We live in a time of great famine and great opportunity. In some ways, it is hard to imagine things getting much worse, and in others, it doesn't seem like they will ever be any better. Every day we hear about the loss of jobs – unemployment is nearing 20% here in California. And every day we hear about the creation of jobs in new and exciting industries.
Which of these stories are you believing? What is consuming your focus and energy? I do not deny the fact that we are living in tough times, nor do I refute the fact that this is a time of great opportunity. You are free to choose where you want to look.
Point Your View
Simply looking at either side will not change your circumstances, but it will change your mood. If you are angry, then you will sink into despair. If you are happy, then you will find the joy in life. The energy generated from either, will determine your ability to stagnate or grow.
We have the power to invent a new reality. Our circumstances must never dictate our life. They simply serve as defining moments that challenge us to rise above or enlarge. Our level of willingness to persevere when the going gets tough eventually creates the results of life. Rarely, do we get the result we want overnight. If it were that easy, everybody would be living in a weakened and false state.
Consider the economy of the past ten years. Many people prospered without doing a thing. They bought a home and watched the value rise with no effort of their own. Rather than save and prepare for what we all knew would eventually happen, they borrowed and spent at inflated values. Now they are shackled by the despair of the times and unable to take full advantage of the opportunities of the day.
Stick To It
Regardless of your current circumstances, you must learn to be in a state of never ending progress. Persistence is an interesting word. Sometimes we think it means to aggressively move forward without regard for form or style. We think it means to put our heads down and move forward, never letting any obstacle get in our way.
That is a part of the definition, but by itself, that definition will lead us to the cliffs of insanity. Persistence is actually only slightly related to aggressive movement. In reality, persistence is a quality of patience. When we face difficult times, we must face them patiently. We cannot panic. If we do, we end up choosing unwisely. Persistence resolves many obstacles when we take the time to understand.
Stop – Look – Listen
We were taught a very simple formula in Kindergarten. Do you remember what it was? We learned it on our first day of school. Our parents and teachers wanted to make sure that we were safe, so they taught us the steps to success. Stop – Look – Listen. Those magic steps will work for you today.
As you face your challenges, do not despair. Instead, stop what you are doing. You need a break. You need the opportunity to examine possibility. You need to pause from the weary road and rest.
While you are stopped, look around to see if there is any danger. This will give you the opportunity to identify the safest and most successful path.
Be careful. There will be some paths to nowhere that seem very enticing. You must take the time to listen carefully, especially to your own inner voice.
What are you focusing on? Feast or Famine?
Do you take the time to see things as they really are before you make important decisions?
Are you ready to take the positive path?
As we patiently persist, we are rewarded with the power to be our best. Some experiences chip away our rough exteriors in ways that seem to hurt, but when we turn and look back at them, we can see their polishing effect. Today is a day to see the best in what today has to offer. Look ahead and be happy!
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