart. Lean not unto thine own understanding." The mountains require the greatest faith in your planning and preparation. Mental toughness matters in the mountains. You can gain this toughness through a good support system, refreshing your approach and prayer. I believe God is our best trainer, coach and team member. The Hebrew word for “almighty” is Shaddai which indicates God’s sufficiency for ANY situation. The word “Lord” or “Yaweh” refers to His faithfulness. God really IS sufficient and faithful no matter what we’re going through. Who do you rely on to help you through the stages of life? I hope you will plan, prepare, avoid discouragement and pray about your career and job search. It may take some time but you can win that yellow jersey based on what you want. On yeah, get some exercise too!
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