1 - Some obstacles will present themselves without notice or warning - you just have to go through them.
The Tough Mudder begins at a "Start" Line - I say "Start" because the race begins and around the first corner, without warning, there is an 8-foot wall you need to climb.
This was not on the course map.
There was no warning.
It was just there. Similar to a Job Search there will be trials and tribulations you don't see coming but the ideal approach is to take what comes in front of you and plow through.
2 - Network, Network, Network! Enlist the support of others
"Walk the Plank" - Climb to the top of a 15-ft platform and jump into the water fully dressed and swim 50-ft to get out
In the Tough Mudder there are simply some obstacles you cannot accomplish alone. The Berlin Walls are each 12-feet high and Everest, the second to last obstacle, is even taller. Similar to a job search you cannot (in all likelihood) accomplish these alone. Attend events, meet alumni, ask friends and family for their help - those will be the key for your success! Also don't forget to say Thank You!
3 - Listen to the insight and wisdom of others and don't be afraid to change your tools or tactics
Before completing the Tough Mudder I did some research and saw several recommendations to wear a pair of work gloves during the event. Turned out to be the best $2 I had ever spent! Despite being large, wet and cumbersome I am so glad I heeded the advice. In your job search be sure to take the advice of others to heart, especially trusted colleagues. It's not always easy to change or admit you may have been doing things incorrectly, but you can always change and continuously improve and this will help to pave the way to success
4 - Take the plunge
Emerging from the "Arctic Enema", a Mack-truck bay full of ice and water just above 32F.
In your job search you need to go all in; find outlets on social media, join professional organizations, reach out to professors alumni, participate in networking events - do everything you can and make as many contacts as possible. A job search should be treated as a job and the effort to find one should be commensurate with a full time position. Make the most of each day!
5 - Face each challenge head on and take it day-by-day
Electro Shock Therapy - running through a gauntlet of cables, each charged with 10,000 volts of electricity
In the Tough Mudder there are over 20 obstacles over a 12-mile course; thinking of or trying to do everything at once can be overwhelming. A job search can be much the same way. The best approach is to take each challenge as it comes, focus on the task at hand, put your head down and do it with a smile. Recognize your small accomplishments each day, focus on the positives and always press forward.
6 - The Finish Line is there - but it is not a race
Before the Tough Mudder begins they announce to all that the course is not a race but that completing the course is the goal. There is no special prize, there are no course times and there are no places or rankings. The mission of the event is simple - finish. You will likely have a few bumps and bruises along the way but as long as you reached the end that is the main accomplishment. Your job search is much the same - there are no prizes for coming in first and no firm timetables to adhere to - but the goal is to find a job that is the right fit for you. That is the prize - and one that is very noble and worthwhile.
Thanks for reading! I look forward to comments and feedback and, until we meet again, my best regards
Kevin
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