By Chris Howard
It's been said that in times of challenge, one's true character is revealed. Some people, I've noticed recently, are using this time of reported economic downturn as an excuse to give up on their dreams. Others are taking the opportunity to reassess their future and what is most important to them.
Letting themselves feel like victims of circumstance keeps that first group from acting on their personal dreams and business ideas. It gives them the perfect reason not to have to work very hard on their goals 'because it's no use anyway, right?' Today is always the best time to take charge of your future financial results. Here are the top three actions you can take now to ensure you're still in good standing later:
1) Set clear goals and don't lose of your vision.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to think that this is the time to simply wait out the storm and see where you land when the market stabilises again. If you don't set clear goals, you can’t chart a course to get there.
People tend to hunker down and think smaller and smaller when they’re told that their options are dwindling. In fact, infinite possibilities always exist no matter what changes appear in the outside world. This is exactly the time to think bigger. Go for that greater idea. Being motivated by money is not nearly as effective as being driven by passion. And passion is generated when you set meaningful goals. Instead of just scrambling to pay the bills, take the time you need to get perfectly clear about what you want to be doing in five years and where you want to be in 10 years. Those who prevail are those who keep their sights steady on that future horizon and take whatever route they need to get there.
2) Execute a realistic plan and take action.
The difference between those who never fulfil their pie-in-thesky dreams and those for whom the sky's the limit is effective and consistent action. Don't allow yourself to get overwhelmed by your own grand vision. We often overestimate what we can accomplish in a day and underestimate what we can accomplish in a lifetime. Big dreams are arrived at with small steps. You won't know what to do tomorrow until you set a 9-month action plan and work your way back from there. Without a map, you're more likely to allow outside forces to dictate your direction and throw you off track. Sometimes losing a job or struggling in business can serve as the perfect opportunity to chart your own course. Rather than spending your time listening to bad news or naysayers, stay focused on what doable steps you can take each day in the direction of your dreams.
You need to maintain the big picture and be willing to do whatever it takes to reach your intended destination. Follow through and track your progress. Your smaller wins along the way will build resolve and propel you through any rough waters.
3) Keep your skills and knowledge-base growing.
Success is a moving target—don't get caught relying on one skillset, expecting that the way you did your job before is going to work three years from now. Be a resourceful and creative thinker when it comes to business. Common thinking tells us to hold onto our money during tough times, when actually, it's the time to make the biggest investment in your future. Just be wiser about where you invest it. Instead of modelling mediocrity, get advice from the right people. Develop latent talents and money-making ideas you have yet to fully develop. Seeking out specialised education is especially important while the market is changing so fast. With traditional education you can make a living…with self-education you can make a fortune!
International speaker and coach, Chris Howard, is a best-selling author, prominent speaker and the owner of Christopher Howard Training. www.chrishoward.com
