Talk to yourself—and say good things
Compassionately remind yourself every day to focus on your strengths. Sometimes we may not always be sure what they all are, but rest assured they are there. Don’t dwell on any real or imaginary barriers to getting a job, or areas that need improvement. Each day try to focus on the activity that supports your job search. And let go of any distraction or worry about getting an interview or a job offer.
Work towards what you want rather than trying to avoid what you don’t want. Jon Kabat-Zinn, who was a professor of medicine and founding director of the Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, has some excellent advice. He says; “…there is more right with you than wrong with you, even if you are sick or troubled or in pain and things in your life feel dark and out of control. What is “right” with you holds the key for regaining control of your life and growing beyond your problems. Concentrate on what’s right.”
Talk to yourself – and say good things
Positive self-talk, or what some people call affirmation, can be very helpful in your job search. These positive thoughts can rewire our thinking and reinforce positive attitudes. Like my old teacher used to say, “I think I can, I think I can, I know I can, I Will!”
Try it sometime. Find positive affirmations that make sense to you. For example, “I will find a job. My happy attitude is contagious to everyone I meet. I work towards success every day. My positive actions attract people and money to me. If it is to be, it is up to me.” Say at least one affirmation aloud 10 times, several times a day while job hunting. Say one before you begin making your cold calls, filling out applications, emailing resumes or on your way in the door to an interview. Find other examples of positive affirmations or write your own. Feel the power they can give you!
Be kind to yourself
Congratulate yourself at each step—when making the cold calls, knocking on doors, sending out resumes, following up on resumes, etc. Every step counts and helps move you forward toward your goal of employment. Working and executing your plan are successes in themselves. Take time to celebrate with a special treat, a walk in the park or anything else that makes you happy. And never, ever give up!
Learn resilience
It’s also important to develop a sense of resilience, so you can bounce back when things don’t go as you want them to. You can do this in many ways. These include by practicing self-affirmation. By considering every setback a learning experience rather than letting them discourage you. And by always looking forward instead of focusing on the mistakes of the past.