ABSTRACT
It is well documented that low confidence is a barrier to a good career choice and a successful job hunt. In this chapter two approaches are introduced that have been shown to boost people’s self-esteem. The first is mindfulness, a form of secular meditation that has become very popular over the last decade or so. The second approach draws from the New Economics Foundation’s research and offers five simple behavioural changes that have been shown to lead to increased wellbeing. The final tool in this chapter is a powerful approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This therapy shares some of the assumptions underpinning cognitive behavioural therapy but argues that sometimes the goal of changing one’s thinking can be too difficult. The ACT proposes that individuals should acknowledge and accept their negative thinking (acceptance) and make the decision to pursue their goals and dreams despite their nagging worries or doubts (commitment).
