By Steve Beseke, beseke1@earthlink.net

Believing in ourselves. Sounds easy. Of course, Not a problem. Well…maybe not always.

As all of us deal with our ups and downs in life, maintaining belief in ourselves professionally and personally can be a bit challenging.

Whether it is the boss at work giving you an unreasonable deadline. Your spouse or significant other giving you that steely glare after one of those whirlwind discussions. Or, you just feel like things are not going your way in these hard economic times.

With all that happens to us everyday in this increasingly changing world, consistently believing in ourselves can be very hard.

I am back at work now running my own speaking and writing business about resiliency – and loving it. But I was laid off a year or so ago from a company I planned to be at for the next decade. The fantastic company imploded when the economic crisis hit its full stride, and nearly all of the 2,200 employees – including me – were looking for our new great work adventure.

I stopped believing in myself for a time because I had done nothing wrong. I was labeled as a “rock star” in the organization and an essential component leading the corporate communications brand. Then, pow, it was gone. I had done everything right, then…

It certainly can set you back. Many of you might have had the same experience, or you are in a job that does not fit your skill set. At least I had a great family to support me and an idea. Instead of thinking a corporate communications executive job is what I had to have, I stepped outside myself a bit and did three things I suggest you think about. I:

- Developed a personal business plan.

- Looked at my personal brand very intensely.

- Had a “heart to heart” with myself about what I wanted to do for the rest of my career. I was 49 and did not want to just settle for something I’d probably leave in a couple years.

So, as you should do, I looked at what I could passionately offer – great writing and speaking. But what could I write and speak about that great folks like you would find value in listening to… What is your work passion?

That’s when I developed this career and life resiliency blog and have never looked back with more than 2 million hits over the last year or so. I initially did the writing to keep me “healthy,” but found y’all resonated with my perspective. This has led me to speaking worldwide and publishing hard cover and e-books very soon.

Now, if the perfect corporate position would come up, i might take that and still provide resiliency advice as my service to all of you. There is nothing better in this world than giving something back to a world that has offered me so much.

What does this have to do with you?

Well, I used many resilient strategies – such as adaptability, using my strengths, perseverance, persistence and patience – to keep me on a successful track. You can do exactly the same.

The next time a work or life challenge hits you across the face, I suggest not going down the rutted road of the blame game – government, your employer or even fate. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and stay in the sometimes complicated game.

I could have easily gone down the pity road and, to be honest, there are still days where I can swerve on that path for whatever reason. Because I have a lifelong physical disability (Cerebral Palsy), my increasing creakiness sometimes gets me off the paved road.

But I suggest not letting obstacles get in your way of forgetting about the good person that you are. No one is better in your world. Believing in myself has kept me walking, basically doing whatever I want and being successful in my very rewarding career.

I have not let a few bumps and sink holes stop me from believing I can stay resilient and do wonderful things – for myself and others.

Just keep believing in yourself, and most of the pains in life will eventually go away. And then you can see – as I ultimately have – the belief that you can do most anything in this great world….if only you believe.

I hope your summer is treating you well, and looking forward to talking with you again next week. Please stayed tuned for my e-books release date coming soon. I also will have more info about my soon-to-be published  career and life resiliency book. Take care.