Fast Forward

Fast Forward is the essential source of innovation for entrepreneurs daring to grow their business...and themselves. Each issue contains up-to-the-minute information to hone and develop the new mental skills needed to succeed in the 21^st Century.

Hold on to Your Optimism

The news of rising gas prices and unemployment runs rampant. We see it everywhere we go. Even though the economic picture is unclear, one thing is clear--we cannot afford to let go of our optimism!

During times of economic uncertainty, it's easy to let the woes of what is heard impact performance. Like dust, it settles on the surface of the mind, dulling all that it comes into contact. If we're not diligent, it can cause us to lose the vision of our passions, goals, skills, and abilities. There is only one thing more damaging than an economic downturn--that is a mental recession.

Here are a few things you can do to keep your optimism running high:

1. Limit the amount of media stimulation being consumed. A steady diet of news reports, newspaper headlines, and podcasts on the state of the economy can definitely contribute to mental and financial fatigue.
2. Keep your mission, vision, and goals clearly visible. They are your business GPS to keep you on the right path.
3. Run or walk vigorously 30 minutes every day. Endorphins produced by aerobic activity pump up hopefulness.
4. Upgrade your goals and objectives. There's something uplifting about refocusing and improving aspirations.
5. Start each day focusing on the skills, talents, and qualities you possess. Concentrating on your most important assets will get you through difficult times.

Optimism doesn't turn the economy around but it does maintain a clear head for those critical incisive decisions that will keep you moving forward.