Recession Proofing Your Mental State

I recently received an email from a client who has found herself struggling with layoffs and financial woes during this recession. She wrote:: "I am waiting for a miracle - the Tooth Fairy or someone to come and rescue us". Sound familiar? How many of us are waiting for a similar miracle?

The Recession has hit Canada, but for me, I am actually beginning to enjoy the slower pace. It gives me time to think, create and attract. Last year, I spent the whole year 'chasing my tail' as it were. I was reacting instead of attracting. Now that my travel schedule is back under control, I am enjoying the chance to regroup and reconnect with other professionals who are embracing the opportunities to actually build relationships with their clients and each other.

My client’s email did cause me to take a breath and wonder how others were weathering the economic storm as it were. Are you feeling pessimistic or optimistic about the state of your business? If not, what will it take to renew your enthusiasm and generate a more optimistic outlook? Just what will it take to motivate you?

Wouldn't it be easy if we all had an 'easy' button like they sell at Staples (I think you have that office store in your neck of the woods) and it actually worked!

There are dozens of theories on motivation but since human behaviour can be quite complex, there really is likely no single theory which will guarantee results. All the theories are essentially different sets of glasses for looking at life. Some glasses seem to provide a better view of some things but don't seem to work as well as a different pair for looking at other things - kind of like wearing bi-focals.

But, what is the definition of motivation anyway? I believe it is defined as "Why we do or don't do that which we want to do." Motivation is simply an internal response to something that is going on externally. It is unfortunate that many of us get stuck in a rut when it comes to motivation. So...if you are feeling stuck right now, finding it difficult to stay upbeat and optimistic, here are a few tips for recession proofing your state of mind:


1) Re-Focus your thoughts. Our thoughts have energy and they will propel us towards that which we spend our time thinking about. When you are feeling powerless to affect change, tell yourself "I am unstoppable". By focusing on what you want rather than what you don't want, you are able to propel yourself in the direction you choose rather than following pessimism and doubt.

2) Express Gratitude. Look in the mirror and identify at least three things that you are actually grateful for. Avoid the tendency to make the endless list of all the things you would like to change - weight, hair, etc. Then project that gratitude outwards. Sit down and write a note, send an email or make a phone call to tell someone thank you and be specific about what you are most thankful for. No - this is not a chain email but a personalized note of thanks which speaks specifically to how that person has contributed to your outlook. Remember a compliment is a gift given in both directions - it makes them feel good and it makes you feel good!

3) Generate a Positive Night Time Ritual. When you first close your eyes at night, list off three things that you are looking forward to the following day. Small or large, these will stimulate good dreams and assist you in waking up with optimism. Most of us (70% in fact) spend our time running from something rather than towards something. This exercise will help you activate a forward progressing mind set and keep you from worrying all night about factors outside your control.

4) Activate the Power of 5. The greatest influences in your life relate to the 5 individuals you spend the most time with. Who are they? Are they driven, optimistic and success oriented or are they worried, anxious and pessimistic? How do these people talk in your presence? Do they feed you energy or feed you fear? Choose your influencers wisely. Spend time with those who are constantly moving forward not stuck in reverse.

5) Discover Effective Time Management Tools: Most of us don't realize that we have a problem with time management. We are all so busy, but that may be exactly what is sabotaging your motivation. Start learning how to prioritize your time effectively so you don't get sucked into the vortex of negative dialogue and doubt. When we get organized and timely, we become less overwhelmed. We become empowered as time affords us the ability to unleash our creativity and achieve even greater accomplishments.

There will always be hard times - that is the natural cycle of economics and human nature. I recently heard a speaker who summed it up best by saying "Economists have successfully predicted 25 of the last 5 recessions".

Take the time to re-energize and refocus your internal state and you will be well on your way to achieving that miracle you are praying for.