I hear so often from others that "life has passed me by." "I'm too old to make changes now." "The economy is bad." The emotional intent of these statements is clear...people making these statements see no future. Each one of these individuals is depressed and feels stuck on the path they are on.

What would these individuals say if I told them they were holding the key to unlock the chain that is preventing change? What would these individuals say if I told them they had experience and wisdom that can be useful in? a variety of opportunities? What would each individual say if they understood that what was really holding each of them back was fear?

I would probably be told many reasons as to why they are stuck. I would probably be told that his or her opinion has been validated by headhunters and human resource departments. I would probably be told that the job boards specifically mention that specifics (down to the nitty-gritty) require someone that can jump right in and be a clone of an exact fit. In this economy, no one is hiring.

These "reality" examples are virtual brick walls. Walls created by the unknowing to minimize workload. People in areas responsible for hiring receive a stack of a 100 plus resumes for every vacancy The quickest way to reduce the list of applicants is for the reviewer to be judgmental. Sophisticated software is used to find the resumes with the most key words that describe the need. Job requirements are written to list the 25 tangible skills that are important. If your resume has the most tangible skills expressed the most times…you make it in the door for an interview. This resume-sorter technique does not allow for an applicant to express his or her wisdom and value.

So.........go around them. That is why more jobs are captured through networking. (More about what you can do later in this article.) You will not be successful at networking without taking out the bricks you added to the virtual wall.

It's not the economy. It's not your age. It's not the specifics of the posting by the resume-sorters. It's your attitude more than anything else that is holding you back from making a change. It is the fear of change that is allowing you to remain as you are. It is your belief (or lack of) in yourself that is shutting down the antenna's to listen for opportunities.

If your thoughts are negative, pessimistic, and opportunity-limiting, you are right, you will never be able to make the change. The truth is you are your own worst enemy. If you believe it is an age issue...it is. If you believe the economy is preventing opportunities...it is. If you believe you are tied to a specific industry...you are.

My question to you is why do you believe these so-called truths? These "truths" are not reality. They are bricks that you yourself are putting in the way and blocking change. Reality is that opportunities are always available for someone to change, if they have a burning desire to do so and put the effort to make it happen.

Companies, regardless of industry experience, are looking for hard-working individuals that have ideas (some of which are from other industries) that will benefit the company. Idea generators lead to additional profit. What executive wouldn't want someone that is willing to make the effort, take a chance and offer new ways to bring in revenue?

How do you get started?

1. Begin reading and listening to positive attitude material for 30 minutes a day.
2. Write down what you believe is holding you back from change. Cross off anything that is artificial (age, industry not hiring, economy). These are bricks that need to be removed from your virtual wall.
3. Explore other industries. Find one that seems interesting and research what is changing direction in that industry.
4. Write down what past experience you have that would be of benefit to the new industry business model. You should be able to find at least three.
5. Find out where people are talking about the new direction (LinkedIn discussion board is a great place to explore...AND PARTICIPATE).
6. Find specific companies within that new industry. What stage is the company in changing direction towards the new trend?
7. What skill do you have that can help them make that change (database design, programming, strategic planning).
8. You now know what needs to be done and how to help. Where can you meet people in that industry? Go and start building a relationship with these individuals. Be a person that offers value to them.
9. Talk to people within your own network. See whose spouse, neighbor, or friend has a contact in the industry you chose.
10. You now know more:
• About the industry trends,
• About the key players,
• What the key players are talking about,
• What you've done in the past that can help them to succeed,
• What skills you have (or can learn) that will help them.

So, do you believe more in yourself? As Randy Pausch explained in The Last Lecture...Virtual brick walls are there for a reason. They are there to prove how badly you want it. They are there to keep the others that do not believe in themselves enough to make the effort to change.

Whatever your success has been in the past and whatever your skills helped you to accomplish in the past...it is up to you to decide what to take with you on your next journey. As Earl Nightingale states in Lead The Field…"We Become What We Think About."

Change is far from easy. It requires you to have a burning desire to make the change. It takes time, effort, and concentration to make the change. You must have the goal and be passionate about wanting the change. You must believe that change is possible. Only then, will you begin to see ways to reach your goal. Only with the positive attitude will your antenna rise to hear of opportunities.

Believe you can...and opportunities will appear.

SBDi speaks both Business and IT languages. Bring SBDi in to help communication between both organizations. Let us help you find the right flexible solution that will help business increase revenue.

Pat Ferdinandi, Chief Thought Translator