How to Stay Motivated During Tough Times

The economy is still bad and the job market is bleak so tell me something I don’t already know! How is a well qualified candidate supposed to keep her spirits up when the prospects for gainful employment are dismal? While I believe it’s important to have a sense of reality about the economic environment, keeping a positive attitude is crucial so you are not paralyzed by fear. I met a woman who was so preoccupied with being laid off at work that it began to impact her performance on the job. Don’t let fear become a self fulfilling prophecy and work to keep the power of positivity part of your strategy for self motivation.

I read a terrific piece by Roland D. Nolen about staying positive in tough times and want to share his action steps to keep a positive attitude.

• Don’t fall into the misery loves company syndrome. If your friends and contemporaries frequent the pity party, get yourself out of that environment fast. This behavior is negative and a drain on your time and energy and in the end it doesn’t solve your problem, nor does it make you feel better.
• Avoid toxic people. Or at least deal with them in very small doses. You know exactly who they are and why their negative, complaining, and critical behavior drags you down. Just say no!
• Limit your TV time. When you are stressed and feeling down your occasional TV time can turn into extended hours of lying around feeling lethargic and watching anything just because it’s there. Spend your time wisely and re-energize yourself by exercising or getting out into the fresh air so you can work on job related tasks more effectively.
• Take a half hour each day for motivation time. Read a motivational book or listen to an emotional speaker’s CD to jazz yourself into a positive mindset. Some of Nolen’s favorites include
  • Over the Top by Zig Ziglar
  • Live Your Dreams by Les Brown
  • The Power of Focus by Canfield, Hansen, Hewitt
  • What Makes the Great Great by Dennis Kimbro
• Try new things. To overcome the fear of failure, rejection or pain, try something completely new to get your mind off your troubles. Try a new hobby, sport, or past time to refocus on something positive.
• Reward yourself. With every small success or baby step, reward yourself for your accomplishments. By setting small, attainable goals you will feel as if you are actually moving forward (and you are!) on your journey towards the big picture.

If you get your mind off your problems occasionally, you will give yourself time to re-energize. Staying positive and motivated is much better for your health and well being and will enable you to keep trying as you work towards your goals.