FIT Happens:
TIPS For Level I Candidates
A little extra exercise may boost your spirits, now, or at anytime during career transition.
Studies have revealed that exercise is a great way to boost mood or keep
negative feelings a bay. In a study, regular physical activity appeared to
reduce the risk of both depression and anxiety. Many people feel an emotional
letdown after the passing of a holiday season... and things get back to
"business as usual." These factors tend to play together and influence the
productive attitude of many individuals engaged in career transition or actual
job search. However, executing
your Personal Market Plan during a soft job economy requires special attention
to positioning, targeting… and YOU. Let’s start with you and your
general physical fitness…
Level 1: LITE refers to both your exercise habits and your favored beer… Haven’t exercised regularly for years… have some health issues… walking to and from the car is the most exercise a normal day includes…
After checking with your physician to determine your physical limitations, simply starting a regular routine of an early morning walk will get you started in the right direction. We humans will always prefer to "take the easy way out," taking the path of least resistance....BREAK THAT PATTERN.
Instead of taking the elevator up to your office, walk up the stairway a few flights;
Early evening walking is good to "walk off" that heavy supper you just ate;
Keep a consistent eye on ramping up your level of activity and putting variety into it;
Find creative ways to exercise... get outside the box.
A Good Way to Focus
If you need to focus better on the task at hand, grab your walking shoes. WALK YOUR DOG A MILE A DAY… whether you have a dog or not!
Improving your cardiovascular fitness through brisk walking or jogging can help boost your mental acuity. In a study, people who regularly participated in cardiovascular exercise were able to focus better on a target compared to people who performed only stretching and toning exercises.
FUEL your Market Plan implementation
Read a section of your job search workbook, reviewing your notes from a recent session with your Consultant.
Consider how you are willing to commit to putting the information into productive practice during your walk. You will come back from each such walk refreshed and ready to succeed in your next campaign efforts.
Give your head and your heart a break... some free time to consider longer range planning. A strategic view of career continuation will serve you well and create optimism.
PLAN.... really plan your day and week ahead. Self-regulated accountability can increase your productivity and, ultimately, your results.
Take your exercise to the next level by rolling in some easy-to-do routines, exercises that don’t require any special equipment or time consuming preparation. Search out a fun, doable sport that you can do with a friend or colleague… biking, swimming, golf or tennis come right to mind (remember to check with your physician as to what is right for you).
BUILD Your Career Management Strategy
Both physical fitness and career FITness represent a journey rather than destinations. As your life and career progresses, so does the journey. There will always be a next level. Practice excellent career continuation skills for the rest of your career...and, of course, especially during any career transition. The full integration of physical fitness and Personal Career FITness takes time… perhaps, the rest of your career, at least.
What are you waiting for?
Learning Points…
F
UEL your Market Plan implementation…I
ntegrate your physical fitness with your career FITness by using your IMAGINATION…T
ime is your partner.READY FOR >> LEVEL II ?
A famous Notre Dame football coach was once quoted as saying that, "Practice makes perfect."
Mr. Rockne was a bit misguided in his thinking...
You see, he drilled the IRISH to focus on the result of WINNING. An even MORE famous coach, of Green Bay Packer fame, spoke more frankly when he said, "Perfect practice makes perfect." Mr. Lombardi's intent was very different. He wanted his players to concentrate on PRACTICE, drilling on the "little things", the basics, so that they became instinct during the heat of real life. Such is productive mindset during any career transition...
Practice your two minute drill every chance you get.... its the fundamental building material of your communication strategy--your verbal collaterals!
Practice your exit statement... most all potential employers and networking contacts will want to know your current situation and why you are available.
Practice answering both common and tough questions... including pre-offer negotiation tactics.
Now, GO PRACTICE !
"If you
practice the way you play, there shouldn't be any difference. That's why I practiced so hard. I wanted to be prepared for the game."Michael Jordan (1963- )
>> Candidate EXTRANET >> Home Fitness
>> TOP TEN: Basic Fitness Tips >> Get FIT
Bob Maher, CMF... The Careerpilot
Bob created his online presence, www.careerpilot.com, in 1994. He has over twenty years of successful experience in Corporate Recruitment, performance management and Career Management Services. He is an entrepreneur and innovator in the use of information technology in the recruitment and employment process. On the Founder's Council of the Association of Career Professionals - International and quite active in their Professional Development, Technology and Chapter Growth initiatives--a frequent speaker at industry conferences and seminars.