Linsey Levine's CareerCounsel

Attraction

Linsey Levine — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:07:00 -0500

There’s a spring in Marissa’s step, and she simply radiates positive, upbeat, can-do energy. She’s “in the flow.” Good things continue to happen in her work and personal life with seeming effortlessness.

Contrast this with Kelly, who puts in twice as many hours at work—super-long, hard hours every day—yet rarely achieves what she’s striving so hard to create.

What’s the difference? Hint: It has to do with Marissa’s ability to attract what she wants. However, this kind of attraction has nothing to do with looks.

Rather, it’s about Marissa’s ability to attract abundance by living in a way that’s in tune with her purpose, her passions, her most vital and alive self.

The law of attraction. It’s not just some woo-woo theory, it’s scientific: like matter attracts like. It’s similar to a radio broadcast: when tuned into a particular station, you will only hear (attract) the frequency of radio waves that match that station’s signal. And when that happens, everything seems easy, not a struggle.

“Once you change the way you are inside, the outer world changes,” writes Joe Vitale, author of the recent best-seller The Attractor Factor.

Vitale is one of dozens of authors who write persuasively on the subject, as is Sonia Choquette, author of Your Heart’s Desire: Creating the Life You Really Want. Most suggest the same key ingredients for attracting into your life what you want:

• Get clear on what you want and why. It’s not enough to know what you don’t want. You can’t get what you want until you know what that is! Getting crystal clear is where the “magic” of attraction all begins.

• Imagine it. See it as happening. “Conscious change is brought about by the two qualities inherent in consciousness: attention and intention,” writes Deepak Chopra. “Attention energizes, and intention transforms. Whatever you put your attention on will grow stronger in your life.”

• Keep yourself receptive. Exercise, eat healthily, play, relax. Stress, exhaustion, sluggishness, etc., can all interfere with attraction. In the radio station analogy, they become the “static” that interfere with the “frequencies” of that which you’re wanting to attract. Though taking a day off to relax rather than working frantically may seem as difficult as stepping off a precipice, it can be just what is needed.

• Listen to your intuitive nudges. Attraction isn’t about sitting back and waiting for it all to come to you. Action is always required to meet goals and make dreams come true. Vitale writes: “Your job is to ask for what you want, and then to act on the inner nudges you get to do things, like make phone calls, write letters, visit a certain person, or whatever.” Don’t worry if your “nudges” don’t make immediate sense. The “why” will reveal itself later.

• Surrender control. This means to let go and trust. Let go of the particular way in which things will happen. Let go of fear, doubt, worry and disappointment. Let go of the notion of struggle. Trust that the outcome will be just right.

So whether it’s a job promotion, landing that huge client or buying a new house, claim your dream. It’s yours if you want it.

Taking Stock

Linsey Levine — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:06:00 -0500

Ancient Romans named the month of January for Janus, their god of gates, doors and beginnings. Always pictured with two faces—one looking toward the future, the other back at the past—Janus is a fitting symbol for the turning of a new year.

As we step through the doorway from one year to the next, it’s natural to do as Janus does: look back and ahead. But this year, instead of just reflecting on the past year or making New Year’s resolutions, consider using this first part of the year to take stock of your life.

Who are you? What do you believe? What do you really need?

When we discover who we really are, we stop living on auto-pilot and start to live with intention, focus and purpose. Our choices become clearer. We begin to make active choices in our life, instead of making excuses or passively living with the status quo.

Here are a few questions to get you started. Have a journal or some way to record your thoughts. (Writing by hand keeps you in touch with your breath and your heart.)

• What is aching to be expressed?

• What needs healing

• What unique gifts, talents and skills do you bring to the world? How are you using them (or not)?

• Who do you need to forgive? How about yourself?

• What beliefs are holding you back or getting in your way?

• What can you let go of in your life?

• What makes you happy?

Don’t forget to consider the vital information that other “parts” of yourself are giving you. When you use only your head, your experience of yourself and the world is more limited.

• What is your body telling you? When someone yells at you, does your stomach tie up in knots? Do your shoulders stiffen when you’ve been too focused on fulfilling others’ needs and ignoring your own? Notice the messages your body is giving you.

