Why is stretching so important? Well. technically, if we don’t stretch tight muscles, they can cramp. If we don’t stretch our bodies which includes flexing our muscles, they can atrophy.
Similarly, stretching one’s skills and comfort zones is a must for the job hunter. In order to build, to grow, to expand, one must do the uncomfortable. Stretching can be uncomfortable, even a little painful, but the results are invaluable: increased performance, less mistakes, and greater stamina. Therefore, it is wise to push beyond the everyday ground level to reach career greatness.
10 Tips for stretching the job hunter’s everyday routine and long-term path
- Reach out to someone you think is your senior—someone you think might never deem to talk to you. Tell yourself that you are worthy of their time and that in order to gain new heights, you must reach upward. Being curious about their story is enough to get started.
- Connect with people who work at the companies you are applying to. Even if you are not comfortable reaching out, do so. It won’t hurt, and the stretch beyond your social norm will boost your chances of being known and recognized.
- Learn new skills on LinkedIn learning, take a business class at your local community college, or find yourself a tutor in language or communications. Working toward advancing your mind will strengthen your interviewing skills when the time comes.
- Organize your life so that you are surrounded by items in your home and car that remind you of who you aspire to be as a professional and what boosts your morale. These items should induce feelings of comfort and motivation.
- Think about what you put into your body before you consume it. Job hunters are high-stress-level candidates and some tend to overeat or go for fast nutritionless meals.
- Take the extra step to ensure you fill your body with balanced whole foods and vitamins. Some job hunters are prone to skipping meals or focusing on crash diets. Take the time to serve yourself quality slow food, even if that means a salad with a side of toast.
- Exercise until you sweat and burn. Push yourself beyond the norm of your fitness routine, setting goals for improvement. Of course, you should heed any medical limitations you might have, and make sure to follow doctor recommendations.
- Be still and breathe. When your norm is to go-go-go, try taking a pause instead of jumping directly to the next task. You will experience an instantaneous re-boot. If this seems hard, you should definitely do it more often.
- Expand your horizons in the world of entertainment and hobbies. You like opera? Try some soul. You like tennis? Try kayaking. You like pubs? Try tea rooms. Explore.
- Dare to think about yourself in a whole new way. You are who you want to be and it’s okay to evolve and change. People will adapt to the new you. Be yourself, no matter what.
Job hunting is uncomfortable. So why not lean into the discomfort and take advantage of the stretch? It’s time to push yourself in all the right ways, and remember to celebrate the little wins on your way to success.
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