Using a body double to achieve your career goals.
Today I helped a neighbor friend organize her kitchen. It had been on her to-do list for a while and I love a tangible project. She’s also been teaching me to sew, so we have a bit of a trade going on.
That’s when I was reminded (once again) how useful body doubles are. No - not the kind that replaces an actor in a nude scene. The kind who you do a tedious task in front of because you want to get it done.
What is a body double?
According to PsychCentral.com, a body double can be super beneficial for folks with ADHD - and those without. Dull tasks can be challenging to start and complete.
“Body doubling is having another person around while you work on a task. They don’t have to assist directly; just simply being present could help you start, focus, and finish.”
A body double sees you. Being seen gives you accountability. And if you’re lucky, your body double may have helpful know-how to share. Like how to move a shelf to fit more spices in your cabinet. #skillz
Okay, so let's get outta the kitchen and into your career.
You can use body doubles to help you with your career goals!
I know you have goals for your career - whether that’s a new job that’s more aligned to your core values, a promotion and recognition of your hard work, and/or a network you can rely on when you want a new opportunity. That said - job searching, applying, relationship marketing, and self-promotion can be a drag - especially if you’ve experienced any kind of rejection. 😝😝😝
Need a refresher? Let me remind you of career tasks that can be draining:
“Meh” tasks associated with searching for and applying to jobs:
Updating / rewriting your resume
Updating your LinkedIn profile
Starting and keeping up with your accomplishments/wins list
Asking people for recommendations (and potentially writing them for them)
Researching companies and people online
Researching potential positions
Researching courses, classes, certifications you may need to pursue
Writing cover letters
Applying for jobs
Following up on job leads and informational interviews
Following up on actual interviews
Building an online portfolio / website (if it makes sense for you)
Catching up on your finances so you know how much money you need to earn
“Meh” tasks associated with relationship marketing and self-promotion:
Participating in groups (in-person and virtual) by showing up and adding value by answering questions, cheerleading, and amplifying
Connecting with people on LinkedIn and researching them so you can leave a personal note (and/or add value) to incentivize them to write back
Amplifying your existing network by commenting and sharing content
Writing and posting content regularly on LinkedIn
Finding and attending webinars related to where you want to take your career
Partnering up with an amplification buddy and strategically promoting each other (virtually and in-person)
Nominating yourself for awards related to your industry
Pitching yourself for podcasts and articles - again related to your industry
Did any of those career tasks make you cringe? Believe me, as a career coach, I hear this every single day.
Since you’re not alone, that means there’s a body double out there for you!
How can you find a body double for your career goals? I have these four ideas:
Look through your LinkedIn connections and see who has “Open to Work” on their profile. Message them and ask if they’d want to either meet virtually or in-person (if you’re comfortable / live near each other) to work on job search stuff.
Put a note out to your trusted friend group asking whether anyone has computer-related work they need to get done. It doesn’t have to be job related. C'mon, how many of us have been meaning to organize our digital clutter and friendly company would help?!
Put a note out to an online community related to careers - like Elpha.com or Generalist.world - to see if anyone wants to partner up.
An entrepreneur client of mine uses Focus Mate and Cave Day to find virtual body doubles to focus on things like invoicing, financial catch-up, and project forecasting for his business.
Needless to say, even the most disciplined, high-achievers need support. We are better together. That’s where body doubles come in! Whether that’s a home organization project or upping your LinkedIn game, there’s an easier (and more fun way) to get yourself motivated. Doing it with someone else. Now go find them.
