By Matthew C. Horne
During yesterday’s LinkedIn town hall meeting, a myriad of questions concerning the current state of the economy were presented to President Obama. The president spoke of how economist predicted a three percent upswing for the year 2011, and how this economic improvement has yet to surface. One of President Obama’s statements brought to light what I believe to be a solution not concrete in nature, but definitely worth exploring. "American success is premised on individuals who have a great idea, going out there and pursuing their dreams and making a whole lot of money in the process. That’s great. It’s part of what makes America so successful.”
What I believed this to be is the American machine of the traditional means of getting ahead with a job that is severely broken. Take your future into your own hands, and create something for yourself, giving you the fighting chance of surviving in these economic times. I have seen the economy at work over the last few years, as many friends and family members have lost their jobs with no rhyme or reason. Many of these people have lost multiple jobs in a very short span of time.
Words like hopelessness, utter despair, and destitute situations are easily found in the conversation of America, but what if there’s a silver lining of opportunity underneath it all?
Part of the human experience is finding your back against the wall at various stations in life. Our power lies in the ability to push back when life unexpectedly pushes us. A way to push back in a recession is to embrace your power to create your dreams and desires. Many people find themselves hesitating in the pursuit of a dream because the world has provided them with a sense of security that is difficult to forfeit. If there was ever a time to explore the possibility of living your dreams, the hour is NOW, with uncertainty being the new certainty.
Be Proactive and Brace Yourself
Being proactive in a recession is empowering, as it braces you for any unexpected reversals of fortune. Imagine if you lost your job without notice, but you were already utilizing your gifts and talents to create your life, your way. You have the power to lessen the brunt of the inevitable blows of life.
Many people make the excuse that they simply don’t have the time to pursue their dreams. I strongly beg to differ. About a year ago I was on a television show with legendary motivational speaker Willie Jolley, and he said something that will forever ring true in my mind. The question posed to him was: what do you say to someone who says they don’t have the time to pursue their dreams? He replied “You have eight hours to work; eight hours to sleep; and eight hours to pursue your dreams.”
As simple as this was, the underlying meaning of this statement was profound. In reality we, as human beings, will always spend our time on what see value in. It’s not that people don’t have the time; it’s that they don’t see the value in the pursuit of the something which could allow them to hover above the turmoil of this current economic crisis.
It’s Necessary
There’s no escaping it; America has collectively reached a place where relying on a job is treacherous territory. It’s necessary to push the boundaries of your comforts and break the traditional 9 to 5 ceiling. You would never fire yourself! And chances are, if things became difficult in the pursuit of your dream you wouldn’t downsize, rather grit your teeth and explore ways to create the success you seek.
When you have people relying on you, it’s best to have different escape routes in this economy. The pursuit of a dream could prove limitless in it’s’ rewards, and even allow you to break the bonds of uncertainty that jobs represent in this climate. I’m not speaking negatively against jobs in any way. They are a blessing in this economy. In reality, there are more needs than vacancies in terms of jobs across America, so it just makes sense to explore the possibility of living your dreams.
Life is exciting when you consciously choose to create your life the way you want to live it. There’s fulfillment in knowing if one door closes, another remains wide open that you built for yourself and your family.
I’m encouraging you to test the boundaries of life, and take yourself past life’s “what if’s” which keep many people grounded. We have limitless potential. The only way to begin exploring it is to continuously push the boundaries no matter what state we are in.
When it’s all said and done, the only obligation we show up on this planet with is to be who we uniquely are. What will you create?
Matthew C. Horne, motivational speaker and author, is the president of Optimum Success International, a speaking and publishing company located in the metropolitan Washington, DC area. Learn more by visiting www.matthewchorne.com.
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