When I wrote this article in May 2020 about job search tactics I never could have imagined that it would still be relevant 19 months later. And yet — here we are, still in the middle of a global pandemic (sorry if that was news to you), and many of us still working in sweatpants and struggling more than ever with work-related boundaries.
Read on for my fresh, bright-eyed, early-pandemic take on things!
Welcome to Part 5 of our 5-Part series on how to improve your job search from home, in your sweats, without killing your kids or spouse. If it’s too late for that, keep reading anyway.
In Part 1 we discussed linking in with as many relevant people as possible to get 1st and 2nd connections. Part 2 highlighted blogging for thought leadership. In Part 3 we cautioned against consuming too much social media. In Part 4 we discussed how to identify your real value add.
Now we turn to your attitude: Take off your sweatpants and jeans!
Part 5: Take off your Sweatpants and Jeans
There is no sexual reference here.
In Admiral William H. McRaven’s Make Your Bed he argues that self-esteem is directly built from your daily habits. At a little more than 100 pages, it is an easy read. It is amazing how our daily routine affects our attitude. If I watch a violent show on Netflix, I won’t sleep well. If I don’t meditate for 30 minutes each morning, I am a little off.
During these difficult times, how many of us have taken zoom calls in sweatpants or ripped jeans (or even naked)? How many of us shower daily? How many of us stick to our routines?
I am no exception. Even though I am a financial services career coach, I’m guilty of all of the above, including using the restroom on a zoom call. Given our Supreme Court justices do the same, I don’t feel so bad. However, my energy level is lower, my ability to think is hampered, and I just don’t feel “on.”
The only state of mind is that which exists between your ears, or on your body. Keep up your routines, put business clothes on during the week, and keep going.