• Check in with your heart. The heart is the home of what is most alive in us. What does your heart have to say about your job? About how you spend your days? Does it need more play time? What, according to your heart, really matters?

• Listen to your intuition, your “gut.” Your intuition speaks volumes, but often gets ignored. What is this voice saying now?

Don’t forget to notice what you already have that is working. Acknowledge and give thanks for the gifts and the beauty and the miracles that are in your life right now. Write them down.

Tell the truth. Now is the time to start being honest about who you really are. Encouraging those unlived parts of ourselves to emerge can provide an exhilarating sense of discovery and optimism for the New Year and beyond.

How to Reinvent Your Career

Linsey Levine — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:04:00 -0500

Are you an employee, entrepreneur or manager who suddenly finds it necessary to reinvent your career due to the economy, a layoff or going out of business? Or, do these uncertain times simply inspire you to make a change?

If so, you may wonder if you can make a fresh start without having to start over.

The good news is, you can. Here’s how:

Feel Your Feelings...

Get angry or frustrated or confused or scared or excited.... It’s natural and healthy. No need for the stiff upper lip. Also no need to deny any enthusiasm. Respect your feelings, and then move forward.

Inventory Your Passions

Ask yourself (or someone you trust): What do I like about me? What do I do better than anyone else? What do I own or use that makes me unique, whether it’s the tone of my voice or jazz collection or...?

The Value of Values

Discovering what we value can be elusive especially under the influences of the “shoulds” from society and loved ones. It can help to ask yourself, what is most important to me? Security? Freedom? Independence? Money?

Having Strengths is Not Enough

Know your strengths, yes, AND remind work contacts and networking buddies where you excel. Be visible. How? Listen to and collaborate with others; share your ideas; if you’re working, participate in meetings and accept projects that highlight your skills.

Say “Yes” to Everything

Saying “yes” to all opportunities is a powerful expression of self-confidence. It attracts more (and better) opportunities and choices—you can always change your mind.

Transferable Skills

Instead of starting something entirely new, you can start by building on what you already know/have done. From accountant try a transition into financial planning; from teacher to social worker; from real estate agent to tour guide, etc. If it worked for you in the past, it could serve you well now.

The Secret to Reinvention

Don’t know what to “change into?” That’s okay. The only way to find out is to experiment. Volunteer, job shadow, temp or take part-time work in a field you’ve always been curious about as a career. The best place to start is to follow whatever you’re drawn to—trust your instincts.

Find Support

You’re not alone. There are always others in a similar position as you. This is no time to be isolated. Networking with others via job-hunting groups, small-business groups and manager support networks leads to new opportunities. Letting people know you’re looking for work or customers is not begging, it’s marketing.

Turn Lemons into Lemon Meringue Pie

If it were impossible to fail, what career would you choose, today? Is it what you are doing now? If not, could this transition be the time to make a significant change?

Think New Thoughts

Linsey Levine — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:02:00 -0500

“I have been through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened.” —Mark Twain

Improving the tenor of our thoughts may seem to be a modern idea, but as Twain’s quote indicates, the fact that we can make our own misery by what we dwell upon is an age-old concern.

Why We Should Care About Our Thoughts

According to the Stress Confidential Helpline, scans on patients’ brains have indicated that the types of thoughts we have influence the balance of brain chemicals. So by learning to think more positively we can cause chemicals to be secreted that boost our psychological and physical health.

Indeed, it’s well-documented that among the ill, those who remain hopeful and have a positive attitude tend to do better.

Also, when we focus on the worst aspects of a situation that has happened to us, we ensure that our experience of it will be the worst it could be. Fortunately, the reverse is true as well.

How Do We Change Our Thoughts?

Try this technique, which was inspired by Ask and It Is Given, by Esther and Jerry Hicks.

1. Become Aware of Your Thoughts

We have to know what we’re actually thinking in order to intervene. Sit in a comfortable position and focus on your breath as it flows in and out. As thoughts arise, notice them, and then return your attention to your breathing. Do this for 20 minutes once or twice a day. It may sound simple, but awareness, purely by itself, effects subtle changes that grow.

