POWER DOWN

• Save money. 
• Spend less.
• Make things last longer.
• Don’t take chances. Be safe.
• Stay with old behaviors and practices. 
• Worry and plan for bad things to happen.

POWER UP

• Invest to grow.
• Spend more.
• Use items until they aren’t useful and purchase new ones.
• Take chances. Be a maverick.
• Innovate new ways of doing things.
• Be scared and plan for the future.

Neither is bad, neither is good. They just ARE. And I agree there are times when every one of us has had to either power up or down.

But there are situations when you have to pick the right one:

1. When you hate your job or your clients suck.
2. When you need to grow your business or get that promotion.
3. When things are just not working right.

YOU NEED TO POWER UP.

Powering down just won’t get you there. 

Why? Because what you have been doing will not deliver NEW opportunities. You need to change the dynamic and venture outside of your comfort sphere.

Take chances. Meet new people. Spend more time, money, and effort to grow your career and business.

Many big businesses are powering down. They are stocking money away, firing people, not investing in their infrastructure, stay with the same behaviors, and worry about the future. And they wonder why they can’t effectively compete.

Here’s where everyone fails — when they try to Power Up and Down at the same time. Guess what? It’s a recipe for failure.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of people trying to do it everyday. Let me give you an example:

Typical family . . . powers down . . . they don’t take chances and stay with old behaviors and practices . . . and they worry and plan for bad things to happen.

But . . . they spend the same amount of money (or more) . . . they take chances.

Guess what? They power down their income-making capabilities but they power up their spending. What do you think is going to ultimately happen? Bankruptcy.

And it’s happening all around us. 

So what is your plan? Powering UP? Or powering DOWN? It’s your choice.

POST YOUR QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS BELOW

P.S. Are you in this situation? Do you find yourself powering down when you really need to power up your life? Let’s talk. I’ve worked with a number of clients on this specific topic — and we developed a successful strategy to reverse course and turn things around. If you’re not a client . . . pick up the phone and call me — I have one complimentary session left this month. It will probably disappear by next week.

“Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. It means that you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.” – Unknown

Too bad we’ll never know who originally said this great quote. A little secret . . . this is one of my mantras in life. Let’s think about it:

1. Stop complaining about your job. Start doing something about it. Take steps to make it more challenging, more interesting, more fun. Step out of your comfort zone and ask your boss for more work. Try to stretch yourself and speak about a new, strategic idea that might impact the company. Do something that changes your work dynamic — and see if that makes a difference.
2. Stop complaining about the economy. Many people today are making big bucks again. Go find them and see what they are doing. Copy them. Doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome is crazy — start benchmarking other successful behaviors and you’ll slowly become successful. In the process, you might run across a person that you might want to hook up with that will demonstrably change your perspective.
3. Stop complaining about your marriage. At one time, you loved your spouse or partner. Find out why and focus in on those elements. You both have changed but take the time to fall in love AGAIN. Spend more time together, take little walks, go to dinner, get to know one another again. You might surprise yourself. Just open your heart to your spouse – that’s the secret. Again, take the time to fall in love again.
4. Stop complaining about money. You have two choices, make due with what you currently have or change the game and make more. If you have to make due, go visit this site (http://almostfrugal.com/) or this site (http://zenhabits.net/the-cheapskate-guide-50-tips-for-frugal-living/)- they’re the best. If you need to make more money, investigate if you have the ability for a raise at your current level. If not, you need to change the game and move laterally, up, or leave your job altogether. Another suggestion is to start doing something on the side that will make extra cash. I still remember meeting an older couple at a bed & breakfast who told my wife and I (we were newlyweds) to always have a side job that brought in extra income. They took old grape vines, twisted them into wreaths and sold them at craft shows – it paid for a very comfortable retirement.
5. Stop complaining about life. Life is made up of options and choices. Most of the time, people who are disappointed about life have limited their options and sometimes make the wrong choices. So, to make your life a little bit better, figure out how to expand your options and make more educated and informed decisions. Unless you’re in prison, you always have options and choices — just broaden your perspective.

Get the pattern? Stop complaining about something in your life and start doing . . . take action and change it!

Lately, a lot of people feel ‘stuck’ in their life. Why?

• Because of their past decisions leading up to the present.
• Because of the possibility of jumping into another terrible position.
• Because of the economy.

