It is a challenge to remain upbeat after constantly reading about the unemployment rate and other negative news about the job market. Keeping a positive attitude is critical.

Four approaches may help you with this:

• Surround yourself with positive people.
• Maintain a balance between bad and good news.
• Keep current with your job skills (Stephen Covey’s habit about always sharpening one’s saw is critical; never become complacent in your professional development).
• Be grateful for what you do have.

A great story was recently in the New York Times
(http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/04/nyregion/04soldier.html) about Brendan Marrocco. He recovered from losing both his arms and legs.

This article highlights the four approaches above in a real life situation. One amazing aspect of Brendan’s recovery is his strong mental attitude while he worked on preparing his body for prosthetics and an arm transplant. Brendan’s positive attitude sets an example of why we all need to do the same.