Many jobseekers think that the first step in searching for a new job is to update their resume. Actually, the first thing the job seeker should focus on is creating a positive mindset. Research shows that practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress, anxiety, and the feeling of hopelessness. To quote Forbes, “Optimism creates opportunity and pessimism kills it.” Here are my thoughts about incorporating mindfulness in your job search:
It may seem odd to be concerned about mindfulness or seeing the glass as half full when looking for a job. But in actuality, this outlook has everything to do with a successful search. In fact, Forbes says, “Optimism creates opportunity and pessimism kills it.” Certainly, you want to think big and open yourself up to opportunities when on a job search. At its core, mindfulness is about staying in the moment without judgment about what’s going on around you. Here are a few ways you can use mindfulness to help yourself stay positive while you look for a job.
Establish an intention. When you cultivate an intention, you focus on the why. Why are you looking for a new job right now? Why are you applying to this company? Why do you want to do this specific job? Think about your dreams and what you’re passionate about to help you find your why. All of this leads to setting your intention for finding a job. When you discover your intention, you can mindfully focus on what you really want.
Pay attention to your feelings. When it comes to looking for a job, it’s common to focus on the logical. For example, does this job pay enough, and will it further my career? But, when you tune more into what you’re feeling, you pay attention to your instincts, and your instincts can tell you something very different than your logic. Maybe you got an offer for a job, but during the interview, you felt a bad vibe from the person who will be your manager and you sense the office culture is against what you stand for. These kinds of things can give you clues you need to make decisions about a job on a mindful level.
Reserve judgment when you apply. It is self-limiting to apply for jobs thinking you don’t have a chance to land the position. When you are stuck in this kind of thinking, it’s important to ask yourself why you have this mindset. Are you underestimating what you’re capable of? Are you scarred by a time when you thought for sure a position was yours but you still got rejected? Digging deeper into these questions will help you go into job applications judgment-free and more likely leave you open to possibilities.
People practice mindfulness to find a little peace in their lives, so it only makes sense to see how it can help you in your job search. Thinks about what Forbes said about seeing the glass as half full creates opportunity. When you use mindfulness to stay positive, you only increase your chance for good things (and job offers) to come. Try these simple tips the next time you apply for a job and see what difference it makes.