What positive psychology interventions can help you during career transitions?

1 Cultivate your strengths

One of the core concepts of positive psychology is that everyone has a unique set of strengths that can enhance their performance, engagement, and satisfaction. Strengths are positive traits that you are good at, enjoy doing, and value. They can be skills, talents, abilities, or character qualities. By identifying and using your strengths, you can leverage your potential, overcome challenges, and adapt to new environments. You can discover your strengths by taking online assessments, such as the VIA Survey or the CliftonStrengths, or by reflecting on your past achievements, feedback, and passions. Once you know your strengths, you can apply them to your career transition goals, such as finding a suitable opportunity, preparing for an interview, or learning new skills.

2 Practice gratitude

Gratitude is the appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful in your life. It is a powerful emotion that can boost your happiness, optimism, and resilience. Gratitude can also help you cope with stress and uncertainty during career transitions by shifting your focus from what is missing or wrong to what is present and right. You can practice gratitude by keeping a journal, writing thank-you notes, expressing your appreciation to others, or meditating on the positive aspects of your situation. Gratitude can help you recognize the opportunities, resources, and support that are available to you, as well as the lessons and growth that you can gain from your career change.

3 Build your network

Social support is another key factor that can influence your well-being and success during career transitions. Having a network of people who can offer you advice, feedback, referrals, or encouragement can reduce your stress, increase your confidence, and expand your options. You can build your network by reaching out to your existing contacts, such as former colleagues, mentors, friends, or family, and updating them on your career goals and needs. You can also connect with new people who share your interests, values, or aspirations, such as alumni, industry experts, or online communities. Networking is not only about asking for favors, but also about offering value, building trust, and creating meaningful relationships.

4 Embrace a growth mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that you can improve your abilities and outcomes through effort, feedback, and learning. It is the opposite of a fixed mindset, which is the belief that you are born with a certain level of talent or intelligence that cannot change. A growth mindset can help you during career transitions by enhancing your motivation, persistence, and adaptability. Instead of seeing career changes as threats or failures, you can see them as opportunities or challenges. Instead of avoiding risks or feedback, you can seek them out and learn from them. Instead of limiting yourself by your current skills or identity, you can develop new ones and reinvent yourself.

5 Savor your achievements

Savoring is the act of paying attention to and prolonging the positive experiences in your life. It is a way of enhancing your happiness, satisfaction, and self-esteem. Savoring can also help you during career transitions by acknowledging your progress, celebrating your successes, and rewarding your efforts. You can savor your achievements by sharing them with others, reflecting on them, or treating yourself. Savoring can help you reinforce your strengths, appreciate your journey, and maintain your momentum.