Jim Woodbridge – Career Coach – Job Search by Heart
Imagine if you could make your job search not just effective but enjoyable. What if the process of career expansion didn’t feel so draining but instead sparked creativity, hope, and even a little bit of joy? Enter the broaden-and-build technique, a concept rooted in positive psychology that can transform how you think about job searching and career development. Let’s dive into how you can use this technique to not only find work but find meaningful work that resonates with your heart.
What Is the Broaden-and-Build Technique?
The broaden-and-build theory, developed by psychologist Barbara Fredrickson, suggests that positive emotions have a unique role in expanding our thinking and helping us build enduring resources. Unlike negative emotions that narrow our focus to fight or escape from immediate threats, positive emotions broaden our perspective. They help us see opportunities, consider creative possibilities, and take actions we might not have taken otherwise.
In a job search context, positive emotions help us break away from the traditional mold of sending resumes robotically and bracing ourselves for rejection. Instead, they enable us to approach opportunities with curiosity, build strong connections, and explore career possibilities more creatively and effectively.
Step 1: Cultivate Positive Emotions to Broaden Your Career Horizons
One of the first steps in applying the broaden-and-build technique is intentionally cultivating positive emotions that can help expand your job search perspective. Here are some actionable ways to do that:
- Practice Gratitude Daily: Each day, list three things you’re grateful for related to your career or job search. It could be something as simple as a helpful email from a friend or a new skill you picked up on LinkedIn Learning. By focusing on gratitude, you’re opening your mind to see more opportunities instead of focusing on obstacles.
- Incorporate Play and Curiosity: Try to set aside a few minutes each day for activities that bring you joy—whether it’s drawing, cooking a new recipe, or playing an instrument. These positive experiences create the mental flexibility you need to consider new job search avenues or different career paths you may not have considered before.
- Imagine Your Ideal Workday: Use visualization techniques to imagine your ideal work environment. What are you doing? Who are you working with? How do you feel? Visualizing yourself happy at work not only motivates you but also helps you see different potential employers and roles that match your vision.
Step 2: Build Enduring Career Resources
Positive emotions don’t just make us feel good; they also help us build lasting resources that can aid us in our job search and beyond. Here’s how you can leverage this aspect:
- Expand Your Network with Positivity: Positive emotions foster genuine human connection. When you’re authentically interested and enthusiastic, others are more likely to connect with you deeply. Attend industry meet-ups, reach out for informational interviews, and don’t be afraid to express your curiosity and appreciation for others’ experiences. These genuine connections may lead to new job leads or unexpected opportunities.
- Develop Skills with Optimism: When you’re feeling hopeful and open, you’re more inclined to seek out and stick with learning opportunities. Channel those feelings to develop skills that align with your career goals—whether it’s enrolling in a new course, reading about industry trends, or even tackling a small personal project. Positive emotions will help you stay engaged and enthusiastic, turning learning into an enjoyable part of your journey.
Step 3: Use Positive Emotions to “Undo” Career Stress
Job searching is not without its setbacks—there will be stressful moments and disappointments. Fredrickson’s research also highlights what she calls the “undoing effect” of positive emotions, which means that positive experiences can help neutralize the stress and anxiety that come with challenges.
- Find Your Joy Reset Button: Identify activities or people that can quickly bring a smile to your face when you’re feeling low. It might be a quick walk in nature, a funny YouTube clip, or talking to a friend who always knows what to say. Scheduling small “joy resets” after difficult moments (like a tough interview) can help you regain balance, letting you approach the next opportunity with fresh energy and optimism.
- Reflect on Small Wins: Keep a “wins journal” specifically for your job search. It might include sending an application to a company you love, learning something new about yourself through an interview, or getting positive feedback from a colleague. When things don’t go perfectly, returning to this journal helps you see how much progress you’re actually making.
Final Thoughts: Broaden Your Vision and Build Your Dream
Applying the broaden-and-build technique to your job search and career expansion isn’t just about being positive for the sake of it. It’s about actively cultivating the mindset that will allow you to find and create the kinds of opportunities that are meaningful to you. By broadening your thinking through positive emotions and building lasting relationships and skills, you can create a career that not only sustains you but also fills you with purpose and joy.
So, as you move forward on your job search journey, remember that you’re not just trying to find any job—you’re aiming to do what you love and find those who love what you do. Embrace positivity, expand your vision, and build resources that last.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into how you can practically apply these techniques to your own career journey, reach out. Let’s make your job search more than just a task—let’s make it a heart-filled journey of growth and discovery.
About Jim
Jim Woodbridge is the Coach and founder of Job Search by Heart. His passion project is helping you “Do what you love and find those who love what you do!”
At Job Search by Heart, we support you at every step of your career search journey. We use state-of-the-art AI tools and techniques to help you put your best and authentic self forward. With over two decades in the career coaching profession, wisdom and best practices are at the heart of our service. Stay tuned for more practical advice and strategies to help you navigate the professional world with confidence and purpose.
For your own personalized career coaching, click here to contact Job Search by Heart for a free 30-minute discovery session – email jimwoodbridge@jobsearchbyheart.com or call +1-647-931-9211
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