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about Unshakable Confidence During Shakable Times to your family,
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Do you know the
difference between an investment banker and a large pizza?
A large pizza
can still feed a family of four.
I'll be the first
to admit I'm no Dave Letterman. But the economic climate has grown
so depressing and glum lately, I felt the need to somehow change the
dynamic.
That's the purpose
of this month's newsletter.
During these trying
times, I encourage you to step away from the emotional ledge and take
control of your own circumstances. And the best way to start is to
work on building your self-confidence.
Everywhere you turn, whether it's the nightly news, the front page
of the newspaper or your quarterly 401K statement, the world's economic
circumstances are creating a very gloomy outlook.
A recent USA Today/Gallup
Poll stated that two-thirds of those surveyed say their personal financial
situation has been harmed by the mortgage meltdown and stock market
fall, and even more expect to suffer long-term damage. The American
Psychological Association reports that financial concerns "topped
the list of stressors for at least 80% of those surveyed."
With so many challenges, it can feel impossible to have any confidence,
belief and hope. What is most necessary, but seems the farthest from
reality, is to have unshakable confidence during these shakable times.
Research studies
have shown that maintaining a positive attitude is not only better
for your health, but you'll be more likely to succeed in life.
So while others are wailing and wringing their hands, you can get
ahead of the curve by taking action. Focus on the things you can control.
Building your confidence will take time, and there's no better time
to start than right now!
Ten tips toward building an unshakable confidence:
1. KNOW THAT THINGS WILL NOT STAY THE SAME.
They will change, they will get better. In the meantime, recognize
that you can't change the direction of the wind. But you can change
the direction of your sails.
2. SEE THE BIGGER PICTURE.
We've had economic and financial crises over the past 80 years. From
the 1929 Great Depression, lines at the gas pumps in 1973, Black Monday
in 1987, and the 2001 dot.com bust. As demoralizing as it's been,
2008 is just one of many downturns over the years. With each crisis,
we haven't just recovered; we have seen a very positive turnaround.
You will get through this.
3. TAKE ACTION THAT SHOWS YOU ARE IN CHARGE.
Perhaps the most frustrating part is feeling that your situation is
out of control. You can't do anything about it. You want to take action,
even if its small steps, to show you can make a difference in your
own future. This will empower you and build your sense of self-confidence.
4. CUT BACK ON EXPENSES.
Make small adjustments to your spending habits and lifestyle. List
all your expenses and see what and where you can cut. Instead of looking
at budget cutting as a pain, consider it a challenge or opportunity.
5. BRING IN
EXTRA INCOME.
You could get a part-time job or spend a few hours a week doing something
extra to bring in more money. Or consider asking for a raise or working
more overtime.
6. BE REALISTIC
ABOUT WHAT REALLY IS HAPPENING VERSUS WHAT THE NEWS IS PORTRAYING.
Try not to get so caught and consumed by what is being presented over
and over again by the "talking heads." Have your own internal
barometer that tells you what to listen to and when.
7. LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF NEWS YOU TAKE IN.
In one day, you can easily read the paper, watch the Internet and
than consume the TV news stations. All of this is overkill and will
just reinforce the negativity. Limit how much news you take in. This
will help you not get overwhelmed and swamped in doubt and fear.
8. USE YOUR SAVINGS - IT'S A RAINY DAY!
You know the adage, "save for a rainy day." Guess what -
it's raining! Now, is the time to use the money you have put aside.
Tapping into this rainy day fund might take some of the pressure off.
9. SURROUND
YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE.
Put an end to the "pity parties." As Richard DeVos once
said, "Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive
push. A smile. A word of optimism and hope. And you can do it when
things are tough."
10. SPEND MORE
TIME WITH THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE... DOING THE THINGS YOU LOVE.
Turn off the TV or computer and work on your golf game. Surprise your
spouse or partner with breakfast in bed. Volunteer at a homeless shelter
or your local humane society. Look for reasons to celebrate the people
you love and the friendships you've enjoyed over the years (in good
times and in bad).
"Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and
courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit at home and think
about it. Go out and get busy."
~Dale Carnegie
"When written in Chinese, the word 'crisis' is
composed of two characters. One represents danger. The other represents
opportunity."
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