How To Keep a Positive Attitude During Tough Economic Times

**Minnie** · 03-26-2009, 02:05 PM

I am a worrier by nature, so is my Mom, maybe I got it from her. My Dad wasn't and thankfully neither is my daughter. She sees it as a waste of energy.

My brother has his PhD in Religion and he writes a newsletter for his congregation and this question of how to maintain a positive attitude during these tough times, has come up often lately in conversations with him and his members and friends.

He sent me a article he found researching the topic and I felt it really had some going points on how to refocus our concerns. I know it is hard, it is for me, so many of my friends have lost jobs, just this week many were let go at my husband's company, but worrying is making me physically ill and I am going to try and do better. Hope the article helps someone else.

"How can we keep a positive attitude during these tough economic times?"

It seems that you can’t go even one day without hearing a comment, a remark, a report, or an article highlighting the current economic downturn. How can we keep a positive attitude during these tough economic times?

It has become an unavoidable topic that comes up during business meetings, lunches, and social gatherings. A friend recently was forced to sell his house, and shared with me the tales of money lost and his many frustrations. Another friend jokingly remarked, “my 401K has turned into my 201k, I might as well have not worked for the past two years.”

I’ve done my best not to focus any energy on this topic, until I recently started receiving email from readers asking for advice on how to deal with the current economic situation, emotionally. Here is one such email from a generous reader that encapsulates the topic nicely:

“I am a recent graduate from a Masters program, have a very good job, but am constantly worried about what the future holds for me financially. Since most of the troubles in the world are out of my hands, how can I keep an upbeat attitude about life in general, during these tough times that are affecting so many hard working people.”
- James Richter

In this article, I will give my own perspective on this topic, and relay specific tips on dealing with fear during an economic downturn.

Finding Control Again

I left my day job four months ago, and now rely on income from various investments. Interestingly, the majority of my investments are in the stock market. When the market crashed this year, I watched as my portfolio declined by as much as 50%. It is still below 50%.

Suddenly, my hard earned, frugally saved, carefully budgeted savings appeared to have been chopped in half. Given that I don’t have guaranteed income, I am a single woman, and my net worth just declined significantly, conventional wisdom would say that I should be worried. I should be freaking out! But I’m not. I’m pretty happy, actually.

Why?
What can I change by becoming upset, anxious, or nervous? Nothing. By complaining or allowing my body to suffer through anxiety, I will accomplish nothing.

I choose not to focus any energy on something that puts me in an un-resourceful state. Remember, what we focus on expands. We will get more of whatever we focus our attention on. We get more of what we think about, talk about, and listen to.

I know that when I focus on fear, I experience more fear, and I find more reasons to become more fearful. It’s a downward and bottomless spiral, until I consciously and proactively interrupt that pattern and deliberately choose to focus on something else more productive and conducive to my wellbeing.

First, recognize that there are many things out of our control; things like, the weather, the past, other people, and the economy. Anxiety, worry and fear usually come when we focus on these external things that we cannot control. Recall the last time you were really worried or nervous about something. What were you focused on? Was it something external that was beyond your control?

Second, recognize that we do have choices. We always have choices. We may feel that we don’t have a choice, because we don’t want to face the options - our pride and ego becoming hurt.

There is one thing we definitely have control over, and that is, we have control over the meaning which we give to things and circumstances. We have a choice in the perspective which we use to interpret a given situation. When we shift what something means to us, we shift our interpretation of it, and therefore we shift our emotions. Thus, we hold the key to our own emotional wellbeing.

For me, it also helps to remember that regardless of what is happening to me financially or emotionally, the most precious of things - my true inner self, the essence of my Being, the divine presence within me that occasionally reveals itself with infinite wisdom - will never be threatened. It is a blessing to be reminded that we are not our job titles, we are not the things we own, we are not our circumstances and we are not our thoughts. And we certainly are not the fear running through our minds.

A full life is one that’s rich with experiences. Opportunities for deeply rewarding and high-growth experiences often present themselves, initially, in the form of adversities. It is through overcoming these adversities and challenges that we develop personal strengths, character and wisdom - without which, we’d be pretty boring and we’d be pretty bored with life.

What if we looked for the gift in the perceived adversity? Try asking different questions. Instead of asking “Why me?” or complaining “Poor me”, consider asking yourself the following.

What can I learn from this situation?
How can I use this adversity to become a better person?
How can I use this opportunity to serve others and myself?
What can I do to get to where I want to be?
What can I do to gain the clarity I need, to shift into a more resourceful state?
How can I benefit from this situation?

