From spending hours researching and applying to dozens of companies to being ghosted by recruiters, it gets hard to maintain a positive mindset during a job hunt. Searching for any job can be a daunting task, and keeping your head held high through it all may seem impossible.

Staying motivated and focused on your mission can become a struggle, but there are ways to help keep your drive for success alive. In this article, you’ll learn four tips that can keep your fire of motivation lit even through the darkest times during a job search.

Get into a daily routine

Consistency is a master key to productivity. Setting up a morning ritual, followed by structured tasks for the afternoon can help you get the most out of each day. Having a daily routine can also improve mental well-being, such as, reduce anxiety, increase confidence, and reduce feelings of grief.

Visualize and write down where you want to be

Right now is the perfect time to dig deep down into what you truly want to accomplish. Visualize and be clear about the exact position, industry, salary, location, and other details. Visualizing this can make your path clearer and helps you to stay on track. It can be a waste of time applying for jobs you can’t see yourself in or will get you to where you want to be. Take some time to sit and reflect on the things you truly resonate with and how you can add value to the world.

Stay physically active

Not only does physical activity get your endorphins pumping, but it also can lead to improved mood, feelings of calmness, more focused time, and stress reduction. Going for a walk, a couple of laps in the pool, or a jog around the block is all you need to reap the benefits of staying physically active. It allows you to take time away from the stresses of job searching and have a sense of control over your body and life.

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Focus on things you can control 

As the great Stoic philosopher, Epictetus once said:

“The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control. Where then do I look for good and evil? Not to uncontrollable externals, but within myself to the choices that are my own…” — Epictetus, Discourses, 2.5.4–5

A lot is out of your control when searching for a new job, like the job market, industry trends, and even a global pandemic. No amount of complaining about the economy or the sudden widespread virus will make the problem go away. But what will improve the situation is focusing on how you react to it. In most circumstances, the only thing you can control is your reaction. Right now, doing what you can control can be learning new in-demand skills, strengthening your online presence, updating your resume, or preparing for interviews.

Final Thoughts

No matter what your circumstances are right now, one thing is for certain. Your situation is not going to stay this way. Environments and circumstances are bound to change- eventually, they will improve, then worsen, and then, improve again. Remembering what is the most important to you and not letting external forces get to you can greatly assist in maneuvering through your career and life labyrinth.