I’ve been thinking about how only one of the definitions of the word “apply” takes center stage:

ap·ply verb Make a formal application.
“He filled out the Common App to apply to college.”

But there’s another meaning of “apply” that doesn’t seem to get as much use:

ap·ply verb Give one’s full attention to a task; work hard.
“She applied herself to perfecting her baking skills and won the Great British Baking Contest.”

When you think about it, applying to anything meaningful goes beyond just filling out forms. It’s about putting in the effort, preparation, and determination to stand out.

Take running a marathon. Sure, it starts with registering for the race. But the real work is in the months of training, planning, and last-minute adjustments.

What if we treated every application we filled out as an opportunity to truly apply ourselves?

Instead of submitting the same generic application to every college, instead we could:

• Tailor each part of the application to reflect the unique philosophy of each college.
• Craft essays that showcase specific programs the school offers.
• Take advantage of the “optional” admissions interview to make a personal connection.
• Research campus traditions to reference during conversations.
• Reach out to a professor to learn more about their field of interest.

Applying for a job could go beyond responding to dozens of ZipRecruiter ads. Instead, it might involve:

• Crafting a résumé that emphasizes qualifications tailored to the position.
• Connecting with someone on LinkedIn who works at the company and could advocate for your application.
• Securing a recommendation from a respected expert in the industry.

Sure, truly applying to anything takes more time, engagement and grit. But not as much as you’ll spend regretting it if you miss the chance.

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H/T to Matthew, Joey, and Louis for showing me this in action.