Keep motivated through unemployment
Unemployment can be a challenging and stressful experience that can take a toll on a person's mental health and motivation. The longer it lasts, the more a person can feel like giving up, helpless and lower self-worth. It is important to be equipped with effective ways to keep motivation up during this difficult time.
1. Set Goals and Create a Plan
Setting specific and achievable goals can help give a sense of direction and purpose during unemployment. Creating a plan of action can help break down the steps needed to achieve these goals. The goal-setting theory, developed by Edwin Locke and Gary Latham, emphasizes that setting specific and challenging goals leads to higher levels of motivation and performance.
2. Engage in Productive Activities
Engaging in activities that are productive and meaningful can help give a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. This could include volunteering, taking courses or learning new skills, or even starting a small business. The self-determination theory, developed by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, suggests that people have an innate desire to be productive and engage in activities that are aligned with their values and interests.
3. Practice Self-Care
Unemployment can be a stressful and emotionally draining experience, and it's important to take care of oneself during this time. Practicing self-care can include getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation. The transactional model of stress and coping, developed by Richard Lazarus and Susan Folkman, emphasizes that stress is a result of an individual's appraisal of a situation and their coping resources.
4. Seek Social Support
Social support can be a crucial source of motivation and emotional support during unemployment. This can include seeking support from family and friends, joining support groups, or even seeking professional help from a therapist. And dont even think that you’re being a burden to someone else! The social exchange theory, developed by George Homans, suggests that people seek social relationships that provide a net gain of benefits. So in seeking help, you might be benefiting others as well!
5. Learned Optimism
Unemployment can bring about negative thoughts and emotions, which can hinder motivation and self-esteem. On the other hand, positivity can go a long way to keeping your spirits up and may even be the determining factor of success in finding a job. Practicing positive thinking can help reframe negative thoughts and focus on the positive aspects of life. The broaden-and-build theory, developed by Barbara Fredrickson, suggests that positive emotions broaden an individual's thought-action repertoire and build personal resources.
In conclusion, unemployment can be a challenging and demotivating experience, but there are ways to keep motivation up and maintain a sense of purpose and self-worth. By setting specific goals, engaging in productive activities, practicing self-care, seeking social support, and practicing positive thinking, individuals can overcome the challenges of unemployment and emerge stronger and more motivated than ever before.
