beliefs about work and recognize that ―in many cases your beliefs are what brought you
to where you are today.‖ You may have been raised to think that women were best at
nurturing and caring and, therefore, should be teachers and nurses. So that’s what you did.
Or, perhaps you were brought up to believe that you should do what your father did, so
you have taken over the family business, or become a dentist ―just like dad.‖ If this
sounds familiar, it’s probably time to look at the new possibilities for your future.
Miller developed a 7-step process to help potential job seekers assess their current
situation and beliefs, identify their real passion, and start on a journey that allows them to
pursue their passion through work.
Step 1: Willingness to do something different.
Breaking the cycle of doing what you have always done is one of the most difficult
tasks for job seekers. Many find it difficult to steer away from a career path or make a
change, even if it doesn’t feel right. Miller urges job seekers to open their minds to other
possibilities beyond what they are currently doing.
Step 2: Commitment to being who you are, not who or what someone wants you to
be.
Look at the \gifts and talents you have and make a commitment to pursue those
things that you love most. If you love the social aspects of your job, but are stuck inside
an office or ―chained to your desk‖ most of the time, vow to follow your instinct and
investigate alternative careers and work that allow you more time to interact with others.
Dawn worked as a manager for a large retail clothing store for several years. Though she
had advanced within the company, she felt frustrated and longed to be involved with
nature and the outdoors. She decided to go to school nights and weekends to pursue her
true passion by earning her master’s degree in forestry. She now works in the biotech
forestry division of a major paper company.
Step 3: Self-definition
Miller suggests that once job seekers know who they are, they need to know how to
sell themselves. ―In the job market, you are a product. And just like a product, you most
know the features and benefits that you have to offer a potential client, or employer.‖
Examine the skills and knowledge that you have identify how they can apply to your
desired occupation. Your qualities will exhibit to employers why they should hire you
over other candidates.
Step 4: Attain a level of self-honoring.
Self-honoring or self-love may seem like an odd step for job hunters, but being able
to accept yourself, without judgment, helps eliminate insecurities and will make you
more self-assured. By accepting who you are – all your emotions, hopes and dreams,
your personality, and your unique way of being – you’ll project more confidence when
networking and talking with potential employers. The power of self-honoring can help to
break all the falsehoods you were programmed to believe – those that made you feel that
you were not good enough, or strong enough, or intelligent enough to do what you truly
desire.