Imagine waking up one morning to the news that your job, the one you’ve dedicated years to, has been suddenly terminated. What the BLEEP happens now?!
The shock of being laid off can hit hard, and with it comes a whirlwind of emotions—anger, betrayal, and a deep sense of loss.
You may feel disoriented, unsure of where to turn, and question your own worth. Longtime colleagues are gone, and you’re left wondering what the future holds.
In moments like these, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, finding a way to navigate this uncertainty is crucial to regaining control.
What Certainty Do We Have?
Today, let’s dive into Tool #2: Identify Your Strengths & Values.
Your strengths and values can serve as a stable, guiding force during times of upheaval, like a layoff or career change. This tool will help you tap into your unique strengths and unlock more positive emotions, even during tough transitions.
What Are Character Strengths?
Character strengths are the best parts of our personalities—the qualities that help us thrive. Research has identified 24 distinct character strengths, including:
- Creativity
- Curiosity
- Bravery
- Love of Learning
- Perseverance
- Kindness
- Humor
- Leadership
- Hope
- Gratitude
- Social Intelligence
…and more.
Each of us possesses all 24 strengths, but we express them in different ways and to varying degrees.
How Can You Use This to Shift Gears, Be Positive, and Get Renewed About an Even Better Job.
Take a moment to explore your core values and top character strengths by taking the VIA (Values in Action) survey. It’s free. This will give you insights into what makes you unique and how you can use your strengths to thrive in challenging times.
Here are some reflective questions to guide you:
- Are your top strengths aligned with who you truly are? If not, what strengths feel more central to you?
- When you consider times when you were successful, what strengths were you using?
- When facing challenges, which strengths did you rely on to keep going?
- What strengths will you need to draw on to create your best possible future?
A Case Example
One of my clients, who was seeking a career change, made a list of the qualities he wanted in his new job. These qualities were deeply connected to his values and strengths. By aligning his job search with this list, he could easily evaluate opportunities from a “position of power.” He also leaned into his creativity, humor, and love to stay motivated and positive during the process.
This Week’s Challenge:
I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment and share:
- What strength is central to who you are?
- How will you use it this week?
Next Week:
I’ll return with another tool to help you thrive through uncertainty.
Need Support for Positive Change?
If you are looking for personalized strategies to navigate a layoff or career transition, let’s talk. Email dianna@collierclan.net for a free consultation.
Dianna Collier 