2 Reasons People Don’t Take Action and How to Overcome Them
by Markell R. Morris, Futures in Motion, Inc.
Since returning from a career sabbatical, I’ve spent a lot of time updating my technical knowledge and understanding.
For months, I’ve been learning about how to use various social media tools to meet new people, to market my programs and services, and to connect with new clients. I read lots of articles on how to get set up, how to maximize my time online, how to make good connections. I read about how to create a positive image. I’ve listened to a half dozen webinars on this topic. I’ve taken a lot of time to educate myself on how to use technology in my business.
Then, I realized that all this knowledge is good, but taking action is what’s going to help me achieve my goals. Yet, at first I hesitated to take the plunge. I didn’t feel like I knew what I was doing. I didn’t want to say the wrong things to the wrong people. When I thought about why I wasn’t taking action, I realized that I was afraid that I wouldn’t do it “right,” therefore, I didn’t do anything. I also thought about all the other marketing ideas I’d tried before that didn’t quite work. I was disappointed by my lack of success and didn’t see the point of trying anything new. I knew I had to overcome those thoughts if I really wanted to bring my programs and services to people who were distressed about their job search or career transition.
My experience made me wonder what it must be like for the millions of job seekers out there who are fighting against fear and disappointment. I wondered how fear and disappointment impacted their job search success.
By the time job seekers get to me, they’ve already read some of the career planning and job search books I recommend. They’ve downloaded my audios, articles and other publications. They’ve done online assessments. They’ve fooled around with their resume and dabbled in reviewing job postings online. Some have even signed up on a social networking site but aren’t active. The reality is they haven’t taken much action toward actually getting a job. Frankly, launching a job search is daunting for most people. They’re putting themselves out there to be accepted or rejected by people who don’t really know them. That’s why people spend so much time on the activities that don’t connect them to the decision makers. They've already been disappointed by not getting other jobs or promotions, and they’re afraid they won’t be selected this time either. Do you relate?
For months, I’ve been learning about how to use various social media tools to meet new people, to market my programs and services, and to connect with new clients. I read lots of articles on how to get set up, how to maximize my time online, how to make good connections. I read about how to create a positive image. I’ve listened to a half dozen webinars on this topic. I’ve taken a lot of time to educate myself on how to use technology in my business.
Then, I realized that all this knowledge is good, but taking action is what’s going to help me achieve my goals. Yet, at first I hesitated to take the plunge. I didn’t feel like I knew what I was doing. I didn’t want to say the wrong things to the wrong people. When I thought about why I wasn’t taking action, I realized that I was afraid that I wouldn’t do it “right,” therefore, I didn’t do anything. I also thought about all the other marketing ideas I’d tried before that didn’t quite work. I was disappointed by my lack of success and didn’t see the point of trying anything new. I knew I had to overcome those thoughts if I really wanted to bring my programs and services to people who were distressed about their job search or career transition.
My experience made me wonder what it must be like for the millions of job seekers out there who are fighting against fear and disappointment. I wondered how fear and disappointment impacted their job search success.
By the time job seekers get to me, they’ve already read some of the career planning and job search books I recommend. They’ve downloaded my audios, articles and other publications. They’ve done online assessments. They’ve fooled around with their resume and dabbled in reviewing job postings online. Some have even signed up on a social networking site but aren’t active. The reality is they haven’t taken much action toward actually getting a job. Frankly, launching a job search is daunting for most people. They’re putting themselves out there to be accepted or rejected by people who don’t really know them. That’s why people spend so much time on the activities that don’t connect them to the decision makers. They've already been disappointed by not getting other jobs or promotions, and they’re afraid they won’t be selected this time either. Do you relate?
How do you overcome fear and disappointment so you can move forward in your job search?
Ultimately, you want a job but you need to focus on what needs to happen to get you there. First, get clear about your job search goals. Do you need to get more leads? Do you need to get more interviews? Do you need to improve your interviewing skills? Second, create a realistic plan for achieving those goals. After reading all the books and articles, you should have a good idea of what you need to do. Third, take action on your plan. Start small if you have to, but do something to make progress.
I’ve also found it’s helpful to work with a partner or in a group. It’s a good way to get support, stay accountable and stay on track. (LEARN HOW I HELP JOB SEEKERS GET CLEAR ABOUT THEIR JOB TARGET AND LAUNCH A JOB SEARCH PLAN THAT GETS RESULTS)
I applied the same concepts to overcome my own fear and disappointment, so I could achieve my business goals. I wanted to establish my expertise, so I started submitting articles to different websites. Within a week, I was contacted by a recruiting company for permission to post my articles in their newsletter and on their website. They also wanted to post a link to my company website. I wanted to reach more people online, so I set up a Facebook account. I had no idea what I was going to do there, but I set up the foundation for growth. In no time, I’d connected to friends and business associates who now have access to my articles and programs. I’m easily sharing my expertise and making new friends.
These little successes are proof that the strategies I’ve learned do work and they motivate me to keep going. I encourage you to take action and let the success motivate you to keep working toward achieving your goals.
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me to get a road map for a successful career change
It's a complimentary, no obligation way to start your targeted strategy for career change success.

Markell R. Morris is an international speaker, career counselor and job search coach based in Long Beach, CA. Her mission is to help frustrated career changers get excited about their life and career after loss and personal challenges. She has created career programs and resources that help her clients gain a sense of direction and hope, so they can go after their goals with confidence. Download her free ebook, Create a Career You Love, for career advice to discover your meaningful career path.
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