The workplace continues to be volatile and unpredictable. But I am seeing people in the midst of this finding a new sense of who they are and what they want their lives to accomplish.
It appears that being “unemployed, laid off, downsized or fired” is often the perfect wake-up call for our long buried dreams. If you’re going through an unexpected change right now expect it to release your best creativity and to open the door to the most fulfilling season in your life.
Make sure you check out our upcoming events in the 48 Days Highlights section below. We’d love for you to join us as you are refining your best self and making plans for the future you want.
********************************************** “When you say a situation or a person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God.” – Charles L. Allen
There’s an old Texas saying that goes: “It doesn’t matter how much milk you spill as long as you don’t lose your cow.” In other words, what we see as “failure” may not really have diminished our ability to contribute, produce or earn an income.
If you lost your job, is your cow gone? If your business bombs, is your cow gone or have you just lost a valuable but replaceable carton of milk? If you have an accident and can no longer hammer nails, is your cow really gone?
Ten years after starting Apple, Steve Jobs was fired by his own board. Yes, he felt betrayed, but then began to see this setback as a personal blessing. “The heaviness of being successful,” Jobs says of his firing, “was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods in my life.”
His “cow” was his ability to be creative, to think, innovate and plan. He started another business that was then purchased by his own former company. Twelve years after being fired from Apple he was asked to return to the position of CEO and has been in that role since 1997. In 2007 Fortune Magazine listed Jobs as the Most Powerful Businessman of the year.
In the last couple of weeks I have been speaking to large groups of employees who are losing their jobs. There is a fair amount of despair in the conversations about “losing everything.” But are they losing their cows or just a pail or two of milk? You may be in the same position. Could it be that you are entering the most creative period in your life rather than losing everything? Could it be that you are getting ready to enter a new level of success that may surpass anything you’ve experienced? Is it even possible that your previous success was blocking the new season in your life that is about to be released?
General Douglas MacArthur once said, “Security is your ability to produce.” Security does not come from a job, from a company or from the government. It comes in your ability to be productive – and that is seldom taken away.
Don’t lose your cow! Your cow is unique. It should even be remarkable. And if you have been "freed to be more creative" expect chocolate milk with swirls of whipped cream on top rather than the plain old vanilla as you prepare for the future you want.
Employers keep reporting that they are appalled by the ill-prepared young job candidates they are seeing. Here are some tips to improve the process:
Dress nicely. One employer said she’d likely hire a young man on the spot if one ever came to the interview wearing a regular shirt and a tie. Forget the shorts, bandanas, sweat suits, bare midriffs, skater pants – and please, don’t have your underwear showing. And, if you have a T-shirt that says, “The Secret to Success is Knowing Who to Blame for Your Failures” just leave it in the closet.
Turn off your cell phone. We all know you are very important, but having a cell phone ring during an interview is simply rude.
Have the facts about your employment history. And bring your own pen or pencil. If you are asked to fill out an application, be prepared.
Don’t ask, “How much does this job pay?” before you know anything about the position. All jobs pay based on the responsibilities. Clarify what would be expected of you and wait until the interviewer brings up the issue of money.
Thank the interviewer for his/her time and write an immediate thank you note. You will easily make yourself stand out from the other candidates – and often tip the scale in your favor.
Know the power of a smile, a firm handshake and good eye contact. Make your first impression a great one.
Need help on getting a top salary? Scroll down on our product page to see this:
Welcome to 48 Days radio where each week I look through the submitted questions and then blast through as many as possible right here to give you the unique tools for your own success.
I get bored easily…..what should I do?
I’ve been an Analyst in the financial field for nearly 8 years, and honestly hate working for someone else. I’m making excellent money, and I’m good at what I do, but I feel like I’ve become trapped in the “comfort zone”… It seems that every new business idea I come up with, I find a way to shoot it down within minutes.
I have been a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant for the past two years. I had no idea how strenuous this line of health services work was and is on my body physically. I would like to find another line of work in the health services field.
I get bored easily. How do you deal with the excitement of starting something but then have that feeling wane over time?
I hope to market myself as a Social Media Consultant for Churches with members of 1000 to 5000. After almost 30 days of using Facebook and Tweeter I have yet to sell a network. I have gotten 183 unique visitors to the site. With basically no budget how to you think I should proceed?
I have been a pastor for 22 years. I was called to preach on Sept.19th, 1976 but have never truly felt called to be a pastor. Of the 22 years I have been a pastor I have really only enjoyed it about 5 to 7 years. My temperament and personality seem to keep me in turmoil with my flock on a regular basis. At 56 I am close to burn out, exhausted and need a change.
Two friends and I have written samples of a series of joke books which are in the vein of Foxworthy's Redneck books. We've been stonewalled by several publishers but still have one more in mind. If they don't pick it up what would you recommend be our next step?
******************************************* If you have a question, just email me at askdan@48Days.com and you can ask about starting your own business, getting a better job, or finding your purpose in life.
And you can click the link below to listen to this week’s broadcast immediately – no downloading – no wait.
Living, Loving & Working Symposium Join Dan & Joanne for this unforgettable 2-day event here at the Sanctuary in Franklin, TN on Sept. 17-18th, 2009. We’ll be covering issues like:
Is it still possible to find – or create – the work you love?
How can you make your house a peaceful place even with the challenges of work and business?
Is it still possible to find – or create – the work you love
How can you survive the hard times while maintaining family strength and vitality?
What should we be teaching our children about work and careers?
How do you support your spouse when things are uncertain?
Can you really enjoy the different “seasons” of life?
********************************************* Lead the 48 Days Seminar
Are you someone who just naturally provides hope and encouragement? Would you like to help more people know the 48 Days principles? My daughter Ashley and I are offering a one-day training program to help anyone who wants to be ready to lead this six-week program. We'll provide you with a complete set of leader instructions, DVDs, and the confidence to begin sharing immediately. Certified 48 Days Trainer
********************************************* Dan’s 5 Tips for Entrepreneurs Here’s a brief and entertaining video where my son Kevin interviews me on my advice for anyone starting a venture of their own. He also gives details on the upcoming Free Agent Academy event Sept. 21-23 in beautiful Woodland Park, CO. See if you agree with my 5 tips: Free Agent Academy Colorado Event
********************************************* If You Invest Any Of Your Money...you need to participate in this teleclass. I wrote the forward to Jay Peroni's book, 'The Faith Based Millionaire.' He has the largest group in my 48Days.NET community (see it here). On Sept. 1st at 6:30pm Central, expert sales coach Pierce Marrs will be grilling Jay on the core steps to faith based investing that you need to know. The class is $20, but Jay is giving all of our 48 Days gang a coupon code to get $19 off. Right, it will cost you a whopping $1. You need to hear this teleseminar. Go to the info page, and when you register, enter into the 'Coupon code': 48daysjay Faith Based Investing Teleseminar
********************************************* Coaching with Dan
Many of you ask if I still coach people individually. Yes, I do. Feel like you've taken too much time to get to the success you want? This is a common issue with the physicians, dentists, attorneys and pastors who let us know they're looking for more. Give us some brief information and I'll recommend one of my coaching packages: Coaching with Dan
********************************************* 48Days.net
At 48Days.net you’ll see over 3700 other excited people who have ideas – and plans for their accomplishment. If you want your life to be different this year, get involved with people who are on the same path. There is no cost – just lots of people who are committed to helping each other succeed.
********************************************** Are you ready for change?
Do you know how to take advantage of change?"?
The most popular product in the 48 Days arsenal continues to be the 48 Days Career Profile. What's the best environment for you to live out your "calling?" You can find out here.
Do you know how to take advantage of change?"?
