Why We Shouldn't Make New Year's Resolutions

For six years I struggled with my weight.  If I would show you pictures from high school and college, I weighed 35 pounds more than I do now. It shocks people when I share this because I’m petite and I haven’t had any major weight gain in years.

I remember year after year, making a New Year's resolution that I would shed the weight. I think about the numerous hours planning out my perfect diet and workout schedule. I had a mix of overwhelm thinking about it, boredom trying to stick to it, and frustration when I would sabotage it.

I find that many job seekers make a resolution to try and find a new job. It makes me shudder when I hear this resolution because it sounds daunting.  Think about the numerous hours sitting on Career Builder filling out applications. It sounds awful! Why would anyone want to torture themselves like that?

My “aha” moment about my weight came when I realized that it was a moment-to-moment effort. Was I hungry? If so, I should eat and stop when I’m full. Instead of sticking to a regimented diet, I started listening to my hunger signals and enjoying the foods I would eat. Exercise became about being outside, instead of weight loss.

Seeking a job is similar. You have to take it day-by-day. I’m not saying that you shouldn't work to accomplish tasks or goals.  It’s just breaking them down so they aren't as off-putting.

For example, instead of saying “I’m going to get a new job”, what if you spend 2-3 hours doing career research because it’s interesting to discover what other opportunities are out there? What if you rewrote your resume because it’s awesome to reflect on your past accomplishments and tell your story?

Instead of tackling the issue of finding a job all at once, break it down one step at a time. Try to enjoy it because you’re an amazing person and have so much to contribute.

Happy New Year!