We are now officially in a recession. Anyone who says otherwise is selling something. During a recession unemployment increases and incomes will shrink. At this point, there is still a lot of uncertainty about the economy and the long-term impact of COVID-19. But this we know, the way you choose to view the crisis will shape your personal outcome.
Stop and think for a minute. Just you and your thoughts. The way we think shapes our reality. Our thinking becomes our reality. Thinking just like any other skill can be learned and improved with practice.
When the world is consumed by fear and panic, chose to observe, think and plan. Without discipline of thought, our minds will be tossed back and forth with every news clip, internet opinion and social media post. We will lose sight of our goals and succumb to panic and impulse.
Crisis vs. Opportunity
Let’s practice thinking for a moment. The difference between crisis and opportunity is how you choose to view it.
When everyone else is caught up in fear, panic, and hoarding for the apocalypse, you see an opportunity to step up and show the world you are an effective communicator, you can keep a level head and you are the person to help lead through the crisis. Most people are waiting to be told what to do. Maybe it is time for you for you to lead or contribute more.
If you are worried about losing your job, take some time to think about what your employer needs right now. Employers don’t need fear and panic. What employers need are clear and calm heads to help figure things out.
Winston Churchill once said, “For myself I am an optimist – it does not seem to be much use to be anything else.” A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. How are you going to choose to think?
Practice Thinking
Practice thinking by using the following phrase. How do I _________ without _________?
- How do I provide for the needs of my family without getting sick?
- How do I push through the COVID-19 crisis without losing my job or closing my business?
- How do I invest without taking big risks and losing my shirt?
- How do I stay positive in a crisis without giving in to fear and panic?
- How do I get through a job or income loss without going bankrupt or taking on new debt?
Practice writing down these statements and others for a few minutes each morning. You will quickly learn that you are capable critical thinking, doing hard things and that nothing is impossible.
Check out my post How to Understand Recessions and be Prepared for tips on long-term thinking, maximizing your professional value, and protecting your assets.
Dale