6 Ideas for Staying Charged When Job Seeking
Posted on April 15, 2016 by Mary Franz LCSW , One of Thousands of Leadership Coaches on Noomii.
I will discuss 6 ideas for job seekers who are in that normal part of the journey where the sticking -it -out -when- the- going feels tough happens.
The journey to a new job or crafting meaningful work can be exciting, until it’s not…
And just like the beginning of a road trip is exciting for a kid, a few hours, less or more passes and the proverbial question is asked: “When are we going to get there?” These days, the electronics come out; perhaps a movie is turned on, headsets get plugged in and it’s all good…for a while. Gratefully, the chargers were packed so there will be plenty of power.
The journey for the Job Seeker/Crafter often includes slow or no responses to applications and phone messages, draining the excitement. Being turned down for a desired position or sometimes, more agonizing, the news that you’ll have to wait longer for a decision… it’s- still- being- processed- message feels really tough and lonely.
Giving up isn’t an option; however, the staying power is low… yikes…only 10% available! When will I get that dream job? And, where’s that extra fast charger?
In this article…
I will discuss 6 ideas for the job seekers who are in that normal part of the journey where the sticking it -out -when the- going -feels -tough ideas are needed. The first 3 ideas from researcher, Dr. Susan Kobasa, around developing resiliency, will keep the staying power charged when the going feels tough…
Idea #1—It isn’t a difficulty, it’s a challenge.
Do you feel the difference between the words difficulty and challenge? I do. There’s a “can do” kind of spirit to challenge. Failures or mistakes during efforts to find a job are opportunities to learn for the person who’s rich with resiliency. It’s a challenge. Look forward to the challenge.
Idea #2—Life includes important commitments to work and others.
The resilient person keeps commitments to both work goals and relationship goals with partners, family and friends. Religious or spiritual beliefs and chosen causes are given attention as well. Getting up every morning is important because there are people, places to be and things promised. Simply put, commitments are kept and it feels good, maybe uplifting.
Idea #3—Personal control is utilized efficiently and effectively.
Resilient people focus attention on what is within their control. Think about it. The easiest way to zap energy is to focus on things where your control is nil. When efforts to make a difference are successful, confidence and personal power is recharged. Cool.
And then there is psychologist Martin Seligman’s ideas about the way we explain setbacks to ourselves. He uses the language of optimism and pessimism, yet the effect is very similar to resiliency…
Idea #4—Setbacks are temporary, not permanent.
So the optimistic/more resilient person interprets setbacks like this: “That company didn’t choose my proposal…maybe the next company will with a few tweaks.” vs. “No company will ever choose my proposal.”
Idea #5—Setbacks aren’t pervasive to other parts of life.
The resilient person says, “I’m not very good at this” rather than ‘I’m not good at anything." A denial letter from one company isn’t generalized to the idea that everything attempted will be denied. It’s the common “all or nothing” thinking that hogs precious energy. Be diligent in stopping this kind of thinking. Instead, accept the challenge.
Idea #6—Setbacks are caused by other people or the circumstances, not personalized.
This idea is really interesting. Essentially, the resilient person is someone who doesn’t automatically assign blame to themselves when there are setbacks. Instead there’s an objective kind of rational analysis that truthfully points out, “I didn’t get the kind of support needed to complete the job on time” vs. “I’m totally responsible for the failure because it wasn’t on time." There’s a difference. The former doesn’t abdicate responsibility, but leads to planning for ways to rally support. The latter suggests a limited perspective, feeling sad and defeating.
Here’s the takeaway…
Develop resiliency by adopting attitudes and beliefs that will help recharge staying power and the stick- it out- especially-when -it -feels-tough during job seeking/crafting efforts.
I’m curious…
What other ideas do you have for keeping the staying power charged?
Let’s talk together soon. Request a Love My Work Strategy Session now at no cost. Get your already terrific job efforts super-charged :-) Go to www.marycoaching.com and sign today!
