Friday, November 7, 2008

STAYING PRODUCTIVE

Banish the Doom & Gloom thoughts!

How do we stay productive and motivated during these uncertain economic times, when the media is pounding us with doom and gloom stories? I try to work hard to protect myself from the negativity found daily in the paper, on TV, and over the internet. I don’t advocate a “hide your head in the sand” mentality, but I encourage us all to have faith and work on a more positive attitude.

By living a life of intention - focusing on actions to create the life we want - rather than by reaction, we can better guard ourselves from negativity. There's no sense in spending time on things that are outside of our control. Instead of focusing on the problems, we need to look for solutions. By focusing on what we can control, we can reduce worry and stress, maintaining productivity and keeping our motivation at a higher level.

Through each challenge or difficulty we experience, we need to look for a kernel of benefit or positive direction. We can gain strength through adversity, avoid thoughts of panic, by focusing on a benefit of the situation. It’s a process; adversity moves you along – you can gain strength or you can let it can weaken your resolve.

Look at Thomas Edison. In his development of the electric light bulb he documented 10,000 failed attempts. He was asked by a reporter how it felt to have failed 10,000 times. Edison replied, “I didn’t fail 10,000 times trying to invent the light bulb, I simply documented 10,000 ways that it wouldn’t work.” Where would we be today it Edison had quit?

So with the economy, maybe we accept it “as it is”. Neither bad or good, but look at todays’ situation with openness and interest, rather than fear or panic. We discover that kernel of hope and opportunity. Combine that with determination and personal focus, and we stay productive. A common trait among self-made millionaires is the willingness to persevere when times are tough.

Move the focus from the overall uncertain economic situation to your personal situation and ask “What would responsible action look like?” Do you need to adjust your spending to live within your means? Are you honoring the money you have? Acknowledging the facts of your own life is a powerful starting point for reducing anxiety and taking action that is necessary.

To weather the current economic storm: Focus on the facts of your life, the future you want to create, and take action to make it happen – irrespective of what the news is promoting or what your friends are talking about. Believe in yourself, learn from adversity and grow stronger from it, take inspired action. Create your life of intention!

Our goal at InSight Mortage Group is to provide you with the expertise, education and tools needed in making smart financial decisions and the right mortgage choice for your personal goals. Please feel free to call me, visit my website, or email me at michele@wantinsight.com.

Michele "MAC" Cole
913-642-3334
www.wantinsight.com