Top Job Seeker Moods For Success: (1) Optimism

Success doesn't come to you: you go to it – Marva Collins

I have talked in earlier blogs about the importance of networking when you are job seeking, and I realize that there are other tips that I need to share. What I am thinking of are characteristics or moods that you need to adopt rather than actions. In a series of articles, I will discuss the top moods that will carry you to success. Today’s mood: Optimism.

Optimism

Optimism is the foundation of courage – Nicholas M Butler

You probably have been told this by many friends and family, “stay optimistic”. But what is optimism?
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, optimism is
1) A doctrine that this world is the best world.
2) An inclination to put the most favourable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcomes.
​I have rarely come upon optimism in the first sense, but the second definition is the one I am talking about.

Optimistic Methods

The next question is, how do you stay optimistic?
I took the time to google optimistic and here is what I found: Optimistic is an adjective that means “hopeful and confident about the future”. I did not stop there and searched, “what/who is an optimistic person?” According to vocabulary.com, “An optimistic person thinks the best possible thing will happen, and hopes for it even if it's not likely. Someone who's a tad too confident this way is also sometimes called optimistic”.

I have to admit that asking you to stay optimistic that you will find a job “even if it’s not likely” may not seem logical. Yet as the quote affirms optimism is the foundation of courage, in this case the courage to never doubt that you will find a job. So how do you remain optimistic?  

Researchers found that in order to remain optimistic and become an optimist, you need to condition yourself to stay positive. You start by creating positive situations that put you in an optimistic state of mind. This can be accomplished in one of three methods. You may need to utilize all three. However, you have to initially experiment with possible combinations in order to discover which of the following three methods or combinations work for you. 

Positive images

Surround yourself with images or photos that remind you of happy moments or help look forward to a happier future.

Positive attitudes ​

Perhaps easier said than done, yet waking up each morning with positive thoughts such as, “today will be a happy day” or “I am so excited going for walk this afternoon” do affect your attitude.

Positive experiences

Planning experiences that make you happy is a sure way to add some positivity to your day. Experiences such as going for a walk, eating a cream puff or meeting with caring family and friends can be very helpful.

What are some other ways that you typically do to remain positive? Try them out and share what works for you.

In Short

Today’s Mood is all about optimism. 
Remaining optimistic when failure strikes is not easy. Using optimism enhancing methods can help you alleviate some of your concerns and keep on the positive track to success. Follow some of the tips shared and try to be optimistic even when it is not likely. Wake up one morning and be an optimist for 24 hours. Researchers say your attitude matters and with an optimistic attitude they guarantee that you will feel the difference.
​It works for me! Let me know if it works for you.