Do you still feel motivated in your work search? When you’re looking for a job, changing careers, or venturing out as an entrepreneur, everyone has slumps. Disappointment and discouragement are part of the change process. But staying in that pain too long will derail you. You can find your hope again. The key is to first reconnect with your vision emotionally. Follow up by taking decisive action steps and calculated risks to get back on track.

Inspired to go on

I have a wonderful, quirky colleague who, despite steep challenges in her personal and professional life, always manages a positive spirit. As I am so moved by her perseverance, I asked her once how she does it. “You can always find hope,” she replied matter-of-factly, “even under a rock.”

Seeing my friend’s determination and endurance has certainly inspired me. You know people who learn to press on through difficulties - somehow. They manage to find strength they didn’t know they had. We’re inspired by their stories.

Hope and motivation are energies that go far deeper than just willpower and the desire to succeed. They’re more fundamental. Some call it faith, optimism, a positive perspective, an enduring interest, a deep belief in the vision or the need to fulfill potential. You can touch the hope in yourself that will sustain you.

How to remain hopeful in difficult times

Hope is just the beginning. It’s the seed that energizes us to keep going until a way is found. Action follows. Without action, there will be no movement forward. It’s a matter of rediscovering hope, embracing it and taking the needed steps that produce results. Start here:

1.  Strengthen your resolve.

Recommit to your vision, project or work search. Do what you need to do every day. A clearer vision will emerge. Work your action plan consistently. Once you see evidence that you’re giving it your best effort, your confidence will grow. Momentum will build.

2.  Stay resilient.

These times call for incredible courage, flexibility and creativity. Opportunities may not look exactly as you had envisioned them, but they can be very fruitful even so.

3.  Take some reasonable, strategic risks.

As you look for a traditional job or build your business as a sole proprietor, take calculated risks. You’ll discover some interesting opportunities that you have not foreseen.

You can do this.

It is too much to hope that I shall keep up my success. I don’t ask for that. All I shall do is my best - and hope. - Audrey Hepburn (1929 - 1993)

Today’s question:

What helps you get moving again when you’re feeling discouraged?

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You may find our resources helpful:

“Your Work Search Companion: A Toolkit for Finding Your Best Place to Work,“ by Marty Silberstein. Also available as an ebook.

“Re-entering the Workplace: Seven Questions You Must First Ask and Answer,” by Beth Witrogen

“Finding the Work You Want: A Practical Guide to Help You Discover Your Values, Skills, and Marketability, “ by Marty Silberstein
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