2. Acknowledge Your Feelings

When you find yourself thinking something unhelpful, perhaps imagining losing your job, acknowledge your fear and worry. Even if you’re magnifying the problem, your fears are likely based on actual possibilities or events. They deserve your respect.

3. Soothe Yourself and Imagine Something Better

Once you acknowledge your feelings, they may shift on their own, but in any case, say something soothing to yourself while reaching for a better thought or scenario that you actually believe. If you don’t really believe it, you won’t create a genuine impact. For instance, you might recall your healthy savings account and remind yourself, “If I lose my job, I’ll be fine for six months. Financial experts say that’s a good enough cushion for job hunting.” Notice the relief you now feel.

4. Keep Going

Now escalate your better-feeling thoughts by reaching for an even better positive thought. You might consider the wealth of your experience, your great contacts, or that, gosh, you’ve always wanted to travel. You might get to a place where you can say—and believe—“I don’t want to lose my job, but if I do, I could travel and then return and find an even better job!”

In a short amount of time, your fear has transformed into hopeful excitement. When you practice this technique, you demonstrate to yourself that regardless of what happens in your life, you’ll be able to thrive.

Too Many Passions?

Linsey Levine — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:01:00 -0400

Jeff is nearing age 50 and has followed one passion after another into a variety of careers. Although each choice made perfect sense to him, his parents and friends keep asking when he’s going to get serious and rise to the top in just one profession.

The old saying: Jack-of-all-trades, master of none! reveals the bias against those who choose a varied work life rather than committing to a unidirectional path. There was a time, however, when society admired such a person. In fact, some of our greatest contributors have been talented in a variety of areas.

Leonardo da Vinci, painter of masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, also designed and built bicycles, canals, musical instruments and flying machines. Benjamin Franklin not only helped draft the Declaration of Independence, he was also an inventor, statesman, printer, scientist, author, and student of French culture and language. More recently, Maya Angelou, best known as an author and poet, is also a successful songwriter, journalist, actress, singer, dancer, civil rights worker and professor. And she speaks eight languages!

Margaret Lobenstine, author of The Renaissance Soul–Life Design for People with Too Many Passions to Pick Just One, identifies five signs to help determine whether you are a “Renaissance Soul”:

• The ability to become excited by many things at once, often accompanied by difficulty choosing

• A love of new challenges; once challenges are mastered, you are easily bored

• A fear of being trapped in the same career or activity for life

• A pattern of quick, sometimes unsatisfying flings with many hobbies

• A successful career that has left you bored or restless

There is Nothing Wrong with You

People who recognize themselves in that description often feel that something is wrong with them, that they’re not normal. They may be accused of an unwillingness to grow up. They may be called irresponsible, a dilettante, or told they have Attention Deficit Disorder.

If you fit the above criteria, take heart. Support is available to help you embrace your strengths and stop trying to fit into the mold of someone you are not. In fact, your traits make you an ideal candidate for work that requires flexibility, adaptability to change, and a broad skill base. Renaissance Souls are often ideal entrepreneurs since they typically wear many hats in their own business. Public relations, marketing, consulting and project management are other good choices. Because of their multifaceted abilities, they may also adapt better in today’s shifting financial climate and global economy. What’s more, their passionate nature and curiosity are truly an asset in any arena!

How to Handle Your Passions

In her book Refuse to Choose: A Revolutionary Program for Doing Everything That You Love, career counselor Barbara Sher provides dozens of tools for dealing with a multiplicity of passions and also divides what she calls “Scanners” into nine categories. The “Double Agent” is torn between two interests, while the “Sybil” is drawn to so many things that she’s often unable to choose anything. The “Serial Specialist” and “Serial Master” often stick with one career or project for many years until they’ve gained all they desire from it, and then move on to master different occupations. Understanding your type can help you recognize strengths, get support, and choose work that suits you.

Along with clarifying your core values, Margaret Lobenstine’s “Renaissance Focal Point Strategy” recommends choosing a “sampler” of four interests and then rotating them. For example, you might work on a new business venture, volunteer to teach reading in your local school, take acting lessons and study Italian. If you want to, in six months you rotate some of those out and choose others. That way you’re moving out of indecision and into action, honoring your renaissance soul, and accomplishing goals. A journal and 3-ring binders can help you track your numerous ideas and keep your projects organized.

