Sorry, Recession 2009 – I am not able to attend!

It’s all the buzz. Instability on Wall Street. The economy is in trouble. We are in a recession. More jobs lost. (and I know about this one first hand...I live in the auto manufacturing region of the U.S.) Well, I, for one, am not participating! No, it’s not about being a “Pollyanna” and avoiding unpleasant issues/situations, but rather about taking charge of my own mind, my own reactions, and as a result, my future. “As a man (woman) thinketh…”

Over the past several months, I've noticed an unhealthy trend. Because I have the opportunity to interact with many leaders from all walks of life via phone, email and Internet communications, I’ve found many who are discouraged and frightened to the point of working themselves and others into a panic, which prompts this writing. Enough, already!

I am not insensitive to the challenges (and outright difficulties!) that are facing all of us, but someone needs to be the voice of reason in these volatile times. Napoleon Hill said that “thoughts are things” and that we determine what happens to us by the decisions we make.

What we focus on is what we become, so I suggest we make a conscious effort to monitor what we are thinking, believing and saying. “Feed” your mind negativity, and soon your life will reflect just that. Below are some touch points for you to consider for improving your mental diet. I may offend some of you, and that’s ok if it gets you to think. Sometimes we need to hear what we don’t want to hear…and if this helps just one person, it was worth it.


Lose the News
I remember my high school journalism classes…make your story exciting - sensationalism sells! We all know this, and yet we’re affected by the “doom & gloom” reports fed to us daily by newspapers, radio and television (and I need to add the Internet here, as well). Turn off the headline news, and stop reading the headline stories. Don’t be a media victim!

History records that during every challenging time great leaders were produced in all sectors. It has been during the most difficult times in history that the greatest of leaders have emerged. Rise above the mental fray NOW and make great strides.

Detox
We all have people in our lives that drain our energy, negatively influence our attitudes and depress our spirits. This is toxic to our minds and probably one of the most difficult to eliminate. If at all possible, if a person is not bringing you something of value, eliminate him or her from your life. Negative people breed negativity, which kills passion and drive. Put your focus on people with constructive attitudes who want to make a positive difference and be a person of worth. Consider this quote:

”You are the average of the five people with whom you spend the most time.” Mr. Jim Rohn

To Inspire, BE Inspired
What are you feeding your mind? Read books and periodicals that share the best practices of people and businesses who are rising above challenges and thriving. There are so many inspiring success stories out there, like Nick Vujicic's, for instance. Fill your brain with fantastic ideas, motivating thoughts and inspiration. Listen to Zig Ziglar, Jim Rohn and Anthony Robbins tapes/cd’s and listen to them on the way to work. Sign up for and read positive weekly eZines like Jim Rohn’s or Your Achievement Ezine. Read spiritual and self-improvement books, like As a Man Thinketh, Today Matters, The Traveler’s Gift, The Twelve Pillars and other life balance books. It will amaze you how quickly your attitude and perspective will be affected because of what you’re feeding your brain. (and if you haven’t read Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich…make it #1 on your list)

QUIET!!
Even machines need to be shut down occasionally (they break down if they aren’t). Everyone, myself included, has gotten very busy in recent years, and when you add stressful times like these, personal down time is more important than ever. We need a day (or two) to recharge our batteries and renew our most intimate relationships. Turn off the cell phones and computers. Take time for yourself and your family. I know, I know…I used to feel guilty, too. But this time to relax, renew, and refresh is of vital importance. For some, it will take on a spiritual component, i.e. a “day of rest” that’s spent going to church, synagogue, etc. All of us, however, must keep our priorities in order and take measures to prevent burn-out. After all, how effective will you be for those looking to you if you’re falling apart?

Dump the Pity Party
The adage, “careful what you ask for, you might get it” might apply here. You wanted to be a leader. Why? There are probably as many answers to that question as there are people reading this. (By the way…moms, dads, teachers, etc. are also leaders!). Some of you became a leader because you wanted control. Control of your finances, your time, your future. Many who aspire to lead want to be the “go to” person…the person who gets things done, makes things happen. You wanted to have the answers to the tough questions, be able to make the difficult decisions. Some may have wanted to be loved, looked up to, respected, or admired.

Whatever your reason, you’ve stepped up to a leadership position. People are looking to you for answers. Now it’s time to BE the leader you’ve aspired to be! All around you people are unsure, shaken and frightened…and they are looking to you for reassurance and encouragement. You had a vision. Others chose to follow you because they believed in your vision. As their leader, you provide direction, confidence, and inspiration. They need to see in you the calm assurance that everything will be all right. Believe in your own vision…believe in yourself…now!

Remember...Tough times DO NOT build character - Tough times REVEAL character!