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The One New Year’s Resolution That Will Get You a New Job

by THEA kelley | December 30, 2021

What’s the #1 New Year’s Resolution you can make if you want to get a new job you’ll love?

Of course I don’t know the answer! It has to come from you. But let me help you think about it.

What is the one crucial action that, if you did it as a habit, daily and well, would continually move you toward getting that new job? Coaches call this a Single Daily Action (SDA). Brainstorm a few possibilities.

The best SDA will be something very specific that you can check off the list every day as “done.” So a general resolution like “be assertive at work” or “be confident” or “believe in myself” won’t work for this purpose.

We’re also talking about something that’s not too hard–small steps, remember?–and that’s within your control. A resolution like “Do one informational interview every day,” while it may be a useful goal, won’t work as a Single Daily Action because it requires someone else’s cooperation; it’s not entirely within your control.

Here are some examples that could work as a Single Daily Action toward getting a new job:

  • At 8:00 AM every day, I’ll check in with my job search to-do list and plan my day. If you know what you need do but aren’t getting around to it, this might make a big difference.
  • I’ll exercise for 25 minutes every morning. This can support your career goals by improving your energy level, appearance and mood. If you’re having trouble with depression, this can be a game-changer.
  • Every day I’ll ask someone for an informational interview). (The asking is within your control!) If you do this every day, you could end up talking to a lot of people, which makes it much more likely you’ll be referred into an interview. Tip: Don’t use the term “informational interview” when you ask. Instead ask for something like “a 20-minute chat so I can get your advice on some ideas I have about my job search.” This sounds more informal and pleasant.

These are just examples. What would work for you?

Once you’ve decided on your Single Daily Action, use the “3 R’s of Habit Change” (thank you, James Clear) to help you stay with it:

  1. Reminder: Put something in place to remind you to do your SDA. Set an alarm clock, or “piggyback” the new habit onto an existing one. For example: right after you brush your teeth in the morning, do your new habit.
  2. Routine: Do your SDA faithfully.
  3. Reward: Do something enjoyable once you’ve completed it each day.

And I’ll add one more “R”: Reinforcement from a buddy. Tell someone about your Single Daily Action and ask them to check in with you about it, so you’re accountable.

Keep moving toward getting your new job!

 

This article was originally published in 1917 and has been updated.

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