Often all it takes is a shift of attitude to embrace your renaissance nature. Learn to honor its ways and you may find that your many talents lead you to a fulfilling, passion-filled life.

Legacy: What Are You Leaving Behind?

Linsey Levine — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:25 -0400

Many of us are asking ourselves the question: “What am I here to contribute?” But we can take that question still further: “What is the legacy I want to leave behind when I’m gone?”

Leaving a legacy is not just a practice reserved for the wealthy. It’s a common human trait to want to leave something of ourselves behind. For some that may be leaving their mark in business or in the arts; for others it’s carrying on the family name through children.

Types of Legacies

Your legacy might include a combination of some of the following:

• A business or non-profit organization that carries on your work after you’re gone.

• Beauty, inspiration and wisdom passed on through creations such as books, music, and art.

• Money, goods, and property, including endowing scholarships or creating a foundation.

• The “ripple effect” of your daily impact on friends, family and your wider community.

• The values you impart to children and grandchildren.

Components of Legacy-Building

Begin with the end in mind. The old saying goes: “You reap what you sow.” Accordingly, it’s critical to know what end result you want to achieve so that you—and those who come after you—reap what you deem to be of highest value. In The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey says it’s imperative to first have a clear vision of your destination. He recommends developing a “personal mission statement.” Based on your core values or principles, the statement focuses on what you want to be and what you want to contribute or achieve.

Clarify your values. With a coach or on your own, explore your values. What do you value most deeply? This is not about “morals” imposed from outside, but reflects what you believe at your core is of greatest importance.

Determine your arena of impact. To clarify your desired impact, ask yourself:

1. Who do I want to impact? What people or community? (My town, Alma Mater, the environment, teens, victims of war.)

2. What gifts do I have to share?

3. What is the best vehicle for sharing my gifts?

4. Who can help me reach my goals? Who do I want on my dream team?

5. What’s my next step to go from where I am now to where I want to be?

6. How can my impact be sustained after I’m gone?

Imagine your funeral. As a final step to motivate you into action, imagine your funeral. The speakers include your family, closest friends, and business associates. What do they say about who you have been and the impact you’ve had on their lives and your world? Are you satisfied with what you hear? Is this the legacy you want to leave? As Martha Graham said, “There is only one of you in all of time.” It’s up to you to leave a legacy that reflects your unique expression.

Career Change Success

Linsey Levine — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 21:22:16 -0400

Here's why I love what I do! I'm delighted to post this article written by Barbara Safani for AOL profiling two of my clients and their successful career change process.

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2010/06/09/make-career-change/

I really HELP people, and that's the best feeling. I am so grateful for finding my own way in mid-life, and now having the opportunity to empower and inspire others to get there too.

This quote helped to open my eyes:

If you really want to do something, you'll find a way: if you don't, you'll find an excuse.

Capture your own career journey: examine the beliefs and assumptions that are underlying your current career thoughts. Ask yourself some of the following questions designed to stimulate your thinking and guide you in the process:

What strengths do I know I have?
What childhood or teenage experiences might have been responsible for writing the script of my strengths and limitations?
What fears get in the way when I think of really succeeding at work I love? Where did those beliefs come from? Do I still need them in any way? Why?
How can I believe that I deserve to have work I love?
How might my parents' own career histories be influencing the places that I am stuck right now? Whose other "voices" might I be hearing in my heart?
What are my role models for successful people?
What impact do I want to have on the world through my work?
How do I know I am committed to my goals? Are they for me or someone else?
What's stopping me?

Time to get serious - get unstuck, get clear, get focused and get moving! What are you waiting for?

Leverage Your Executive Experience to Launch Your Green Career

Linsey Levine — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:28:48 -0400

As an affiliate of www.greencareercentral.com, I'm pleased to showcase an article by Carol McClelland, author of the newly published Green Careers for Dummies - a comprehensive new guide that explores everything about finding or making your way in the exciting and growing green career world.

