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- Getting through a long job searchA long search wears most people down, and that's not a personal failing. Give your days structure, set targets for effort rather than offers, and get skills and support at the same time.
- Evidence: Strong
- Takes: a few hours a week
- Realistic optimismExplain bad events as temporary and specific, expect things can improve, then plan for the obstacles. Positive fantasies alone can backfire.
- Staying hopeful when things aren't improvingHope is a goal, a few possible routes and the belief that you can take one. Look for a route you haven't tried, explain bad news as specific and temporary, and keep the next step small.
- Evidence: Some
- Takes: 20 minutes, then a few minutes a week
- Values and what matters to youKnowing what matters to you helps you choose goals you'll actually stick with. Goals that fit your values are pursued harder and pay off more, but quick values-writing tricks have mixed results.
- When plans fall throughLet yourself be disappointed, sort what's still possible from what isn't, and pick a new next step. Moving on to a new goal matters more than letting go of the old one.
- Evidence: Some
- Takes: an hour, spread over a few days