Support and Accountability

I've taught group fitness classes for many years, and there's always a throng of people who show up in early January, eager to kick start their New Year's resolution to get "in shape". Fellow fitness instructors and regular group fitness class attendees reading this know exactly what I’m talking about.

And you know what? Nearly half of those people are gone by the first week of February. I don't say this to get you down, I'm a big fan of challenging yourself in order to accomplish your goals (that’s why I proudly refer to myself as Coach Sara).

But there are three problems I almost always see.

1. People set unreasonable goals. If you don't regularly workout and you think you're going to suddenly start going to the gym 6 days a week, life is probably going to get in the way.

2. People push too hard during their first workout, injure themselves, and then don't return after they're healed. My boot camp classes were designed to give the most fit regular attendees a challenge, but I always offered options and gently reminded, "listen to your body". However, there were inevitably new people who tried to keep up and do what they could do back in high school. Sorry folx, but that’s not your body anymore. And 24 to 48 hours later, when you're barely able to descend the stairs and need to use the accessible bathroom stall, you're going to regret it.

3. They didn't have a community of support behind them. They didn't befriend others in the class or introduce themselves to me before or after the class. There wasn't anyone who was going to ask, "where were you?" if they missed a week.

I always keep these past experiences with physical workouts in mind with the LinkedIn Sprints I lead.

So I invite you, reader, to join me January 10-17, 2025 for a workout for your mind. I’m recruiting you to be part of a team of fellow job seekers participating in a challenging (but doable) sprint filled with support and accountability. As a community, we'll be posting and engaging with each other's posts daily (no more screaming into the LinkedIn void hoping someone will hear).

Plus, once you participate you can officially refer to yourself as a sprinter so that's an extra bonus.

Sign up today for only $15 and make strides towards your resolution before 2025 even begins. I also have scholarships for participants who are currently unemployed.

And if you want even more bang for your buck (because who doesn’t like a BOGO offer), when you sign up for my workshop Using LinkedIn to be a Powerhouse Networker, you’re automatically registered for the LinkedIn Sprint for free!

Curious to know a little bit more about these sprints? Many participants have used the hashtag #RenaissanceWomansSprint, so search for that on LinkedIn.

See you at the starting line!

Recent LinkedIn Job Posts

All posts are from people I follow on LinkedIn and include multiple jobs.

• Stéphanie Barsch (international list of journalism/communications jobs with country indicated by flag icon)

• Ryan Perry (social media jobs)

• Olivia O. (U.S.-based remote jobs that are mostly marketing/communications)

Hi! I’m Sara Kobilka, owner of Renaissance Woman Consulting.

I am a Renaissance Woman (what’s THAT? Good question! Here’s my answer). My wide-ranging background includes time as a TV meteorologist/reporter, non-profit leader, higher education program coordinator, curriculum designer, and now, business owner. During each leg of this journey, I gained new skills that I was able take with me in my next step. Now, I work remotely with clients to help them confidently tell their story and navigate the transition to the next leg of their career journey.

Take the Next Step

• Follow me on LinkedIn where I actively cross-pollinate impactful ideas across industries and disciplines (and regularly share job opportunities I come across)

• Check out my one-on-one career coaching program or join a cohort of job seekers for small group coaching

• Sign up to be the first to know when I offer my workshops: Using LinkedIn to be a Powerhouse Networker and How TV News Pros Can Land a Remote Job.

• Participate in one of my LinkedIn Sprints

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