Help! The Economy Is a Mess

At times it can be very disconcerting to read the newspapers or listen to the news - especially when the focus is on things that are going wrong in the world. Wars and rumors of wars can generate fear. Tales about crime or unnecessary brutality can cause us to lose faith in humanity. And stories about problems in the economy can leave us with feelings of helplessness.

When the economy is good there are usually more opportunities to change jobs or expand businesses. On the other hand, when there is a downturn, options are often more limited and it is easy to slide into a state of negativity and hopelessness at a personal level. Even though you might be feeling helpless, there are things you can do:

1. Be realistic. Remember that everything in life occurs in cycles. When the economy is bad, that just means that things will get better in time. In fact, that's what makes life interesting!

2. Think creatively. When there are lots of houses for sale, the prices go down. When people aren't buying goods, there are better sales. Look for and take advantage of the opportunities that are available.

3. Use what your already have - Do you really need a new vehicle right now? Are there things in your closet that you can wear again? When was the last time your used your library card? Do you have gifts that you haven't even used yet?

4. Do your best. Make sure that each day you are giving the best that you have to give. Be on time. Do what you promised to do. Finish what you started. Show kindness and respect to yourself and others.

5. Make good financial decisions. Review your spending patterns and clearly differentiate between needs and wants. Develop a plan to pay off your debts. Invest wisely in things that will generate income for you.

6. Bring value to the workplace. Consider retraining or adding to your skills so that you will have good options for the future. You are never too old, too poor or too busy to learn.

7. Have fun. Continue to plan and participate in low-cost activities that you enjoy. Enjoy establishing new friendships. Laugh every day.

8. Seek help. Psychologists help people to problem-solve and improve their lives. What you might need is just a little encouragement and a few good ideas to get on the right track.

People often state that things are getting worse! I really don't believe that. There have always been problems in the world. It's just that technology now allows us to hear about them faster than we have in the past. Besides this, our standards have increased and expectations have expanded so that we aren't always satisfied with what we have or the possibilities of having less..

Just because the economy is a mess doesn't mean that we have to be a mess. In fact, difficulties can often help us to examine our personal situation and make better choices for the future than we have been making in the past.

Instead of viewing the dropping oil prices as a catastrophe let's think challenge! And within every challenge you will find amazing opportunities if you look for them.

And now I would like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to a complimentary list of 10 Steps to Making Your Life an Adventure when you visit http://lindahancock.com

From Dr. Linda Hancock, Registered Psychologist and Registered Social Worker