Everyone likes a winner. No one likes a whiner. I read the comments on my blog and hear voices whining about my attitude. Click here to see what I mean.

These blogs are written with satire, humour and honesty, from the voice of a well-travelled American who is looking for work in Asia. The joy of being American is our freedom of speech. We can exchange opinions openly, with respect, and with the aim of staying informed. My profile does not fit nicely into neatly-checked boxes and I continue to baffle some people.

So who am I? I am an Ivy League graduate who specialised in advanced calculus and graduated with an honours thesis on a strategy to revitalise a dying city. I went to college on scholarship and worked every week throughout my course. I was the shortest member of the varsity crew team, a sorority girl at night, and an active community leader.

Nothing has been given to me in life. I have earned every penny in my wallet. In the financial crisis I did voluntary work and donated my severance package to charity. I paid for my own graduate education from my savings and was not an employer-sponsored student. I am not greedy or needy, but I am focussed on the types of experiences that I want in life.

Be like Michael

In financial services, employers want people who are winners. To qualify for consideration you need to demonstrate that you aren’t someone who sits on the sidelines. You are a team player who will to do whatever it takes to get a deal done. When a situation isn’t working, identify what factors are contributing to the lack of success and figure out what needs to change to go forward. This isn’t easy. In fact it’s highly uncomfortable, frustrating, and there’s tremendous uncertainly.

Learning how to persevere through uncertainty and discomfort defines a winner. When I find myself in a challenging period of my life, whether it is a job search, work project, or even family situation, I channel my inner Michael Phelps. As you probably know, Phelps is a US swimmer who broke the record for the number of gold medals won at a single Olympics. He was told by his main competitor that it wasn’t possible, so Phelps posted a picture of his rival in his locker and used that as a motivator to prove him wrong.

When I find myself at this point, I chant to myself, “Come on Michael Phelps. You did it and so can I”. It’s silly and corny, but it works for me. It brings focus. What is my goal? Where do I want to be? How will I get there?

When you knock me down, I dig deep and prove you wrong. I use your negativity to channel myself forward. I make another appointment, attend another meeting, and pursue leads with the fresh face of a winner.

In this game of landing a job, remember that you need to stay a winner. Only insecure and lazy people whine. You need to find your own Michael Phelps and behave like a winner. Good luck!