How To Turn Things Around

If you are like most people, today’s economy and the feeling of uncertainty about the immediate future can be very daunting. But worrying and feeling stressed provides no solution, only confusion. To help put you back on track and put things in proper perspective, I am going to provide you with some “ideas to snack on” as well as some immediate steps you can take to get you back “behind the wheel of your life.”

I begin by borrowing a quote from my own book Prepare for the Wolf,

“It’s not what you don’t have;
it’s what you think you need that stops you
from succeeding or being happy!”

Often during times of challenge we tend to focus on what we lack instead of what we have. Focusing on lack creates a sense of loss and an artificial dependency. Instead, identify what you do possess or have going for you and leverage it to its full potential.

As you begin to take action instead of being stuck in a state of inaction, you will uncover a sea of resources which is usually sufficient enough to accomplish the task at hand. In fact, the very thing that you lack; whether its money, contacts, or even information- usually appear shortly after you begin to make your move.

The book of life would refer to it as sowing and reaping-“give and it shall be given unto you”. As you give, be it to your business or to others, you set in motion a chain of events which return unto you.

Some immediate steps you can take to get back behind the wheel of your life are:

1. Slow down and breathe. Rushing or feeling like time is running out creates unnecessary stress as well as can make you feel desperate and lost. Remember, this too shall pass. It takes time.

2. Monitor your habits and determine which ones are not productive. Remember your habits determine your future. Adopt consistent daily actions that move you closer to your goals. Eventually you will develop “good habits” and good habits will lead to great results.

3. Write down specifically what you want to achieve and what challenges are urgent and important. Put your energy into these items only. Focus on the solutions not the problems. Taking on too much and not prioritizing will create doubt and fear.

4. Read, meditate and spend time with loved ones. Things may get worse before they get better but they will get better. Still enjoy the important things in life.

5. Lastly, remember health before wealth. A strong mind, body, and soul will always endure. When things turn around, you want to be healthy enough to enjoy it. Drink plenty of water; get enough sleep, exercise, laugh, smile and love.

If you follow the above steps, at worse case you will be at peace with yourself and will be moving towards a solution. At the end of the day, peace is the ultimate success and nothing is more valuable than that.