✨ New Year, New Job Search: Try These Alternatives to Resolutions for Career Success
Hello, Hello!
It’s never too late to wish you a Happy New Year—so here’s mine to you!
I used to love making bold New Year’s resolutions. It felt great at the time, but by February, they’d be long forgotten. So, I’ve shifted gears. Instead of resolutions, I now choose a guiding phrase—something simple to steer my decisions throughout the year. For 2025, my phrase is: “Less expectations, more meditation.” (Although, when I first wrote it as “more medication,” that might have been true, too!)
Today, whether you're chasing your next role or breaking into the tech world for the first time, I want to offer an alternative to over-the-top resolutions—something more grounded, realistic, and achievable.
Thanks for being here, and enjoy the read!
– Aderson
Tired of making New Year’s resolutions that fizzle out by February? You’re not alone. Here’s the real question: What if you could kickstart your job search without relying on traditional resolutions? By rethinking your approach, you can create practical, achievable goals that drive real results in your career journey. Let’s dive into some alternative strategies that work.
3 Key Points for Alternative Job Search Goals
- 🌟 Pick a Career Nudge Word
- 🛑 Create a “To-Don’t List” for Your Job Hunt
- 🎯 Try One-Month Career Challenges
🌟 Pick a Career Nudge Word
Instead of setting rigid job search goals, choose a single word that encapsulates your career intentions. Think of it as a mantra that guides your mindset and actions. This word serves as a subtle nudge to keep you aligned with your bigger aspirations.
How to Do It:
- Choose Words That Resonate: Examples include "Focus," "Network," "Confidence," or "Growth." Each time you think of your word, it reminds you of your commitment to improving your career.
- Tie It to Daily Actions: If your word is "Network," commit to sending one LinkedIn connection request or attending a virtual event each week. If it’s "Confidence," practice answering common interview questions or sharing a project on your portfolio.
- Write It Down: Place your word somewhere visible—on your desk, your phone wallpaper, or even your bathroom mirror. This keeps your intention top of mind every day.
A career nudge word shifts your mindset without overwhelming you with too many tasks, making it easier to stay consistent in your job search efforts.
🛑 Create a “To-Don’t List” for Your Job Hunt
Sometimes, what you stop doing is just as important as what you start. A "To-Don’t List" helps you break unproductive habits that might be sabotaging your job search. It’s about setting boundaries and focusing your energy on what really matters.
How to Do It:
- Identify Time-Wasters: Are you spending hours tweaking your resume for jobs you’re overqualified for? Or doom-scrolling through job boards without a plan? Add these to your "To-Don’t List."
- Stop Saying Yes to Every Opportunity: Not every job lead is worth pursuing. Focus on roles that align with your skills and career goals instead of applying to every listing that comes your way.
- Avoid Comparing Yourself: Social media can be a tough place when everyone seems to be landing their dream job. Add "Don’t compare my journey" to your list and focus on your progress instead.
By eliminating distractions and unproductive behaviors, you’ll free up time and mental energy for more impactful job search activities.
🎯 Try One-Month Career Challenges
Big goals can feel overwhelming, but breaking them into month-long challenges makes them manageable and fun. Short-term challenges provide focus and create quick wins, building momentum for long-term success.
How to Do It:
- Choose a Focus for Each Month: For example, “Networking January” might involve reaching out to five industry professionals, while “Portfolio February” could focus on revamping your LinkedIn or personal website.
- Track Your Progress: Use a calendar or journal to document your efforts. Celebrate small wins, like landing an informational interview or updating a key section of your resume.
- Adjust and Build Momentum: If a challenge works well, carry it into the next month. Over time, these small, consistent actions add up to big results.
One-month career challenges allow you to experiment with different strategies while keeping your job search fresh and engaging.
Conclusion
Traditional resolutions often fade, but these alternative strategies can breathe new life into your job search. By choosing a guiding word, eliminating unproductive habits with a “To-Don’t List,” and tackling focused one-month challenges, you’ll take control of your career journey in a way that’s both practical and achievable.
These small, intentional steps not only build momentum but also keep you motivated and clear-headed as you navigate the job market.
Remember, your job search is a process, not a sprint. The key is to stay consistent, stay intentional, and celebrate every small win along the way.
This year, ditch the pressure of grand resolutions and focus on creating a strategy that truly works for you. Your next career move is just around the corner—start building it today.
Personal Updates
- 🎄 The holidays was a time to enjoy with my kids - I spent 2 weeks with them and it was so good. Puzzles, games, cooking, eating, music, movies, snow. A little bit of everything. I miss it already.
- 🎉 As my 2025 phrase says "Less expectations, more meditation." - I'm taking a break on making life changing decisions. It is good to take the pressure off. A self-imposed pressure, I have to say.
- 🎭 I have been readying about comedy - "How To Write Funny" - No expectations here.
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier