Haunted by the recent downturns and debacles, big bank bailouts, plunging real estate prices and eroding retirement accounts? In spite of it all, we can still have the audacity to be hopeful. Here are four of my favorite strategies to help you feel more confident.

1. Focus on what you have the power to control...and plan your panic.
You can't control the national economy, but you can control your own spending choices and how much time you spend worrying about the impact of the economic downturn. Margaret Wehrenberg, psychologist and author of 10 Best Ever Anxiety Management Techniques suggests "planned panic." In other words, schedule a time to worry, brainstorm options, tweak your budget, check your 401K balance on-line, meet with your financial planner, etc. And then get on with your day.

You can't control the threat of downsizing in the company you work for, but you can control your positive career-enhancing steps such as staying connected to others in your industry, taking professional development courses and, above all, demonstrating competency in your current position.

You can't control negative people or situations around you, but you can control how you choose to react to them. A speaker I recently heard said that when asked, "What do you think about the economic downturn?" he replied, "I'm choosing not to participate." Some might say he's in denial, but he simply meant that he isn’t going to focus his energies on it.

2. Use resiliency resources.
You might not be able to escape from negativity, but you can choose to engage in positive activities to offset it. Here's a strategy I share in my seminars that may help:

A) Identify 5 activities in which you enjoy participating. I refer to these as “resiliency resources.” (Aerobics classes at the YMCA and going out salsa dancing would be on the top of my list!)

B) How many of those 5 activities have you participated in during the past two weeks? The more, the better. Unfortunately, when we're focusing on uncertainty and negativity, we tend to forego the fun, which is really when we need it the most!

3. Ask for help.
All the government bailouts being requested are extreme examples of this strategy. However, on a smaller scale this can mean everything from renegotiating loans and asking your boss to restructure your work schedule to collaborating with colleagues to make better use of resources. Here are some of my favorite phrases for seeking support, especially when the other person is a peer, or in a more powerful position:

• Would you be willing to...?
• What do you think about...?
• Would it be possible to...?
• Would you consider...?
• How would you feel about...?

In my book, If You Can't Say Something Nice, What DO You Say?, I offer a variety of ways to effectively communicate your requests, including 105 Phrases for All Occasions in the Appendix.

4. Maintain a sense of humor.
As my mother used to say, “Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying.” When times are tough and situations are tense, it helps to inject a bit of levity.

Some of the best examples of this come from the flight attendants on Southwest Airlines, who are known for making flying fun. That’s certainly no easy feat these days with the security screening obstacle course, jam-packed flights and reduced in-flight amenities. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Ladies and Gentlemen, there are fifty ways to leave your lover, but only six ways to leave this plane.
• Please note that there will be no smoking on the plane. However, we do have a smoking section located on the wing, where the in-flight movie is "Gone With the Wind."
• Attention Passengers. As you are trying to make the tough decision of which seat to choose, please keep in  mind that all seats arrive at our destination at the same time.
• Let me remind you that this is a non-whining, non-complaining and non-smoking flight.

So, focus on what you have the power to control, use “resiliency resources,” ask for help and maintain a sense of humor. There is always hope.