In Job Search? Develop a Beginners Mind
A job search ranks right up there with another challenging aspect of like. It can stress out and beat down the best of us. Building your foundation is critical to give you’re the strength, focus, and energy to persevere through this process.
Below are some ideas, but what’s important is that few of us can do everything. Pick what resonates with you. Do it well and build it into a routine. Then add other things as you can or have a need to.
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Exercise – first 20 minutes of the day
This won’t require you to start training for an Ironman competition. It does mean you need to move and ideally sweat a little. There are many ways to get this accomplished. Walking, running, swimming, yoga…be safe and pick something that ideally you enjoy. Studies show that the most beneficial time of day is to exercise in the first 20 minutes of waking up. If that doesn’t work for you…pick another time. What’s important is that you “just do it.”
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Meditation – 10 minutes day
A common excuse I hear about why someone doesn’t meditation is because they can not quite their mind. Well, the truth is that only the most enlightened can. Don’t let that stop you from taking advantage of this simple method to help you center your mind…and in turn, your body. Two practices I have had amazing results with is meditating on Gratitude and Forgiveness. Being thankful for the things in our lives, even if all you can come up with is an excellent cup of coffee. Start with where you are and build on it. Similar is correct about Forgiveness. Let’s face it many of us that are in a job search because of a layoff or other reason within or out of our control can become angry. Letting go of that charge is essential. It can be a key to helping you get to that next place in your journey.
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Journaling – 15 minutes a day.
An essential tool in helping you gather your thoughts and set your intention. Use that time to create your to-do list. Make sure you identify your top priorities and keep them. Journaling about your frustrations can also help to process them.
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Reading – 15 minutes a day
A very high percentage of CEO’s read. A book a week is not uncommon. The average business book is 400 pages or less, the average reader about 6 hours or 30 minutes three times a week or 15 minutes a day. Blinkist is an APP that you can read or listen to audio summaries – about 15 minutes each of a full book.
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Develop a Beginners Mind
More and more employers are looking for someone who “fits in” with their culture, placing a very high percentage of your ability to get hired on your attitude and your mindset. Yes, your impressive skills are essential but your mindset is even more so. Develop a Beginners Mind. Here are three ideas:
- Don’t Prejudge
- Don’t Preach
- Ask and LISTEN to their needs. Don’t assume you know what they want.
What do you do to give you an edge?