Thursday, October 27, 2016

Three Tips to Recession Proof Your Thinking

We may not be in a recession, but there seems to be talk of doom and gloom when it comes to the current economic conditions.  Is it dragging you down?  Are you buying into the pessimism and negativity?

When we entertain thoughts of economic hardship, many people go into ‘survival mode.’  This is when our reptilian brain hijacks our thinking and makes us fight, flee or freeze.  This doesn’t make for an environment of innovative thinking, jumping on opportunities or working creatively.  This creates hibernating in status quo or worse, and it’s not good for business!

We have something to tell you:  You can choose NOT to participate in those discussions or that way of thinking.  Warren Buffet said, “When the world turns right, turn left!”

Here’s three tips to recession proof your thinking:

1.     Self care:   Now is the time to live consciously – responding out of choice instead of reacting from fear.  Easier said than done?   Maybe, but it’s worth the time and energy.  Try meditating for 20 minutes or walking in nature before you go to work.  Set yourself an intention for the day such as, “I will notice when someone is consistently negative and not enter into discussion with them,”  or “I will only say positive things today.”


2.     Be honest and supportive with your partner:   If you are in a committed relationship, share your concerns about the present and future.  Treat these times as part of your adventure together.  Help each other feel safe even if the outside world doesn’t seem that way.

3.     Learn to be more optimistic:  Some people are naturally more pessimistic than others.  Optimism doesn’t mean looking at the world with rose-coloured glasses.  It means being realistic AND knowing you can do something to improve the situation.  When something bad happens, pessimists jump into the mindset of “permanence, prevalence and powerlessness.”    You can begin being more optimistic by telling yourself, “This is bad, but it’s a one-off, and other areas of my life are going well.   I will brainstorm with my friend to come up with some solutions.”  Becoming more optimistic is like building a muscle.   The more you try, the easier it will become.


At WLP Success, we help our clients see where they are now, determine their strengths and weaknesses, and build a plan for a stronger, sustainable business and life.