Hope in a Bad Economy
How to Become Successful Even During a Financial Crisis
The unemployment rate in the United states has affected nearly every citizen in some way or another. For those unfortunate enough to have lost a job or had a spouse lose employment, the pressures grow each new day. Sending kids to school while sitting home and looking at pile of mounting bills can seem like the end of the world.
In many ways, however, even the end of the world seems more welcome than the idea of another dinner of macaroni and cheese or another day of looking a child in the eyes and saying "no" to a simple request for a trip out for ice cream.
Combating Isolation and Despair
Two major emotions often cloud a person during difficult economic times: isolation and despair. Both of these emotions can arise very slowly, often without an individual's awareness initially. Catching them early can not only limit the damage done, but also help an individual to find inspiration to do even greater things.
Isolation occurs when a person sees his/her economic struggles as something be be embarrassed about and, therefore, hides. The process of becoming isolated often begins very slowly. First engagements are canceled to save money, then phone calls and emails are not returned for fear of having nothing to say.
Despair often follows closely behind isolation. Once a person is cut off from his/her usual social routine and has limited or no social network for support, feelings of despair begin spiraling a person down to angry and in some circumstances suicide.
Ways to Find Hope in a Tough Economy
Motivational speaker Wayne Dyer is quoted as saying "Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice." This may seem obvious or possibly even frustratingly simplistic, but the truth is that regardless of a person's circumstances the one thing that never changes is the potential to choose hope.
Here are some possible ways to achieve this:
- Contact an old friend
- Begin each morning with a list of things to be grateful for in one's life
- Stay active (even if it means finding cheap or free activities, do not stop being social)
- Exercise
- Maintain a normal bed and wake up routine
- Read articles about economic recovery rather than the economic downfall
- Meditate
- Play with a pet
- Talk to a reputable pastor or spiritual leader in your community
Coping with Unemployment
When one has been unemployed for any period of time (or has to live with someone who is unemployed), there can be days when hope is extremely illusive. If one is coping with a job loss try the following:
- Join a job club (many churches and communities are creating them as both a support and a networking tool)
- Talk to friends often
- Write a letter from one's dream employer offering a wonderful position and post it where it can be seen each morning
- Maintain a routine
- Make a list of goals each day (to help create a sense of accomplishment)
- Meditate
- Create a financial plan and then stop focusing on money issues
- Stay positive
- Take time for fun
Improving One's Life
Bill Gates made his move as an entrepreneur during a recession and, in fact, a review of business in the U.S. reveals that bad economic times are when many new businesses begin. This is often due to people losing job and realizing that it is okay to pursue their dreams (if for no other reason than their current unemployment).
Choose to Be a Success Despite a Bad Economy
A bad economy is the time when people will either give up and lose all or see potential and actually become a better person. Individuals who otherwise might have simply plugged away at a job they didn't enjoy, now have the opportunity to make their dreams come true.
There are ways to find hope and to actually become a better person during a difficult economy. Ultimately, it comes down to choice.
Hope Exists for Those Who Seek It
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