New Year's Resolutions: Dumb vs. Smart; Part 1

By Dia Kline

It's that magical time of year when we all pretend we're going to become completely different people. January 1st hits, and suddenly everyone's a marathon runner, meal prepper, and LinkedIn influencer. By January 15th? We're back to eating cereal for dinner and wondering why we thought 5 AM yoga was ever a good idea. 

But some resolutions are actually worth keeping, especially when it comes to your job search. So, let's separate the dumb resolutions (the ones that make us feel productive without actually doing anything) from the smart ones (the ones that might actually land you that dream job).

Resolution #1: The Midnight Madness

DUMB: Stop doom scrolling after midnight (unless it is for something important like baby goat videos.)

SMART: Stop doom scrolling on job boards. 

Here's the Down & Dirty truth about job searching at midnight: you're not thinking clearly, your judgment is questionable, and you're setting yourself up for anxiety spirals.

Instead, set up job alerts and let automations do the midnight scrolling for you. Treat your job search like the professional endeavor it is, not like a late-night shopping binge you'll regret in the morning. Your future self and your sleep schedule will thank you.

*BONUS: Read our blog post: Your Guide to Smart Automation (Without Going Crazy) to learn all about it!

Resolution #2: The Notebook Situation

DUMB: Stop buying new notebooks until at least page 3 of the current one is filled out.

SMART: Document your job search activities. 

Here are some things you should be tracking in one of those gorgeous unused notebooks (or a spreadsheet, if you're feeling less romantic about it):

• Company names and positions you've applied to
• Date of application
• Contact information for recruiters and hiring managers
• Follow-up dates and what you discussed
• Salary ranges

This isn't busywork, this is your job search database. When a recruiter calls about "that position you applied for," you'll actually know which one they're talking about.

Resolution #3: The Juggling Act

DUMB: Stop pretending you will learn to juggle. It's fine.

SMART: Learn how to juggle your job search with your real life. Now THIS is a skill worth developing.

Time-block your job search. Treat it like a job (because it is one). Schedule your time wisely. Update your resume on Monday. Research companies on Tuesday. Customize cover letters on Wednesday. Apply to positions on Thursday. Network on Friday.

Set boundaries. Yes, finding a job is important. So is maintaining your sanity. Life happens. Don't schedule yourself so tightly that one hiccup derails everything.

Resolution #4: The Social Media Spiral

DUMB: Spend hours perfecting your Instagram aesthetic, so potential employers think you're "creative and spontaneous."

SMART: Clean up your LinkedIn profile and actually use it as your digital Rolodex. 

Remember our LinkedIn: Your High Tech Rolodex blog post? Your LinkedIn isn't just a digital resume, it's your professional storefront AND your networking hub.

Update your headline. What do you actually do? "Turning Data Into Stories That Sell" is interesting and demonstrates your value compared to other candidates.

Use a professional photo. No, selfies don't count. A professional headshot shows you're serious.

Engage authentically. Build relationships before you need them, because asking for a referral when you haven't interacted in three years is awkward for everyone.

The Bottom Line

The difference between dumb resolutions and smart ones is strategy. Dumb resolutions make us feel busy without getting results. Smart resolutions move your job search forward while keeping you sane.

Commit to treating your job search like the important project it is with structure, strategy, and enough self-compassion to know that perfection isn't the goal, progress is.

Ready to make 2025 the year you actually land that job? We're here to help you turn those smart resolutions into reality.

Want to learn the complete system? Join our Down & Dirty Job Search program starting Wednesday, January 22nd, from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM MST for six weeks that will transform your job search.

Stay tuned for Part 2, because we've got four MORE dumb vs. smart resolutions that'll change your job search game!