Adjectives fail ~ words just can’t do justice to what has happened along Harvey’s path but the images of the devastation stop us in our tracks. The horror, however, did not deter our Cajun Navy whose members began the trek to Houston starting on Sunday as the catastrophe was still unfolding. Because they knew they could help, they chose to act.

If you’ve seen the movie Dunkirk or know the story, there are similarities. Regular people chose to make a move rather than sit idly by in a crisis. Those civilian participants in the “Little Ships of Dunkirk” were in a way, the original Cajun Navy. (Thanks to Richard Flicker for that observation.)

It’s not only in times of war or crisis that making the move makes the difference. I came across an interesting video of a younger Steve Jobs where he describes his twelve-year-old self calling Bill Hewlett and asking for spare parts. And how the following summer Hewlett got him a job on an HP assembly line. Jobs goes on to say most people don’t ask and that’s a difference between people who do things and those who just dream. “You gotta act.”

I coach a lot of career clients and lately have noticed a belief in this digital age that applying for jobs online is being in the job market. Yes, the internet is one element of a job search and a great and important resource but it is only part of the process. Although a gabillion jobs are posted on the interweb, in my experience very few people actually find work purely that way. I’d hazard to say that I know more people who have met their spouse online than have found employment through an internet job site.

My advice to job seekers is to get out there. (You gotta act.) Connect with people you don’t know; reconnect with people you do know. Tell them you’re in the job market. A friend landed a dream job once because she struck up a conversation with a stranger at the dumpster of her apartment complex. Talk to people in line at the grocery store or credit union. Go to events in your community you’ve never attended before; they don’t have to be business or job-search events. Your public library likely has a wide range of free programs. Your local newspaper probably publishes a weekly calendar. Check it out. Act. Ask for help.

Years ago when selling our first home, I was disappointed because the only people that came through the open house were curious neighbors. Our real estate agent was thrilled with the turnout though because that was ‘action’ and what she wanted with a listed house was ‘action’. Sure enough, the house sold eight days later.

I understand this now, especially working with clients in the job market. There’s something about the energy of ‘action’ that seems to create more ‘action’ and then more. Suddenly, the house sells or the offer comes. But action requires you to act, right?

It may be that you need assistance and if so, get out there and/or ask for help. Or you may see others in need which is your chance to make a difference. Either way, “You gotta act”.

Many opportunities exist to help the victims of Harvey. Not all of us can respond as dramatically as the boats at Dunkirk or the Cajun Navy. Fortunately, other means to assist are easily found online or on television. If you haven’t found one that is right for you, message me and I’ll be glad to share some great, legit, grass roots efforts that you can work through.

When and how have you acted that made a difference? You can comment below.

Thanks for reading!