If you have been suffering from prolonged unemployment or job dissatisfaction, there is only one way out of the problem: persistent action. Yes, to keep making efforts until the issue is resolved. Sounds obvious?

Who doesn't know the basic principle of life: No action, no results! In reality, however, if you have been making efforts for some time but without success, you already know "persistent action" is not so easy.

Taking action when things are going our way is easy, but it's a challenge to act in the face of failures. When our efforts don't produce the desired results, it's natural to feel de-motivated and frustrated. Unfortunately, such a state of mind directly impairs our ability to act and takes us even further away from a solution.

The key to solving sticky problems is not to succumb to negative, depressing thoughts but to stay motivated. Then only, you can put in sustainable efforts. How to achieve such a state of mind? Try the following:

Meditation
Meditation is one of the most effective and easy-to-learn techniques to calm down the mind and feel relaxed. Originally attributed to Eastern tradition, the benefits of mediation are now scientifically proven. More and more people all over the world, from schools to hospitals to government offices to law firms, are embracing mediation to avoid worries and stress.

The best thing about meditation is that it doesn't require a shift in beliefs, affiliation to any organisation or equipment. You can get started now! Here is how you can start with the simplest type of meditation:

1. Sit in a quiet place. Be comfortable whether you sit on a chair or on the floor.
2. Close your eyes.
3. Slowly start taking deep breaths and focus your attention on your breathing.
4. If your attention wanders off here and there, that's okay. Gently bring it back to the breathing.
5. Keep yourself in the above mode for about 20 minutes.

Do it twice a day, preferably in the morning and evening. You may find meditation an immensely rewarding experience.

Bath of inspiration
How would you feel if you didn't bathe for several days? Dirty? Tired? Sick?

While we bathe daily to keep ourselves clean and fresh, we don't realise our mind too needs cleaning up. The mind gets clogged with worries, depressing thoughts and negative emotions. When left unattended, it leads to a different kind of sickness: lack of motivation, low confidence and hopelessness.

To clean up your mind, shower it with inspirational words. Read something inspirational everyday. Jokes amuse us. Tragic stories bring tears to our eyes. Likewise, words of inspiration lift our spirits.

If you regularly take the bath of inspiration (i.e., read something inspirational every day), negative thoughts will not settle in your mind. You will stay balanced and positive, despite all the challenges in your life.

Write away your worries
Writing freely is also an effective way to get rid of negative thoughts and worries. It works as follows:

1. Whenever you feel too worried, simply go to your computer or pick up a pen and a notebook and start writing whatever comes to your mind. If you are worried about a problem, write about it. If you are confused, write so. If you suddenly remember a conversation from the previous day, write that. In short, write anything that comes to your mind.

2. Don't stop to think. Flow with your thoughts. Do not worry about spellings, grammar, etc. Just write!

3. Write without a break for about 15 minutes (or longer, if you feel like).

As you outpour yourself, you will start to feel lighter and even empowered.

If you try out the above techniques, you will discover an oasis of peace and harmony. Ultimately, you will feel more powerful, determined and hopeful in the face of all the challenges that you are facing.

Atul Mathur © 2004. All Rights Reserved.
Atul Mathur is an author and a career coach.
Web site: http://atulmathur.com