I have an aversion to procrastination. So when I speak with clients who need a change and should at least take a hard look at their job situation, but don’t, I get frustrated. I truly believe that we live in a marvelous area with an extremely talented work force and an industrial, service, and non-profit community that present enormous opportunity for creativity and growth. At the same time I see too many clients who do not appreciate how much they can truly offer, discount their own value and believe that hanging on to what they have is their only option.

Consequently, as the old year draws to a close and the New Year begins, it is definitely time to take stock. I recommend that people make an honest evaluation of their career or job situation and take action to either confirm their strategy or begin moving toward something better. The point is stop procrastinating and start dealing with your concerns.

The best way to begin is by expanding your network, meeting new people and having an honest discussion about your situation and what others see. I cannot understate how effective fresh new opinions and situations can focus perspectives in new and interesting ways. The fact is people who may not be job hunting are not out of touch. They can share a different realty, point out options that may have been overlooked and challenge old assumptions.

Many people underestimate their ability to change. Immersion into substantive research as well as meeting new people widens contacts, increases job market reach and provides a pathway to rethink old strategies and assumptions. Being isolated or restricting your self to the same basic set of perceptions about the job market can be a killer. Remember, we make all our assumptions from the information we get and those assumptions frequently dictate outcomes.

It is very important to develop a sense of urgency although being motivated does not necessarily translate into immediate success. But, beginning the research phase is essential. Visible action can help your overall situation. Motivation is infectious. Pursuing your goals with vigor and determination alone can generate a mood of hope that change is possible. However, when the effort is clearly not there, it is obvious and often depressing for you as well as those around you.

Procrastination can result in lost opportunities and very slow progress should never be confused with planning. Some people are deliberate, approaching a job search much as they would a work project. Careful planning, seeking resources, research and other steps may be normal and natural compared to people who have a more immediate and aggressive approach. As long as reasonable deadlines are created and met there is no procrastination.

The issue of motivation is very serious. Some allow others to control the search. Waiting for others to act, rather than take charge of your own strategy and driving forward is very poor. Others do not have the motivation. Only you can sell yourself. Only you have the information and background and motivation to communicate your professional, organizational and personal qualifications. No matter how well meaning others may be, they do not have the self-interest you have.

Once a direction is determined, it is essential to remain focused and not get sidetracked. A common mistake is to consider options that sound good but do not offer the opportunities that play to your strengths. There are times when a complete career change is viable. However, too many consider a career change, when a new job, the application of your skills to a related industry, or just a new boss is a better solution.

I do encourage career change, but only when it makes sense. As I have noted in the past career change is a big step. It is more appropriate for people who have been in the same work environment for many years and understand that their career focus is now different and their values have changed. For most people, the best utilization of their skills and experience is within their current work situation or in a similar work environment in which they can apply the same set of skills.

Finally, resist the trap of rest and relaxation, learn from rejection and do not let messages about keeping resumes on file raise false hopes. Now is the time to begin addressing career or job concerns by setting goals and deadlines and sticking to them.

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