My New Blog

With all the negative news on TV (so I hear...personally, I don't watch it much), radio and other medium, it's increasingly difficult for all of us to get excited about each day. I can relate as I just reviewed my stock portfolio...down 52%...WOW! But worrying about things we have little control over can only put us on a downward spiral that will be hard to overcome.  

Fortunately, you can (and do) have a good life AND you don't have to participate in this recession. Consider some time tested but simple steps to help you change your life and your attitude so you too can refuse to participate in our recession.

How you might ask?

1.  BE THANKFUL. Be thankful each and every day. No, I don't mean be thankful only if you have a closing today or if you score a new client...I mean thankful that you have your health, thankful that you are not confined to a bed and living off a feeding tube, thankful that you have a roof over your head and food on the table. I know who I thank each and every day but I don't wish to debate the merits for those who feel differently.

Re-learning to be thankful may take an attitude change. So read something enlightening or inspirational each night when retiring to bed. Just 15 to 30 minutes of reading will help you relax and get your head and heart ready for the next day. This should be a daily activity, not something you practice only when you can "find the time." 

2.  GET RID OF SOME OF THOSE AROUND YOU. No, don't whack them, just stop letting them live rent free in your head. The old saying, "misery loves company" could not be a more true statement, especially these days. Too many of your friends and associates are draining the life from you because they believe the world is coming to end. I made a commitment several years back to no longer associate with friends, agents, business associates who, as I call them, are on the "dark side." Some of these were good friends, but they took more from me than they gave. They zapped my energy and my spirit and I finally had to make a decision not to give that to them anymore. Associating ONLY with positive folks will work wonders for your business and your sanity.

3.  BUY...BUT STOP PAYING RETAIL. Decide today to keep on living but don't do it from a retail perspective. Shop for bargains on every purchase you make. My personal buying philosophy is that I won't pay retail for anything. It doesn't make sense to do so. Start paying cold hard cash (yes, cash...not a debit card) for everything except when paying by mail. This will also reduce the many impulse purchases you make weekly but save you money on the purchases you do make, thereby giving you additional money to go to dinner, a movie, a weekend getaway...whatever you reasonably desire. And now is a great time to buy things you can afford. Seems like everyone is ready to discount their retail prices in order to convince consumers to make purchases.

So stop participating in this recession by giving these simple steps a try. After all, what do you have to lose?