I remember the first time I was deployed to Saudi Arabia to enforce the no-fly zone in Iraq. I sat in an intelligence mission briefing with 50 of my fellow fighter pilots (my wingmen) where we were briefed on the Iraqi threats. The SAMs (surface to air missiles) and AAA (antiaircraft artillery) were everywhere waiting to shoot us out of the sky.

My heart pounded and my stomach ached. I couldn’t help it, but I was scared. The anxiety and fear were almost overwhelming. For the first time in my military career, I was going to be tested in combat. The years of study, focus, and sacrifice at the Air Force Academy, where I learned the fundamentals of discipline and teamwork, to the 79th Fighter Squadron, where I learned to fly the mighty F-16, all would soon be put to use.

But deep down, I wondered if I was ready. How would I perform under real pressure? Would I get shot down? Would I be able to execute the mission when it really counted? I had to get focused.

Despite my insecurity, the bottom line was that I was ready. I reflected on all my training and preparation, and I became more confident. All my previous work would allow me to win in Iraq. I didn’t need to be afraid.

Each day, you’re faced with missiles that are being shot at you as you seek to execute you mission to transition from the military to the civilian world and land the best possible job. How will you deal with them? Will you take disciplined action or shirk away in fear? Do you have the foundation of training, preparation and mental focus necessary to face those missiles with courage and confidence?

Here’s the secret: Winners work hard and plant seeds of success long before the enemy strikes. That’s why W.I.N. stands for “Work it Now.” Winners work, and do what needs to be done today to make things happen.

Every week I talk to people who have lost their jobs or who experience a tremendous decrease in their business. Yes, business is tough all over. Look at the economy and it’s quite clear that these are challenging times. It’s a huge missile and it’s pointing at us all. How we deal with this missile will ultimately determine whether we’ll defeat it.

If you want to test the character of a person in this job market, see how they act when they’ve been laid off, turned down for a job, or can’t even get an interview. Will they run away in fear or will they take courageous action to sharpen their sword and get back in the jet to fly?

Winners get focused.  Rather than abort the mission when fear strikes, they F.E.A.R. -- Focus Energy and Accept Responsibility.

Here are a few wingtips to help you to take courageous action in a tough job market.

• Surround yourself with positive, successful wingmen. Eliminate the Naysayers and attract the “Yaysayers.” These are your comrades of confidence who will lend you their wings to fly, but who will also hold you accountable for your actions. Join a mastermind group who will hold you to high standards.
  
• Flight-plan your day. Get up earlier, schedule your action items, reduce/eliminate TV time, or take a course on interview skills. Get focused on the preparation fundamentals that lead to success.
  
• Be a WingGiver. In tough times, it’s easy to get self absorbed. Help your friends who may also be struggling. Don’t let them fly solo. Remember, there are folks like you who may be stressed personally and financially. Find a way to help ease their suffering with your skill, encouragement and compassion.
  
• Be thankful. Appreciate all your blessings. Take inventory where your life is going well, and try not to focus on the negative.

Life has its ups and downs. As soon as you think you have it under control...BAM! Another missile gets launched. Don’t resist it. Rather, accept it as a challenge to upgrade your flight status and strengthen your wings. 

The key to successfully dealing with adversity is to ensure the critical work and relationship building is accomplished before the missiles of life are launched.  If you wait until after they are in the air, it’s probably too late.

To get more career advice or job searching tips, visit Military.com's Career Center.