From Socrates to Tony Robbins, many people have observed that "we become what we think about all day long." To a large degree - not entirely, but to a large degree - we DO create our world with our thoughts. I've had ample opportunity to prove that to myself these past weeks.
Many times a day, sometimes it seems like ALL day, I have the opportunity to really put a lot of thought into some mistakes that I have made over this past year. Rather than focus on the negative aspects of the mistakes I try to think about what I can do to change myself so that it doesn't happen again! I could focus on all of the negative aspects of what's happened. I decided that instead it is more productive to bring the changes that I desire to fruition by thinking about how I am going to change. Now, objectively, all of the above are true. The key is that I get to choose the ones I focus on.
If I focus on his "negativity" then I will become negative and begin to dig myself into a rut of self pity. If I focus on what I'm doing to change and how great things will be after I implement the changes in my life, my day is enriched and I laugh and develop a positive outlook on the future.
If I focus on the "woulda, shoulda, coulda" and the mistakes that I've made...well, you can imagine what happens to my blood pressure. So, which picture of my life is most accurate? Am I ambitious and forward thinking or am I the devil? IT'S ENTIRELY UP TO ME! (I know, those who are hopelessly addicted to "facts," will say that it is perfectly normal to obsess on the negative, but what do they know about how I really feel about myself?) The only person that will ever truly know the desires inside my heart is me, and it is up to me to materialize them.
The reality is that I get to decide where to focus my thoughts, my attention and my attitudes. And so it is for each of us, all day long, every single day.
Is the financial situation on Wall Street (and on Main Street) good or bad? Yes, it is. Many are anxious, fearful, and of course, millions are showing a loss on their investments. But millions of others see this as "the buying opportunity of a lifetime!" Is it good or bad? Yes, and to a large degree--not entirely, but to a large degree - you get to decide!
And so it will be with your success in 2009. I'm spending lots of time with my clients and customers looking at what worked and what didn't work in 2008, and designing strategies to move forward in 2009. I'm convinced NOW is the time to design and "blueprint" the reality you want for the year ahead, and just as I know the sun will rise in the east tomorrow, I know that Market America is the vehicle that will help thousands of people as we enter what I believe is the 2nd great depression. (I'm actually in the process of designing a website to help people with suggestions and shopping tips at www.the2nddepression.com. It is not online yet but I will send out an email when it launches.)
First, decide you WILL "do fine in '09!" Know, deep in your heart that you will adapt and adjust, you'll dance with whatever life throws your way, and you will triumph in '09! Sure, there will be clouds and maybe even rain. Occasionally, storms and even hurricanes strike, but through it all, you will "Do Fine in '09!" You can even do better than fine if YOU make the decision to make a change in y our life. Don't focus on the doom and gloom. Focus on doing whatever it takes to take care of your and yours!
Second, decide what "fine" looks like. Will you increase sales, or sell the business, go back to school or move to Montana? Will you adopt a child or retire? How about learning to skydive? What exactly does "doing fine" mean for you and your family? Make a list and be specific. Refer to your Market America career manual (which you should be reading at least 15 minutes a day) if you need help on goal setting.
Third, decide on a strategy. Whether you are buying real estate or learning French or starting a business, you'll need a plan. You'll need to know how much time, money, and help you'll need. You'll need a calendar to plot dates and you'll need a chart to list your benchmarks. How will you know you're on schedule and "doin' FINE" unless you have a plan?
Fourth, decide .. partners. As the Beatles sang years ago, "We get by with a little help from our friends." No matter what "Doin' Fine in '09" looks like, you'll need support from friends and family. You may need financing. You may need a business partner, or someone to teach you. "No man (or woman) is an island." Never be a Lone Ranger! Almost everything goes better "with a little help from our friends."
Fifth, decide on a coach. All peak performers work with a coach or mentor, whether the challenge is in athletics or business, whether parenting skills or retirement planning. Sometimes the best coaches are family members or friends but more often the best coach is a professional. Get someone with the training and expertise to keep you on track, focused and productive. I have a coach because I'm serious about my goals and I KNOW that I do better with a coach. I suspect the people who will truly Do Fine in '09 will be those who work with a coach.
I have a great (Free!) tool to help you choose and clarify your targets of 2009. I hope you'll get it, and encourage your friends to get their own copy. If you would like your own copy email me. And, if you'd like to talk about coaching to "Do Fine in '09" send me an email. Let's talk about it! My address is: dustin@unfranchise.com.
I believe in you! I love you and I know that you have the potential inside you to weather any storm that may arise in 2009. It is just a matter of developing the personal fortitude to stick to your guns and create your own future!
Dustin Mitchell
MARKETAMERICA.COM/DUSTIN
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