Being unemployed and looking for a job can be demoralizing.  Living with illness can be demoralizing.  No doubt there are other difficult life events  but these would rank at the top of anyone's "life's bad events" list.

Naturally you'd want to avoid experiencing both of these at the same time.  But, unfortunately, that's not a choice.  If you're facing this, do you feel hopeless, think you have no options and you can't see what you can do differently?

How are you doing with that thinking?  Probably not great.

Let's face it, you can't change that you live with a chronic illness.  But a positive attitude of hope and seeing opportunity in unlikely places at the least helps you get through the day in a better mood.  (I know that because I live it.)

Do you find that you're getting more listless and unmotivated?  A positive attitude helps you move and interact with others.  It draws in others and encourages them to want to be around you.  All of which helps your well being and, need I say, your work status.

Are you thinking, easier said than done.  I can't change the way I feel.

True enough.  Constant rejection and negative feedback  - either in a current job or in a job hunt - plus living with disabilities makes it hard to hold onto positive.

What can you do if negativity keeps nipping at your heels, when you least expect or want it?  What do you do if you realize this is a problem but you can't help yourself?

That was true for me.  When I was young (and healthy!) I had a generally "glass half empty"  outlook about my own life.  But the truth is that bad health helped me realize that I couldn't afford that thinking or behavior.  I had to teach myself new tricks.

I'd love to tell you that there are 3 sure fire tips to developing a positive attitude.  It's not that neat but there are some well defined places to start.

• First, create your intention for yourself.  This is your big theme idea of how you want to approach your career and it's becomes like your north star, your guidepost.   You might not ever reach it but it's where you're headed.
• Next, set some goals for yourself with clearly defined desired outcomes.
• Now, identify the opportunities and what gets in your way of achieving them.
• Finally, identify where and how you can get support from others to fill in your gaps.

Maybe you're thinking, I'm too old to change or I've been this way forever.  But it's not true.  Forget what they say about old dogs.  My dog, not old but not a pup either, can learn new behavior.  Because his habits are ingrained, he needs more help from me to learn a new trick.  And then he needs reinforcement.

You can get that new training, new ideas and reinforcement by reaching out for help. Join online or professional professional groups for information.  One tool I've used often in my career is a mastermind team (more information is in this online booklet ).  A mastermind team is a terrific way to get ideas and feedback from like-minded people.

Another tool I rely on is to work with a coach.  Yes, it's a financial investment.  But when you find the right fit, it's the best investment you can make in your future.

You can stop repeating the same old tricks that keep you stuck in "half empty" mode.  Start today.