When we're on a roll, life is good, and things work for us with the greatest of ease. We can assign this good fortune to belief systems, educative or experiential prowess, or even a narcissistic view of how amazing we are.
When what's worked so well, for so long falters or stops, we're brought to our humbled knees in the face of reality. Prayer alone isn't going to fix the economy any time soon. School didn't mention what to do when the economy is in its worst predicament ever, and none of us has practical experience in dealing with the magnitude of crisis now before us. And, regardless of how lofty we may perceive ourselves, the issues the world faces today requires us to think, feel and act in such a way as to benefit the collective, not just our own personal gain.
What's happening in the world today is of global significance, environmental issues and the international economy affect humanity en masse, not just a few. We have a challenge admitting or dealing with our individual insecurities or inadequacies, let alone collectively having to come together and admit we haven't been playing the smartest game and there's so much room for improvement.We've experienced things in the last decade that most never dreamed possible, surely not in the USA. Well the sky has fallen, now what? Maybe it's time to start using the "more" that philosophers, prophets and scientists have been telling us about for thousands of years. Maybe it's just our human nature, that until we're put up against the wall, we won't access who and what we're truly capable of being.
When situations come at us, or have their way with us, we can easily move toward inaction and become defensive or reactive. It's because at that point we're standing in our fear and everything that internally could be working for us starts shutting down or actually working against us.
This is when being proactive and causative are the better choice of action. When we have a game plan, and we're engaged in implementing that plan, the mind begins thinking more creatively and accesses higher levels of problem solving capacity. Our self confidence starts working for us rather than against us, and we can see the fruits of our labors in that things are moving forward once again.
As individuals look at your current situation, as professionals or business owners look at your circles of influence, and what do you see? What's working for you, and what's working against you? Are you bolstering your strengths, and what are you doing about your weaknesses. Remember, when things are going well we can overlook weakness to a great degree, it's when things get tough that we need to be working on them the most.
What do you need to move forward? Learning new skill sets or developing better communication skills may not be appealing, yet it could be what's most needed. This is where having resources to bounce ideas off of is crucial, because what we think we need and what we really need are not always the same. Having a trustworthy advocate to inspire, direct and even push you at times is essential when moving out of your comfort zone.
If we look at icons like Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Donald Trump, they were all outrageously, even ridiculously wealthy at times, yet they rode a financial roller coaster for years. Making money, then loosing it, and then making it once again. Eventually the roller coaster ride ended, so what happened?
They each, in their own way, had opportunities to overcome bad situations, and began focusing on the bigger picture, the greater good. These men were instrumental in making large numbers of people financially independent. They stepped out of their comfort zones, started playing a more holistically minded game, and have never looked back.
Business owners today would be well advised to follow in these leader's renaissance footsteps. For decades we've enjoyed a labor market where there were more people wanting the jobs we had to offer than what we needed, so if someone didn't live up to our expectations, we could replace them with someone else immediately.
Today's labor market isn't what it used to be, especially in less populated cities. If we lose employees, for whatever reason, it can easily jeopardize our ability to do business effectively, or at all. So as business leaders, are we ready to invest in the health, wealth and well being of our employees? Is the pain great enough to consider such radical views as investing in those we expect to gain so much from?
In becoming effective human beings, especially in times of need like these, we increase our personal and professional attitude, and the where-with-all to invest in ourselves and those around us. Thus, making for more effective communication, relationships and leadership capacity.
These ideas are not easy or quick fixes, but rather long term worthy endeavors. It is of no surprise that the most successful people in the world have found their way to embracing and utilizing these practices on a regular basis.
So the sky has fallen and we want to know what to do next? Start using and being thankful for what we have, learn to play well with others, and step into our human adulthood.
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