As you pursue your goals—finding a new job, discovering the right work, changing careers or re-entering the workplace—is it hard for you to stay constantly energized? Does your concentration and motivation for the project often wane? The transition process naturally has its highs and lows. The key challenge: to manage the times of ebb and flow and not be derailed.

At times you’ll feel energized and focused, moving forward. Sometimes not so much. It’s normal and no reflection on your commitment or work ethic. You’ve been working your action plan. You know what you want. Take a bit of a breather through hobbies, walks, gardening, sports, visiting friends and good self-care. Build balance into your day.

If you feel you’ve lost momentum and you’ve discontinued your efforts, renew your vision now—on the emotional level. The big prize is the successful fulfillment of your goals and dreams. Gather your resourcefulness, persistence and courage. You can achieve your objectives.

How to jump-restart the energy for your work search

1.  Vary your routine. Sometimes it’s just the boost you need.

At times we simply need a change of perspective. A small change can make a huge difference.

I remember a story I heard about automobile assembly lines. Developed on a large scale by Henry Ford in the early 1900’s, the moving assembly line has increased productivity tremendously. Why? Interchangeable parts and specialized labor. Each worker is trained to do one step or just a few steps as the car rolls down the line.

To lessen workers’ mental fatigue from doing the same thing over and over, workers are sometimes moved. They do a similar task—but switch to the other side of the car. Small changes have an impact.

Vary your routine. Try a new approach. We need variety and challenge to be productive.

2.  Make it OK to be uncomfortable for awhile.

Change and growth are afoot. It’s not comfortable. If it was, there would be no catalyst for change. We seek to avoid discomfort in many ways. To better ourselves through our work lives takes risk and great courage.

We may want to go back to the pre-transition stability and comfortable routine—but we’re beginning a new, exciting and unfamiliar chapter.

3.  Go where the energy is—venture out.

What lifts your spirits? We each receive energy and inspiration from different sources. It depends on our interests and temperament. Conversations with colleagues, events, workshops, classes and professional association meetings can be energizing. Get out more into the flow of energy. Avoid isolation.

You can reset how you feel about your work search—bringing in renewed energy, hope and the courage to go on.

Respect your efforts, respect yourself. Self-respect leads to self-discipline. When you have both firmly under your belt, that’s real power. -Clint Eastwood

Today’s question

Do you need to recharge your work search?