How to Stay Positive in Difficult Times
Keys to finding motivation amidst a tumultuous climate
In Pennsylvania, where I reside, it’s the depth of winter and it’s cold outside. Cold, I could handle. But, in addition to the cold, it’s dark, grey, and uninspiring most days.
Not to mention, there’s a lot quickly shifting and changing that’s impacting the landscape of employers and job-seekers. Add on a political climate that’s frigid at best and whatever personal issues you’re facing and you find yourself with an impeccably hard time of year to be motivated and stay positive.
National, global, and political events as well as personal and professional hardships can test your mindset, making it difficult to remain balanced, resilient, and peaceful.
In this blog, I’m going to give you a few practical tips on how I’ve worked to stay positive and motivated during tumultuous seasons, and how simplifying is key during times like these.
How to Stay Positive and Motivated During a Career Transition
Whether you’re job hunting, facing layoffs, trying to learn a new professional skill, or exploring a new career, when your job situation is uncertain, it can be easy to spiral into fear, anxiety, and negativity.
Instead of letting stress run the show, try these strategies:
Focus on small, consistent action steps. Rome wasn’t built in a day and landing a dream job or building your career doesn’t happen overnight. Commit to taking daily, manageable action steps that are simple and move the needle over time: Update your LinkedIn profile, set up networking conversations, apply to just one job a day. Focus on progress over completion and perfection.
Shift your mindset from loss to opportunity. Mid-transition can feel daunting, but it’s also an invitation to reassess what you really want. Rather than focus on the loss of what you’re leaving behind, ask yourself what’s possible where you’re headed. What skills will you be able to use and leverage? How will the environment help you thrive? Self-awareness and reframing can help you stay positive and connected to what you really want and need from your career and workplace.
Connect with others. Networking is alive and well and it’s all who you know! Find professional spaces to network and connect with others and engage in meaningful conversations that help you feel hopeful, challenged, and motivated to take steps forward. Hearing new perspectives from others can make a huge impact on your outlook.
Surround Yourself with People Who Keep You Positive and Motivated
There’s nothing more life-giving than surrounding yourself with positive people who can help keep you afloat during hard times. The people in your life play a vital role in your energy and mindset and it’s important to be intentional about who you spend your time with.
Cultivate supportive relationships and make time for energizing and engaging social interactions. It could be as simple as:
A coffee date with a good friend
A networking call (or friendly catch up) with someone who inspires you
A dinner out with your group of supporters
A walk with someone who you can share openly and vulnerably with about how you’re feeling
These moments refuel your motivation and fill your cup. Be mindful of how you feel after you spend time with certain people and do your best to lessen or eliminate the interactions with those who drain you. If someone consistently leaves you feeling exhausted, set strong boundaries with them to protect your energy.
Preparing for Difficult Situations
Sometimes, we can’t help but find ourselves in difficult encounters with people who challenge us, drain us, or otherwise. When you know you’ll be around negativity, create an action plan to stay intentionally grounded going in and how you’ll tangibly transition and shake off the negativity afterward.
When I encounter a negative person or situation, I will often transition and reset with a short walk, a journaling session, or venting to a trusted friend.
Don’t let a bad interaction define your day or your mindset.
Simplify Self-Care to Stay Positive and Motivated
A hot buzzword right now, “self-care” doesn’t need to be grand gestures of indulgence or elaborate getaways. In fact, during tough times, what you might need instead are simple acts of self-care for an incredible impact.
Here are a few of my favorite small, everyday gifts of “self-care” that make a huge difference:
Read a book you love (not a self-help book, something for leisure and fun!)
Declutter or organize a space (think small: junk drawer, sock drawer, closet, vanity, etc.)
Journal to clear your mind and express yourself creatively
Color in an adult coloring book (or a kid’s coloring book if you prefer!)
Make your favorite hot beverage and cozy up with it for a moment of calm
Watch something you find utterly funny or comforting
The goal with self-care isn’t to overhaul your routine with a list of “shoulds” and to-do’s, it’s to integrate small, meaningful actions that bring you moments of joy and stability.
Start Shifting Your Mindset Today
Staying positive and motivated during difficult times isn’t about forcing yourself to feel happy or pretending how you feel doesn’t exist. It’s about making intentional choices, surrounding yourself with the right people, protecting your energy, and simplifying self-care to foster resilience.
What’s one small thing you can do today to shift your mindset?
For more personalized help and guidance on staying motivated and navigating career challenges, reach out and let’s talk!
