Tips for Motivation/Burnout

This is less of a Blog and more of a question or request for advice.

I'm 5 years in the business, recently promoted to Director (manage several recruiters), my production has gone up every year and 2010 was my personal best at over 560K (#1 in company) in direct hire contingent fees. I'm staring at my board with 0's across it and I cannot find the motivation/fire to do it again.

I have read through several blogs on the site and there seems to be little conversation on the topic that I know we all have/will face in our careers.

With so many great recruiting minds on this site, does anyone have any advice that might help me?

Thanks,

Jason

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Comment by Ilona Jerabek on January 7, 2011 at 10:48am: Hi Jason

I don't think you are experiencing burnout - rather, I think you are suffering from a bit of fear of success and fear of failure. The thing with outstanding performance is that it sets the bar high - all those high expectations from others and yourself have the power to choke us ... if we let them, that is.

It happens in sports a lot, but it happens to all of us in everyday personal and work life as well. We go about our life and don't really think about our competency too much - as Sandra said, you fly on autopilot. And then suddenly, a moment of debilitating self-doubt knocks you down, and you really look at yourself, and your life, and you realize that there is so much you still don't know, and so many opportunities you are letting to slip by, and oh boy, what if others find out that you don't know what the heck you are doing. And then it's a fight or flight mode, and it is so tempting to flight because you doubt you have the energy to fight.

Well, what you need to realize is that this is perfectly normal. It happens to many very smart and very successful people. Why? Because none of us is perfect; all of us have still so much to learn, and all of us make mistakes.

You have had a wonderful performance last year. You may or may not be able to top that. And that's fine. Take some time off if you can, recharge, take stock of your accomplishments and get back your confidence. Then go back and take it a day at a time. Break the goal into smaller steps. The process will suck you in and you may get a surge in energy out of this whole thing.

here are a few psychological assessments that might help during this process:

Locus of control test (with fear of success and fear of failure scales): http://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/2138

Burnout Test: http://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/2079

Career Motivation Test (helps you figure out what motivates you): http://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/2210

Comment by C. B. Stalling!! on January 7, 2011 at 11:40am: i leave for New Orleans todat!!!!

Comment by chris on January 11, 2011 at 4:16pm: Jerry said "spend some cash" - that is actually very good advice. Do not get complacent. If you are anything like me, your recent big year (congratulations, btw - DO NOT take it for granted and DO NOT rest on your laurels - there is much more money to be made and you have to keep going) was much, much more than you anticipated making in this business. You need to keep structure in your day/week/schedule, keep increasing your goals and expectations for yourself but also REWARD YOURSELF! Go buy a car (with cash) or something that really makes you happy. You might also consider going into business for yourself. Don't wait until your going downhill to do so - take this momentum and make it work for you instead of making someone else rich. I'm in Dallas as well - call me if you want some advice I can't really give over a public forum. www.denovostaffing.com

Comment by M R on January 12, 2011 at 4:26pm: Great feedback Ilona! I found that very helpful as I can relate to Jason's feeling though I did not have a banner year last year (my choice), so I am finding I need to get back on that horse now and get going, and procrastination easily creeps in. Good thoughts all around on this discussion. Thanks.

Comment by Jason Simmons on January 12, 2011 at 6:17pm: Robert, call me cynical but why would I not post a topic like this and ask for advice on a peer site? I apperciate your advice. Since have been doing this 4.5 years, working for myself is not something that I am ready to do. I assure you the post is real and I have plenty of reqs. There was no angel to my post; simply asking a group of peers for advice. Again thanks for the advice best of luck to you. BTW I have read a few of your other posts and things are changing; my advice to you would be to get on board or you will be left behind.

Jason

Comment by Jerry Albright on January 12, 2011 at 7:02pm: Robert - why so antagonistic? For many people - working in an agency is a great place to be. He's got the support of a team, training, facilities, etc.

Lots of ways to be successful out here. Lots of ways......

Comment by Jason Simmons on January 12, 2011 at 7:02pm: Forgive me but it sounds a bit like you are out of date. Sounds like you still have the "old school" mentality of not wanting to share knowledge, tricks, trades or grow in general. I assume you are the CEO of Robert Green Inc. So, my question to you is are you not interested in growing your business? How do you retain talent for yourself and Robert Green Inc if your mentality is as stated above? Are you a one man shop?

Spare me the, "I locate, recruit, present, and close candidates" line; again a bit dated.

As for Social Media (fad maybe) but powerful tool to help move recruiters and companies forward 100% without question. I personally made 11 placements from social media networking last year.

I would like to thank everyone for the discussion, thoughts, ideas, insights and suggestions. Yes, even you Robert.

Comment by Jason Simmons on January 12, 2011 at 8:53pm: Robert, this post was not and has not ever been about $$. Some could (I'm sure do) view my numbers as not impressive, fair or low; it's nice to know that you view them as "great". I personally think I can do better but Thank You. By providing the numbers, I was trying to provide some perspective and insight.

Robert, we can agree to have different point of views. Thanks for adding nothing to this discussion and good luck with FreeMarketJobs

Jason

Comment by Jerry Albright on January 13, 2011 at 8:50am: Robert - in reviewing the original post here - Jason didn't mention a thing about billings or income. That came later. He was just asking the crowd what they do to get fired up again. I think it's a reasonable thing to ask a group of (hopefully) successful recruiters.

I'm in the same boat from time to time. Do I HAVE TO MAKE a placement today - or risk losing my home? No. Did I make placements last year? Sure did. We all find ourselves at zero from time to time and the guy was just looking for ideas on kick starting his activity........

Comment by Jerry Albright on January 13, 2011 at 10:28am: Well - I guess this tells me what I need to know. You're pretty much here for combat. Nice way to promote your sites Robert. Take care.

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