Build Your Grit Muscle Today

The job search and career change journeys are marathons, not sprints. This weekend, commit to one intentional act of grit, a small step forward when it would be easier to pause, build your grit muscle today.

𝑭𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔 𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑱𝒐𝒃 𝑺𝒆𝒆𝒌𝒆𝒓,

1. 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Did you get a "no" this week? Spend 15 minutes analyzing the feedback, not dwelling on the disappointment. Ask: Was it my resume, my skills, or a poor culture fit? Use it as information to adjust your aim.

2. 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: If you're changing careers, identify one person on LinkedIn in your target field. Draft a polite, concise message requesting 15 minutes of their time. Sending that message when you're feeling shy is an act of courage.

3. 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: Feeling overwhelmed? You don’t have to struggle alone. Reach out to one mentor, former colleague, or support person. Asking for encouragement or feedback is a powerful form of grit; it acknowledges the challenge and leverages resources to keep you in the game.

4. 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗱!): Pick that interview question you dread most. Write down your STAR-method answer. Then, say it out loud in front of a mirror or record yourself. The discomfort you feel is your grit muscle working.

5. 𝗔𝗰𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼-𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹: If you're pivoting, dedicate 30 minutes to a free online course or tutorial in your new field. Even small, consistent learning builds confidence and demonstrates your courage to continue acquiring new skills.

6. 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲: Focus on one small, but tedious, section of your materials (like refining your "Technical Skills" list or quantifying a single bullet point). That commitment to detail and forward motion is crucial.

Remember, every tiny, consistent action demonstrates that you possess the courage to continue. That resilience is what interviewers are truly looking for.

Which of these actions are you committing to this weekend?

If need to know how to regain momentum, you don't have to go through it alone. Contact SharpHR Career Coaching and ask for Karen!