You know that classic gem from Henry Ford, “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right”? Well, strap in, because we’re about to dive deep into the power of mindset and how it can absolutely turbo-charge your career!

Two People Decide Your Fate—One of Them is YOU!

That’s right! When it comes to landing that dream job, the decision-makers aren’t just sitting in a swanky office—it’s also the face you see in the mirror every morning. Your thoughts, your attitude, and how you present yourself could be the deal-makers or breakers.

Nix the ‘Stinkin’ Thinkin’!

We all know those nagging thoughts, right? “I’m too old, I lack the right education, or I don’t have relevant experience.” This kind of negative self-talk can absolutely slam the brakes on your job hunt. But you know what? It doesn’t have to be that way!

Meet John: The Poster Boy for Positive Vibes

I recently had an inspiring session with John, a go-getter in his mid-50s, no degree but still kicking goals in the executive world. This guy is knee-deep in interviews for top-level jobs that aren’t even in his field! So, what’s his secret sauce? Confident self-talk that’s as refreshing as a cool breeze on a scorching summer’s day.

Let’s Get Real with John

Curious, I quizzed John on some common ‘obstacles’ people fret about:

Gayle: John, everyone I speak to is concerned about age and they tell me that their age is the reason for not getting the job. How did the people interviewing you bring the conversation around to age?

John: Age? No, they didn’t really bring that up, but they did ask at interview what my plans were for the next ten years. I told them that I envisioned the final decade of my working life to be the most exciting; the one where all my experience and wisdom come together to achieve remarkable things. I also said that I expected two big jobs in that time, this one and one in about five years.

Gayle: So age wasn’t a barrier?

John: No… should it be?

Gayle: You don’t have a degree, but the job advertisement indicated that the position required an MBA. What did they say about that?

John: Oh, funny you ask that… they didn’t actually ask! Guess it wasn’t as important as the job advertisement says it was. They were more interested in talking about my background and in asking leadership-type questions. It was fun, and they were really nice guys. Interview went way past the allotted time!

Gayle: You don’t have experience in the industry. Did they say something about that?

John: Well yes and no. They didn’t actually come out and say that I wasn’t a match, but it was obvious they knew that I hadn’t been in the industry before because they talked about bringing in a fresh injection of talent; they wanted a person who could bring a new perspective to the company.

Gayle: Did you bring up transferrable skills to show you were qualified?

John: No, I didn’t really have to. When they asked about the sort of people I’d worked with, what I’d done, how I solved problems etc., it didn’t really matter where I’d done it before, just that I’d done it and was good at it!

John is like a gust of fresh air, isn’t he? Instead of being bogged down by perceived barriers, his unflappable confidence about his own worth shines through—and it’s downright infectious!

So, what’s the takeaway? Could it be that your own mindset is the only thing holding you back from your dream job? Don’t let “stinkin’ thinkin'” cloud your path. Get out there and be your own best advocate—just like John!