What if we focused on things that really matter to us, instead of things beyond our control that “might” happen at some distant future? Focusing on the fear of something that might happen is a waste of resources on several accounts. For one, the thing you fear may never happen, meaning the times you’ve spent worrying about it have been a waste of energy, a waste of emotion, and a waste of attention.

For another, the energy used on worrying could have been spent on doing something more proactive and actually helpful to your situation.

Imagine, instead of spending time finding and reading news stories on why we should be fearful, use that time and energy to do something more meaningful to you and that can actually benefit you; things like, spending time developing relationships with the people you love, connecting with another human being, communing with nature, reading something uplifting, listening to something empowering, learning a new skill, or brushing up on an old skill.
You are the author of your life story. Make it worthwhile!

Tips for a Positive Attitude during Tough Economic Times

1. Focus on What You Can Control
What we focus on can drastically change how we feel. I know how tough it can be to focus on anything other than the present pain in front of us. I’ve been there, it sucks! But it is possible to shift our focus with the intention of shifting our emotional state.

It is worthwhile to note that it’s nearly impossible to skip emotional levels. For example, we can’t suddenly go from resentment to excitement. Emotionally, it’s easier to shift from resentment to anger, from anger to being upset, from being upset to indifference, from indifference to fondness, etc. With baby steps, gradually, we really can shift how we feel.

Recognize that you are in control. You can choose to focus on a perspective that helps you. See how you can change the meaning of an external circumstance to one which will benefit you?

For example, we can’t control the up and down movement of a particular stock, but we can choose to see that this stock is just money, and money is a replenish-able resource that we can always make more of. We can choose to see that our health is worth more than stressing over something we cannot control.

2. Eliminate or Drastically Reduce News Consumption
When was the last time popular news sources reported something uplifting, empowering and conflict-free? This rarely happens because it is not “newsworthy”, and almost never will you find uplifting news on the front page.

Newsworthy means: conflict, wars, gossip, suffering, and fear. It may not be a news agency’s sole intent to instill fear within us but it is the job of reporters to create content that highlights problems and exaggerates the stress of current situations. If it wasn’t emotionally disturbing, people wouldn’t read or watch the news, and the agencies would soon be out of business. When was the last time you felt good after watching the nightly news or reading the front page stories?

How does constantly reading about the credit crisis, the mortgage crisis, the stock market crash, or the recession empower us or uplift us or increase our wellness? How does it help us? The constant reminders keep us focused on fear, instead of solutions and hope. Even people who shouldn’t be worried are worrying, unnecessarily.

3. Gratitude
What are the most important things in your life? What are you grateful for? Who do you love? List them out on a piece of paper, then close your eyes and see them in your imagination. Feel the feelings of gratitude. Do this regularly.

For me, what matters most are my relationships with my close friends and family. The intimate moments of connection with another soul are one of the most precious, uplifting, and fulfilling things we can experience. I treasure that beyond anything else.

Focusing on the priceless and intangible things that grace my life helps me to put things into perspective. When put into perspective, I realized that I would trade all my material possessions in exchange for my health and relationships. And even if I lost all my money and possessions, I know that with the support of those I love, good health and determination, I can always bounce back.
See how a shift in perspective can suddenly make you feel wealthy?

4. Stop Spreading Fear
Stop complaining about your economic pains, stop forwarding news articles of fear to your friends, stop talking about it, and start doing things within your control. If your immediate basic needs are threatened (ie. loss of job, shelter and food), take action, massive action, to help yourself. The only exception to talking about your economic situation is when you ask for help from others during a time of need.

5. Things Will Bounce Back
You are not alone. We are all in this together. History will repeat itself, and our economy will bounce back. Winters will come and will eventually pass. Hang on tight, and in the meanwhile, do whatever it takes to sustain yourself.

6. Enhance Your Assets
In alignment with doing things within your control, see if there are a set of skills for your trade that you could improve upon or learn. The easiest route to job security is to become an invaluable, flexible and multi-skilled team player. Commit to becoming undeniably outstanding in what you do, and never stop learning.

7. Emergency Fund
Just because we choose to not focus on fear, does not mean that we will not prepare for a rainy day. Building an emergency fund is a must practice at all times, not just during the recession.
If you are not struggling to sustain your basic needs, make it a priority to build your emergency fund. Regardless of how little money you can set aside each month, do it. It’s the practice of saving that’s important here. Do so diligently, and you will reap the rewards in a time of need.

