Prefacing with the fact that I am just as much a slacker as anyone else (don’t mistake rampant over-reaching for actual productivity), I know that the job search can sometimes be difficult. Worse, it can be downright depressing.
I want to share with you what I do when I get distracted or depressed:
Minute One – Take a deep breath, a look outside, a quick stretch – and remove yourself from whatever distracting situation you’re in. It might be Facebook stalking. It might be a noisy roommate in your dorm room. Hell, it might even be the work you’re trying to get done. Just take a break for a minute and breathe.
Minute Two – Try to remember why you’re trying to accomplish this particular task. Are you getting paid? Will you get a better grade? Will it make it easier for you to get something else done down the road? If you’re not getting any benefit out of doing this thing – why are you doing it?
Minute Three – Create a 10/2 list. In the next 10 minutes, what 2 things do you want to have accomplished? Do this every time you find yourself getting distracted – if I get myself to focus on just TWO tasks I know I’ll finish them (I suppose you could do a 5/1 list – but I’m too ADD for that).
Minute Four – Know the next step - where you need to go or do after you’ve finished whatever you’re doing now.
Minute Five – Eliminate distractions. Turn off the TV, the iPod, Facebook, LiveJournal, the movie, whatever is dragging your attentions away from the things you should be focusing on.
My system isn’t perfect for everyone – what’s yours?
Psychotic Resumes is a Gen-Y (Millennial) job survival guide created by Nick Armstrong to help new professionals build stronger resumes and cover letters so they can find a better job. It's our goal to help Gen-Y do better at interviews and on the job, promoting strong leadership, entrepreneurship, and common sense.
5 Minutes a day to Getting Things Done
I want to share with you what I do when I get distracted or depressed:
Minute One – Take a deep breath, a look outside, a quick stretch – and remove yourself from whatever distracting situation you’re in. It might be Facebook stalking. It might be a noisy roommate in your dorm room. Hell, it might even be the work you’re trying to get done. Just take a break for a minute and breathe.
Minute Two – Try to remember why you’re trying to accomplish this particular task. Are you getting paid? Will you get a better grade? Will it make it easier for you to get something else done down the road? If you’re not getting any benefit out of doing this thing – why are you doing it?
Minute Three – Create a 10/2 list. In the next 10 minutes, what 2 things do you want to have accomplished? Do this every time you find yourself getting distracted – if I get myself to focus on just TWO tasks I know I’ll finish them (I suppose you could do a 5/1 list – but I’m too ADD for that).
Minute Four – Know the next step - where you need to go or do after you’ve finished whatever you’re doing now.
Minute Five – Eliminate distractions. Turn off the TV, the iPod, Facebook, LiveJournal, the movie, whatever is dragging your attentions away from the things you should be focusing on.
My system isn’t perfect for everyone – what’s yours?