Change can foster results

The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the dust is showing -- everywhere. How did the windows get so dirty? Where did all the trash on the lawn come from? And why don't my pants fit? Spring is more than the season of tulips and baby chicks. For the chore-bound, it's time for spring cleaning and automotive tune-ups. In many religions and cultures, it's also the season of renewal and rebirth.
Pick your analogy and let's get started. Whether you're thinking rebirth, cleaning or tune-up, spring is a good excuse to look critically at yourself and your job hunt. What needs refreshing? What needs to be changed altogether?
The question of change comes to mind for several reasons. When one speaks of a job search and efforts that haven't been effective, the next thought is naturally: What can you change about this campaign? What new strategy can you employ?
Change is a logical antidote to poor results.
But change is also the foundation of the analogies already offered here. Spring cleaning and tune-ups are about changing -- and clearing away -- the detritus of a season of benign neglect. The dust that has settled in the house and the grit clinging to the engine must be removed. If the dirt is allowed to remain, you won't see the real surface of things and you might miss problems that are forming.
A new form
Renewal and rebirth are the ultimate change analogies. What could be more thrilling than something actually dying in one form and coming back in another?
I'm reminded of all these points when I think of job seekers and the weariness that begins to accumulate when they've been pushing too hard and too long down the same paths. Send out letters, follow up with a call, wait through the silence. Send out letters, follow up with a call -- you know the pattern.
In a discussion at a women's gathering last fall, Trish Stelten, editor of Stressfree Living Magazine, said something that stuck with me. In fighting stress, Stelten said, "A change is better than a rest."
So, is change for the sake of change a good idea? I'm going to take a leap and tell you yes. I think sometimes we get so stuck, so covered in the road grit from our long journeys, that we can't see clearly enough to make the big decisions. Sometimes strategy has to take a back seat to just getting a new perspective on things. And change is the key to new perspective.
With that in mind, and with a nod to all our analogies -- cleaning, tune-ups and renewal -- I'm offering a short list of simple changes that might alter your view of things.
UWardrobe. Go through your clothes and toss out anything that doesn't fit, is faded or worn, or that you don't enjoy wearing anymore. Set aside one to two interview outfits and get them into top condition. Or, shop for a new outfit that fits you exactly as you are this minute and helps you look your best. Commit to starting each day by dressing up a bit, not only to look good, but also to feel confident as well.
UHair. Change your hairstyle, even if -- especially if -- you've worn it the same way for years. And start each day by combing and styling your hair. Be ready for work, even if you currently have no place to go.
UBody. Exercise? Of course you knew that would be on the list. Take a walk outside every day. Perhaps more importantly, focus time each day on your posture. Sitting and standing up straight are good starts. But what are your shoulders doing? If you've become used to leaning forward with your neck out and your shoulders hunched, you're probably not even aware how inert you look. Practice several times a day until good posture becomes a habit. You will feel better, while impressing others with your energy and strength.
USpirit. What have you done lately to give a spark to your spirit? If you observe a faith, be sure to keep up on services during your job search. Or mix things up a bit and visit a different program. If your spiritual practices are less structured, add something now that will take you outside your own problems. This could be a cleanup campaign in your neighborhood or a volunteer effort to assist someone in need.
These changes are modest, admittedly. But they are important first steps toward welcoming a new season in your life.
XAmy Lindgren, the owner of a career-consulting firm in St. Paul, Minn., can be reached at alindgren@pioneerpress.com.