I’m having trouble getting in gear today. And, most days, I feel like I’m on auto-pilot. Since sifting through the murky, muddy world of job hunting, it can be difficult to stay driven enough to remain motivated, much less stick to being positive.

As of late, I’ve been toying with the idea that it may be better to hunker down and hang on (for dear life) to my temp job and hope they hire me permanently (although, I’m not that interested in continuing in my present role). Family and friends have already begun to hum the job/economy sing-along, “What if there aren’t any jobs like the one you are looking for?” “You need to make some real money in the meantime, ” and “You can always keep looking once you secure a permanent position, nothing is forever.”

But that’s the problem, from where I’m sitting, this feels like forever. I don’t want to relegate myself to an eternity of securing jobs I don’t want to only look for careers I’m more interested in having. It wastes time and only encourages a fruitless cycle instead of steady path.

Therefore, I had to have serious change of mind about things, instead of hoping my circumstances would take a turn for the better.

Set your values in stone.

Values and principles do change over time, but don’t waffle and fudge them in hopes of convincing yourself to do something that makes you unhappy (professionally). If you value having a career that involves working with children or want to set up your own business - stick to the value of wanting those things. Such values drive to the core truth of who you are and that’s the most important component of staying driven.

There’s no such thing as the perfect job - only the perfect job for the right person at the right time.

Being happy in a job involves a lot of factors that actually have nothing to do with the job in question. It’s all about where you are in your life and what you are looking for at that particular junction. Sometimes, your drive will slow down, veer off course or come to a complete stop, but that doesn’t mean you’re any less likely to find the career you want. Of course, there are hidden opportunities within every professional path that opens up, but follow your instincts about which ones that will be right for you.

Don’t use being financially desperate as a reason to take a job you know you don’t want.

I don’t know what’s worse: being fired from a job you didn’t like in the first place or working somewhere in which you are totally miserable so you can pay the bills. If you’re getting by financially via temping, waitressing, odd jobs or whatever - then, keep at it! Your chance will come sooner than you expect. Don’t think, however, that you should take an opportunity to work (and have health insurance) at a place you know you won’t like - don’t bother. They’ll fire you a year later because of your lackluster performance and replace you with someone who actually wants to be there.

Finally, don’t set yourself up for disappointment by setting unrealistic bars of success, comparing yourself to others or thinking whatever goals you set have a time limit. Being successful is not about what you accomplish when, it’s about seeing your vision come to fruition. Follow through is the fuel that keeps drive going. Put yourself on the path, but make sure to keep your foot on the pedal if you want to get to the end of the road.