Your mindset matters ... be kind to yourself

Your mindset matters!

Where is your mindset at?

Procrastination or getting things done.
Losing or winning.
Regretting or learning.
Looking backwards or looking forward.
Reactive or proactive.
Failure or progress.

Little things can make such a difference - don't you think?

During these unsettling times, personal resilience is key. Keeping a positive mindset when things may not be going the way you want can be challenging at the best of times, even for the more robust job searcher. 

Here are a few practical pointers to help keep your job search mindset in a better place...

• Keep it real - don't apply for a space cadet job if you are afraid of heights. Remember you are competing with others that don't mind heights!   
• Remove some of the stress by keeping in control as much as you can and keep organised. Focus on things you can change, don't dwell on stuff you can't - this is negative energy. Let go of baggage.   
• Listen to your gut feeling - 99% of the time, it is right. Your gut feeling is a human algorithm - pay attention to your head, not your heart.   
• Leave your inner critic behind you and be aware of your internal dialogue (preserve your energy for more constructive activity).  
• Don't beat yourself up if you didn't get the interview, or dwell on what you should have said or done. Just learn from each situation and move on.   
• Try not to take it personally - the reality check is, you never know who you are up against and if it's not meant to be, then it's not meant to be. Park it and move on. Their loss.   
• Reward yourself for each little win. Notice and recognise the good stuff, it is there if you look for it - you just need to notice it. Record it to remember it.   
• Be open-minded and avoid making assumptions. Assumptions can block out the wider opportunity for you and you never know where a conversation or a left turn on your job search road map may take you...  
• Learn, Listen, Change. Don't be afraid to ask for feedback and utilise the recruiter's expertise around you - they know how to play the game better than you. Ask them what job boards they would use, and what would they do if they were you.  
• Don't let it sap all your energy. Stop negative thinking - it's a huge drain on your energy resources. Turn negative thoughts into learning thoughts.   
• Take time out, and be kind to yourself. Treats are OK.   
• Don't feel guilty when you are not job searching - you need to pace yourself and balance your life.   
• Stay healthy, get the heart going with some cardio, even a 10-minute walk can make a difference - exercise is a great mind cleanser and can detox the mindset.   
• A healthy diet can help with your mood and energy levels.   
• Don't be afraid or too proud to ask for help. It's OK to ask for help when you need it. You might not have the answers but someone else can help you turn a corner. Help can make such a difference IF you let it. Embrace help, take the first steps to change.   
• Keep your mind active. Maybe use the time to gain some new skills or take up some training. (There are loads of free/low-cost training courses available online). 
• Listen to constructive criticism from your supporters, recruiters, and interviewers. Interpret and understand their messages.   
• Be nice to everyone. You never know when your paths may cross again. 

And finally...

Make one small change a day, do it for a couple of days so it becomes more of a habit. Do it for 2-3 weeks and it becomes a habit. And a corner turned. 

Little steps - it's as much about the journey, as the destination.