By Colleen Watson

You will find what you are looking for in life, if you think there is a great job waiting for you, there will be. If on the other hand you think that there is nothing good or worth your interest, then that will be true. You will find what you are looking for in life and the job market. An ancient fable I learned as a child still teaches this lesson best. It goes something like this…

Socrates was sitting outside of the gates of Athens when a man came up to him and said, "I am thinking about moving into Athens. Can you please tell me what it is like to live here?" Socrates replied, "I would be happy to tell you, but first would you please tell me what it was like in your previous home city?" The man quickly roared, "Oh, it was awful. The people would stab you in the back and then rob you blind. I am not leaving any friends, only enemies." Socrates frowned and sadly continued, "Well, you best be on your way because you will find the same thing here in Athens."

Awhile later another man stopped to speak to Socrates and inquired, "I was considering moving here to Athens. Can you tell me what it is like to live here?" Socrates again replied, "I would be happy to tell you." The man smiled and said, "Where I come from the people all worked together and help each other. Kindness was everywhere and you never were treated with anything but the utmost respect." "Welcome to Athens, cheered Socrates. You will find the same thing here."

I used to say, "Seeing is believing." Now I say, "Believing is seeing." Your personal belief system will impact your job search more than any external forces.

Why is it that some people seem to have nothing but good luck? They are looking for good things to happen and then they capitalize on their good fortune. Conversely, there are some unfortunate souls who have only bad luck. It is as if they have a black cloud always overhead. Sadly, they expect the worst, so that is what they find.

Spend sometime examining your own personal beliefs about the job market. If you find that you need an attitude adjustment you can work on faking it until you make the change. A good way to work on changing your luck is through the messages you give yourself. Try saying," I deserve all the good luck that comes my way." Then capture the great opportunities that follow.

Remember that you will find what you are looking for in this job market.