This is what I call “Not Living In The Present”. Why? Let’s look at the three reasons again:

• PAST GUILT: Past decisions leading up to the present.
• FUTURE FEAR: Possibility of jumping into another terrible position.
• DISPLACED ANGER: The economy.

Past Guilt

Blaming actions in the past that you feel are affecting the present. You are currently not feeling ‘adequate’ to attempt to jump to a new job because of your past failings, lack of knowledge/experience, or some other situation that might have happened to you.

Solution: You can’t do anything about it. Stop frustrating yourself because of things that have happened in the past and start dealing with the qualities, experience, and talents that you currently have. Make a list – you will surprise yourself.

Future Fear

Being scared of the future may be real to you, but in reality, a waste of your time and energy. Why? You are predicting the future . . . if you knew exactly what was going to happen, go buy a lottery ticket. We hold ourselves back because we are insecure of what ‘might’ happen and we begin to concoct elaborate stories in our head to make them real.

Solution: Deal with your anxiety about the future — start making a plan based on reality and move from fear back into a strong secure place in your head and life. Sit down and map out specific goals you want to accomplish and those activities and tasks that will get you there. Add a timetable and you are done!

Displaced Anger

Blaming other people or forces about your misery is a common practice with many of my clients. Because of the marketplace, the economy, your clients, or a crazy boss, you are eliminating all ability to take control of the situation. There are always other options to any situation, unfortunately, we tend to throw them out the window and begin to blame things we cannot control.

Solution: Uncover, understand, and focus on the things you CAN control. Start breaking down your frustrations with outside forces and other people and begin to see opportunities that were hidden from you. The best way to do this is to state your situation, come up with alternatives, and brainstorm options, no matter how crazy or outlandish they are. You’ll find that some of these options quickly turn into opportunities.

Start living in the present. You will be much happier and have abundant energy to change where you are NOW.

Today, all I see in the media, business, and life is a habitual replaying of a sinking ship – everyone for themselves – and screw the rest.

We as a nation have to come to grips with reality – our family has been spending too much for too long – and the credit card is due. We can’t flip the balance to another card – we have to begin paying down our balance or face bankruptcy, foreclosure and ruin. This is prevalent at the national, state, and local levels. Folks – there are three choices (and only three choices) when it comes to this situation:

• Increase money coming in (raise taxes).
• Decrease money going out (reduce benefits).
• Cut services (employees, depth & breadth of programs).

That’s it. It’s that simple. Unfortunately both political parties cannot bring themselves to make these hard changes. Why? Because they fear for their political lives AND hope that someone will come along with another credit card to help them bounce the balance.

From a business perspective, there are many managers out there that manage to save their own skin – and no one else’s. They are risk-averse and toe the company line like a deer in the headlights. No innovation, no risk, no ideas – and they change direction as often as the wind blows to ensure that they maintain their bonuses and status quo. In business there are three states also:

• Growing
• Flat
• Shrinking

But I maintain that there are two – you are either growing or shrinking – up or down – because flat is not an option for long if you want a healthy company. To grow is to take risks, compete, try new things, grow successful programs . . . think different. I only see this happening in a smattering of large companies and many startups (who will probably eat the lunch of the big fish very soon  . . . Google?).

And this affects our homes, neighbors, friendships too. We are too busy, too unfocused to help one another. It’s time we begin to reach out and personally help one another – that’s why we are on this earth. Think about it.

I heard that many people are leaving the U.S. because they feel that the government, our states, and our cities are dysfunctional.Why not stay and try to fix it? They are more interested in saving their bank accounts so they can buy another boat.

Bottom line – stop thinking like you’re on a sinking ship – because if you do – EVERYONE GOES DOWN. Trust me.

How is your job search going? Not too good? Why not try something new?

Get Tough! The Best Jobs Are Never Advertised™ is a powerful workshop that will not only change HOW you search for a new position in this economy, but how to motivate yourself when you hit the frustrating ʻdipsʼ in your search. You will:

• Understand the critical factors that are impacting your job search right now.
• Access and employ bullet-proofing strategies against the economy.
• Ramp up every aspect of your marketing with techniques that will reshape the landscape of your search.

