May 13, 2011

Sideways: Here's a question that can change your life

The key to getting back on your feet again is likely inside you. 

That's what I learned in my encounter with Eric (as told in my new book) about a decade ago.  He was a rock star during the boom, was rattled by the dotcom bust and recession - and found himself going sideways for an entire year. 

He was suffering a "personal recession" where he stopped growing as a person, leading and believing in himself.  It's very natural for all of us to experience this when faced with economic adversity and prolonged periods of uncertainty.  We stop boning up for the future and just focus on "getting by." That's what it means to move sideways, wasting valuable time and letting our lack of emotional control eat away at us. 

What can you do?  Ask yourself, "What am I not doing today that I was doing back in the day, when I was on top?" Think about where you put your energy.  What was your focus point of attention.  Who were you giving to and how often?  These sub-questions may shake loose the personal performance techniques you were using when you were rocking it.  Sure, there was probably a market-tailwind, giving your circumstantial confidence - and a freedom to invest in yourself and others too.  

Don't wait for the market or your pocketbook to starting investing, giving and Going Positive again. The recession didn't happen because you were studying up, reaching out, being social or mentoring others.  If not now, when will your good biz-habits of 2006 really move the needle at work? 

Ask yourself these questions, discover your personal growth strategy and end your personal recession.  NOW.  While you go sideways, others move forward and leap over you with their faith. Besides, are you really happy being stuck in time?

 

 

Posted at 8:48 AM in Abundance , Business Effectiveness  |  Permalink  |  Comments (1)  |  TrackBack (0)

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I definitely have had many times where I've moved sideways through life. At those times, I only performed certain tasks for the sake of getting them done and out of the way, rather than for experience, improvement, satisfaction, encouragement, development, etc. I realize that to move through life in this way is wrong and I'm guilty.

I know I am most successful when I take in the task wholeheartedly. Those moments I plow through life straight forward. Thank you for this post. It allows me to keep myself in check to stay straight, rather than sideways.

Posted by: Rober171  |  May 13, 2011 at 02:05 PM

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