When slacking off pays off

Sometimes, slacking off works out really well. Take these two holiday decor enthusiasts, for example.

The house on the left? That guy is probably taking a nap, exhausted but feeling satisfied now that he’s put on a seasonal display that would make Clark W. Griswold jealous.

The house on the right? That guy has a mug of cocoa in hand and is kicked back near the window, which is cracked so he can listen to the howls of laughter from people in passing cars.

Each result is great for its own reasons.

One person took the traditional route:

1. Holiday season has arrived
2. Decorate house for hours and hours
3. Pay electric bills
4. Enjoy

His neighbor used a different, but effective, tactic:

1. Holiday season has arrived
2. Wait for neighbor to decorate like he does every year
3. Brainstorm an easier, cheaper way to make my house equally awesome
4. Spend a few minutes stringing lights

That guy still had to do work – he had to think outside the box and look at an old tradition from a new angle, but it paid off.

This strategy decision doesn’t just apply to outdoor lighting, it also applies to your job search.

You can do the same old, same old:

1. Spend hours and hours searching for every available job
2. Apply to every available job until you’re cross-eyed and exhausted
3. Wait
4. Eventually get an interview

Or you can work more strategically and get better results:

1. Put together an awesome error-free resume
2. Submit awesome apps based on awesome resume to jobs that you are highly qualified for
3. Follow up on your applications
4. Score interviews faster

It’s up to you – choose your strategy wisely.