Thriving During Tough Times Survival Tip #1
Trade "If Only" Thinking For "Only If" Action

By Jon L. Iveson

We are now 18 long months into this recession and it is getting tougher and tougher for more people to survive the recession and have any hope of returning to a lifestyle they once enjoyed before the recession. 5.7 Million jobs have been lost since January 2008 and many other lives have been disrupted and contracted in some way shape way, shape, or form.

However, there is a small population of people who are starting to have confidence in their efforts, have new better plans for surviving this recession, and one day will return to a lifestyle they once enjoyed. These people began implementing new survival strategies months ago and these strategies are starting to payoff as lead economic indicators are now starting to look a little better. These still aren't good but they are not as bad as they have been. And as of today, the stock market has seen several weeks of gains.

So, if you haven't already abandoned the "If Only" thinking in your life, you need to change it now. You can not waste anymore time thinking...

• IF ONLY, I can avoid being laid off for another few weeks.
• IF ONLY, one more major client in my pipeline will buy my product.
• IF ONLY, the leaders of this country will move quicker to implement stimulus plans.
• IF ONLY, things would get back to normal before the end of 2009.

All this "If Only" thinking will do you no good now or in the future. Many experts are now saying that the old normal days are gone forever (or at least a longtime). The only way you will survive the NEW normal is to take "Only If" Action.

In other words...

• I will survive this recession ONLY IF I look for new ways to cut my expenses.
• I will survive this recession ONLY IF I find ways to create real value during recessionary times (The global economy is still made of $13.3 Trillion Dollars, it is just being spent differently).
• I will survive this recession ONLY IF I change the way I approach marketing and sales.
• I will thrive during and after this recession ONLY IF I create my own NEW normal by enhancing my skills.
• I will thrive in the future ONLY IF I look for new ways to create income in this world!

The choice is yours. Stick with the "If Only" thinking and see where that leads you OR move to "Only If" actions and create more opportunities and options for your future. I consciously made the shift on February 23, 2009. In less than 90 days, it is now paying off for me and my clients!

© Copyright 2009 Jon L. Iveson, Ph.D.

About the Author:
Jon L. Iveson, Ph.D., The Champion's Coach, is a Gazelles Certified Coach who helps individuals and companies produce champion results and build champion relationships. Access Jon's FREE 21 page eBook on "The 8 Steps to Thriving during Tough Times" and other valuable resources.

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