Workshop 5 Essentials: Comparing yourself to Buddy...

Comparing Yourself to Buddy

You have great gifts and talents inside of you.  For those of you thinking 'hey, George, you don’t KNOW me, how can you be so sure?'  I know because I know “Buddy”.

Compare yourself to your favorite stuffed animal, like my favorite fictional person, Buddy - - a 'person' without ANY real skills or motivation (OK, he knows how to breathe in and out, but that is about it.)

From the days I taught preschool kids, I have loved the lazy bones who is “Buddy”.  Take a moment and picture him, folks.  He never went to school and has only hung around watching television, not developing any work skills, responsibilities, social skills or hobbies.   Now down to business...

Making It Work:

Below write down 25 ways you are different from Buddy.  

For a more advanced version, compare yourself to a 'Buddy' at your job, school or neighborhood  (Hint: you can spot him pretty easily at work, he acts a lot like the potted plants in the lobby).  Need help?

** List ways others have given you responsibility & you have performed well.  

** Write the skills you have gained, from playing guitar to cooking 

to not mixing darks & lights in the laundry.  

** Abilities for dealing with people, from selling cookies at fundraisers 

to giving compassion to others in their time of need.  

**   Ways you have proven being trustworthy (honest), loyal & brave (such as how you meet and beat the challenges you face each day).  

**  List how you have worked independently meeting goals/responsibilities.   

**   How do you respond to the needs of others? 

Remember when you babysat the terrible Tanner triplets 

and you all survived the night?  

Or when you had to learn about new medications 

your grandmother was on so you could better care for her?  

Or that school project you completed with others as a team? 

Have fun letting your mind wander when building your list.  Compare yourself to that stuffed animal or co-worker who never helps train other employees, never works overtime on short notice or working with difficult clients.  Keep in mind, how are you different from “Buddy” and do not worry about being too full of yourself because you are comparing yourself to a blank slate after all. 

Let your imagination roam to areas that may not seem job related, but that show your character and skills. 

Once you have listed the first 25 examples

add 20 more.

These set you apart from your job hunting competition.  Now put letters next to the items on your list:
H: Which ones are related to how you relate well to others?
E: Which relate to how you have energy and drive?
R: Which show your ability to learn things?
O: Which show you have integrity and honesty?

Keep this list handy, it will come up again in the Tool Kit and in preparing for your future.   Onward!

My ‘Buddy’ List

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