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Dump your resume! And everything else your traditional job search stands for.

Sounds sacrilegious, doesn’t it?

Yet, the starting point of your successful job search is NOT your resume. Nor any other part of a traditional approach.

You see, a traditional job search is passive at the very time when employers are looking for someone who can demonstrate they are proactive. It’s one of the many changes that’s occurred in the 21st Century. Employers today want to meet a candidate who

* Understand the organization.

* Can show how to make a difference.

* Can demonstrate quantifiable contributions.

* Isn’t afraid to ask for a job.

* Knows how to cut a deal.

From this you can see that the focal point of a job search must respond to the needs and expectations of the employer. The job seeker needs and their work history are of secondary importance.

The resume has become such an accepted icon that typically it’s the very first thing we think of when we’re considering a job search. We attach such meaning to resume that we engage in an all-consuming pursuit to get it right.

If we don’t know any better, we operate on the belief that resumes get jobs. What’s more, we think if we can get out resume in front of enough employers, something has to click. The facts of life are

1. Traditional resumes can work against you because they put you right in the middle of your competition. You become just another number.

2. Resumes are screened, rarely by the person who will be hiring you.

3. An employer initially scans a resume in less that 50 seconds. So 2 or 3 pages crammed with work history and accomplishments probably won’t make any difference.

4. A generic resume (one size fit all) can’t address the specific needs of the employer.

5. You’re turning over your job search to someone else . . . you’re letting a screener decide whether a job is right for you.

6. You lose your negotiating leverage because you’re letting someone else hold all the cards.

The good news is that there is a better way! Using alternative and non-traditional strategies you can lock up a high-paying job in 14 days (or less).

To organize life and manage time we have to aim to manage self. How we spend time that produces results (or lack of) is about choices, habits, and actions. Here are ten tips to get the most of your day and the results you want.

Make Deliberate Choices
Intentionally choose how to use time. Time can be used pouring out your strengths, passions, skills, and values, and not be wasted. Our choices can make it such so choose wisely.

1- Know Your Priorities- For least resistance align priorities based on who you are. What is really important to you? List 3-5 top priorities in order. Look at them daily. What goals are most important right now for long-term fulfillment?

2- Be Aware of Time Bandits- Monitor how you spend time for 24-72 hours. Notice where time is wasted or how it can be put to better use. EX: Run errands once a week versus daily trips. Notice distracters, those things that steal your focus such as phone calls, e-mail, things breaking down, etc.

3- Set your Mind on the Ultimate Result- Thoughts guide behavior. Focus negatively, and you may get discouraged and quit. The Wright Brothers focused on the end result, ‘what it takes to fly’, not being grounded. Choose your line of thought or your brain will take a shortcut and choose the thought pattern/ habit that is in place, whether or not it serves you. It is a choice! You can accept or reject a thought. Choose a positive, results-aimed mind set always!

Develop Great Habits and a Structure to Support Your Actions
Many people are busy, but without the structure and habits in place to get the results they crave. Know that great habits with structure support you to complete primary tasks. You then get results which lead to more freedom to do what you want (without the fear or guilt).

4- Have an Efficient Scheduling System- Whether using a pda, home computer, or a planner, it is critical to have a structure that supports your planning style. I love the planner systems at www.day-timer.com and www.franklincovey.com which provide monthly calendars, daily appointment schedule, space for daily notes, and more in one efficient hand-held planner.

5- Schedule Priorities First, Block Time, and Take Action- Block time for priorities first, then follow through. Focus on how great you will feel after doing it. Block time for various roles and avoid multi-tasking to maintain focus. Do not do housework during business hours. Set yourself up for success by scheduling high energy tasks when you have energy and low energy tasks later. Stay fully focused to complete priorities with excellence. Give full attention to one activity at a time.

6- Set Time Limits- Set a time limit when you begin a task then stay focused. This takes practice. Most tasks take longer than we anticipate, but it will save time. Most of us could waste plenty of time on e-mail, but can save a lot when we set a limit.

7- Plan a Day Ahead- For most, each day is different. It helps to plan your schedule the day/evening before. Then you can jump out of bed in the morning with a smile on because you know exactly what to do.