8. Focus on the Benefits
There are benefits from the economic crisis. Here are some:

Lower gas prices
Real-estate prices are lower, if you’re in the market to buy and have the capital to do so, you’re likely to get great deals.
Stock prices are cheaper. Warren Buffet said (and Shelly): “Now is the time to buy!”
Reduced consumption and travel is having a positive effect on landfills and reduces ones carbon foot print. Reduced consumption also means owning less stuff that we don’t need, which can benefit our mental wellbeing.

9. Choose Happiness
Choosing happiness does not mean becoming vulnerable or ignorant to world issues. It doesn’t mean painting a fake smile on our faces, either. It simply means that we are deliberately choosing to focus on things that are beautiful, things that give us joy, that make us smile, and that make us feel grateful to be alive.

Every day, we are surrounded by these pockets of miracles and opportunities for happiness. Just like fear, the capacity to experience joy and the recognition of miracles is also a choice. Which do you choose?

**Johnrudy** · 03-26-2009, 02:40 PM

Thanks for sharing, Minnie. I will print this out for Mr. JR who wakes up everyday, feeling as though he is standing on a precipice.

.

**aggieb** · 03-26-2009, 02:51 PM

great and much needed post, minnie. this one statement stood out to me.

What if we focused on things that really matter to us, instead of things beyond our control that “might” happen at some distant future? Focusing on the fear of something that might happen is a waste of resources on several accounts. For one, the thing you fear may never happen, meaning the times you’ve spent worrying about it have been a waste of energy, a waste of emotion, and a waste of attention.

life is too short, i try to remember this daily. mr. aggb and i had somewhat of a talk today and it helps when you can 'see eye to eye' on life's little up's and down's.

**ItzKatzTime** · 03-26-2009, 04:47 PM

Minnie thanks for sharing this article with us. I'm printing a bunch of these off and having a family meeting to discuss it. I'm not a worrier I always look to the positive, but when you are around others who have a negative attititude it rubs off.

I wonder if the Pastor of your brother's church did a surmon on this article. This would also make a great workshop!!!

I can't give rep as I've given too much

so I have to wait! My thanks button disappeared. I wonder where it goes???

**ItzKatzTime** · 03-26-2009, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by aggieb

great and much needed post, minnie. this one statement stood out to me.

life is too short, i try to remember this daily. mr. aggb and i had somewhat of a talk today and it helps when you can 'see eye to eye' on life's little up's and down's.

aggieb You are so right! Life is too short...so eat dessert first!

**Minnie** · 03-26-2009, 05:10 PM

Originally Posted by ItzKatzTime

Minnie thanks for sharing this article with us. I'm printing a bunch of these off and having a family meeting to discuss it. I'm not a worrier I always look to the positive, but when you are around others who have a negative attititude it rubs off.

I wonder if the Pastor of your brother's church did a surmon on this article. This would also make a great workshop!!!

I can't give rep as I've given too much

so I have to wait! My thanks button disappeared. I wonder where it goes???

My brother is the minister. He attended Texas Christian University and got his Masters and Doctorate of Divinity at Vanderbilt, all on a full scholarship, he was the smart one in the family, I got all the looks.

He writes a weekly newsletter to his congregation and friends of the church and he sends copies to his family. In addition to covering the news of the church he includes an inspirational message. In doing the research for his most recent newsletter he came across this article and shared it with me.

I am sure he has at some time based a sermon on it. He is quite the speaker. One of the very young members of his church, after attending a funeral in which my brother delivered the message, said; " You know Mom, it would almost be worth dying, just to have Dr. Tom do the funeral, he makes everyone sound so much better than they did when they were alive".

**Johnrudy** · 03-26-2009, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by aggieb

great and much needed post, minnie. this one statement stood out to me.

life is too short, i try to remember this daily. mr. aggb and i had somewhat of a talk today and it helps when you can 'see eye to eye' on life's little up's and down's.

I agree. This paragraph hit me the most too.

**Teresa** · 03-26-2009, 05:31 PM

I like these tips best:

cut down news consumption drastically (I had to do this years ago) - doesn't mean you don't know what's going on - but be very choosy about your news sources and keep it to a minimum.

gratitute - it goes a long way in keeping a healthy perspective on life.

choose happiness - if you can do this then you've accomplished all the above tips and more! sometimes its not easy. but its definitely a choice that only you can make.

thanks for this minnie!

**Susan Horn** · 03-26-2009, 07:41 PM

If I could give you ten thousand "thanks" for this post, I would.

I would add, when in a situation where folks are doing the "ain't it awful game," every time someone rattles off a bad news thing, I offer a piece of good news rather than supporting, giving attention toor otherwise continuing the negativity. For instance:

Joe negative: "Folks are hurting. Foreclusures and job losses everywhere!"

