Dear Dr. Norquist:
I lost my job last year – along with many other people in this economy. My problem is with putting effort into finding other jobs. I’m a good worker – if someone hands me a job that is. I just don’t feel comfortable putting myself out there and asking for a job or anything else really. I know what I need to do, but I stall and procrastinate and let opportunities go by. Then I beat myself up for it. I’d take anything right now. The problem is, I don’t let people know that I’m available. I will send my resume out but that’s about it. I don’t know why I’m this way. I don’t follow through and fight to make it happen. I feel like a failure in this. I’ve even tried praying. What can I do to succeed at finding a job?
Dr. Norquist responds:
I’m sure your current dilemma is shared by many. It sounds like you are not mobilizing your inner resources in your efforts to find a job. With effort, you can learn to consciously apply the force of these inner resources to create a new job for yourself.
Start by creating a clear vision of the job that you want. The clearer your vision, the more effectively and consciously you can focus your willpower and determination on reaching this goal. A strong will always finds a way. If your purpose and your goal are in alignment with your own higher purpose, then you will be especially supported in your efforts. When human will is amplified with God’s will, results happen. You mentioned that you have tried praying. Contacting God through prayer before taking action will help you to direct your will towards the right goal.
Start by calming your mind. A restless mind can neither clearly communicate nor hear a response. Next envision your desired goal and give a call from the part of you that is engaged when you pray. Maintain calmness, clarity, determination, and receptivity as you call out for your desired goal. Always ask that your will be guided by and in harmony with divine will. Try to make a practice of engaging in this kind of calling out from inside, guided by both divine will and your own effort. Do it in the morning, as you research jobs to apply for, as you send your resumes out, when you call potential employers, and when you need to keep yourself positive.
By proceeding in this manner you will be combining human will and divine will. This is a force to be reckoned with! Goals are activated and achieved through divine will guided, consciously applied willpower. Bring the attention of your whole Being to the desired goal. Give it a try and let me know how it goes.
(Dr. Sallie Norquist is a licensed psychologist (NJ #2371) in private practice and is director of Chaitanya Counseling Services, a center for upliftment and enlivenment, in Hoboken.)Dr. Norquist and the staff of Chaitanya invite you to write them at Chaitanya Counseling Services, 51 Newark St., Suite 202, Hoboken, NJ 07030 or www.chaitanya.com or by e-mail at drnorquist@chaitanya.com, or by fax at (201) 656-4700. Questions can address various topics, including relationships, life’s stresses, difficulties, mysteries and dilemmas, as well as questions related to managing stress or alternative ways of understanding health-related concerns. 2011 Chaitanya Counseling Services