Finding a New Job: How Reflection and Gratitude Can Help

Landing a new job requires persistence and resilience. Reflection and gratitude help sustain motivation by providing perspective on your talents and re-energizing your network. Below are three steps to help you on your journey:

Reflect on Your Accomplishments

When job hunting, it’s easy to become hyper-focused on what you don’t have yet. Make time to reflect on your career accomplishments so far. What past projects made you proud? What skills have you gained? Consider creating a brag sheet with quantified achievements, manager praise, colleague testimonials, awards, and recognitions. Revisiting your accomplishments can energize your job search by reminding you of the value you bring as a candidate.

Be Grateful for Your Network

Networking is critical when looking for a new job. Take time to appreciate the connections you’ve made throughout your career. Former coworkers, supervisors, professional associations, and even college alumni can potentially help your search through introductions, referrals, and insider information. Nurture this network by catching up over coffee or with thoughtful notes. Express sincere gratitude for their support. With help from your contacts, new doors may open.

Find Everyday Motivation

Don’t underestimate the power of practicing daily gratitude. Look for small motivations to be thankful for - a positive conversation with a recruiter, new job prospects, or progress on your resume. Starting each day by writing down a few things you're grateful for can put you in a more optimistic, empowered frame of mind for job hunting.

Follow the practices above and maintain hope by focusing on the progress made, not just the milestones ahead. With the right mindset, you will be prepared to seize the next great opportunity.