Ten steps to remain positive during a job loss

Losing your job can be a devastating personal experience but it is how you react that will make all the difference according to Sarina Russo, Managing Director of Sarina Russo Job Access.

Ms Russo, who was regularly fired as a legal secretary, said a positive outlook and self belief helped her overcome adversity and become a successful business woman.

"Your attitude gives you altitude and I used the following strategies to help me remain positive after each time I was fired," Ms Russo said.

1. Assess the situation
Never take it personally. Never think why me? Never accept someone else's negative opinion of you, because it will drain you of your strength. It will fill your mind with self-doubt. It's not what happens to you, it's what you do about it that counts.

2. Look for the silver lining
In times of adversity you'll always find a silver lining if you look hard enough, with a can-do attitude. It's how you embrace rejection and uncertainty that will determine your future success.

3. Use empowering words in your self-talk
There is scientific evidence that 80 per cent of our day is self-talk. We can choose to negatively talk or positively praise ourselves. It stands to reason that if most of our self-talk is positive, we will act in a positive, it can be done, manner.

4. Personal strengths
List your past accomplishments and achievements. You can use these strengths in your positive self-talk and during job interviews.

5. Ask for help
Don't be too proud to ask for help. Seek support from family, friends and co-workers. There will always be someone there to lend a hand. Always associate with positive people as negative people will suck you into their world of darkness and doubt.

6. Disciplined job search
Be disciplined and spend eight hours a day on your job search. The pain of discipline weighs ounces - the pain of rejection weighs tonnes. A regular job search schedule will give you a sense of accomplishment.

7. Never stop learning
Take the opportunity to update your skills because education is the key to your future.

8. Build relationships
Keep in touch with your contacts, attend professional events, attend conferences or volunteer. Networking can open up a 'hidden job market'.

9. Safeguard your health and fitness
Maintain a healthy diet and release your stress through exercise. If you've got a fit body you'll have a fit mind.

10. Be good to yourself
Reward yourself with special things to keep you motivated, ie listen to music, catch-up with friends, prepare a nice dinner.