To me every day is a learning experience. You can learn something from every situation. And even though the economy is very challenging, I totally believe that there are tremendous learning opportunities and life lessons there as well.
So here is the question: What has the challenging economy taught you?
For me the first lesson it has taught me is this difficult time has had a ton of highs and lows and for me I am trying to be much more even grounded and not get too excited when something goes well and don’t get too down when something goes in the other direction.
Now your turn.
What has the challenging economy taught you?
I look forward to reading your comments.
Beth Rounds says:
Most certainly! I have a tremendous appreciation for the things I already have and often ask myself “what do I really need?” This is not a novel idea as I do think our country and our industry is in a “reset” mode.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Beth,
Great point. The current economy should be a time to reflect and see what you need.
Thanks for sharing.
Merrill
Michael Halberstam says:
I have a much greater appreciation of what my parents and grandparents went through during the late 1920′s and the 1930′s. I heard many stories of The Depression and watched as they scrimped and saved their whole lives even when they seemed to have plenty. None of them could ever forget how hard it was to live during those tough economic times.
I’ve learned to make every relationship count.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Michael,
In times of need you are right – every relationship is important, critical and full of meaning. I also agree with a much greater respect for what my grandparents went through. The current economy isn’t close to what they encountered. I might be wrong but I thought I heard unemployment rate back than was over 30% – current we are around 10%. Along way from the great depression’s number for sure.
Thanks.
Merrill
Paul Kirch says:
Great, timely topic, Merrill. I would say the economy has made me more conscientious of the need for planning. I know there’s a lot of people floundering for and within business, but the companies that are stepping back and looking at building a solid plan are either doing well, or having confidence that they will. In addition, there’s never been a better time to give back. Advice, time, connections… These are just a few of the ways I’m trying to contribute. How has it changed me? It’s made me more appreciative of what I have and I think it’s made me more focused on my family, which is a blessing. Though a time of challenges for many, I think it’s a time to appreciate what we have and what we can give. I also believe its a time off opportunity, so I’m trying to be more creative, which is also another change (for the better).
Owen says:
I was a strong believer that business needs a good recession every now and then!! It is like Winter. The weaker plants die off to make room for new growth. It is just that this winter has gone on a little too long!! Perhaps I was naive but this has made me much more aware of the inter-relationships in society and the economy. A Wall Street Bankers decision does really effect me. A Washington Politicians decision really does effect me. Stronger plants may die because this Winter was a little longer than it needed to be. But having grown up in the UK I still believe in the strength and resiliency of the US economy. In the words of Chancy Gardner ‘There will be growth in the Spring’.
Malcolm Williamson says:
Being There is the BEST movie of all time!!!
‘Eve, I like to watch’.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Owen,
Even though the economy is very hard, challenging and lots of bad things are happening now is the time to really take advantage of making some strategic moves to reshape your company. I believe all of us will be better off down the road – it just has been a very bumpy, windy and painful road.
Thanks for your comments.
Merrill
Malcolm Williamson says:
No, I’ve always been a consumer and always will be. I have worked since the age of 16, put myself through college and grad school while working full-time and have never had a lapse in employment or used our government for any assistance.
I have always been an advocate for ‘buy the best now, or you’ll buy it later’ and want my last breath and my last dollar to come out even and if there’s any left-over, it goes to charity.
I am however enjoying taking advantage of the great deals because the media has everyone running scared. Hotels, airfare and the such are being given away, so that’s a plus!
Merrill Dubrow says:
Malcolm,
I wish there was more people who had that opinion. There are alot of great deals and if people wouldn’t pull back maybe the economy would be in a little bit better shape. I think the media is too blame for some of this – the reason I say that is they have really instilled fear in lots of people and tend to sensationalize it more than they need to.
Thanks again for your comments.
Merrill