Over the last 2 months, we have seen a glimpse of the near future. And I’m not wanting to sound like a Gloom/Doom Prophet, but I believe we are heading towards a future that looks a little bleak (to say the least). Living in Australia (over the last 3 years) has been great with a minor exception now; the infamous AUD$ has dropped by 40% vs. the USD$ over this short period! Amazingly sad and simply unbelievable.
I guess the question is…“so what do we do now?”
Do we cease all we do and simply watch the daily news on the financial crisis…like a terminal patient just waiting for his/her “time”…or do we crawl into our Caves and plan for the similar Y2K scare of the past…or do we sit back and watch with fear/disbelief…have you thought about it?
The economic situation is bound to hit you sooner or later…so the more prepared you are…the better! Preparation takes time and thought…but the simplest 1st step that you can do is to “take stock” of your weekly/monthly Revenue vs. Expenses and begin taking steps/discipline to cut back! (now vs. later).
Another good step is to re-evaluate the Need vs. Want in your spending…especially with the Christmas Shopping period arriving. There are many things you can do to be more prudent (free up cash-flow, buy precious metals/gold, invest in blue chip “rock-steady” companies, rent vs. buy a house, research the historical lessons of the past, talk to a financial planner, sell unwanted items on ebay, become close friends with a banker, pray more, etc).
This Economic season is also a chance for us to think with a New Perspective…yes, be sensitive (don’t listen) to everything the News/Media bombards you with. Challenge it! I’m sure you are aware by now, that Negative Press and Doom News are always the Top News of every-day…after all, they are the Money spinners!
There is a Chinese Character for the word “CRISIS” which is a good analogy (for times like these) to help us consider how we frame things/events, we experience in our life. The 2 words that “come together” to make the word CRISES is DANGER and OPPORTUNITY. Of course, it is wrong to equate these into a simple mathematical equation but the fact of the matter is; in every Crisis…there is Danger and there are Opportunities as well!
As a Coach, I would challenge and enthuse my Clients to always think and look at life in a POSITIVE light. Research has shown that the more people look at their lives Positively and look at their Strengths (vs. Weaknesses)…their lives will abound and excel. Strengths-based Development has proven to Boost employee productivity and engagement and increase organizational performance!
In closing, what will you be thinking…feeling…trying…and doing differently in these days of Crisis, Danger and Opportunity?