Leverage Your Executive Experience to Launch Your Green Career

A variety of signs tell us that the green/clean/sustainable economy is taking hold. Some are calling this a transition into the Third Industrial Revolution or the Climate/Energy Economy. The key is to realize that this new emerging economy is going to change the way we do business in a number of significant ways. As I researched Green Careers For Dummies, I found evidence that over 50 industries are making a concerted effort to make their business practices greener, cleaner, and more sustainable. Executives are playing, and will continue to play, a critical role in the unfolding green economy. To find your place in this new economy, think about where your existing skills, expertise, and experience fit in this rapidly evolving economy. Use these questions to think about your options.

Have you had previous work experience in an industry that is now going green? If so you can leverage what you know about the industry and package yourself as an indispensable expert to companies working in this industry.

Is there an analogous industry you could transition into easily? If you don’t have direct experience within the green industry of your choice, explore your background to see if you have experience in an industry that is similar in some way. Perhaps you worked with a similar regulatory environment, with a similar manufacturing process, or with a similar target market. It’s possible your experience in a similar industry can give you a unique background you can use to establish a competitive advantage.

Do you have a function that could be applied in a green industry? Although many of the green jobs mentioned in the mainstream media are trade oriented or very scientific in nature, a wide variety of executives are going to be needed to move the new economy forward successfully. Executives are needed in a wide range of companies from small start ups, non-profits, mid-sized companies, as well as large, multi-national companies.
Are you an expert at a particular phase of company growth? Have you worked with start up companies in the past? Have you helped fledgling companies establish their presence in a developing market? Have you helped companies navigate a merger with a company or an acquisition of another company? If so, your experiences in business climates such as these are going to be sought after.

Finding Your Executive Position

To work within the green economy you must do your homework. In many ways these steps may feel very familiar to you, but the emerging nature of the green economy changes the game a bit.

Research and explore your target industry to see exactly where your skills will be an asset. Although you may have common knowledge of traditional industries to know where you can contribute your expertise, it’s unlikely you have this level of knowledge about the emerging green industries. Take some time to conduct online research and do informational interviews with those working in your target field. As your knowledge grows, focus your attention on the areas of the industry where your skills are needed.

Expand your green network. Who do you know that is committed to moving toward a sustainable world? Connect with these people to understand what’s happening in your local green economy. In addition to talking with your contact about developments in a particular green industry of interest, you’ll also be in touch with these people to learn about potential employment opportunities.

Increase your knowledge about sustainability topics specific to your green target industry. Understanding the concepts and tactical solutions related to sustainability are critical for your employability. You have a number of options from reading books to taking online courses. Some professional associations offer training opportunities and certificates.

Demonstrate your values. Some companies are looking for executives and employees who are committed to transforming business as usual to a more sustainable business model. Look for ways you can use your talents and experience in your local area through green teams, non-profits, or professional associations. Then incorporate these experiences into your resume, cover letter, and interview strategy.

The green economy will continue to unfold and evolve year after year as new technology, regulations, and business practices are implemented. Understanding your strengths will help you uncover your best place in the green economy.

Carol McClelland, PhD, author of Green Careers For Dummies, is one of the nation’s leading green career experts. Throughout her career, Carol has helped thousands of people find work that matches their values and interests. In addition to writing Green Careers For Dummies, Carol is the Founder and Executive Director of Green Career Central. This online resource center dedicated to providing career guidance, coaching, and resources to clarify the ever-evolving world of green career possibilities for professionals, students, and career counselors.

Carol is driven by three passions: guiding people to discover fulfilling careers aligned with their values, learning about innovations that enable people to live, work, and play more sustainably, and marveling at the inspiring wisdom of nature.

More about feeling stuck

Linsey Levine — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 16:15:28 -0400

Here's a good post from Barbara Winter's blog: JoyfullyJobless.com

I definitely relate, since I felt the same way for many years - and now live my passion helping others in career pain, limbo or depression - get unstuck!

5 REASONS YOU MIGHT FEEL STUCK

Unfortunately, we all know what it's like to feel stuck. At the time in my life--which seemed to stretch on forever--I described it as trying to sprint through the LaBrea Tar Pits. The frustration was unbearable and doing more of the same didn't change things even a little. If working harder wasn't the solution, what was?

Defining the problem accurately was the missing link for me. Whenever I'm feeling stuck, I begin changing that by figuring out the cause. Here are some common villains.

