Letting Go and Taking Control

control

Does your job search seem to be a series of complex activities and programs? A list of ever-changing to-dos and to-don’ts? Does it appear to have a life of its own? Does it feel like it is out of your sphere of influence? You might perceive that you live in a world of reaction. Where each day blindsides you with a new and unexpected frustration. Or you may feel that your job search is more like living in a “Murphy’s Law” situation where anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Who or what is really in control?

But, there is a cure.

In Eastern philosophies such as Buddhism and Taoism, we are told that the seen and unseen world can be divided into two groups: those things we can influence and those that we cannot.

Even if you do not follow the philosophy of mystical enlightenment, let’s see how we can use the reasoning behind it and apply it to your job search.

Close your eyes and breathe.

Take a moment and think about your day, breathing in and out.

As you see yourself getting organized for your day, take a few minutes to visualize the events and people that may impact you, through planned meetings, emails, televisions broadcasts, alert notifications or serendipity/the pipeline/LinkedIn connections, etc… and breathe.

Now deliberately plan the positive… and breathe. Plan the active steps you are going to take to improve your positioning through each of your interactions.

If you feel your human nature beginning to erode your newfound purposefulness and you allow fear of rejection and faith in all things Murphy to bring in the clouds…. stop a minute. Take a deep, cleansing breath and…

Now, let it wash over you like the cleansing waters of the…okay, right, so just let it wash over you, we’ll hope for the best on that one…. and breathe.

Let go of all the things you cannot control. Let go of any fear and frustration that appeared… and breathe. Other people’s reactions can be let go, too. Let go of outside influences that cause chaos in your day. Let it go. All of it.

Let it go… And breathe.

Do you feel better after that exercise?

Did you find a better realization of your influences and the things you are able to control? Maybe. Maybe not.

But whether or not that exercise helped center you, we hope that you realize that there are things in life (and the job search) that you cannot possibly predict, control or directly influence. The Barrett Group’s recommendation is to observe, witness, and watch it go by (really, all of it).

Then after it goes by, take a sober, critical look at what is left. Realistically decide what you can do now or in the future. Come to a practical resolution of actionable tasks that will make a difference for you, the ones you love, and the world.

Then do it!

We would be interested in hearing from you if you are having problems with your job search technique, or if you believe it will never work, or if you could use guidance.

The Barrett Group can refine your job search, allowing you to take control of what matters most to you while releasing those circumstances that are beyond your control. Contact us today to get started.

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