As much as we would prefer life to run smoothly, this is not a perfect world. The tendency toward optimism or pessimism affects our job search. Some people are very fortunate to be pre-wired for looking at the positive in almost every situation…. others quite the opposite. Do you struggle with negative mindsets?
Those more prone to depression and anxiety tend to overwhelm themselves by magnifying situations. A child breaks his arm and this type of person may think, “What’s next? This is terrible. It all feels so overwhelming.” If you tend toward this way of thinking, losing your job may border on the unmanageable. Do you tend to magnify problems? This is an unhealthy way to cope with those inevitable challenges life brings. It adds considerably to your stress level draining needed energy.
What to do? Practice changing those thoughts. You are stuck in traffic. The anxiety and frustration you feel is a reaction to your upsetting thoughts. “This is ridiculous! I need to get home.” Instead, you can remind yourself, “I can’t do anything to change this situation, and I will not make it worse by refusing to accept that.” When we practice on the minor stresses of life, we will be surprised how much it will help us deal with our job search. Good mental and physical health require our ability to manage our emotions.
On the other hand, we also need to stay connected. Becoming Mr. Spock isn’t healthy. Acknowledging that our painful feelings are normal will help us to cope more effectively. We often struggle with fear, sadness, and perhaps even feelings of hopelessness. We have discussed in an earlier blog, the necessity of receiving support from family, friends, and other sources. At the same time, choosing thoughts such as, “I will get through this. I have overcome many other challenges, and this will be no different” help to instill hope and needed strength. Consistently being mindful of our thoughts is critical during this difficult time.
Our thoughts play a key role in our emotions. Changing how we think will significantly improve those feelings which can interfere with our ability to have an effective job search. We also need to take care of ourselves by limiting the time we spend with those who drain us. Negative people can be difficult to deal with on our best days. It is especially imperative we minimize additional stressors at this time.
Attending to our thoughts, acknowledging our emotions, seeking support,and limiting additional stress all assist us in coping more effectively. Do not make the mistake of reading this without putting these principles in action. You will be enlightened, energized, and equipped to optimize your job search.
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