Do You Really Just Want To Survive?

I'm getting requests (and if you are a writer/speaker you probably are, too) for interviews and articles on "survival."

"How to Survive in Bad Times"

"Survival Tactics for Job Seekers in a Down Economy"

"Five Tips to Survive a Layoff"

I didn't respond to any of the requests. Why?

I don't want to survive; I want to thrive. And I want my readers, friends, clients, and neighbors to do the same.

Just because things are more difficult than usual doesn't mean that you should allow the Chicken Little  prophets to tell you your personal parade has been canceled. Remember: media people are getting paid big bucks to fill your living room with gloom. No crisis, no ratings.

If your goal becomes survival you're just liable to be totally successful. Every decision you make and action you take will be all about getting through the day. What happens when tomorrow actually arrives...and the next day...and the next?

You can't control all of the events that impact you. You can control how you think about them and how you think about yourself and your life.

So here's the decision I've made: I'm thoughtfully investing more in my business and professional development. I'm not willing to roll over just because times are tough. There are always tough times for someone, somewhere.

Do you really want to survive--or thrive?

Read about Pam Slim's coaching engagement for another take on "I didn't think it would be this hard," as well as Joan Schramm's "Tell A New Story."

Comments

[Pamela Slim]

Steve:

I am so with you!

I was just remarking the same thing today when I was reviewing the Help a Reporter Out (HARO) list. I noticed how many reporters are looking for people who "just lost their job," or businesses that "cut staff or can't get credit." The examples go on and on.

I have tried to really be careful with my news intake.

My own business is stable and growing steadily. I see 2009 as a full-on *thriving* year. I wish the same for you! :)

All the best,

-Pam

[Jackie Cameron]

Yes ! I have long been saying ( to anyone who would listen) that we should always take responsibility for having an eye on other opportunities and building on what we already have. A friend told me about someone she knew who was "waiting for the inevitable" . Boy did I vent on that one... Why would you do that????
Thanks for the links to Pam and Joan too - on my feeds too now!

[Steve Roesler]

Pam, thanks for the affirmation. And the news intake thing is important here as well; what we allow our minds to consume influences our thoughts and then our actions. What we allow to take over our mental existence indeed determines the quality of our lives and our outcomes.

Speaking of HARO-I'll be seeing Peter Shankman next week at a lunch in Atlantic City. Looking forward to it very much.

[Steve Roesler]

Jackie,

Waiting for the inevitable??!! Is that like treading water 'til you die?

Glad you liked the links from Pam and Joan; both terrific coaches and terrific people.

[Joan Schramm]

Steve --

Wow, I'm really late to the party -- somehow overlooked your lovely and generous link to my blog. A belated and heartful thanks -- and not I'm off to figure out exactly why I didn't know about it sooner.

Hugs,

Joan

Recent blog post: Soaring With Eagles

[Steve Roesler]

Well deserved, Joan.