Working from Lack or Loss

With all the talk of global recession and economic downturn it seems most people are operating from a position of weaken, lack or loss these days. I heard panic from people that are worried about their 401K or their RRSP values even though they aren't going to cash them in for 3 decades. Now who told you to pull your money out? Oh, someone in panic and fear mode. The likelihood of your savings and retirement not rebounding is almost zero on the next decade. Now, granted, if you are 64 years old I would be concerned because your timeline is now. But dealing with this issue from a position outside of the fear sure is more effective and less stressful.

I talk to people that are worried about being laid off. If its you, let me ask you a couple of questions. Have you talked to your company and your boss about the safety of your position? Maybe you are completely safe and panicking for nothing. Have you asked, what do I need to do to ensure my role and position is safe with this company? They will tell you how to become more indespensible. What boss doesn't love someone that wants to know how they can create so much value the company would never let them go. Let's not forget that when a major corporation lays off 10% percent of its workforce (this is about how many are being laid off from a large number of companies although the media likes to use the biggest number they can find to add more fear to the mix) it still keeps the other 90% of the workforce. Even if I am wrong, and its 2o or 30% being laid off - 70% aren't! So ask yourself - how do I stay employed? If you knew your head was on the block, wouldn't you want to know now so you could start planning? Go ask and see what your risk is. Take charge of your job, career and life. How does sitting quietly at your desk hoping they don't pick you for the guillotine help you?

Within every crisis is a chance for opportunity. Some industries go down and other go up. Start looking for the places people need help. Start planning your days, weeks and upcoming years with the perspective that no matter what the media says and how bad things are for some people, you aren't going operate from that position of weakness or lack. Now is such a great time to capitalize while others have their heads in the bunker. So what can you do today to improve your life and your opportunities when things are tough? That is a question worth your time and energy. Ask the right questions and get the right answers. Ask the right questions and see all the opportunity there for you.

Out with the Negative, In with the Positive

How can you be negative, down or depressed when you are busy recognizing all that you are grateful for? You can’t. So often we have service programs, client appreciation events, employee of the month programs, etc for our businesses. How many of these programs do you have for you personally? Are you letting all the people you know, know how grateful you are about them? The people that help you daily – do they know how grateful you are?

Gratitude is terrific for focusing your mind on how great your life is. Gratitude is also great for telling others how great their contribution to your life is. Get focused on the good and then watch how more good comes to you. Gratitude is energizing, inspiring and reassuring.

Now if you take that spirit into everything you do, YOU get more out of it. You stand out from the crowd of takers as a giver. Your positive energy from gratitude can change your results on that next date, in that next job interview, that next game, that next class, etc.

Take a moment and make the list of gratitude. Write out 50 things you are grateful for and see if it doesn’t change you in that moment and into 2009.