I have a phrase I often repeat to coaching clients who are overwhelmed and discouraged by seemingly insurmountable odds in their job search or pursuit of other crucial personal goals: “All you need is one.”

It’s easy to feel discouraged when, from a numbers standpoint, the odds are against you. There are hundreds – if not thousands – of competitors vying for a few job openings and it seems unlikely you’ll ever find a job. The low probability of a “hit” can lead to a sense of hopelessness.

You might have heard of job seekers applying to any and every role that they remotely qualify for, hoping to increase their chances. Sure, not every role is a great fit, but if they squint hard enough, it looks fine. They’ll work hard and can learn quickly. So what if the jobs don’t quite meet the seeker’s criteria? I’ve seen posts on LinkedIn where job hunters are understandably disheartened after applying to hundreds of jobs and only hearing back from a handful. 

While well-intentioned, this kind of searching is a recipe for frustration. It’s frustrating because you’re putting in a lot of effort without getting much in return. And let’s be honest – from a hiring manager’s perspective, while I’m willing to give a candidate the benefit of the doubt and consider their potential, I’m not interested in hiring someone who seems to be settling - I want to hire an employee who knows what they want and is excited to take the role I’m offering!

Trying to beat the odds and looking at things purely from a quantitative standpoint comes from a Scarcity mindset - a feeling of desperation that leads to conforming to someone else’s needs, even if it means twisting yourself into uncomfortable shapes to be accepted and compromising your own standards. You view life as a zero sum game - if someone else succeeds, then you fail. Think of this as a Seller mindset - you’ll do anything to make the sale. 

But remember, all you need is one.

Instead of trying to beat the odds or muscling your way to get whatever you can find, focus on what you truly want. Once you’re really clear on that, you can make a more targeted effort and you’re more likely to succeed. By adopting an Abundance mindset, you can focus on what you want and creating opportunities that match your values and goals. You open yourself up to infinite possibilities and can focus on generating solutions. You believe there is plenty out there for everybody. Instead of being a Seller, be a Buyer with the power to walk away from anything that doesn’t meet your standards. You only need one, so make it count.

To cultivate an Abundance mindset, start by recognizing your worth. Remember who you are and all that you have to offer, remember the things you’re grateful for, and remember that you don’t have to settle for less than you deserve. All you need is one, so focus your efforts towards what you really want. 

This might mean taking a step back to get clear on your values and priorities, and then working on your message. Then get that message out, making your intentions known, telling your friends and family, and strategically growing your network.

It’s easy to slip into Scarcity thinking, but don’t give up. When you have focus and dedication in your pursuit of what you truly want, success becomes far more attainable. 

Remember,  all you need is one.