FOCUSED FRUSTRATION
It’s back……..that same word….appearing in most emails I receive from and conversations I have with job seekers.
“I’m really frustrated with my search”
“It is so frustrating not to hear anything back!”
“Not hearing anything is so frustrating and I don’t know what to do anymore!!”
Frustration. Mentally and emotionally “dead in the water” as sailor’s say. No clear sign or direction of next steps. Silence.
Frustration can kill your job search energy in a flash if you don’t get a handle on it quickly. Instead of letting it take the wind out of your sails, turn the negative energy into a positive one by pairing it with renewed focus. How can you do that? Here’s few quick steps you can easily employ:
Shift your attention from what isn’t working and search for new avenues to that will generate activity.
Move the focus from bigger goals (a new job, an interview) to something smaller and more productve that will give back quickly on the effort put forth. Things like: identifying a new organization to watch or connect to, giving of your time to make a difference (small or big) in someone’s life, meeting three new people this week (and don’t have a job search conversation with any of them – just get to know them!).
Get physically active. I love how a run, walk with the dogs or pulling some weeds can help release the tension from a frustrating day or moment. Providing a physcial avenue for the tension to work itself out clears the mind and helps bring new ideas and attitudes.
These types of activities add up over time and you will be pleasantly surprised on where they will lead you. Let me know where they take you!
“I’m really frustrated with my search”
“It is so frustrating not to hear anything back!”
“Not hearing anything is so frustrating and I don’t know what to do anymore!!”
Frustration. Mentally and emotionally “dead in the water” as sailor’s say. No clear sign or direction of next steps. Silence.
Frustration can kill your job search energy in a flash if you don’t get a handle on it quickly. Instead of letting it take the wind out of your sails, turn the negative energy into a positive one by pairing it with renewed focus. How can you do that? Here’s few quick steps you can easily employ:
Shift your attention from what isn’t working and search for new avenues to that will generate activity.
Move the focus from bigger goals (a new job, an interview) to something smaller and more productve that will give back quickly on the effort put forth. Things like: identifying a new organization to watch or connect to, giving of your time to make a difference (small or big) in someone’s life, meeting three new people this week (and don’t have a job search conversation with any of them – just get to know them!).
Get physically active. I love how a run, walk with the dogs or pulling some weeds can help release the tension from a frustrating day or moment. Providing a physcial avenue for the tension to work itself out clears the mind and helps bring new ideas and attitudes.
These types of activities add up over time and you will be pleasantly surprised on where they will lead you. Let me know where they take you!
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Julie Bechtold is a recognized expert and frequent speaker in the area of career management, job search and transition. She began her career at a global consulting firm rising from Senior Consultant to Regional Operations Manager with their National Leadership and Coaching Practice. Bringing over 10 years of experience working with individuals and groups on how to effectively plan and implement a results-oriented career transition plan, Julie has coached professionals at all organizational levels in both the non-profit and for profit sectors representing numerous industries and occupations. As founder of BestJobSearchExpert, she is actively coaching clients and speaking on the topics of career management and job search. Follow insights and highlights of her current career search on her FaceBook page 'BestJobSearchExpert'.