Within reason, most can motivate themselves. The 2 important questions are – Do you want to? And if not, why not? Motivation is literally the desire we have to accomplish and achieve things. The difference between waking up before dawn like entrepreneurs do to get started on a particular project and lazing around the house all day watching TV. Motivation is crucial to success – especially when job searching. But far too often, people fail to effectively motivate themselves. The worst part is – lack of confidence threatens and sabotages your job search.
For some, staying motivated can be a real struggle. When trying to maintain motivation, your drive can be constantly assaulted by negative thoughts and anxieties about the future – ruminating over whether what you’re doing is best for you or not. Everyone faces doubt at one time or another. What separates the highly successful, from those who fail, is the ability to stay motivated and keep moving forward regardless of the:
* occasional doubt
* occasional issue
* occasional problem.
That said – the major reason people fail to maintain motivation psychologists say, to stay motivated, is lack of confidence.
Simply put, if you don’t believe you can succeed, what’s the point in trying? Right?
When this happens, it’s usually because you’re focusing entirely on what you want and neglecting what you already have. Because of this, your mind creates explanations for why you aren’t getting what you currently want. For example – getting the job – getting the interviews. This then creates negative thoughts about how you feel about yourself. Your mind starts to become dominated by past failures, bad breaks, and personal weakness; perhaps even jealousy. Your mind becomes overwhelmed by thoughts which suggest these are the reasons why you are not receiving the interviews or job offer you want.
Here are 10 tips for helping stay motivated during the job search.
1) Join a job-search group It’s a reason to get out of the house and a venue in which you can vent without issue.
2) Socialize with employed friends.
It’s a reminder there a jobs available. And an opportunity to share job search info, tips and resources.
3. Watch the news at specific times.
Don’t overwhelm yourself with todays news. Yes, you do need to know what’s going on in the world so do listen; but set specific times to do so. Then turn off your cell phone or TV and invigorate yourself through hobbies.
4) Realize your current job search situation is only temporary.
Remember – Looking for a job is a means to an end. If you’ve updated your resume and LinkedIn Profile, regularly perform some research on companies you want to apply to, are otherwise prepared and staying on track, this scenario won’t last forever. Concentrate on staying upbeat. Don’t let yourself fall into a depressed or anxious state because you believe it’s taking too long. “I believe that luck is preparation meeting opportunity.” Oprah Winfrey
5) Learn to deal with rejection.
No one wins at everything. And no one likes rejection. That said, you won’t actually qualify for every job you apply for – even if it appears you have the qualifying skills and experience. You have not let yourself down or failed when you don’t receive a job. There will be a job for you; stay on track and be patient.
6) Know you are not alone.
Searching for a job can make you feel lonely and isolated. Making it easy to forget you have friends, family, old co-workers and business connections to network, chat with and rely on. Stay connected, share with them and you’ll continuously build your confidence.
7) Search smarter, not harder.
Do some research about a company before applying. Know what their mission and goals are; check reviews of the company; how they treat their employees. It will rev up your confidence knowing there are companies out there you would enjoy working for, thrive in. And who will pay you the salary and benefits you deserve.
8) Don’t get angry or jealous when a friend or networking buddy gets hired and you don’t.
Never allow resentment or bitterness to take you down. Instead, congratulate them and move forward. If you know what type of job you want – and have prepared yourself, are networking and staying connected, you will continue to stay confident and positive. And the right job will come to you.
9) Set measurable goals.
Setting small, measurable goals will not only help you stay motivated during your job search, reaching each small goal will show you what you have achieved and up your confidence.
10) If lack of action is making you antsy, you may want to look for opportunities to volunteer. A bonus to that is most companies like to see volunteer work listed on your LinkedIn Profile and Resume. And will often accept it as if it were actual on-the-job work.
Finally – Don’t burn the candle at both ends. Exhaustion quickly leads to fading confidence and desperation.
Jean L. Serio CEIC, CPC, CeMA, CSEOP