Searching for a job is tough, frustrating and time consuming. Weeks can drag into months if you don’t stay focused. However, the worst thing you can do is become discouraged. This is easier said than done and with the power of positive thinking, you can overcome the negative thoughts and emotions that may prevent you from getting the job you want. Decide what you want in your career and follow through. If you’re looking for a particular position and don’t find it right away, don’t give up. You can try temping, free-lancing or even volunteering – just think of the contacts you could make. Don’t let a week or two of not hearing from anyone discourage you, and don’t accept a position you know you’ll hate, even if the paycheck is tempting. Do your research. Try to arrange an informational interview with an employer in the industry you’re targeting or even with your top choice company just to see if you’d like it. Stay informed about local businesses and their successes and failures so that you’ll appear sharp during interviews. Besides, doing research keeps your mind active so you’ll be too busy to think "poor-me" thoughts. Take courses at your local college – many offer free or low-cost workshops and seminars that can expand your interests and insight. You might also make valuable networking contacts or meet someone from your target company. Remember your successes. Review your accomplishments, particularly if you have a long work history and keep any awards, commendations even funny notes from co-workers where you can see them. Anything that makes you feel good about your past professional life will add to your confidence about the future. Be resume ready. You should have a professional, well-written resume ready at all times – you never know when you’ll meet someone who might know of an opening. Make sure the format, content and language of your resume is up-to-date and chock full of achievements.. Have people in levels of professional authority read it and don’t take feedback as criticism, but professional advice. You may also wish to have a professional resume writer evaluate your document for its effectiveness. Above all, retain a sense of humor. Everyone has a funny work-related story – coffee that spilled on meeting documents, a boss who wore mismatched socks, or the time you mistakenly addressed a visiting V.I.P as "hey, you." Don’t limit the fun in your life just because you don’t have the job of your dreams. You must choose to be positive to keep yourself from falling into a slump. Keep dreaming while working toward your goals and soon you’ll be able to pass your own words of wisdom to someone else.