When you have lost a job, particularly one you have held for a long period of time, it is extremely important to deal with the emotional upheaval and stress first. You need to eat balanced meals, exercise, get plenty of sleep, and stay connected with trusted family and friends. And, because your mind tends to chatter day and night with messages of fear, you need to spend some time acknowledging your strengths, abilities and values. Taking the time to do this will affirm your internal sense of worth, and build the foundation for taking action. Now, it is time to take the bull by the horns. One day at a time.

These five strategies for taking action will help smooth out the process of attaining your goal of gainful employment in a job you love.

* Get organized. Set up an area in your house reserved for your job search. Create a plan, take lots of notes, and keep good files. When you have a handle on the daily tasks of life, you will feel more positive and peaceful. Don’t try to keep everything in your head. Save your thoughts for more creative and pleasurable things.
* Do your most difficult tasks at the start of your day when you are well rested. Most of us tend to put these tasks off, which only produces more stress.
* Going for that interview? Rehearse! Envision yourself in the room, plan what you will say, anticipate the questions, and see the success of a great interview and job offer. Being prepared reduces stress, and the vision of success creates confidence.
* Take breaks and allow time for fun. For every hour you work, allow yourself 15 minutes of break time in order to maintain peak performance. Think of the adage “work smarter, not harder.” Know your limits. Do not spend more than six hours each day dealing with planned tasks; you will find yourself working past the point of diminishing returns.
* Assess your thoughts and beliefs in regard to your job search. When you can view this as a challenge to your creative thinking, obstacles appearing in your path can be handled with less mind chatter, and less stress.

You have taken charge. You know that you are responsible for making your life what you want it to be. Making decisions and taking action gives you a sense of power and is a strong positive re-enforcement to your feelings of self-worth. You are up for the challenge. Decide what you want and go for it!

Georgia Feiste is a career, business and personal life coach, writer, and workshop facilitator creating a safe space for people wanting to make significant changes in life. Georgia is owner of Collaborative Transitions, located in Lincoln, NE. Her website is: http://collaborativetransitions.com

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