Why Small Victories are Important for Mature Job Seekers
As we get older, we grow wiser; however, job seekers in the 50-and-over demographic may find that being rejected by an employer can lead to an even greater loss in confidence. No one enjoys being passed over for a job, but for older job seekers, it’s imperative to recognize the “small victories” in order to see the big picture.
Read more: What to Avoid When Job-Hunting Over 50
Journalist and social issue writer, Holly Lawrence, identifies these small victories (or “tiny wins”) as “the not-so-obvious successes that need to be celebrated”. The key is to view your life as a whole beyond simply the professional aspect. Recognize personal accomplishments – from a pulling off a difficult recipe to meeting your goals at the gym; cheering up a friend to participating in a community fundraiser – and remember that your achievements extend far beyond your job search.
Lawrence explains how losing out on certain job opportunities caused her to lose sight of her own self-worth. That was until she learned to endure professional rejections through identifying the small victories that encompassed everything she sought out of life, or “tiny wins” rooted in “personal goals and interests”.
Read more: Hiring Manager or Recruiter: Knowing Your Interview Audience
The Science Behind Small Victories
Harvard Business Review published an article in 2011, entitled, “The Power of Small Wins”, which described applying the concept of small victories to enhance employee engagement and motivation. According to Harvard Business School professor, Teresa Amabile and writer, Steven J. Kramer, “Everyday progress – even a small win – can make all the difference in how [employees] feel and perform”.
For many, being overlooked by an employer can access their “inner critic”.
Realizing Your Value Can Help You Live Your Best Life
Unfortunately, for job seekers of all ages, there are many related “adages” that often counteract the process itself, including the mental and emotional well-being of the job-seeker. Lawrence points out that common statements such as, “There are plenty of jobs out there. Why can’t you get a job? You should be able to get a job,” can make it difficult to stay positive throughout a job search.
For many, being overlooked by an employer can access their “inner critic”. “Pretty soon,” Lawrence states, “you start believing that you’re not good at anything. Not believing in your value can lead to loss of willpower to fight for your best life.” Even worse, this mindset can precede emotional anguish, depression, and other coinciding aspects.
Read more: What’s Next: After You Have Decided to Change Careers
Consequently, here are three helpful ways to recognize your small day-to-day victories:
1. Recognize That You are Capable of Succeeding
If you are experiencing a lull in positive feedback from prospective employers, you certainly should not give up on improving upon your skills and presentation methods. However, this does not mean that you can’t channel your energies elsewhere. Brainstorm activities and endeavors that interest you, incorporate your talents, and challenge your skills. As a professional writer, Lawrence offers her own example of taking up the notoriously difficult daily Spelling Bee games in The New York Times. Even a simple online game that offers encouragement can act as a form of positive affirmation after an arduous day. Lawrence states, “I’ve lost at these games, and lost again, but eventually I win. Over time, I have built my tolerance for failure, and keep trying”. In other words, condition yourself to a certain amount of rejection without letting it break you, and finally remember that you are capable of succeeding.
Read more: Mental Resources: How Successful People Stay Sharp
2. Identify What a Real Win Means to You
Do you have an unfinished project or personal goal that you’ve been putting off? Organizing a room in disarray, donating to charity, even creating a new system for carrying out a long-term plan can help you realize your abilities and rediscover your own sense of follow-through. Moreover, you get to make the rules and decide what constitutes a successful endeavor under the circumstances.
When focused on a job search, our self-image may become quite narrow as we begin to view ourselves solely through the eyes of prospective employers.
3. Remember Your Strong Suits
Often, we don’t find ourselves at the end of the same path on which we started in our twenties, or even our early thirties. Perhaps you began your working years in the restaurant industry or pursued a career in the arts. Even if you are no longer a part of your original field, do not write off these accomplishments. Each achievement, no matter the size or type, has contributed to the well-rounded, experienced individual you are today. Remember what led you to your earlier efforts. Most likely it was an interest and talent in that particular area and a series of small victories! When focused on a job search, our self-image may become quite narrow as we begin to view ourselves solely through the eyes of prospective employers. Remember the many facets that make you a unique person; you are not one-dimensional.
Read more: Intelligent Ways to Accelerate and Maximize Your Job Search Process
In Summary
As Lawrence reiterates, any win – no matter its kind – amounts to progress. Of course, an HR recruiter or hiring manager is not going to be interested in your small daily victories. However, this is about personal evolution, not professional advancement. Nevertheless, recognizing your overall worth through “tiny wins” will only help you bring more to the table during your job search.
Once you have achieved a balanced sense of well-being, anything is possible.
Read more: Aiming for Success? Three Notions to Leave Behind
Stewart, Cooper & Coon offers Human Capital Strategy Services to both individuals and corporations. Our staff is dedicated to our clients’ success via innovative job search processes, employment management strategies, and state-of-the-art technologies. Contact Fred Coon – 866-883-4200, Ext. 200