When you think of a recession you might automatically think of bad economic times. A recession indeed can be related to a reduction in economic activity. There are many people whose lives have been negatively impacted by lengthy periods of unemployment, loss of a house, disharmony within the family, and much more. It certainly can be a turning point in one’s life, but it does not have to be terminal.
In today’s shaky market, stocks and bonds are not the keys to your well-being. Yes, money is good to have and allows you the opportunity to do many things and buy many things, but finance is only one aspect of your life. Your well-being is dependent upon a foundation whose strength is built on your self-esteem (how you value yourself; self-worth) and your self-image (how you see yourself). Like the financial market, your self-esteem may wane here and there based upon incidents throughout your life. However, unlike the market, you do not have to hit rock bottom nor take years to recover.
Recession can be a time of recess! Remember recess time as a child! Take a break from what you have gotten in the habit of doing. Reflect on whether your habits are doing you more good or more harm? A recession can also be a time to relax. It is easy to become uptight and hurried from living a busy, full-scheduled life. It’s even easier to lose sight of goals you had for your life. Couples forget the joy they once had in each other’s company, a job becomes a chore, and bills replace your purpose in life.
Recession-proof your life so that you are living with purpose and contentment:
1. Decide what you really want in your life and make it a priority to strive for those goals. You will not get what you want unless you go for it.
2. Maintain good family relationships and friendships. They are a buffer to some of the harsh realities of life.
3. Ask for help. Ask for what you want. You may very well get it.
4. Don’t sell yourself short. Stop comparing yourself to others. Role models and mentors are effective for self-improvement; however be you at your best.
5. Stay on course regardless. Survival takes front row, center stage, however many of us are not in this category although it may feel like it at times. Consider the homeless and hungry and you get a better perspective of your own life. During tough times you may need to cut back drastically but always keep your compass set to where you need to be headed.
6. Stay balanced. Set goals for different aspects of your life (family, career, education, finances, social, recreation, spiritual, physical health) for overall well-being.
Today is the day you can have a new lease on life. No longer bound by negative self-talk and woe-is-me thinking; recession-proof your life. Get Ready! Get Set!! Get Going!!!