Rich will be working closely with Margo Meeker, Connecticut’s premiere Psychotherapist and Life Coach — together they will present a compelling workshop that will deliver clear strategies on how to find a job coupled with ideas on how to break through the simple obstacles that hold us back while unemployed.

Currently scheduled for:

Central Connecticut State University (only Rich)
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Temple Beth El in Stamford (Rich & Margo)
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
8:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Fairfield Library in Fairfield (Rich & Margo)
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

As I said in my last post: Everyone is scared — but you have the talent and tools to take advantage of this situation RIGHT NOW.

Let’s get right to it – here are the second five. Enjoy!

6. Connect with new people.
The best defense is a good offense. This may be a sports cliche, but right now, it rings true. Now is not the time to go into hiding, based on fear of the recession. It’s the time to ramp up your networking, personal public relations, and marketing to actively remind people of your presence. Go to associations, meetings, conventions that are associated with your profession. Not only will you meet a lot of engaging people, you will re-energize your batteries AND your might get a lead on a great position! Set up coffees and lunches with people that you don’t know, but want to know. We all have people that we admire – reach out to them – take them to lunch. They eat just like you do! And what is the benefit? They are always on the lookout for new talent!

7. Review your resume.
Too many people let their resumes grow old gracefully. When they really need them, they have to scramble and cobble together a mish-mash of experience that no one really wants to read. You need to get your resume in order NOW. So some tips:

• Use a professional resume writer. They should run $200-$400, but you will get an incredible, document that sells. Call me – I know the best!
• Keep it concise. Unless you have been in the business for 30 years or are a CEO – keep it to 2 pages or less. Again – people are looking for someone who can say less with impact – your first chance is your resume.

8. Get financially fit.
One of the biggest worries people have during downturns is losing their job. They crawl into a hole and hope for the best. Usually, it is financially motivated. How would you feel if you had six months worth of available funds if you suddenly lost your job? A little bit better? A little bit more confident? Start now. Having 3-6 months of current income stashed away in a cash account (savings, money market) will allow you to act normally during times like these. Worst case scenario? If you do lose your job, you have 3-6 months of full-time looking to find a new one before you begin to really deplete your savings. In addition, you probably will get some type of severance with COBRA – so stop worrying!

9. Talk with your boss.
During an economic downturn everyone is skittish and hungry for information. You’re wondering how the company is doing, whether the team is vulnerable to layoffs, or if the strategy for the next few quarters has changed.  Even if the situation is tight, being upfront with your boss about your concerns creates and reinforces an environment of trust. Catch them at the end of the day – sit down and just converse with them. During a pause ask (in a very light interrogative tone): “So how are we doing? Is there anything we need to worry about?”. Your boss will probably open up and tell you info that normally they would not tell the team. Try it – it works. But if you have a boss that tends to keep information or hide things, watch their body language – if their eyes look downward or away from you when talking – they might be hiding bad news.

10. re-VISION your career.
I love downturns in the economy. Why? When executives get scared, they get going and they get SMART. They begin to look at everything they do – how can they use time more effectively? If the company is losing customers, where can they find new and different customers/clients?  Take a step back and RE-vision your career – understand your key interests and strengths and investigate new opportunities in YOUR marketplace. Are you still a hot commodity on the market? If yes, great – get out there and sell YOU to potential new bidders. If no, you need to re-vision your career – measure your capabilities and apply them to the NEW marketplace. I know of a lot of realtors and financial planners that are doing this right now.

You need to partner with an expert and co-create your new career vision and direction.

So get going!

Many of my clients have been struggling with what I call a “crisis of confidence” — where their inner guide and strong self-esteem are taking big hits during this downturn in the economy.

Do you find yourself thinking this during your workday?

“My boss wants to have a morning meeting . . . he’s going to fire me . . . I’m going to lose my job . . . I will be out on the street by Christmas.”

“Even though we are posting good numbers, the board is never satisfied. Lately, they never warm to any of my accomplishments or ideas. I am on my way out.”

“Every day I lose customers . . . and it’s seems that my current ones are not purchasing as much as they did last year.”

“I can’t find a job . . . I don’t know where to look . . . we are going to be out on the street by Christmas.”

If you do, read below.

In business, there are ups and downs.

FACT #1: The ups are not as ‘up’ as we think and the downs are not as ‘down’ as we perceive.
FACT #2: When we feel that we have no recourse or ability to affect the outcome, we actually do.
FACT #3: All is not lost, in reality, there are many options open to you.