8- Create Daily Habits that Serve You- What daily action would make the greatest positive difference? Examples: Spiritual studies, go to bed or wake up earlier, watch less tv, read, make three new contacts, drink more water, do something you love, limit time for e-mail, write, organize, plan, create, help others, etc. Make it specific. Ask which daily habits uplift you and which hold you back then make a shift.

Be in Action on What is Most Important
Reaching goals means taking the steps that get you there… no matter what. You are either interested or committed. Life will get in the way. Fear will want to hold you back. It is a choice to continue in action on the important stuff, and rewards come when you do.

9- Do It, Delegate It, or Dump It- It is easier to stay in action on priorities when you leverage your strengths, passions, values, and skills. Learn in action and gain experience. Delegate what is not your cup of tea. Dump what is not that important right now. Block time to handle tolerations that drain your energy such as clutter, repairs, etc.

10- Simplify and Systematize- Put systems in place to make things easier. Consistently seek the more efficient way. EX: position employees to leverage their strengths/ passions, run errands weekly when stores are low traffic, when you buy something get rid of something to avoid clutter, organize the office at the end of each day, give everything a home so nothing is ever lost. Strive for efficiency.

To organize life and manage yourself for peak performance you have to feel your best. This means scheduling rejuvenation time regularly to enjoy what you love and what life has to offer right now. Implement these tips and raise your quality of life… StartingNow!

Imagine a red-eyed, drooling timber wolf breathing over your shoulder while you sit at your computer.

Your fingers tremble… the monitor fogs up… but still, you’re trying to type those emails.

Pretty soon, though, your fear gets the best of you. And when that happens, working becomes very, very difficult. You procrastinate, avoid, daydream; anything to not have to face the feeling that at any moment, that wolf could get… hungry.

Far fetched? Not really…

When you’re working, you hear negative thoughts in your head all the time. Thoughts of doubt, fear, disbelief that you’re on the right track, or that you’re capable of doing what you need and want to do.

It’s these negative voices that most often cause procrastination, avoidance of responsibility, and struggle when trying to move forward. I mean, really, how can you focus enough to act productively when you’ve got that wolf salivating in your ear?

What do you do?

Ignore the feelings? No; living in denial is like trying to pretend the wolf isn’t there, breathing over your shoulder… the fear eats away at you until you’re a quivering, gelatinous mess.

Okay, so engage with it, then? No, not that, either; how successful do you think you’ll be, trying to convince the wolf to leave you alone? Are your popsicle-stick fingers going to be much of a match for the wolf’s powerful, gnashing teeth? Are your feeble arguments and affirmations going to diffuse the might of the darkness, with its persistent persuasions and perennial perjuries?

No, you’d have better luck trying to eat the wolf before it eats you.

Well, what’s left?

What you need is a bear… a big, hungry Kodiak brown bear… one that’s on your side. One glimpse of your big brown pal is going to send that scrawny wolf packing.

Where are you going to find such a big, furry friend?

Where else? Inside your heart.

Let me break this down for you: In Sufism, when speaking of the Divine, the term “The Truth” is often used. So if the Divine is Truth, what is its opposite?

Falsehood. Lies.

If there was someone you knew who lied 100% of the time, would you listen? Would you still hang out with them? or would you sever the relationship, wishing them the best, but getting them out of your life?

Of course you would. Listening to a lying voice all the time would be draining beyond belief.

So, why listen to the wolf? Why listen to the thoughts of negativity that tell you it won’t work, that you can’t do it, that you’re not good enough? You know where they lead. You know they’re falsehood and lies. Isn’t that clear enough?

It’s a simple equation, really.

The more you humor it, the more it will persist. And aren’t you ready to get those kinds of doubts out of your life? Haven’t you procrastinated enough? Haven’t they gotten the best of you for too long?

Okay, but how do I do it?

Turn away. Ignore them. Go to the light. As soon as you sense those wolf-thoughts ramping up for another sabotaging strike, be firm: grab hold of your inner bear (your connection to the Divine; the place in your heart that knows the truth) and don’t let go.

