The unemployment rate has been steadily increasing over the past year. In an effort to stay afloat, companies are laying off workers to maintain their bottom lines. Attitude plays an important role if you have joined the ranks of the unemployed who are competing in the same small job pool. How do you stand out in the crowd?

I believe that with the right attitude you can turn this temporary setback into a steppingstone. That’s right, temporary setback. Don’t allow yourself to think for a moment that the situation you find yourself in is permanent. Setback, means “an unanticipated delay or reverse in progress; an unfortunate happening that hinders or impedes.” A keyword in this definition is hinder. It means that something has gotten in your way, and it’s obstructing your progress. In other words, it won’t last forever. It’s just a setback.

I’ve often said, “Without life’s ups and downs and temporary joys and defeats, you would never know the stock of which you are made.” If you will allow it, you can learn lessons from a setback. It’s really nothing more than a setup for something better.

Instead of dwelling on the situation and getting in a pity party, begin building your self-esteem. Realize that layoffs don’t usually have anything to do with who you are as a person or your job performance. It’s simply a matter of reducing overhead.

Take some time to boost yourself back up. When self-doubt sets in, give yourself a pep talk. Repeat aloud the following affirmation.

“I am a unique individual that the world has never known. I am born to do well and succeed. I was born to be great because I have what it takes to be great. I am enthusiastic and optimistic. I am a change-embracer and the master over my life. As blessed as I am with all of my talents, there isn’t anything I can’t do. I will never fail. I’ll go out and make today an attitude is everything day.”

By maintaining the right attitude, you can go beyond your current situation and achieve more than you ever thought possible.

Now is the time to start dreaming. What is it that you’ve always wanted to do? Now’s your opportunity! Do you want to go back to school and get a higher degree? Or maybe you would like a career change. Start making plans.

Don’t allow procrastination to hold you back. Instead, turn procrastination into hustle and begin working toward your goal. Remember, setbacks make you stronger. Welcome them, learn from them and then get over them.

The seed of greatness lies within you. How well that seed grows is up to you. If you allow setbacks to overwhelm and overcome you, the seed will shrivel up and die. However, if you quit complaining about what has happened and instead constantly affirm your gifts and talents and hustle to reach your goal, you’ll overcome any situation that tries to hold you back.

Even though those around you are negative, it is important to “override” their words with positive self-talk. What is self-talk? It’s that incessant little voice that you listen to all day long. It programs your brain and affects your behavior. By paying attention to how you talk to yourself, you will filter out the negative comments and actions that other people say and do.

Self-talk will enable you to control your destiny by the words you speak. When someone says to you, “It won’t work,” tell yourself, “Yes it will work.” If you’re told that the chances of your getting a job are slim to nothing, tell yourself, “I have gifts and talents that employers are looking for. It won’t be long before I’m working again. I’ll even make more money than my last job!”

Regardless of what others say, keep talking positively to yourself. Remember, if you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it. Attitude is everything!