Pollyanna: "My children are healthier, happier, more succesful and productively engaged than ever before. I am so happy for them."

Nancy sadsack: "That deficit, the bailout, I'm sick of politicians and taxes and evil corporations!"

Pollyanna: "Walton County is such a marvelous and supportive community of caring people. I've lived here since 1984, and any time I have troubles, I've been blown away by the love, support and concern that friends and strangers bring to my family."

You get the gist.

After a few rounds like that in a group at lunch, for instance, it sort of takes the wind out of the sails and encourages others to take another look at things. And it makes me feel great that I can find so many things to be thankful for without even working up a sweat thinking about it.

**AAbsolute** · 03-26-2009, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by Susan Horn

If I could give you ten thousand "thanks" for this post, I would.

I would add, when in a situation where folks are doing the "ain't it awful game," every time someone rattles off a bad news thing, I offer a piece of good news rather than supporting, giving attention toor otherwise continuing the negativity. For instance:

Joe negative: "Folks are hurting. Foreclusures and job losses everywhere!"

Pollyanna: "My children are healthier, happier, more succesful and productively engaged than ever before. I am so happy for them."

Nancy sadsack: "That deficit, the bailout, I'm sick of politicians and taxes and evil corporations!"

Pollyanna: "Walton County is such a marvelous and supportive community of caring people. I've lived here since 1984, and any time I have troubles, I've been blown away by the love, support and concern that friends and strangers bring to my family."

You get the gist.

After a few rounds like that in a group at lunch, for instance, it sort of takes the wind out of the sails and encourages others to take another look at things. And it makes me feel great that I can find so many things to be thankful for without even working up a sweat thinking about it.

Then there's Joey Bagadonuts: "Geeze the only work I can find are these darn small jobs here and there where I'm hardly making a profit."

Pollyanna: "Could be worse. You could be doing big jobs for Dr's in Paradise."

**Bobby J** · 03-27-2009, 08:54 AM

Great post Minnie! I always tell my kids a positive attitude is something you have to go get. It is an action. If you want a sun tan, you can lay out and it will come to you. A positive attitude and gratitude you have to go get. It is an action! Turn off the news! Watch what you read! Only go to movies that make you feel good or make you laugh. Watch the music you listen to. The most important one is watch out who you hang with. Negative people can really bring you down. When you find yourself going to that dark place change the channel until whatever you are doing makes you feel better.

My kids think I am crazy!

**AAbsolute** · 03-27-2009, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by Bobby J

Great post Minnie! I always tell my kids a positive attitude is something you have to go get. It is an action. If you want a sun tan, you can lay out and it will come to you. A positive attitude and gratitude you have to go get. It is an action! Turn off the news! Watch what you read! Only go to movies that make you feel good or make you laugh. Watch the music you listen to. The most important one is watch out who you hang with. Negative people can really bring you down. When you find yourself going to that dark place change the channel until whatever you are doing makes you feel better.

My kids think I am crazy!

Are you still off TV? It's been about 100 days for us and I love it. You can pick exactly what you want, when you want and tune in tune SoWal.com for the up to the minute local news.

**Bobby J** · 03-27-2009, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by AAbsolute

Are you still off TV? It's been about 100 days for us and I love it. You can pick exactly what you want, when you want and tune in tune SoWal.com for the up to the minute local news.

We are close to a year and it has changed my family's life! We spend sooooo much more time together! My wife and I started a 90 day workout program in the evening that we have almost completed. We are both in the best shape of our lives since getting rid of the tube. My sales are up, etc. I really now wonder how we ever had time to watch TV. As far as news goes, you still get all you need and stay fairly current by INTERNET, front pages, office talk. The trick is we are not absorbed in it. The benefit is a better outlook on life! This is probably not for everyone but today it seems to be working in our home. BTW, we loved TV and did this on a trial basis. Almost just to see if it made life better. We are both very grateful we did it!
I tell Bev anytime she wants call the cable company. Neither one of us have made the move to call!

**JamBone** · 03-27-2009, 02:15 PM

dude bobby - thats sooo awesome. turn off the effin tv and get in shape - dang if we all did that there would be no more wars and strife and negativity would vaporize!!

you've inspired me!!!

oh ya

its been clinically proven that eating bbq will lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, increase seratonin and dopamine levels and amp up your sex life!!

rockon johnson family...

**Minnie** · 03-27-2009, 06:21 PM

Originally Posted by JamBone

dude bobby - thats sooo awesome. turn off the effin tv and get in shape - dang if we all did that there would be no more wars and strife and negativity would vaporize!!

you've inspired me!!!

oh ya

its been clinically proven that eating bbq will lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, increase seratonin and dopamine levels and amp up your sex life!!

rockon johnson family...

