Are you a jobseeker who has lost the thrill of the chase and who is having a serious case of the motivational wobbles?
Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us at one stage or another. Even if you pride yourself on being an ambitious, go-getting, and determined type of person, there will no doubt be times when you lose your mojo, and can’t seem to motivate yourself to do what is needed.
A job search is full-on. It will undoubtedly have its highs and lows, and there will be days when the thought of searching for and applying for jobs is less than appealing. Some days, your brain simply won’t want to cooperate and for that reason, you need to take a break.
If you don’t feel motivated by your goals, you are hardly likely to achieve them. Forging ahead because you feel you should will be counterproductive. Any searching you do is likely to be half-hearted, lacking the intensity and excitement that your next career move deserves. Any applications you ping out will be perfunctory, and this kind of response is unlikely to excite the person on the other end.
Instead, take time out. The focus shouldn’t be on correcting your mindset. Instead, you need to give your brain the opportunity and room it needs to breathe, to reboot, and refocus. Here are some suggestions that can revitalise a flagging job search mojo:
#1 Get physical
If you’re experiencing a mental slump, then get moving. Physical exercise is known to get the endorphins flowing, delivering positive benefits to both physical and mental wellbeing.
#2 Get organised
A cluttered environment can detract your focus from your job search, so take the opportunity to tidy up and clear unnecessary clutter.
#3 Take a tech break
Most of us are guilty of being continually attached to tech of one kind or another throughout the day. The problem is that it can overload our brains with information, darting our attention this way and that until the whole thing becomes overwhelming. Turning off the tech for a while can give your mind the breathing room it needs to recuperate.
#4 Mix up the inspiration
It’s not surprising that doing the same thing, hour after hour, day after day, will end in boredom. There’s only so much job-seeking you can do before you feel stir-crazy. Allow yourself to do something different, and you’ll be surprised how energising the change can be. Whether you choose to meet up with a friend, cook a meal, or take time out to enjoy a hobby – you may find that changing things up can actually revitalise your job search mojo.
#5 Hydrate and fuel your body
Working intensely at a screen can be all-absorbing, making you neglect your body’s needs. Many of us forget to drink enough water throughout the day, yet this simple action can have an immediate positive effect on our wellbeing. Similarly, if you are knee-deep in a job search, you may forget to eat the right foods that provide the mental and physical energy you need.
#6 Turn on, tune in, drop out
Music can lift the soul, so listening to some rockin’ tunes is a great way to elevate your mood. Put on music that makes you happy, and even throw some shapes if you feel like it. If you’re lacking music inspiration, why not listen to Giraffe CVs’ very own mixtape, Job Search 2015: The Playlist?
#7 Revisit your goals
When you are ready, it’s a good idea to re-clarify your goals. Getting clear on what you want and documenting it will increase your chances of achieving your target. You may find that your goals have changed since your job search commenced. If you were pursuing goals that have now changed, it’s no wonder that you were feeling demotivated. Write down your target, along with a job wish-list, and keep it in sight as you recommence your job search.
Lis McGuire
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