The Five Phases of Unemployment

Being a fan of Elizabeth Kubler Ross, I thought I would try to identify the 5 phases of unemployment as I go through them.  Of course, Kubler Ross' 5 phases seem to be applicable:  Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance - but they are far less fun and they happened pretty quickly.  But once you get to acceptance, then what?

Let's begin with Phase One.  "I will use this time to work out ALL the time." 
Isn't it great to have this opportunity to spend as much time as possible on reshaping myself?  What a gift my unemployment has given me.  Wait until they see my new knockout body. Shape magazine will be knocking down my door any day now.

Guess what I found out?  Picturing yourself running on a treadmill at the gym in your head, doesn't exactly make a difference on the scale.  Ok, that can only mean one thing... ACTUALLY going to the gym.  Working with a trainer.  Getting myself to the gym for cardio workouts - even if the most I can eke out is a half hour for right now.  Taking my dogs for slightly longer walks that what they already get.

It's back to a great quote from Seth Godin about leadership being the choice to not do nothing.  It doesn't have to be all or nothing - I don't have to win marathons in my head, I just have to set my intention and make progress on it every day.  Which is already a pretty good job searching technique, as well, no?

"I'm gonna go go go, there's no stopping me!" Freddie Mercury
(click to see a great video!)