What’s the first step in a job search? Knowing that you have value. Knowing what you offer.
Healthy Narcissism.
Yes, the starting place is YOU. You, puffed up and proud. You, with a full, healthy ego and a file folder chockfull of experience, knowledge, training, skills, talents, wisdom, wit and personality. You, with your feet planted firmly on the ground, standing tall, your head held high, and your gaze outward on the future.
Self-esteem.Confidence. A can-do attitude. Optimism.
Knowing YOU are worthy. Knowing you are a great candidate.
Do you have it? Or do you shrink, flee, collapse, challenge, doubt or otherwise balk at the idea of being narcissistic?!
If it’s not your practice to feel special, then it’s time to get in shape.
It’s time to put attention and energy into your self-worth.
A key task in a job search is knowing you have value. Yes, there are concrete steps and strategies that are necessary to be successful – resumes and cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, networking, outreach, research, training and more – but at the end of the day the person with a healthy self-esteem and sense of self has the greatest bargaining power. Most all of us are attracted to people with confidence and positive energy. It’s infectious, right? We are not attracted to people who beat themselves up or bash us with their prowess. We want to see and feel your “solid” and match it with our own.
Sit with the idea of healthy narcissism.
Take on a practice to build your self-esteem. A practice as simple as planting your feet on the ground and feeling the strength in your legs, putting your hands on your belly and knowing that you have an abundance to offer, and breathing into that feeling of fullness. You are what you practice. Practice gentle, healthy, self-confidence.
It’s not woo-woo to focus on the value you offer. It’s necessary. It’s effective. And it’s ultimately an investment in your success.
So start practicing healthy narcissism, and then take that attitude into your job search tasks.