Why "Yes, We Can" Trumps "Yes, I Can"

Democratic strategist and pundit James Carville speaks his mind, and what he says is frequently challenged by others. (Did I mention he's married to Republican strategist Mary Matalin?) But I think few will disagree with Carville's opinion on 2008:

You know, people will insist that 2008 had 366 days. I don't believe it. I think it had 36,066 days. It certainly felt much longer than any year that I've ever experienced.

I couldn't agree more. I live in Manhattan where my work as career coach and resume writer includes serving as a volunteer facilitator for a MeetUp.com group of job seekers. Our members range in age from 18 to 70 and include college students, mid-career executives, and seasoned professionals. I've gotten to know and enjoy many of them personally and as the economy has tightened, a collective sense of hope has become increasingly important.

No one wishes for a plane crash, but I think last week's "Miracle in the Hudson River" gave people a dose of optimism which continued through Martin Luther King day. Supporters of the new Obama administration also have it in today's Inauguration. After all, the first definition of inaugurate is "to make a formal beginning of; initiate; commence; begin."

After a year that felt like 36,066 days, a sense of hope and the prospect of a new beginning is both popular and contagious. For many, it puts the swing back into the step.

But it doesn't work for everyone. I've talked to many job seekers in the last few days who've said that their New Year's resolutions for the job search are hard to keep. With news of new layoffs and hiring freezes continue, individual momentum can be difficult to maintain. As one of my group members said to me recently, "If I make it outside, it's a good day. It's just hard to keep going."

My advice in these situations? Borrow from the Obama campaign and try "Yes, We Can" before telling yourself "Yes, I Can." Join a group or band together with friends to accomplish your goals. Consider joining a group with members older than you:  You may be able to learn new strategies from veterans of previous recessions.

There is a reason why Weight Watchers, Team in Training, and the Biggest Loser work for weight loss: there is proven strength in working with a community to effect personal change. It is more effective than going it alone.

I share this advice courtesy of one of my favorite authors, Gordon Livingston. A Psychiatrist, Dr. Livingston has experienced an unusual amount of personal pain in his life: He lost two children, one to leukemia and one to suicide. He writes about how he lived through the experience and shares additional lessons learned in Vietnam and through his work with clients in his practice. One of his nuggets of wisdom: Feelings follow behavior.

In other words, if you're feeling down, don't bank on waking up one morning and feeling better all on your own--get moving now! This is why I recommend joining a group and even "faking" enthusiasm if you have too in the short-term. (You can--and should be--honest with yourself.) The act of saying, "Yes, We Can" now may help you say "Yes, I Can" sooner than you think.

Let me know if this works for you, and if I can help you get unstuck.

To your success,

Chandlee

Comments

[Jessica]

Hello Chandlee,

Thanks for this topical post - we linked to it from our post on 5 Lessons We Can Learn From Presidents
http://www.upmo.com/blog/inauguration-day-5-lessons-we-can-learn-from-presidents

Also, a comment on the idea of banding together to accomplish goals: There was a great post on the Wall Street Journal's Laid off and Looking blog (written by 8 out of work professionals), where one of the writers (Karen Reid) talked about forming "power groups". These are groups of "five or six job seekers who regularly meet to help each other to land a job by keeping each other motivated and accountable, and providing candid feedback." Sounds like a great idea, and echoes what you're saying.

You can read more about it in this post: http://blogs.wsj.com/laidoff/2009/01/15/unemployed-small-groups-can-help-keep-your-chin-up/