When times are tough, toughen up!
When things are going well you feel like you’re on the top of the world and can deal with anything that comes your way.
The flip side is when you find yourself in tough times and nothing seems to be going the way you planned. It can be hard to get back on track. Some blame bad luck, but that’s the easy way out and doesn’t address the issue. The best way to get back on track is to take control of the situation with positive action.
Here are seven ways to survive and even thrive during tough times:
- Doing nothing only makes a bad situation worse. If we don’t leap into action, things will always get worse, and usually fast. My Grandma used to say, “Wish in one hand and spit in the other and see which one gets full first.”
- Deal with facts not fiction. Most of what we worry about never happens, don’t let your imagination get ahead of reality. Ask questions, Get the information you need.
- Always cement relationships with existing customers. During difficult times, a depressed mood can descend on your business. Use your time to get closer to every customer, engage with them, learn what’s happening in their world.
- Get out and chase business. Constructive activity will improve your outlook and winning a few new projects or finding a new client may prove easier than you think.
- Be careful with whom you spend time. Remember, “If you lay down with dogs you get up with fleas.” Stay away from people who only focus on the negative. Find people who are positive, energetic and too busy to get caught up in a pity party.
- Choose someone to mentor you through challenging times. Reach out to a person (or group) you admire and respect. Be honest, lay out the issues as you perceive them, discuss how you feel and what you need. Don’t expect them to take on the problem, but a good listener will help you put your circumstances in perspective.
- Learn from the experience. Take a step back and ask yourself; if/when this happens again, what would you do differently? Did you miss any clues? What are you going to do to prevent this from happening again?
Tough times demand tough decisions to ensure the business succeeds. When you discover what needs to be done, just do it!
The road is easier together,
Linda