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 at some point during a lengthy job search, especially during the summer months.  "Distractions" and other 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 continue with you and your general physical fitness…

...And have some fun with fitness while you're accomplishing things.  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.

FUEL your Personal Market Plan implementation

1. Read a section of your job search workbook, reviewing your notes from a recent session with your Consultant.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. PLAN.... really plan your day and week ahead. Self-regulated accountability can increase your productivity and, ultimately, your results.

5. 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).

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...

1. Practice your two minute drill every chance you get.... its the fundamental building material of your communication strategy--your verbal collaterals!

2. Practice your exit statement... most all potential employers and networking contacts will want to know your current situation and why you are available.

3. Practice answering both common and tough questions... including pre-offer negotiation tactics.

Now, GO PRACTICE !

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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. 

Awarded the prestigious "LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD" in 2006.