I want to combine focus with energy. Your energy level gives quality to your focus. Imagine driving half asleep. You aren’t going to drive very well. Energy is why I don’t recommend large lunches, and I do recommend a good night’s sleep and a little exercise each day.  It’s not complicated advice.

Here’s the pivot. Valley Guides started out focused on the valley of unemployment. I’m going to expand the idea to include the journey. The valley is between where you are and where you want to be.

Day 68. I got the news on May 28th, and it's been 68 days. How do I keep going after 68 days, 2 months? What if I have 2 more months?  Redeem the time by gaining more skills. Pick a skill that will add to your value and get started. See how far you've come. Don't look at how far you have to go. The middle can be long. 

You do not have the freedom from responsibility. It is not your fault you are unemployed, but it is your responsibility to act. How you behave will echo through your families' lives. I have some ideas how to get started.

#1 Action holds fear at bay. 

#2 Learn to free-write. Spend time with unconstrained, un-edited, uncensored writing. 

#3 Tell yourself, "It's possible." Les Brown taught me to say it, and it is powerful.

How to you handle the middle ground? How do you stay productive during the long days of job searching? I think it comes down to routine and schedule. What does an ideal day look like? How close can you get to that ideal day?  Can you get closer tomorrow?