Thursday, February 26, 2009

10 Reasons It’s Awesome the Economy Sucks

10 Reasons It’s Awesome the Economy Sucks

OK, I don’t really think it’s awesome that the economy sucks. I’d prefer everyone has a job. But that’s just not reality. Instead we’re faced with two choices: a.) Worry and complain  or b.) See reality from a different angle and benefit from this experience. Not sure how to change your perception? Allow me to offer some suggestions.

It’s awesome the economy sucks because:

10. You’ll become more resourceful.  I started to return bottles and cans for the nickel.  So. far, I'm up to $15, - a pizza dinner.  I combine car trips to save gas and save time.  Saving time gives me more time for other stuff.  Sell some of your exccessive stuff for spending money. see #8.

9. You can redefine success. Most people file this type of thinking right next to, “My mom thinks I’m special” and “Money can’t buy love.” But really, if you lose your job or take a pay cut, count all your other successes. You have friends and family who love you. You’re awesome at poker. You make a mean bratwurst—whatever! Anything you do well other than earn and buy stuff, appreciate that right now.

8. You have an opportunity to minimize. Buying, having, and keeping to much stuff consumes a lot of energy. A bad economy is the perfect opportunity to rethink what you really need.  Don't be a slave to your stuff.

7. It shuffles around the balance of power. Maybe you had a nice job. Now all of a sudden your sister wants to buy you lunch. That’s fantastic! This gives her the chance to look out for you like she never needed to before.

6. It invites humility. I’m not saying you have an out-of-control ego (though you may—I don’t know you.) I’m saying humility is a virtue worth nurturing, and falling down presents a perfect opportunity. Charles de Montesquieu said it perfectly: “To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them.”

5. You’ll become more creative. Instead of filling your planner with endless dinners and outings, maybe you’ll have board game nights or go to the library. I prefer these events anyways. It reminds me of the simplicity of childhood, when a game meant meant chess not Nintendo.

4. It might force you into better habits. If you lived paycheck-to-paycheck and then you lost your job, you’ve likely learned the value of saving. Times will be tough while you get over the hump, but it will be worth it if you start planning better for your retirement as a result.

3. You can reconnect with your intentions. Many people fall out of their dreams and into careers because they let life happen to them. Unemployment is an opportunity to reassess what you love in life.  Dont be afraid to see work differently, see it as a series of projects or gigs.  Take on different projects see what you like to do.  You can be rewarded with a new career more fufulling carreer path.

2. It serves as the best teacher. Our kids will become the future leaders, so we’ve done them a great service by screwing things up. When we pick ourselves up and forge ahead, our kids will have that experience under their belt and learn from our mistakes.

1. We can redefine happiness. I know many people who have everything but seem deeply discontent. Shift your thinking paradigm.

From defining happiness as what you own or do

To making relationships that are deep and meaningful.  Surround yourself with happy people and see what makes them happy.  Learn from happy people, they are doing something right.


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