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Thinking Outside The Box
It’s probably an understatement to say that we are living in, well, let’s say “strange” economic times. Certainly we would all agree that things are different now then, say, 5 years ago. I currently live in Las Vegas, and 5 years ago in Vegas things were booming like crazy. Housing prices were through the roof, there were plenty of jobs to be had, whether you were in construction, entertainment, the service industry, whatever. Things were good. Life was good. Hmmm….a bit different story today.
I am not going to rehash the unemployment numbers, or the percentages that housing prices have gone down. My purpose here is not to depress anyone, or state the obvious. So let’s get to my point for writing this:
When everything was all hunky-dory and we were all just grooving along on auto-pilot like life will be just like this forever, what were you doing? And the bigger question is this: What are you doing NOW? Are you doing the same thing? And what are your results? If you are one of the lucky ones that has a career that is still flourishing since the downturn, and all is well with your life, then I say awesome and congratulations. But if, like the world, things have changed for you and things are not so great, think about what you are doing to change with the times. Are you changing at all?
Remember Einstein’s definition on insanity: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” Folks, now is the time to think “outside the box.” In fact, I say this is just about a necessity. The old days are over. One job for life, one career, retirement provided by your employer that will be there when you retire. These are things that for most will not be a reality. It’s a new day, it’s a whole new world. But it’s also a time for renewal, for reinvigorating ourselves, rethinking our lives in general. It’s a time when our creativity and zest for life will be brought to its fullest potential. It’s a time to really focus on what we truly are passionate about, what our talents are (are you using your given talents?), what our strengths are.
Speaking of strengths, check out www.strengthsfinder.com for an analysis of what you truly excel at. It can be a real eye opener. But I digress….
The only thing that will hold you back from achieving everything you want, all of your goals, your hopes, dreams (yes, even now in this economy) is…..YOU. Figure out what you want, which for most is the hardest part. Focus on that like there is nothing else, pinpoint, laser attention to that vision. Finally, take the action required, think outside the box, there is NO obstacle that you cannot overcome. Go and get it.
Let’s shred those boxes,
Jamie
5 Tips To Make 2010 Better Than 2009
2009 was a tough year for many folks. Here is a quick list of 5 things you can do to ensure that 2010 is much better. And if 2009 was a great year for you, these will take 2010 to new heights!
So let’s get to it…. here goes:
1. Write down your goals. This one thing, if you don’t already do it, can dramatically change your future. Why? Well, first of all it forces you to think about what you want. The problem for most people is they don’t know what it is they want. Most people just kind of wander through life aimlessly without any real direction, just reacting to what they feel is life acting upon them. By taking the time to figure out where you want to go, you put the wheels of creativity and imagination in motion. And your goals are not limited to financial goals. You could have a goal to visit another country, or learn another language, or even invent some groundbreaking device. Don’t limit yourself. Just make a list, then define which ones are most important to you.
2. Take action regarding your most important goals. If not defining goals is the number one stumbling block for people, I think not taking action to make their goals a reality is a close second. It’s one thing to say you want to get somewhere, or you want to be at a certain place, or you want to make a certain income; it’s a complete other thing to back it up with a plan of attack. This is why it is important to choose something that you can really go after with gusto, something that you are enthusiastic about getting up every day and working on. But you MUST have a plan, and you must actually take action and work towards making that goal/vision a reality.
3. Laugh more. Yeah, yeah, I know, not much to laugh about these days right? Actually, I disagree. You see, laughter, as they say, is the best medicine. If you are feeling down, what can be better than popping in your favorite comedy and laughing your butt off. Or getting together with your best friends and just goofing off. Laughter is contagious, and when done in a spirit of fun and happiness, you will bring in more fun and joy into your life.
4. Learn something new. If you feel “stuck in a rut”, maybe it’s time you give your brain a workout or two. Give yourself some mental stimulation, maybe learn a new language, or study quantum mechanics, or something that you have always wanted to learn. This doesn’t have to have anything to do with your current job, or income, it’s just something to stimulate your braincells, stimulate your creativity.
5. Find and stick to a good nutrition and exercise routine. Okay, yeah, I know you say you are going to do this every year, right? If you are someone who gets stuck at our number 2 tip (the taking action one) -maybe you get started, then don’t follow through, it’s probably the same reason why you don’t take action regarding where you would like to be in your life that you don’t stick to a nutrition and exercise plan. Maybe if you DO stick to this one, it will send a message to your subconscious self that “hey maybe I really can get that promotion, or maybe I really can start my own business.” Most times it is just fear that stops us; fear of failure, or fear of success.
But I cannot overstate the importance of good nutrition and exercise. You are what you eat, period. Don’t forget that. Put good fuel into your body, your body will reward you. Put bad food in, your body will punish you.
That’s it! I say bring on 2010! See ya later 2009. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
-Jamie