Just wanted to share encouraging thoughts for anyone struggling in job search or life.

About 10 years ago, I was in an extended job search. It took me almost 10 months to find permanent employment.

Fortunately I was part of a job search support group which provided me with tools and encouraging thoughts to continue when I was really down.

We had a tradition of a “graduation” speech when someone got a job and left the group. I recently discovered my “words of wisdom” to the group, and they seem as applicable today as then.

I share them with you in the hope that you will also appreciate these encouraging thoughts.

Here goes…

1. You have many more friends and far fewer enemies than you think.

2. Almost everyone wants to help. If they can’t help you today, they will tomorrow.

3. If you see yourself as a victim of circumstances, you will get stuck in the past. Let go and move on.

4. Opportunities present themselves in strange packages. Open the package even if you’re not sure what’s inside or if anything is inside. You never know.

5. The more drained and down you are, the more important it is to give back. This maintains your sense of self-worth.

6. Make your job search your job. If you get temporary or part-time work in addition, you will have a 50- or 60-hour work week. This keeps you in shape for the “real world.”

7. Find one thing each day to be grateful for. Write it down. When you are “in the dumps” read through the encouraging thoughts you’ve written.

8. Take care of yourself physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

9. Associate with people who share encouraging thoughts, and stay away from those who do not (although easier said than done!).

10. Identify your passion, and speak clearly about it. People are impressed when you know what you want and are good at.

11. Treat everyone you meet with kindness and courtesy, even if they don’t treat you well

12. Distinguish clearly between “wants” and “needs.” This distinction helps you with the challenge of limited income. You may find that most of your “needs” are actually “wants.”

13. Distinguish clearly between those parts of the job search over which you have control and those where someone else has control. This will help you stay assertive and avoid being either passive or pushy.

14. Find enjoyment wherever you can. Laugh at least once every day.

If you have been struggling in an extended job search, I hope these ideas will give you a boost. I wish you all the best and believe that the right opportunity for you will present itself. Stay positive and never give up.