Missing vital information or resources. With all the information at our fingertips, this should be a non-issue. Sometimes, however, we don't look in the right places. Often what we really need to move on can be provided by another person who is familiar with our situation. It needs a personal touch. Connecting with doers is often a shortcut that short circuits this problem.

Settling for less because it seems easier. It's hard to generate creative ideas when you know you're capable of better, but are afraid to go after what you really want. Paradoxically, settling for less may be harder -not easier- and in the long run, it costs a lot more.

Feeding fears instead of nurturing ideas. I don't know about you, but I had a lot more training in fear and avoidance than I did in nurturing and building. Sadly, I see too many people who have developed a real fondness for their fears and keep them well-fed. Once I had figured out how to grow an idea from a tiny seed into a plump and plucky reality, I discovered I could repeat it whenever I wanted.

Refusing to listen. As any recovering addict can tell you, denial is a powerful force that keeps us repeating unhealthy behavior. Not listening to our own intuitive selves can keep us stuck, as can refusing to seek advice from someone we trust, someone who doesn't have our emotional attachment to the problem. Of course, when we seek such help, it's our obligation to listen, not argue for our limitations.

Turn every problem into an obstacle. As Dr. Joy Browne (a professional at helping folks get unstuck) says if we combine small problems into a big one, then big ones become giant unsolvable monsters. She also suggests that if all else fails, don’t ignore people who offer you an escape plan.

Everyone gets stuck sometimes, but staying stuck is optional. Refuse to make it your fallback plan.

AND 5 THINGS THAT CAN JAR YOU LOOSE

· Change the Scenery

· Create a Distraction Free Zone

· Seek Help and Listen

· Create a New Vision

· Be Accountable to a Few People Whom You Trust

Home

Linsey Levine — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:59:00 -0400

Are you stuck?

...in career pain, career depression, or career limbo?
...in a stagnant or discouraging job search?
...in a dying field or industry?

I can help you get clear, get focused, get moving!

Do you need practical assistance with a career change and/or job search campaign?
Do you want to re-enter the workforce, but don't know where to begin?
Are you having difficulty defining or achieving your career/life goals or balance?
Are you looking for your true calling or a meaningful purpose?
Have you thought about how much time and money you are wasting in misdirected efforts?

At CareerCounsel, my mission is to help you with insight, clarity, and knowledge so you can discover your goals and dreams -- and begin to make them happen. As both a career counselor, career coach and professional resume writer, my holistic and proactive approach to career planning has led to exciting and diverse new opportunities for many clients... and I can do the same for you!

As a workshop leader, ExecuNet facilitator, and speaker on variety of career issues, I provide group experiential activities, challenging learning environments, and supportive communities that inspire and enrich group process.

"Linsey is an intuitive and caring career counselor and coach. It is rare to find a career guidance professional with such depth of background, education and experience. Because Linsey truly cares about "the person," and because of her counseling background, she offers far more than many career coaches. Working with Linsey can result in a life-transforming experience, not just a new job."
- Diane Negvesky

When you work with me...

You'll become empowered to find practical solutions to your career dilemmas, make your career transitions manageable, and develop ongoing career focus and resiliency. My individualized approach to maximizing your strengths, transferable skills, and talents will help you realize career growth in an environment where you can flourish.

You'll get unstuck, create more realistic and meaningful options for success, uncover your personal brand, and begin to find your career/life balance.

You'll be inspired and motivated to make effective career decisions and implement plans. Your background is unique! Whatever you've been doing, wherever you are now, you have gifts, talents, skills, interests, and values that deserve special attention.

You'll have a resume that gets you noticed! I'll help you create an attention-getting resume that's computer and reader friendly. It will emphasize your accomplishments, potential benefits, and most importantly, your value to a future employer.

You'll be connected with ideas, resources, and other people to expand your possibilities.

I will bring all my professional experience and expertise to our collaboration to help you succeed. My satisfied client base includes executives in mid-career transition, creative, medical, and education professionals, attorneys, re-entry women, and other motivated individuals who recognize the value of partnering with a supportive advocate to move their goals forward.

Learn more about...

Career Counseling and Coaching

Resume Writing Services

Career Workshops

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