Trying Too Hard: The "They" Won't Let You Get There

Did hyper-ambitious Gavin Newsom blow up his presidential chances at Davos? The Wall Street Journal captures his frenetic activity on that global platform:

"California Gov. Gavin Newsom spent his days at the World Economic Forum trying to portray himself as the antidote to President Trump. It didn’t always go smoothly."

And success should be put into place smoothly. That had been the old-money code of WASPdom. The signature charm of long-time chair of elite law firm Paul, Weiss Brad Karp. And the source of Larry Fink's influence. He's CEO of Black Rock and co-chair of the World Economic Forum Board of Trustees.

In contrast, there is the long list of those who aimed for the top - of the whatevers - and got blocked. For example, Hillary Clinton never made it to the US Presidency. Many venture capitalists steered clear of Elizabeth Holmes. We bolted from Al Gore's earnestness. And those Ivy junior lawyers ...

In my intuitive coaching/tarot reading I have observed that in this current labor market it's that trying-too-hard which is the number-one obstacle to landing work after a layoff or the collapse of a sector.

Those unemployed knowledge workers come across poorly on professional network LinkedIn, during in-person connecting and, of course, on interviews. Tragically they assume they're signaling their unique ability to create value in a work situation. Instead, what we see usually is their being:

Out of touch

Desperate 

Not work-ready

Unable to operate in teams.

So, how to exit that force field of trying too hard? 

The first step is accepting how difficult it is currently to get, hold and move on to better work. That, in itself, should put a damper on the toxicity of their ambition. The traditional term for such deflation is "humility." Until recently Bill Clinton was able to get what he wanted and I size that up as his vulnerable persona. Many of the "they" wanted to help him. The same with Barack Obama. Their early vibs weren't self-will run riot.

Step two is do whatever it takes to recapture real confidence. So much of the bravado that turns us off is the loss of self, after a major professional setback. In the tarot that's symbolized by the Nine of Wands.


Coming back from being lost could be through volunteerism that makes a difference, a survival job in which they can stand out, learning a new skill that could be marketable and/or letting past success go. Nothing fails like success. That's because there's usually the attempt to replicate its MO in an entirely new context. 

Step three is embracing realism. That might mean starting over. Taking less compensation. Developing a new persona. Those are the kinds of people who get hired or have the drive to become a solopreneur. 

Meanwhile, they pipe down. No more noise. We are likely to move in with help. 

Success is a mental game. Failure comes from being done in by the “committee” in your head.

Together, we liberate your thinking. Then we change your story. And, unleash success.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, becoming a solopreneur and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. Zero risk.

Don’t give up before the miracle.



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