Many job seekers tend to to put the cart before the horse.

They determine what they want to do without understanding why they want that particular job. They apply to positions they haven't got the experience or academic credentials for. They gun for jobs before they understand what they are truly capable of.

Big picture stuff is essential, but putting the cart before the horse is a bad thing. The reason the horse comes before the cart is twofold: 1) so the horse can see what is in front and where he is going; and 2) in Physics 101, we learned that pulling is much more efficient (and easier) than pushing.

In the same vein, it's important for job seekers to be able to see what is in front of them. Here are a few ways to make sure you don't put the cart before the horse:

Know thyself. Many fresh-out-of-college job seekers have not given much thought to their careers. In many cases, parents urged them to pick a particular major so they could get a particular job. In other cases, freshly-minted grads picked their majors because it seemed like an easy degree to get. The problem here, though, is that one group is trying to live someone else's life and the other group is trying to skate by. Neither group really know themselves. And, while both groups will find work, they tend not to be happy in their careers. They put the job ahead of what they truly want.

Constantly upgrade yourself. You have probably heard the statistics about people change jobs or careers every five years or so. That's due to changing technologies, corporate climates and evolving skills. While you may not have control over the first two, you do over the third. Upgrade your talents and skills continuously based on what you see the future of your field to be and you'll always stay ahead of the cart.

Constantly prepare. Your next challenge – and your next job – might just be around the corner. Instead of letting outside influences affect your choices, though, it would be wiser to continuously plan for changes ahead of the curve – to prepare for your next chapter.

IN THE CARAVAN: To stop putting the cart before the horse, know yourself, upgrade yourself and continuously plan.

NEXT WEDNESDAY: Is this the hill you want to die on?

Want more advice on Adding Value? Check out these posts and The Lion's Pride section of WildJobSafari.com!

Check out last Wednesday's post on anger as a positive emotion.

Sponsored by Indeed Jobs