Motivation is a difficult concept, especially self or internal motivation. It is easy to accomplish a goal or task at work, school or in any other setting when there is a clear and direct consequence for not completing a task. However, having to hold yourself accountable to a personal goal is much more complex because there is no immediate consequence. In these situations failure is easier because you really only have to answer to yourself and I know from personal experience it is much more simple to make excuses to myself. I don’t have time, I’m tired, other items of more importance came up, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.
Over the past several days I have suffered from motivational matters and thought I could give up on the blog and no one would really know or care since I just started it. Actually, when I first told people about the blog I did get a response basically stating, “Great, another blog you will never update.” Since the precedent and opinion seemed to be that way, why couldn’t I just give up? Obviously (or maybe not so obviously) the overwhelming theme here is not the blog but my job search. It just seems like such a daunting task I get lost in all the different websites, groups, and information and frankly want to give up.
But I think combining the search with the blog will ultimately prove to be a constructive and smart move on my part. As I was struggling with the job search over the past several days and not adding any new posts, it wasn’t just me I was letting down but also those I asked to support me through this endeavor. That is key, because ultimately it is not just about me but also about my friends and family. So I am back at is, especially since I was able to get caught up on sleep, finish other tasks and restructure the importance of other items.
However, I do think I am going to re-think my weekly and monthly goals to make them more attainable. Seems to me I should not get de-motivated because I feel the tasks I have given myself are too daunting. Lastly, if anyone is reading this please share any motivational tools, writings, or practices you use to keep yourself on track.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Day 3, December 3 2009
Sacrifice and a real de-motivation! The joys of a job search.
A close friend asked me to go out for happy hour tonight. I strongly considered this and initially planned on meeting up with him for a few drinks. Obviously one night of not applying to jobs or focusing on my goals wouldn’t hurt. But as I thought more about it I realized that one night, especially so early into this endeavor, could prove catastrophic. This plan and goal is about accountability to myself and achieving the campaign my wife and I have set out on. I would be failing myself if I gave in so soon. Granted, going out would have been much better fun then adjusting my resume and writing cover letters in attempt to say exactly what I perceive a hiring manager wants to hear. Unfortunately, this action would not have brought me closer to my ultimate goal. Obviously, I cannot expect to shut out every other aspect of my life and have zero fun, but it’s too early in this process to forego a productive night for fun.
On the de-motivation front, last night I was going though Monster.com and decided to look at the jobs I have applied to over the past several months. Bad idea! In just under 5 months I applied to 48 jobs on this site and of those 48 jobs only 6 were viewed by the hiring manager. In that time period I probably applied to a total of 100 jobs and if I extrapolate the average viewed from Monster to all the applications I can assume that only about 15 have actually be viewed by anyone. Maybe I need to completely rethink my approach and abandon applying through job boards and focus entirely on networking and building relationships in Chicago…
A close friend asked me to go out for happy hour tonight. I strongly considered this and initially planned on meeting up with him for a few drinks. Obviously one night of not applying to jobs or focusing on my goals wouldn’t hurt. But as I thought more about it I realized that one night, especially so early into this endeavor, could prove catastrophic. This plan and goal is about accountability to myself and achieving the campaign my wife and I have set out on. I would be failing myself if I gave in so soon. Granted, going out would have been much better fun then adjusting my resume and writing cover letters in attempt to say exactly what I perceive a hiring manager wants to hear. Unfortunately, this action would not have brought me closer to my ultimate goal. Obviously, I cannot expect to shut out every other aspect of my life and have zero fun, but it’s too early in this process to forego a productive night for fun.
On the de-motivation front, last night I was going though Monster.com and decided to look at the jobs I have applied to over the past several months. Bad idea! In just under 5 months I applied to 48 jobs on this site and of those 48 jobs only 6 were viewed by the hiring manager. In that time period I probably applied to a total of 100 jobs and if I extrapolate the average viewed from Monster to all the applications I can assume that only about 15 have actually be viewed by anyone. Maybe I need to completely rethink my approach and abandon applying through job boards and focus entirely on networking and building relationships in Chicago…
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Day 2, December 2 2009
As part of this self imposed challenge I have included additional improvement and action items. These range from reading more, to exercising and being more proactive in day-to-day life. Now with this exercise plan I am not seeking to spend hours in the gym or even attempting to run. The plan is to keep it straightforward and quick. A couple of examples of things I am doing include push-ups & sit-ups five mornings each week and using stairs instead of an elevator whenever possible. Nothing substantially groundbreaking, just simple items that should be achievable.
So this morning the first item on my agenda was exercise. With the yorkie in my face and vying for attention I pressed my way through 25 push-ups (impressive I know) and moved onto sit-ups. Now the 7 pound dog was easy enough to ignore but as soon as I completed one sit-up my 65 pound dog charged into the room to smother me. I tell you there is nothing like lying on the floor with a dog’s backside resting right under your face. Luckily for me both dogs eventually got up and I was able to complete my routine.
As for the rest of today I need to get some applications sent out, write some introduction letters and hopefully make a few connections with people in the Chicago area via LinkedIn. As it stands at this point my weekly / monthly goals consist of:
- Applying to 20 companies each week (multiple jobs with the same company during a week only counts once)
- Send 7 introduction letters to potential employers each week followed by a resume
- Attending 2 network functions each month in the Chicago area
- Meet 4 people per month in the Chicago area for coffee or drinks
Initially I am not definite if these goals are too aggressive or too attainable, so they are subject to change. One thing I am certain of is the most difficult part will be finding the energy to allocate towards these items each night after a full days work. If you have never entered into a comprehensive job search it’s very similar to a full-time job.
So this morning the first item on my agenda was exercise. With the yorkie in my face and vying for attention I pressed my way through 25 push-ups (impressive I know) and moved onto sit-ups. Now the 7 pound dog was easy enough to ignore but as soon as I completed one sit-up my 65 pound dog charged into the room to smother me. I tell you there is nothing like lying on the floor with a dog’s backside resting right under your face. Luckily for me both dogs eventually got up and I was able to complete my routine.
As for the rest of today I need to get some applications sent out, write some introduction letters and hopefully make a few connections with people in the Chicago area via LinkedIn. As it stands at this point my weekly / monthly goals consist of:
- Applying to 20 companies each week (multiple jobs with the same company during a week only counts once)
- Send 7 introduction letters to potential employers each week followed by a resume
- Attending 2 network functions each month in the Chicago area
- Meet 4 people per month in the Chicago area for coffee or drinks
Initially I am not definite if these goals are too aggressive or too attainable, so they are subject to change. One thing I am certain of is the most difficult part will be finding the energy to allocate towards these items each night after a full days work. If you have never entered into a comprehensive job search it’s very similar to a full-time job.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Day 1, December 1st 2009
I came up with this idea last night and started planning it today, so I am considering today the first day of my challenge. I have laid out specific action items and weekly/monthly objectives that I believe will ultimately lead to the achievement my goal. While I didn't necessarily complete any of these items today I did create the plan along with this sweet blog to document my ups, downs and progress. I will share some of these action items as well as resources and methods I use in accomplishing my goal. I have also asked a couple of people to act as a coach or advocate to ensure that I am holding myself accountable daily & weekly. If you happen onto this blog by chance or because I send it to you I ask that you take an active role and challenge me to consistently work towards achieving a career in Chicago (this is the ultimate 90 day goal).
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