But isn’t this just denial? I mean, the wolf has got me! Don’t I have to deal with it?

If the wolf has you (meaning, you’re gripped by the reactions of having listened to the fears and doubts already), then yes, you have to deal with it. And the best way to deal with it is to put the bear to work, fast. Turn to the wisdom and strength of the Truth to get free from the jaws of illusion. Turn to your heart’s knowing, and see what it does to the fear.

But 90% of the time, you can sense the wolf creeping up on you, can’t you? When you start to apply yourself at work, you can feel a subtle sense of dread as the doubts and fears start welling up inside you. That’s the wolf, walking into the room.

And here’s why I’m writing this article: If you think the only way to stop those voices of doubt is to hear what they’re saying, then you’re trying to have a staring contest with the wolf. Not gonna do the trick, I promise.

How much easier would it be, when you first notice the fear arising, to turn away from it and back to the Truth in your heart? To reach in with your heart, experience the Divine Presence again, and feel the fullness of connection?

Wouldn’t it be best to call on the bear? Because you know what that wolf is going to say already.

The first two days after losing your job can be crucial to setting the tone of your recovery plan. Start with high energy and you’ll build positive momentum to help you through. The tips below are organized by hour starting from the end of the work day.

Zero Hour: Stay positive! Stay rational.

Whatever you do, you have to keep your attitude positive. You’ll need all your energy to land on your feet. The last thing you need is to start feeling sorry for yourself or filling your psyche with negative emotions.

Hour 1: Cool off.

You’ll be in an emotionally charged state. Things that seem like good ideas now are things you may regret later. Take time to cool off and evaluate the situation. Talk to a family member or close friend and vent.

Hours 2 to 14: Expand your support network.

As you regain your composure, contact other people who can be supportive. By talking to more people you’ll talk through your own doubts and get positive messages from others. Do something fun and try to get a good night’s rest.

Hour 14: Charge into Day 1.

Even if it’s the weekend, wake on your normal workday schedule or even earlier. Now that you don’t have a job you have a lot of work to do. Too much sleep will make you feel sluggish and start you off on the wrong foot. Try to squeeze in some exercise or other physical activity. Take charge of your future!

Hours 15 to 25: Get things done.

Expenses - Eliminate the non-essentials. Call your creditors and ask if they can help you through this job transition by reducing minimum payments or extending due dates.

Revenue - Determine how much cash you have on hand and how long it will last based on your expenses. Liquid assets are things like cash, savings accounts, and mutual funds. Retirement accounts and your home are generally things you would not want to convert to cash except as a last resort.

Your employer should have let you know if you will be getting a severance package or not. Make sure you clarify the details to avoid over estimating your benefits.

Apply for unemployment insurance immediately. You may delay or reduce your benefits if you wait too long. Most programs require that you be actively looking and available for work. The SBA and local small business organizations can offer help if you will be starting your own business.

Health insurance - You don’t want a financial set-back turning into a financial or medical disaster. Make sure you and your loved ones are covered.

If you have health benefits through work you may be able to extend coverage through COBRA. Do not extend your existing plan without comparing your alternatives. An individual plan with identical benefits may be hundreds of dollars less expensive per month. If you have health problems or are considered a high risk, then COBRA may be your best option, but even in that case you can receive free quotes online through brokers..

Hours 26 to 37: Unwind.

This has been a busy day taking care of urgent matters. Spend some time with friends and family. Read or watch something inspirational. Relax, have some fun, and sleep well knowing that you are taking charge of your future.

Hour 38: Charge into Day 2.

Today you may find your energy waning. Push to get up early again and keep going through the rest of the day. If you are feeling tired, then try some physical activity. If you must rest for awhile, set an alarm in case you fall asleep. Taking it easy today would slow your momentum.

Hours 39 to 48: Start your job search.

Take care of any open matters from yesterday and then get down to your job search. Update your resume, consider your options, and start calling your professional network of contacts. Don’t limit yourself to online job sites. The response rate can be discouraging. Local and offline classified sections can often yield better response rates. Look for any chance to get in front of employers such as at job fairs, professional organization meetings, or other networking events.

