Unemployment is a Mindset

The Value of Focus

I recently drove to the top of a mountain near my home in Utah. I love taking nature photos, and I found some beautiful things to capture. My daughter had taught me a trick on my phone’s camera that helps get better pictures of small objects. She showed me that by tapping the image of the item you want to focus on, the camera sharpens its focus on that specific object, resulting in a much better picture.



You can see in the photos below what happens when you pinpoint your focus on the subject versus just snapping the picture without intention. The detail of the flower in the first image is incredible—and with the right focus, the value of the photo is dramatically increased.

Just like those photos, our personal value increases when we focus on the right things.

Too often, an unemployed person adopts statements like “I am unemployed” or “I’m looking for a job.” While seemingly harmless, these affirmations have a powerful effect. The brain is an incredible tool that believes what we repeatedly tell it. What we think directly influences who we become.

“Watch your thoughts, they become words;
Watch your words, they become actions;
Watch your actions, they become habits;
Watch your habits, they become character;
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”
—Frank Outlaw, Late President of Bi-Lo Stores

Our thoughts and words can ultimately create our destiny.

In our brain, there's a function called the Reticular Activating System (RAS), which acts as a filter between the conscious and subconscious mind. Through repetition, our thoughts pass through this filter and settle into the subconscious. Our automatic bodily functions are managed from the subconscious—so when we repeatedly focus on something, we program our body and mind to act on it. In other words, repeated thoughts lead to words, words to actions, actions to habits, habits to character, and character to destiny.

We literally become what we think.

So, when we constantly say “I’m unemployed,” our brain begins to operate under the mindset and behaviors of someone who is unemployed. This can lead to desperation and a need for external validation. But here’s the truth I’ve learned again and again from my mentors:

"Money follows value."

Create Value

Instead of spending your day seeking validation or waiting to be hired, focus on creating value. Here are three steps to help you get started:

1. Invest in Yourself
Learn something new every day and do something kind for yourself. Investing in personal growth—whether through books, mentorship, or a career coach—will improve your self-image and build confidence.

2. Create an Environment of Success
Treat your home like an office. Set up a space that inspires productivity and professionalism. You are the proprietor of you—a valuable product or service. Build an environment that reflects the business you want to create or the person you want to become.

3. Get Out and Do
Don’t spend all your time scrolling job boards or perfecting your resume. Instead, get out and add value. Teach, volunteer, mentor, or attend local events. Whether or not you turn it into a business, you’ll be seen as someone who contributes. People will recognize your value—and if the statement holds true, money will follow you.

Following these three steps will help shift your identity from “I am unemployed” to “I add value to people’s lives. I make a difference and contribute to my community.” When you truly believe this, opportunities, offers, and income will come your way more naturally.

What mindsets have you held that brought negative results? How have you shifted your thinking to focus on creating value?

Originally published on LinkedIn June 27, 2016