Welcome to 2009
And the new version of the Action Mail Newsletter. This year, we have many exciting new resources in the pipeline for subscribers, so stay tuned. I look forward to your feedback on the new (and developing) danthurmon.com.
The year of “Off Balance”
As you are already well aware, 2009 is going to be a wild ride! We are living in historic times: A precarious and battle scarred economy, world wide attention on our new President and the actions of Congress, thousands of jobs lost on a daily basis.
We’ve never been more Off Balance.
What are you going to do about it?
As we stand at the crest of 2009, ready to ski, sled, crawl, or tumble headfirst into uncertainty, what are your expectations for this year? For most of my clients and the people I know, the answers to that question are “measured,” at best, including:
“In this economy, we’re just struggling to stay alive.”
“2009 is going to be awful. We’re already focused on 2010.”
“We’re not going to participate in the recession.”
I work with a diverse list of clients, in many different industries, both Private and Public sector. Most are experiencing some degree of downturn, ranging from unexpected bumps to total devastation.
Some sectors are thriving. But even those who remain successful are experiencing a “wake up” by association. We all gasp at the events and news reports of job losses, plummeting portfolios, schemes, and scandals and wonder “What’s next?”
The Perfect Storm of Uncertainty. You are here.
The “perfect storm” of uncertainty – economic, geopolitical, and personal issues taken together – leave
us all unquestionably “off balance.” But are you “Off Balance On Purpose?” Do you feel emboldened by the changes, or are you shaken to the core?
We can’t remain spectators. The world has enough singers in the “Hallelujah Victims’ Choir.”
The truth is, you can’t control or even predict the waves that threaten you. But you can steer the boat. Your boat.
To regain a sense of control, focus with greater conviction on the positive aspects which you can manage and improve. I believe that this year is a sensational opportunity to go back to basics and strengthen the fundamentals that contribute to your long term success.
Fundamentals
To weather the uncertainty that lies ahead and make the best use of time and resources, I propose that you and I make this the year to return to (or reinforce) the fundamentals of success.
Every day, you lay the groundwork for your unfolding success story. What you choose to do now, at this moment, will determine how you handle adversity, and how you are positioned when new opportunities materialize down the road.
It’s not about the weather. It’s about the whether – Whether or not you are willing to take action.
Into Action
Make 2009 your year to:
- Develop Daily Discipline – What are you doing every day to sharpen your ax, improve yourself (Exercise is free), or create a new opportunity? I don’t mean a once in a while effort, or a heroic, desperate, “Hail Mary Pass” approach to change. What do you do every day to prepare for the opportunities that await you?
- Build Relationships – With so many people in need of help, support, and friendship, this is an important time to focus on helping others. Make it part of your purpose to care for those in need, and you’ll benefit immediately (from the joy and fulfillment), and for years to come (due to the lasting relationships you’ll foster).
- Embrace Sound Business Practices – Now is the time to get back to basics, with regard to your finances. Make value based decisions. Conserve costs where you can. Leverage your resources, and make the most use of what you have.
- Go to School – During this year, learn something new. Become a beginner again. This is an important time to remain humble and become more skilled or more knowledgeable in your chosen field.
As the year unfolds, I can guarantee there will be new opportunities, as well as unexpected challenges.
That’s life! The question is, will you be ready to capitalize on the opportunities? Will you be prepared to handle the challenges?
The answer to those questions depends upon your approach to fundamentals.
Let’s get to work.
Your partner in action,
Dan
