YET, is a Very Powerful Word.

I have been listening very carefully to people talk about their talents and skills as they seek employment and its interesting to hear how often people sell themselves short time after time, after time, after time. "No-one will want me, I haven't got...". "I can't apply for that, they want..." "Oh no, I couldn't go for that one I don't have..." You could fill in the blanks with anything that comes to mind. I have heard them all before. This business of selling themselves short is even more noticeable when they read job postings and find they can 'only' meet 90% of the requirements. "Oh too bad" they say, "They want...and I can't do that piece." I remind them time and again, that the list of requirements is simply an employers 'wish list', and that their other qualities will outweigh the lack of one skill so they should go ahead and apply. The fear of a missing skill is like an anchor holding them back from pursuing their dream job so it's at that moment I talk to them about the power of the word 'YET' to get them to take a chance on the job they really want. When people tell me they can't do something, before they get a chance to continue, I jump in and say 'YET'. Maybe you can't do it now but with some knowledge, training and effort you will. I believe in you and you should too. Then I tell them about the time I learned to lay pipe throughout a seven acre farm when I had no money and I needed a reliable water supply. I tell them about the time I was asked to talk to a group of teachers when I was terrified of public speaking, and when I learned to drive an ancient tractor without brakes because there was no-one else to do it. In each of those situations it would have been easier to say "NO" but instead I gave myself my own pep talk! You haven't done it so far but you probably could if you put some effort into it are you going to give it a whirl? Like you and everyone else I know, I was not confident doing many things at one time. I became able and more confident because I believed in the word 'YET'. When I am asked if I can do something I always reply honestly. "No, I am not able to do that yet, but with some information and time I believe I will. Did you notice how there was no pause between my honest "NO" and my belief that I could in time. Did you notice how 'YET' is a wonderful bridging word? Remember this, 'YET' is a very powerful word. It shows you have faith in yourself, it shows a commitment to keep on learning and it tells the person some interesting things about your attitude - that you are willing to apply yourself to figure it out. When you use 'yet' in your response you are demonstrating some very valuable traits. A positive perspective, a 'can do' attitude and a degree of courage. So next time you see an opportunity and you are missing an element, say< "I can't yet, but I will soon." You will be amazed how much more energized and positive you will feel.