Thanks for the suggestion, I will be sure to get out tonight and get some great Memphis BBQ and the next time I am in the SoWal area I will definitely be stopping by your place.

**makeitagreatday** · 03-31-2009, 02:53 PM

The Hunter family too has been off TV for almost 2 years now. We recognized with our busy life the television was sitting off most of the time and we had to MAKE time to watch it. i canceled cable a couple years ago and have not missed anything. Even during the presidential campaign we were able to turn to the computer and a few sites had streaming debates (just as an example; we were not thrilled with them either.) Either way we play together more rather than being passive with a cerebral download in a vegetative state. Most days: No news is good news.

**Bobby J** · 03-31-2009, 09:35 PM

Originally Posted by makeitagreatday

The Hunter family too has been off TV for almost 2 years now. We recognized with our busy life the television was sitting off most of the time and we had to MAKE time to watch it. i canceled cable a couple years ago and have not missed anything. Even during the presidential campaign we were able to turn to the computer and a few sites had streaming debates (just as an example; we were not thrilled with them either.) Either way we play together more rather than being passive with a cerebral download in a vegetative state. Most days: No news is good news.

People always ask me how we get our news. It seems to find you when you don't have TV. I get what I need and the rest everyone else can have! The only thing I miss is UFC!

**ItzKatzTime** · 04-01-2009, 02:56 AM

I love these positive posts.

Thank you all so much. I am having back pain tonight and got up to read SoWal and came back to this thread. I feel so much better.

Thanks Minnie for starting it.

Thank you Johnrudy, aggieb, Tootsie, Susan Horn, AAbsolute, Bobby J, JamBone and makeitagreatday for all you add!!!!

Good night!

**30abob** · 04-01-2009, 09:40 AM

... more food for "positive" thought!

"Why did the achievers overcome problems while thousands are overwhelmed by theirs? They refused to hold on to the common excuses for failure. They turned their stumbling blocks into stepping stones. They realized that they couldn�t determine every circumstance in life but they could determine their choice of attitude towards every circumstance." [John Maxwell]

"I may not be able to change the world I see around me, but I can change the way I see the world within me." [John Maxwell]

"There is a world of difference between a person who has a big problem and a person who makes a problem big." [John Maxwell]

"It is good to remember that the tea kettle, although up to its neck in hot water, continues to sing." Unknown

**Susan Horn** · 04-01-2009, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by 30abob

... more food for "positive" thought!

"Why did the achievers overcome problems while thousands are overwhelmed by theirs? They refused to hold on to the common excuses for failure. They turned their stumbling blocks into stepping stones. ...

Right! In the lingo of permaculture -- Within every problem/challenge is its solution.

Or from Dune -- The worm is the spice, LOL!

**Bobby J** · 04-01-2009, 11:46 AM

"you can't stop the waves but you can learn to surf"

**Susan Horn** · 04-01-2009, 01:35 PM

It's like homeopathy.

**ShallowsNole** · 04-01-2009, 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by Bobby J

Great post Minnie! I always tell my kids a positive attitude is something you have to go get. It is an action. If you want a sun tan, you can lay out and it will come to you. A positive attitude and gratitude you have to go get. It is an action! Turn off the news! Watch what you read! Only go to movies that make you feel good or make you laugh. Watch the music you listen to. The most important one is watch out who you hang with. Negative people can really bring you down. When you find yourself going to that dark place change the channel until whatever you are doing makes you feel better.

My kids think I am crazy!

Bobby, I need to communicate this to my family, especially my son. Thank you for sharing the words to do so.

**florida girl** · 04-01-2009, 07:17 PM

When you're in the valley of Baca, dig a well. And, Lilies bloom in the valley.

**Minnie** · 04-02-2009, 05:47 PM

A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile person lives in a hostile world; everyone you meet is your mirror. ~Ken Keyes, Jr.

**ItzKatzTime** · 04-03-2009, 01:46 PM

I especially think if we can all be positive on the forum we can impact our community in a big way. Let pettiness fall to the side and make this the most upbeat place to be a part of.

**Paula** · 04-04-2009, 08:28 AM

Thanks for posting this, Minnie. I enjoyed starting my weekend reading this. Here's what has been most helpful to me in riding this economy:

1. Live under your means
2. Save for a rainy day
3. Don't put all your eggs in one basket
4. Most importantly, Invest in your relationships much more so than money/things
5. Gratitude