The Hours Beyond: Onward and upward!

If you were revved up the first two days, you may notice your energy slip a little to a level you can sustain on a daily basis. This is normal. Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities. Be bold. Stay positive and soon you will find the job of your dreams.

Being a spare room entrepreneur is more than just a way of making a living, it is a way of living your life.

It isn’t an easy way to live. In the past, being in business independently was the norm, and people typically worked and lived in the same place. That isn’t the case today, when most people are employees. Everyone from the tax collector to our mothers would understand us better if we would just go out and get a job.

Moreover, many of us who choose independence make the further decision to stay small. This contradicts a popular conception of entrepreneurship, which holds that everyone wants to run a big business and get rich. If you want to be a spare room entrepreneur, then, get ready to be
misunderstood.

When I talk about spare room entrepreneurs, I often find myself describing what we aren’t. We aren’t unemployed. We aren’t between jobs. We don’t loll around all day in our pajamas. We aren’t failing just because we’re not taking on new employees and tripling our business each year. We aren’t idle just because we’re home, nor, by contrast, are we workaholics just because our home lives and our productive lives frequently overlap.

It is more difficult, given that spare room entrepreneurs are so disparate and represent so many different, strongly held views, to make a positive statement of what we are.

My interviewing convinces me, however, that we do have some important common characteristics. One is that we are impatient. We want to do what we want to do when we want to do it, without waiting for someone else to give us permission. And while anxieties and insecurities are our frequent companions, we have a very high estimation of our own abilities. We’re people who don’t exactly fit in, and are proud not to. We may make our own mistakes sometimes, but we despise making somebody else’s. Most of us recall, even as children, having an independent streak and all the troubles and rewards that such a personality can bring. And while I haven’t found any research that backs this up, many of us come from families with members who were in business for themselves.

What are we looking for is money, naturally, but we shouldn’t be too quick to accept that as the only answer. For all the people in this book, business is more than making money. It is how they express themselves in the world. They can’t say that what they do is just a job–because it is not just a job.

What we are looking for, I think, is integrity. We are seeking to integrate all our interests, talents, personality, and character into a way of life that expresses who we are.

Of course, we need to compromise; we can’t expect always to be doing what we love. Striving for balance in our lives is a never-ending challenge. Most of us discover that we must establish clear boundaries between our personal lives and our careers in order to preserve our health, our families, and our sanity. Nevertheless, even those who draw that line most distinctly still view their businesses as embodiments of their personal talents and values.

It is true that there are also many employees who hope that their work will utilize their talents and enable them to have a lasting and positive impact on the world. In general, though, our culture doesn’t support such aspirations. We are encouraged to view our paycheck as full recompense for our labors, while personal satisfaction is to be found in our private lives, which will be made more elaborate, exciting and fulfilling by all that money can buy.

During an airplane flight, I read an article in a business magazine. It argued that seeing your business as an outgrowth of yourself is a sickness. The article said that we should view our businesses solely as ways to make a lot of money as quickly as we can. Then we should use that money to live the lives we want. For some this might be relaxation on a small tropical island, but it could also mean writing a novel, engaging in philanthropy, living a life of prayer and contemplation, or playing the stock market.

This argument is attractive because it identifies entrepreneurship with the core beliefs of our society about getting and spending. Moreover, it feeds into our fantasies of riches and freedom. It implies that fabulous wealth is lying around for the taking, available to all. I know I’d love to have enough money to realize all my dreams, and so would the rest of the people in this world.

But I also understand enough about the culture I live in to know that I would then begin to have more expensive dreams, and that I’d have to keep laboring to realize those. I’d never be able to disentangle the price of my material indulgences from my value as a person.

Our lives consist not just in how we spend our money but also, and probably more crucially, in what we do to earn it. Our work is the way in which we have an impact on our place and our times. We express ourselves in the world through our work. You can’t simply avert your eyes from what you do and still be the sort of person you want to be. You can’t just buy a good life. You have to live a good life. And though many of us might shy away from such grand pronouncements, living a good life is what most spare room entrepreneurs are trying to do.