REALITY CHECK: DO THESE 3 EXCERCISE OR YOU MAY GET FIRED

Have you ever wondered what would happen to you if you lost your job? Whether it's your clients or your boss keeping you working, our current world of work does not guarantee that they will still keep you tomorrow. This is the illusion of security I refer to in my book Passion Pays. Gloom picture, I know. But if you perform a strong reality check, you can make the right adjustments before it's too late and you can feel confident about your present and your future.

Here are 3 specific exercises to give you the best chance to, not only keep your job, but most importantly to be confident in your own abilities to get the job that you deserve.

Exercise 1: Commitment and Attitude Check

Honesty is key when evaluating yourself. Be ready, in fact, be open to criticism. It will make you stronger. On a scale from 1 (lowest) to 10 (the highest), rate yourself on the following:

Ask yourself:

• How committed am I at work?

(If it was your business, would you like to have someone like yourself doing this job?)

• What attitude do I take into work?
• (Distracted? Focused? Careless? Dispassionate? Passionate? Helpful? etc)

2. Choose 5 trustworthy colleagues, boss and/or clients:

• Imagine their answers to the two questions about you
• Ask them to answer the two questions about you (you must trust them to be honest and trust their judgment)

Exercise 2: Why should you NOT be fired?

Let's follow this up with checking out how much value you currently bring to your work. Imagine your boss had to fire half your team or that your client had to cut expenses.

Write down 5 reasons why they should keep you on. Be honest: are you doing the best you can? Really? What have you actually demonstrated? How do you compare to your peers? This is NOT about your potential, but your track record! If you don't have one, start it TODAY.

Examples:
1) I often go the extra mile to provide more value. I always look for solutions.
2) I am very organized and get things done fast and well.
3) I successfully implemented project A, which made a difference.
4) I am reliable.
5) I work well with my colleagues/clients and provide a positive atmosphere that enhances our performance. I always try and help others.

Most people will find that they can do more and that they do need to improve their attitude at work. This is especially true for those who think they're chronically unlucky. Nothing ever goes their way, they never win anything, they can never catch a break, blah blah blah. Do you know people like that? Me too.

Exercise 3: Improve your chances of success, for today and tomorrow

From the first exercise, what are the differences between the scores you gave yourself, the scores you imagined from others and the scores others gave you?

What score do you want?

If your commitment is not where you want it to be, then ask yourself WHY. The answers I normally get from clients are related to being in the wrong job, lack of self-belief, lack of motivation, or fear of failure. Again, be honest! You need to address these issues within yourself.

Now, remind yourself why you need to be committed to this job by asking yourself why you are in this job. How is this job serving you? If you say “it's not”, do you like self-inflicted unnecessary pain? Be honest, is it for money, self-image, status, a stepping stone, keeping busy? Do you want to build different skills? Do you secretly relish the drama? Be grateful for what the job is doing for you. It will be easier then to notice and move on to more positive things, not mentioning decrease your stress levels!

You are creating your life, your track record, to bank today AND tomorrow (even if you change jobs, towns, careers, identities, never leave a mess behind that you could have cleared!)

How to improve your commitment:

• Think of the last time you were committed at work and successfully delivered a piece of work that makes you feel proud.
• Describe your sensations/ energy/feelings. (relive this moment and imagine yourself walking into your body at that moment)
• What factors contributed to your commitment and positive attitude? (think about the environment, the people, the atmosphere, the qualities etc)

• Get yourself a good mentor. Someone you respect and to whom you can speak at least once a month. They will challenge you, question you and help keep you on track.

Think of someone whose commitment and attitude you admire and ask yourself what they would do.

Every-time you lack commitment, remember these moments and these people. This should help you bring back that drive!

What ONE thing can you do TODAY to improve your attitude and commitment? (You know what it is... )

FINAL TIP: Reward

So, have you:

1. Made 5 (extra) cold calls?
2. Sent the 2 emails you've been holding?
3. Finished the dreaded paperwork on time?
4. Gone the extra mile?
5. Gone to work with a smile? On a Monday?
6. Asked even with the fear of rejection?

Do something to celebrate your personal achievement (this is guilt-free play, go for dinner, watch a movie, play a game, meet a friend etc.)

You cannot underestimate the power of commitment and a positive attitude. It really is the difference between success and failure.