What Kind of Year Will You Make 2008?

Last night I watched some visually spectacular fireworks that packed quite a bang as well. Immediately after the fireworks there was a stillness in the air and then there a cool breeze which was followed soon after by a light shower. It was as if Mother Nature was blowing and washing away the last remnants of 2007. It is 2008.

I received loads of "Happy New Year" emails but one of the more interesting ones I received was from Dr Joe Vitale. It began as follows:

"I'll be blunt:

2007 has come and gone.

You had plenty of chances to create your new business or new product and break out of the rut.

But you didn't do it.

Unless you do something different in 2008, where will you be at the end of this new year?"

I found it quite refreshing. It helped to focus my mind as did a conversation I had today with a close friend about someone who was fired on New Year's Eve.

My friend's view that this person didn't have much to celebrate but had much to worry about especially since they had over-extended themselves over the Christmas season thinking that they would have a job to return to in the New Year.

I had a somewhat different opinion. I know that it's tough to lose a job but I think that too many individuals believe that a J.O.B. represents security. Nothing could be further from the truth. The unexpected can happen in even what may seem to be the most secure of environments so it's best to be prepared for the unexpected. Nowadays, anyone in a job should aim to create at least one other income stream.

Also, if you are in a job see how you can really excel in that job. Be the best employee you can be. It will not guarantee that you will keep your job but should you lose it you should at least be able to rely on getting a glowing recommendation which should help you when applying for another job.

In order to be the best employee you can be you will by necessity have to keep updating and improving your skills. This will benefit you in your current position as well as any future position you may hold.

Losing a job may seem devastating at first but it gives one the opportunity to do something different and hopefully better, even if it is another job. If you are fired or made redundant it is important to stay objective, although this may be difficult at first. You need to consider why you lost your job and what you could have done differently. This may affect how you perform in a new job.

The other thing to think about, if ever you find yourself in this position, is what is good about the situation. Don't wallow in self-pity and in thinking about all the things you won't be able to do in the short-term because of your setback. Think instead of the possibilities. This may be challenging but if you achieve this it will stretch you. You will grow.

"Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities - always see them, for they're always there."
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

The other consideration is that if ever you find yourself in a tight spot simply tighten your belt. The person who lost their job had over extended themselves over the Christmas period. It happens. People want to have fun and treat their loved ones. But as Dr Joe Vitale said unless you do something different 2008 will be as 2007.

So if you find yourself in such a predicament here are a few tips:

1. Make a budget of what you absolutely need to live on and stick to it.

2. Trim away any excess, in other words look at where you may be losing money or wasting money needlessly.

3. Discuss the situation openly and honestly with your family so that everyone has a clear understanding of the situation and can work together to manage the situation and create solutions.

4. If you anticipate difficulties in paying your bills on time then discuss the situation with your creditors to investigate the options that are available to you.

5. As well as contacting job agencies and doing other job search methods, let friends and colleagues know that you're looking for a new job.

6. Brainstorm ways in which you can earn money in the short-term.

7. Sharpen your interview skills and be ready to attend an interview at short notice.

Above all stay positive and focus on what you want to achieve rather than the negative aspects of your situation. It is this focus that will help you to survive any challenging situation.

I like to think of a New Year as a blank canvas. No matter how your year has started, you have the opportunity to create your future just the way you want it to be.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!


Achieve Your Goals in 2008
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