It's time to get ahead on #nationalfightprocrastinationday
Procrastination is a tricky devil. It’s not just watching Netflix, or shoving work in a closet. Sometimes, it wears a disguise… and its name is productivity.
I’m a master of productive procrastination. I spent my morning ordering groceries online (you really can have anything delivered nowadays), unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher, paid bills, and finally rescued my long-suffering couch from the laundry horde. I felt accomplished, it was a morning well spent. I was proud of myself for taking care of the tedious tasks no one wants to do.
But there’s a catch. One little thing I didn’t do.
That would be my original goal (finishing this blog!).
I completed things that needed to be done… but none of them were at the top of my professional “to-do” list.
No one enjoys conducting a job search. It’s time consuming, and can be downright frustrating. Each step in the process leads to another (if you’ve filled out an online application, you know what I’m talking about).
Whether it’s the length of your employment to-do list or the stomachache that comes with filling out yet another application, the reasons to put off your employment search practically write themselves (unlike that pesky resume).
Procrastination is a negative force working against your job search, but it can be conquered with a few mindful steps.
I’m a master of productive procrastination. I spent my morning ordering groceries online (you really can have anything delivered nowadays), unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher, paid bills, and finally rescued my long-suffering couch from the laundry horde. I felt accomplished, it was a morning well spent. I was proud of myself for taking care of the tedious tasks no one wants to do.
But there’s a catch. One little thing I didn’t do.
That would be my original goal (finishing this blog!).
I completed things that needed to be done… but none of them were at the top of my professional “to-do” list.
No one enjoys conducting a job search. It’s time consuming, and can be downright frustrating. Each step in the process leads to another (if you’ve filled out an online application, you know what I’m talking about).
Whether it’s the length of your employment to-do list or the stomachache that comes with filling out yet another application, the reasons to put off your employment search practically write themselves (unlike that pesky resume).
Procrastination is a negative force working against your job search, but it can be conquered with a few mindful steps.
Step 1: Update Your Resume Now
Whether you’re currently looking or have landed your dream job, you should always have an updated resume that reflects your growth. Acquired a new skill? Update your resume. Started a new job? Update your resume. Completed training? Update your resume. If your resume is always current, you’ll never have to worry about missing an employment opportunity.
Whether you’re currently looking or have landed your dream job, you should always have an updated resume that reflects your growth. Acquired a new skill? Update your resume. Started a new job? Update your resume. Completed training? Update your resume. If your resume is always current, you’ll never have to worry about missing an employment opportunity.
Step 2: Treat Your Job Search Like a Job
Don’t scroll through job boards while watching the latest episode of This is Us. It’s hard to read a job description through tear-filled eyes. Give your job search the attention it deserves.
Devote a block of time each day to finding your next job. Create a plan each morning, including your goals and what you want to accomplish. Checking off those items will give you a sense of pride and fulfillment you can’t find in a clean kitchen—the effort you devote to your job search will eventually end in a job, unlike the kitchen which never stays clean anyway.
Don’t scroll through job boards while watching the latest episode of This is Us. It’s hard to read a job description through tear-filled eyes. Give your job search the attention it deserves.
Devote a block of time each day to finding your next job. Create a plan each morning, including your goals and what you want to accomplish. Checking off those items will give you a sense of pride and fulfillment you can’t find in a clean kitchen—the effort you devote to your job search will eventually end in a job, unlike the kitchen which never stays clean anyway.
Step 3: Network, Network, Network
I know the idea of stuffy hotel conference rooms, professional mixers, and seminars make scouring a tub feel like a dream, but staying current in your industry can help you land your next job. Check out professional groups through LinkedIn® and Facebook and make connections. Talk with industry professionals and try to learn something new every month—it will pay off.
Procrastination is sneaky, and it can hide in productive tasks. But you, unlike procrastination, have the power. Do the meaningful work that will get you the job and future you’ve dreamed of—it is within your reach!
Story by Amanda Marksmeier
I know the idea of stuffy hotel conference rooms, professional mixers, and seminars make scouring a tub feel like a dream, but staying current in your industry can help you land your next job. Check out professional groups through LinkedIn® and Facebook and make connections. Talk with industry professionals and try to learn something new every month—it will pay off.
Procrastination is sneaky, and it can hide in productive tasks. But you, unlike procrastination, have the power. Do the meaningful work that will get you the job and future you’ve dreamed of—it is within your reach!
Story by Amanda Marksmeier
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