Optimism and Your Career

With all that is going on in the world today, it is easy to become cynical, to lapse into a gloomy outlook about life. But most psychologists would agree it isn’t really healthy. It is in a sense capitulating, rather than maintaining a vigorous state of effort and renewal.
Especially if you are engaged in a difficult task – a job hunt or a demanding job – it is important, essential even – to maintain a sense of optimism if you want to achieve your goals.
But, first, it is important to define what optimism is and what it is not. It is not a simple-minded cheerfulness that refuses to accept reality. It is an attitude that accepts reality for what it is – the good and the bad – but attempts to build a life of fulfillment and meaning all the same. It is an attitude that can be taught.
How?  There are several ways.  One is to concentrate on the things that you can control, rather than the things you cannot.  For example, the experts say, don’t get bogged down in anxiety over stuff such as global warming, Wall Street corruption, or the economy.  There is nothing you can do about it.  Instead, resolve to change you own behavior – think about what you can do to improve your chances of getting a job or improving your job skills.  Do things that raise your own spirits.
Try not to see yourself in the role of the victim if something bad happens to you.  Don’t look for conspiracy theories, thinking that the game is rigged against you.  Instead, focus on what is going right, what you can do.
Focus not on what you don’t have, but think about what you do have, and be aware that for many things, it is enough.  And just like many other things, optimism becomes stronger with practice, so practice optimistic responses.  Keep asking yourself what you can do to take control of your circumstances.  Don’t spend so much time staring at the closed door that you don’t see the one that is opening next to it.
Don’t fall into the habit of constantly whining or complaining about things.  This again just fosters negativity, and by complaining, you are just letting it get the better of you.  Again, you realize that every task or situation is going to have its challenges and imperfections, and you must find the positive things to do to overcome these negatives.
Bring your resume to the Opti Staffing Group. We have many temporary, temp-to-hire and direct-hire positions with some of Anchorage’s, Seattle’s, Lake Tacoma’s, Portland’s, Lake Oswego’s, and Chicago’s best employers. If your many skills match their many needs, we can possibly get you working very quickly. Contact us today.

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