Welcome to the new decade!  That last one was quite a ride, wasn't it?   Even if you didn't lose your job, your house or your retirement account, you're probably war weary.  And the decade ahead looks to be filled with trials, too.  It's called life - and life takes courage.  Are you up to the challenge? 

There's no way to know exactly what's around the corner, but one of the best ways we can prepare for the unknown (and boost our courage) is to have a good handle on our abilities, assets and blessings.  It's like going to the pantry to check out ingredients before you begin a recipe.  And writing it all down will make you believe in them (and yourself) all the more.

Everyone has put together at least one resume.  It's the game you play where you make your experiences fit the job you're applying for.  Well, in my workshops, we create a Reverse Resume: we recognize our life's experiences and use them to help us get the life we want.  So, get paper and a pen and let's go!

1. Life Objectives - This is not your career objective.  If time, money and ability were in an unending supply, what would you really like to accomplish in your limited time here on earth?  Think big.  Now think bigger!
2. Life Education - Resumes want to know where you went to school. But everything you've ever done, overcome, or experienced in your life has been an education.  That's what you write down here. Have you overcome a disease, taken in a stray pet, volunteered at church?  List at least five, more if you can.
3. Life Experiences - Resumes want to know the jobs you've had.  In our resume, list the things you gained as a result of your life education.  If volunteering taught you how to care for the elderly, I'd say you're compassionate.  If you've overcome an adversity, I'd say you're tenacious, resolute and courageous.  Get the picture?
4. Awarding Personality Traits - Resumes include awards and affiliations.  But here, you're going to list the positive things that make you YOU.  Are you intelligent, humorous, caring, industrious?  Don't be shy!  This Reverse Resume is for your eyes only.  List the positive (and ONLY the positive) things people say about you, and then add a few more on your own.

Now we're talking.  You've got a list of stuff that is the essence of who you are.  The really cool thing is that this list is dynamic - it can change and be added to.  Every time you're about to face a life event that's going to challenge your courage, haul this Reverse Resume out and study it.  I mean hard!  You're much stronger than you think you are.  You are courageous!