That "inner voice" has many nicknames.
Those range from The Inner Terrorist to The Harsh Critic. And, in aging, as we adjust to that stage of life, that phenomenon can impede our ability to get, hold and move on to better work. That monster of the mind can torment us with all the reasons those hiring us won't. Or if we are forced out of our current work situation, the monster assures us that we will never land another income-producing whatever.
In The Guardian, psychologist Ethan Kross explains how important it is develop a good relationship with that inner voice. Of course, that's not a piece of cake. Most relationships are difficult in themselves. And as they change they become even more challenging.
What I recommend to those over-50 who consult me about work is to listen to the voice. That's the first step. Find out what it is saying. Then do a message audit. What aspects of the statements are true? For example, The Harsh Critic warns you will never be hired because we look so fat and old. That may be a useful observation, delivered in an ugly manner. But it should not be ignored. Time has come to reimagine your appearance. Being attractive distracts attention from no longer being young.
The next step is to learn to create an off-switch for the voice. If your assignment is over and you have no new ones in the pipeline, you probably lack the strength to absorb the negative. Tell yourself, you owe it to yourself to screen the messaging from within, for the current time. Meditation can still the mind. So can prayer. Exercise is nature's tranquilizer.
A third step is to sort out what are old tapes, which no longer apply. Sure, you made the mistake on the first job of confiding to the wrong people. When the content of those conversations were disclosed, you came across as a complainer. Not good. Since then, you have mastered the art of coming across as open but actually being quite circumspect.
Here, a free read, is my book on those monsters of the mind.
The Future is already underway. Ghostwriting/Marketing Communications and coaching on those issues. Sliding scale fees. Complimentary consultation (janegenova374@gmail.com)
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