If you’re still trying to land that elusive first job in sports, there’s no doubt you’re feeling some level of frustration.
I get lots of emails that express that frustration such as, “I don’t even know where to begin!” Or, “I got an internship, but can’t find a full-time job!” Or, “It doesn’t seem like anyone is hiring! I can’t even get a response.”
If that sounds like your situation, I’ve outlined five easy ways to help you deal with your frustration.
1. Know That You’re Not Alone
You can find solace knowing that the majority of people who are pursuing a career in sports are facing the same challenges that you are. Knowing that you’re not the only one having difficulty is the first step toward finding relief from that gut-wrenching pain.
2. Change Your Routine
We’re all susceptible to falling into the path of least resistance. So it’s easy to get into a rut. But that path leads to nowhere. The quickest way to get out of the unproductive rut that you’re in, is to make a simple change to your daily routine.
Start by getting up an hour earlier than you normally do. Establish those extra seven hours per week as your time to focus on your career goals. This new routine will bring clarity. And as a result, it will help eliminate some of the frustration. Small adjustments can make a big difference when it comes to your career.
3. Make To-Do Lists
There are certain things you need to do in order to land a job in sports. You know what they are: conducting informational interviews, tightening up your resume, networking, learning how to answer tough questions, etc. But for whatever reason, you’re not doing everything you need to do. One of the easiest and most effective ways to get things done — especially the hard things you’ve been avoiding — is to write down exactly what it is that you need to do. Put it in your calendar. And like Nike says, “Just do it.”
4. Create a Small Group
Richard Bolles, author of the best-selling career book of all time, What Color is Your Parachute? says “Create or join a small group of other job-seekers. Identify the field in which you want to work, then call the employers in that field and ask if they are hiring for the type of position that you do very well.”
Even if it’s just one other person besides yourself, a small group presents a great opportunity to let off some steam, gain confidence and find encouragement from one another. At the very least, try to meet on a weekly basis. Use each other as a sounding board to test some job-search ideas.
5. Keep Your Eye On The Prize
The number one reason people fail to land jobs in sports is because they give up. They fail because they let the frustration get the best of them and simply quit. Don’t let that happen to you! It’s your choice. Keep your eye on the prize by creating a vision of the outcome you desire in your head. Use that vision as fuel to keep going.
I hope these quick tips help you. Let me know if there’s anything specific you find challenging. I’d love to help any way I can.
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@ChrisMcKinney @sportsnetworker, Excellent article.
@DonaldKushner @sportsnetworker Thanks, Don!
@Skylar_Prange thanks Skylar!
@JohnMellor Thanks for RT, John!
@trevorturnbull @sportsnetworker Thanks for RT, TT!