Staying Motivated and Resilient While Strengthening Your Career Development

“I don’t want to do this assignment” 

“I don’t have motivation” 

“I can’t focus” 

Do any of these sound familiar? Have you said them to yourself? (I have, it’s okay)

Right now, so many things may be swirling around in your mind and you feel like you have to have it all together. Between assignments, jobs, family, graduating, etc.,it is hard to identify what is a priority. It’s almost as if all these things need to be done, yet you are moving at a snail’s pace. 

What if I told you you are actually more motivated and resilient than you think?

It’s true. You are still doing the best thing you can for yourself and future career endeavors amidst the crisis… 

You are still moving forward. You are still taking action.

When you think about career development, you may be thinking about getting your resume done, that personal statement finished, and that job search and interview prep underway. Yes. That is all career development, but those aren’t the only categories in career development.

I just want to name a few you may not be thinking of… Attending your online class. Participating in your online discussion. Practicing task discipline and time management. Strengthening your adaptability and flexibility as you chase your 3-year-old around while reciting information on a key topic that is on that test this week. Those are all a part of your career development too.  

After that reminder, that you are doing enough and accomplishing more than you think, I wanted to give some more tips on how to stay motivated and resilient during this time. 

1. 1. Breathe. Nothing is going to get done the way you want it to without taking moments to breathe and slow your mind.
   2. Plan. Never been the planner type? That’s okay. Set up reminders on your calendar, phone, tablet, etc. Figure out what your definition of planning is that will keep you on track. BOOM! Career development: prioritization! 
   3. Set a routine. Now, I know for parents of young kiddos that may not be the easiest right now, but any routine you can make is better than nothing! Find some type of rhythm in this collective chaos. This could even be setting up a “work station” in your home. BOOM! Career development: time management and strategizing! 
   4. Set up virtual study dates. Having trouble focusing? Have someone, or a group, on the other end so you can keep one another on task. If anything, use it to keep building your collaboration and communication skills. BOOM! Career development: teamwork!
   5. Write down your small victories. We all need those these days with the bad news we seem to be getting day after day. Celebrate the fact that you completed your to-do list or that you walked to the mail and got some sunshine. BOOM! Career Development: managing stressful/overwhelming times!
   6. Find training/classes to take to enhance your skills. LinkedIn Learning is great for this! From learning Excel to building self-confidence, enhance existing or completely novel skill sets to highlight on your resume or in an interview. BOOM! Career Development: initiative to engage in professional development! 

• Believe in yourself as much as TWU believes in you and use your resources. You have so much going on in your life, and the fact that you are reading this shows your strength to get through this. I promise you, you are accomplishing more than you think. Don’t sell yourself short. Don’t feel like you have to get everything done and perfected. Most importantly, don’t feel like you have to do it alone. 

“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” – Maya Angelou