Survival Guide

It is time to develop a survival guide. If you read my words over these past couple of weeks, you know that we are screwed. The government is looking to handout billions of dollars to rescue everybody under the sun. Sadly, the ones who are stuck paying for this mess are the hard working, middle income people. Contrary to what we were promised, the wealthy will not see a tax increase.

So what happens now? Unless some of you are ready to storm Washington and overthrow the government (I am all for it but we are a bit premature), it is time to develop a plan for your own survival. Times are going to get rougher. Again, the candidates all mentioned how rosy things will get after they are elected. Forget those dingbats. Listen to those who have some sense like economists, money managers, business owners, accountants, and financial planners. All these individuals point to the fact that we are in for a rougher time for another 12 months. Therefore, it is time for you to develop a strategy for your own survival.

***You will notice that nowhere in these suggestions does it mention wait for the government to help you out. This is not in keeping with personal responsibility. As I showed many times, depending upon them is a plan to screw yourself. If you fail to believe this, ask the 1,500 people who were killed in Katrina because they waited for the government to help them instead of taking responsibility for their own situation.

*******Here is a suggestion I need to make that might help some going forward. If you find yourself in the situation where there is a hurricane that is a category 3 or higher coming at you, get the hell out of there. You would think this is common sense but obviously it is not.

Here is a plan for you to move forward over the next few years.

1. Attitude

This seems contrary to the general tone of this blog, but maintain a positive attitude. I do not hold great faith in our leadership. However, I am positive that I will make the situations in my life work regardless of what transpires. You need to implement this in your life.

It is easy to fall into the doom and gloom. However, it is important to stay calm while not overreacting. Survival experts teach that the one who will most likely emerge from the wilderness is the one with the positive attitude.

2. Use Your Anger Productively

Many are upset with the results. At the same time, many more will be angered with they realize they were lied to once again. Yet, being angry with the President, Congress, or the voters solves nothing. Punch you pillow a few times and move on.

How can you use your anger? Motivation. It is time for you to take charge of your life. Things are not going easy so persistence is extremely important. Anger can be a terrific motivator if used properly. My best workouts are often on those days where something angered me to no end. This is how we can channel the negative emotion into productivity.

3. Plan

Even in the worst of times, there are lots of opportunities. Over the next few years, we are going to see radical changes in this country. Are you going to be in a position to take advantage of them?

Where is your life going? Your career? Your marriage? Your finances? It is time to sit down and think about these things. Develop investment strategies for the next few years. Resolve to live on a budget. Plan what you are going to do to increase your likelihood of success.

4. Action

Plans are worthless without taking action. Make your action decisive and be correct. Mistakes are costly but no action is usually more costly. Even if you make a mistake, often the proper path is clearer because of the previous decision.

Also, do not try to change the next four years (of the election did not go your way) this week. Break down all that you are doing into manageable steps. Brain Tracy states that you eat an elephant one bite at a time. Divide you plan into the smallest pieces you can.

5. Pat yourself on the back

Celebrate the successes you have along the line. Recognize when you reach your smaller milestones. Weight loss experts proclaim how more effective people are at losing a lot when they reward themselves with small gifts for different barometer levels. This allows you to fulfill the holistic side of yourself while providing future motivation.

6. Stop being a victim

This is the dagger in the heart of personal responsibility. Stop whining and get one with it. Nobody ever pulled him/herself out of a hole by playing the victim. Use the previous steps and ignore what the meat heads do in Washington. While we know what they are capable of, you are the one responsible for the success in your life. Take control of it.

These are 6 steps which can reduce the impact of the turmoil that is going on in the country. The government will screw things up; we can expect that. Use this situation to take care of yourself. Personal responsibility is the answer to what ails your life at the moment. It is also the solution to our countries problems. Unfortunately, the country will take a while to grasp this concept.

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