Recruiter Health - Do Something Smart...For Yourself
Posted by Paul Siker on Sun, Feb 27, 2011 @ 04:11 PM
I know, I know! It’s been a while since I’ve written something new! I offer no excuses, other than to say that as last year transitioned into this year, time became a complete blur (not an excuse, just a perception). My big goal moving forward, however, is to make my contributions here a bit more timely (we’ll see how that plays out!).
Things in the broader marketplace are continuing to heat up, and I continue to believe that barring something unforeseen, we will see ongoing improvement in many market sectors, and increasing strength in the demand for talent. Generally speaking, all great news for those of us in recruiting, and far better than the alternative. But, these sudden swells of activity do have a tendency to make our effective utilization of time a real challenge. Increased activity begets even more activity, the days start moving faster and faster, and work starts taking on a bit more of a transactional feel. All of which brings me to what I really wanted to talk about, namely the need to pause periodically, and take stock of ourselves as relates to the work we do. In all the hustle, bustle, and increased activity that inevitably accompanies market recoveries and new initiatives, I think that it’s especially important to take the time to do something smart for yourself.
Each of us has encountered timeframes that are a bit like transaction-laden maelstroms, where everything that can happen does happen, and we are left feeling exasperated, exhausted, or both. While I’ve generally managed to find different ways to keep my work interesting, recently I increasingly found myself feeling like I was latched to a treadmill (one that was the ultimate embodiment of a Desk/Phone/Computer). I felt that I could work for 18 or 24 hours straight for six consecutive weeks and still not feel as though my work was done. The simple fact of the matter is that in recruiting THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE!
Despite feeling like I was dealing with a plate that was overloaded, I decided to add ONE MORE THING to my schedule. More planning time, you ask? A more rigorous review of daily tasks completed? An earlier start and later finish to each day? Well, in truth, none of these. Basically, I decided to become a bit LESS sedentary, and a bit less attached to my chair and desk.
In short, I elected to start running again. To be honest, it’s been YEARS (probably 6 or 7) since I ran with any regularity, but over the past 4 months I’ve plugged away at it just about every day, mostly electing to go outside, and usually without regard to weather or temperature (which, in the teeth of winter, has had me occasionally wondering – “What the hell am I doing?”).
In reading the above, some of you may be trying to control that involuntary muscle response that just occurred (you know, the one where you index finger is naturally drawn towards the Uvula in your throat....by the way, what a great word – Uvula). I get it – running isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. My father-in-law has long stated that one should only run, if one is being chased. While I’m not going to lie and say that I necessarily love the actual process of jogging, I can’t deny that I DO like the way that I feel when I’ve finished a run. There’s no doubt that it’s the best way that I’ve discovered to fight off day-to-day stress and pressure that come with working in a business that contains more than its fair share of ambiguity (it’s a people-business, after all).
I have the benefit of running in a rural setting, which I really love. 
Most days, it’s just me, a dirt road, and some neighboring cows (see pictures). My point is this: If you want to work smarter – do something healthy for yourself. At least for me, physical activity has proven to help me clear my mind (nothing like cutting through the clutter), and work smarter. Further, I’ve found that I arrive at that point of diminishing returns (the point in the work day where you simply aren’t productive) less frequently. Best of all, I feel like I’ve got a bit more balance to my day. If you are physically active and regularly work-out, good for you! If you haven’t been active in the recent past, I encourage you to give some kind of workout routine a try. Not only will you be doing something good for your body and mind, but I believe you will come to appreciate a greater degree of calm and clarity in each business day.
Wishing you ongoing recruiting success!
Paul