Got a difficult problem in your job search? Say, a lack of networking contacts? Or trouble answering interview questions? Why not solve your employment problems the same way? Here's a three-step method that will help you do it ... 1) Start by asking the right questions Questions like, why won't anyone give me a job? Or how do I network when I don't know anyone? Instead, start asking questions that motivate and inspire you. Better questions to ask are: * How could I give people a reason to call me with job leads? Important: Ask questions that you yourself can solve. Never depend on the government, your school, parents, family -- anyone else -- to do this for you. Because, once you give up responsibility for solving problems with your job search (or anything else), you become a prisoner of outside forces. 2) Brainstorm at least 20 possible answers Let's say you write the following question down atop a clean sheet of paper: How could I give people a reason to call me with job leads? Write a number 1 below it. Write a possible answer next to that number. Then move on to number 2, 3 . and don't stop until you have at least 20 answers to your question. Not 15 or 19, but 20 answers -- or more. There's a reason for this: Left to its own devices, your brain will pull a Homer Simpson after two minutes and try to talk you into going out for donuts or beer. Brains hate to think. Like bench pressing, thinking is strenuous work, no matter how good it may be for you. But don't let your head off the hook. Don't stop until you get 20 possible solutions. Brainstorm as if your career depended on the outcome. 3) Take action on one solution today Let's say the most actionable of your solutions is to throw a networking party where you can meet friends, family and acquaintances, and let them know about your job search. Now, what do you need to do to make this party happen? Well, you have to make the guest list, send invitations, get the food, etc. So write down all the sub-goals necessary for the party to be a success. Check each sub-goal off your list as you complete it. Before you know it, your networking party will be a reality. After that, take the next most-promising solution from your list of 20 and make that one happen. Repeat until hired. Here's why these 3 steps work when it comes to solving problems -- clear thinking plus continuous action equals results. If you're struggling to find a job, write down clear, empowering questions of your situation. Then, brainstorm at least 20 possible solutions and take action on the best one today. When you do, you'll be that much closer to getting the job you really want, faster. Now, go out and make your own luck!
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