You just don’t see them clearly. The problem is that we let the story overcome reality. Why?

Stories are fun.
Stories are interesting and easy to remember.
Stories are fun to develop, add characters, and grow as time goes on.

Reality is scary.
It is fact-based and hard to remember.
It sometimes hits you square in the face and that isn’t a pleasant experience.

Example — one story (from a current client):
“If I call that executive out of the blue, he is extremely busy on a project, will get on the phone and either blow me off or yell at me for wasting his time.”

Same Example — an alternate story (that I made up for the same client):
“When I call that executive out of the blue, he will listen to my interest in his company, and make an appointment to see me in the next week.”

Both are stories — which one are you telling yourself today? Probably the first one. But you will never know if your story will become reality unless you act on it. And that’s the paradox — the story prohibits you from acting on it. So I say — stop making up stories and take ACTION.

Just do it. Try it. Make that call. See what happens.

Look at the facts first and banish the story. Logically look at what needs to get done and DO IT.

What does it mean for you? That’s easy — you get out of story-land and actually take positive steps to change your situation. What’s the worst that can happen? You get fired. But you would probably get fired anyway for doing NOTHING.

Tough times present great opportunities to grow our leadership and shape our legacy. The current recession is no exception. The problem is that many leaders I have spoken with have grown weary of trying to keep things moving forward with fewer resources.

By Michael Hyatt.

In times like these, it is tempting for us to stay in our offices and become introspective. But we absolutely must not do that. It’s time to suck it up and lead. Our leadership will make a difference—for us, for them, and for our organization’s mission.

Specifically, in tough times, our people need four things:

Acknowledgment. People need to know that we “get it.” They need to know that their work is not going unnoticed—that we see their commitment, hard work, and scant resources. We may be tempted not to acknowledge these facts because we don’t want to give them an excuse. We must resist that temptation and speak up. Our empathy will go along way toward boosting morale.

Appreciation. People need to be thanked. We may not be in a position to give raises, bonuses, or other perks, but we can be grateful. It doesn’t cost us anything, other than the time it takes to write a note or drop by someone’s desk and say, “thank you.” Our appreciation needs to be personal, frequent, and specific to what was accomplished. We need to celebrate the small wins.

Read the rest on Michael’s blog . . .

Presenting Part Seven of a Ten-Part Series on The Future of Work from Time Magazine.

By Bryan Walsh at Time.

It’s no secret that U.S. workers are in trouble, with the unemployment rate at 8.9% and rising. At the same time, the world faces a long-term climate crisis.

But what if there is a way to solve both problems with one policy? A number of environmentalists and economists believe that by implementing a comprehensive energy program, we can not only avert the worst consequences of climate change but also create millions of new jobs — green jobs — in the U.S. “We can allow climate change to wreak unnatural havoc, or we can create jobs preventing its worst effects,” President Barack Obama said recently. “We know the right choice.”

What’s a green job? It depends on whom you ask. Some categories are obvious: if you’re churning out solar panels, you’re getting a green paycheck. But by some counts, so are steelworkers whose product goes into wind turbines or contractors who weatherize homes. According to a report by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, there are already more than 750,000 green jobs in the U.S. (See the top green companies.)

Environmental advocates say that with the right policies, those job figures could swell. The Mayors’ report predicts that for the next three decades, green employment could provide up to 10% of all job growth. As part of its stimulus package, the White House directed more than $60 billion to clean-energy projects, including $600 million for green-job-training programs. The hope is that capping carbon emissions, even if it raises energy prices in the short term, will create a demand for green jobs, which could provide meaningful work for America’s blue collar unemployed.

To some critics, that sounds too good to be true. In a recent report, University of Illinois law professor Andrew Morriss argued that estimates of the potential for green employment vary wildly and that government subsidies would be less efficient — and produce lower job growth — than the free market. “This is all smoke and mirrors,” says Morriss. “I don’t see how you can replace the existing jobs that may be lost.”

The reality is somewhere between the skeptics and the starry-eyed greens. We won’t be able to create a solar job for every unemployed autoworker. But with climate change a real threat, shifting jobs from industries that harm the earth to ones that sustain it will become an economic imperative.