Self-Control Tips for Job Seekers: Focusing & Motivation

Focus on One Source of Information

People often fail at achieving goals if they feel overwhelmed by a bombardment of conflicting information. Searching for “resume tips” on the internet will provide an overwhelming amount of conflicting advice. Feeling overwhelmed or confused causes defensiveness, and can lead to goal abandonment. Focusing on one source of information can help job seekers feel less overwhelmed.

Motivation

Advise students to make a list of at least 3 reasons for sticking with the plan. Thinking about these reasons when discouraged can promote goal attainment. These reasons are most effective when they reflect personal reasons for achieving a goal (1). People who generate social desirability reasons such as “people expect me to get in to medical school” are less effective than people who generate personal reasons such as “I want to become a doctor to help people.” However, personally important motivations can also involve others. Knowing that family or friends will feel pride about an accomplishment can be personally motivating.

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References

1. L. Legault, J. N. Gutsell, M. Inzlicht, Ironic Effects of Antiprejudice Messages: How Motivational Interventions Can Reduce (but Also Increase) Prejudice. Psychol. Sci. 22, 1472–1477 (2011).