One of my new favorite books is Ariane de BonVoisin’s The First 30 Days. She presents change creates opportunity and we should believe that change will always lead us to something better. With this thought, we don’t fear change; we welcome it. (Check out her book and website).

It is difficult to maintain an optimistic perspective in the face of harsh times. But our resiliency is dependent on our attitude. If we constantly focus on the negative, then that is all we will see (and the medications and time with psychologists will continue). If, instead, we develop the ability to constantly focus on the positive and the opportunities, we will be more upbeat and optimistic and will have the energy and tenacity to survive the down times.

This economy got me down. So to jumpstart myself out my self-imposed death spiral, I listed as many benefits of a recession as I could think of. Click here to see my list. It was easier to write than I thought and it brought me to a better reality. Use the comment section to add your personal “benefits of a recession” – I’ll keep the list going.

Time for Action: How will you stay upbeat and focused on the good? What great things have happened in a down time? How will you use obstacles to become more connected to who you are and the talents you have? You own your life and your attitude. Get out of neutral.

Here is what guides me:
1. Stay positive and find the positive, not the negative, in the change. There are always positive events if we look for them; committing to feeling bad doesn’t do any good. As I like to call it – be on the “hunt for opportunities.”
2. Know you will land on your feet. Trust that you have the abilities and the strength to come out stronger, better, happier or more successful. Believing it is critical to your success.
3. Surround yourself with others who can help you. Periods of change should send you looking for help, rather than trying to solve things on your own. Most people feel that their change situation is unique to them. Most situations have happened to others – and they may have wisdom to help guide you through the process. Find help.

Change happens. That is just the way of the world. Be optimistic, welcome it and be better because of it. Whether job hunting, managing or watching your family grow up, find the good. Celebrate the positive and commit to being optimistic.

To help with the impact of change, Job Seekers can check out Stand Out and Get Hired – your resource to help you see what you are great at, which jobs need what you are great at and how to apply in a way that gets you noticed. Managers check out Fire Up! Your Employees and Smoke Your Competition. This is your step-by-step guide to learn how to manage in today’s period of change. Use the tools to be great in times of change.