In addition to being the founder and president of Bonus Resumes, I also work part-time and climb at an indoor rock climbing gym. Climbing has reinforced, as well as, taught me valuable life lessons about growing and being the best person I can be: it’s difficult, it takes time and patience, trust in yourself and others, mental and physical strength, and support.

Sometimes I walk into the gym and think “Wow, I work in a rock climbing gym; I rock!” and then just work at the front desk greeting people. In order to rock, I need to get on the rock wall and push myself. It’s important to get myself out there, get involved, and attempt the things I fear – especially if these things seem difficult. A friend of mine once said “If it was easy, everyone would do it.” I’ve been able to relate this quote to climbing, relationships and my business.

It would’ve been very easy for me to make money working as a waitress a block away from my apartment. Yet, I knew that I wanted to gain experience in the outdoor industry and had to take steps to get that experience. I don’t make as much money as I would if I were a waitress. Just as I would not have gained the experience I needed to get into the outdoor industry.

I often have clients who believe they have “no experience”.

I believe that everyone has a skill (or skills!), whether acquired from babysitting, being a mom, or a waitress. As a consultant, I help others articulate their strengths and skills. The clients, who thought they had “no experience”, leave with a resume complete with experience sections that display communication, organization, financial and leadership skills.

I know that we are in tough financial times and we may be inclined to take the job that provides the quick and easy money. Balance is important in climbing, as well as pursuing your dreams. Yes, we all need money to pay the bills so having two jobs might be the solution; take a job as a waitress, and a job in the field you want to be in. Good experiences are the ones you have to step out of your comfort zone for.

“You can take as many steps as you need until you get to where you need to be!” is what I heard my climbing instructor yell to me, as I struggled to reach a hold. (A hold is a foot or hand grip on a climbing wall.)

Sometimes, one step out of your comfort zone can give you the experience you need. Other times you need to take a few steps outside of your zone. I admit that there have been many instances in my life regarding love, careers and climbing in which I stood still, reaching for something that was out of reach.

When I stayed in that one spot, I became frustrated because I couldn’t reach what I wanted. As soon as I learned to take steps towards what I wanted, things became easier to reach and hold. Sounds simple, yet those first steps are the hardest!

So if you can’t yet step, you could slide or have someone push you. (I am somewhat joking about the being pushed.)

In life, like in climbing, I want to be intentional in my movement. You can climb, or, you can climb intentionally and smoothly. The latter takes time, energy, focus and dedication. You are the only one who can take the steps you need to take, to get to where you want to go.

I have three part time jobs, and my business. It takes time, energy, focus and dedication. Taking a step or reaching for what you want is usually less frightening and feels better than standing still and feeling powerless.

Here are some climbing insights that will make you say, “I ROCK!”
• Focus on what you are doing, not others around you.
• When you’re about to quit, give yourself a break, then keep trying.
• Be positive.
• State your goal out loud and have some one else hear it, it’s more likely to be accomplished.
• Pay attention to where you place your feet.
• Ask for help.
• Be careful, you could get hurt. Climbing (anything) could be dangerous.
• Trust yourself and others, but be aware of behaviors in others that make you not trust and follow your gut.
• Don’t be afraid to let go of what you’re holding and reach for something higher – that’s the only way you’ll get what you’re reaching for.
• Remember, YOU ROCK!

Please feel free to send your career questions or topics to maria (at) bonusresumes.com.

**CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW TO GET 5% OFF RESUME SERVICES AT BONUS RESUMES***

Maria DeBonis

Maria DeBonis, M.S.ED., is the founder of Bonus Resumes, a job search coaching service that provides affordable resume critique, creation and reformatting, cover letter writing and assistance, and interview coaching. She has provided career counseling at Fordham University in New York, St. John’s University in New York and The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Her passion is helping others realize and utilize their potential.