How to deal with uncertain times

Posted: October 19th, 2009 | Filed under: insights | Tags: better business | No Comments »

So, we’re worried about the future right?  Worried about keeping our jobs, the value of our properties, and what the next shocking economic news might be.  Best to keep our heads down, don’t rock the boat, just keep carrying on.

Wrong.

The best way to deal with uncertain times is to be more creative, take more action.  Anything else is giving away your power.

For giving away our power is what we are doing.  We’re giving it away to our boss, or the company we work for, to the media that’s scaring us about the economy, and to the politicians who tell us they have the answers.  And that’s just not good enough.

The only person who is in charge of your destiny is you.  Sure, bad things happen but “bad” is only one way of looking at it.  Look for the lesson – “bad” things always have something to teach us.  You could be a victim who lets thing happen to them, or you could be a person who knows that in turbulent times people are drawn to quality, creativity and positive action.
i.e. the you who fully embraces your power.

Let’s be clear what I mean by your power.  It’s not control over people, or money, or sex appeal, or having more than others.  Your power is:

• knowing yourself
• believing in yourself
• having the courage to speak up for what you know to be right
• and to do what is the right, if not necessarily the easiest, thing

How to deal with these uncertain times?

Stand on the courage of your convictions.  Believe in yourself and what you do, no matter what others do or say.

But don’t fool yourself; be honest about the situation you find yourself in because from this place of honesty and integrity you can creatively think of ways to thrive.

Easy words to say yes.  I’m trying to live them every day and I know it’s hard.  But maintain your power; what makes your contribution unique and amazing – because now more than ever:

If you stand for nothing you will fail at everything.