Don't give up!

This morning I had to dip into my savings to cover my taxes and bills.  I was on the phone with a lovely Charles Schwab representative who sounded young enough to be my daughter.  But as the conversation ended she and I extended it to the economy and how things were going and I shared my story with her.  Why I am sharing it with you is because I found myself telling her how "hopeful" I was that these turn of events will wind me up on a really good path. And so I wanted to share that sentiment with you.

Don't give up...don't give in and don't stop believing that you can make it!  Yes, the times are challenging us in ways we really never wanted to believe were possible but that also means there are new opportunities out there that were never ever possible.  What I found myself sharing with this young woman was the importance of believing in yourself as well as the importance of being able to shift your paradigm...and create a new vision for how you will work in this new economic time.  It can be an exciting adventure and one that moves you to reach a much more comfortable place in your life.  I know people who still have plenty of financial resources but have no idea what they will do for the rest of their life.  They are young, in their 40's and are lost in the freedom they currently are experiencing.  Sometimes I think the person who is struggling is more adaptable than the person who is financially secure because they are in a survival mode which keeps you on edge...moving, vigilant and on the hunt for the next money making opportunity.

I believe that people can make their own success but that goes hand in hand with creating a lifestyle that matches the opportunities that are out there.  If you have big dreams and a big lifestyle then you are going to need to work big and work harder to maintain that.  If you have small dreams and a smaller lifestyle then your needs can be met through a smaller economic goal.  But, if you have big dreams and a smaller lifestyle then all your financial success can create a greater opportunity to not only take care of yourself and/or family but to have something left over that you can use to help others with their dreams.

So...if this Monday morning is another reminder to you that you're still struggling to make things work...don't give up....just stay committed to your process...re-read your goals and make a new list of ways in which you can bring income in and stay afloat while you hone your skills as a small business owner.

I'm here in the struggle with you...wishing for the best to come to all of you!

Getting Motivated while under the gun!

If you are reading this you too are trying to find ways to keep going...keep moving forward.  I know because that's what I'm trying to do by getting connected to others who are walking in the same shoes (though probably different size.)

When I think about how many people out there are unemployed I say to myself...wow!  Now there's opportunities for all those folks out there just waiting to be seized and delivered.  What you say?  Yep, if you have worked for a number of years or possibly many years like I have, certainly you have developed skills and talents that people will buy.  Now is a great time to test the waters.  Why not?  If you're still looking for a job you have time to be creative.  Why not sit down and discover what area(s) you are truly talented in and is there a market for this talent?  Surely opening your mind to the possibilities of turning those skills / talents into self-employment cannot be bad.  As I have mentioned in a prior posting, many small businesses evolve from individuals like you and me who are 'technicians' in a particular field.  Bookkeeping, accounting, computer programming, technical engineers, plumbers, etc etc.

Why not sit down (with all this time if you are unemployed) and think about these questions:  what skills do I have that others need?  and  Is there a market for them?

In an economy where companies are downsizing, businesses cannot afford to have full time staff in all the necessary areas, it's possible you could secure some work as a contract worker or as a self-employed individual.

Let me know your thoughts.