Six months ago I asked the question, "What has the economy taught you?" Six months later the economy is still horrible–yes all of us still have friends who have lost their jobs and know companies that have had major layoffs and even some that have gone out of business.
The question is, what did you learn over the past year? I truly believe that every situation is a learning experience and clearly there are many learnings from the past year.
Did the last year teach you:
- That you should have saved more money for a rainy day?
- To stay in touch with industry contacts?
- To make sure you are improving your skills every day?
- To work harder and smarter at work?
For me the last year taught me about speed–that I wasn’t making decisions as quickly as I should. When things are going well it’s easy to put off decisions that you should make – and I fell into that trap. This is a mistake I will try and learn from.
Now your turn.
What did the last year teach you?
I look forward to reading your comments.
Beth Rounds says:
Three things:
Be grateful for what I do have — I am so richly blessed
Use the resources I already have — don’t focus on what I don’t have
Give back — use my talents and gifts in new ways to contribute to others
krista says:
the last year i garnered many life changing insights due to the economy.
the most important take away for me was the validation that it is not healthy to think that your professional life/status is the leading factor in happiness. Work, for me, is a means to my end but not the end to my mean. I enjoy my work and professional success does bring me happiness and fulfillment – but those are just bi-products of hard work and a positive attitude. what tuly brings me joy and fulfillment is my family and the time I get to spend w/ my husband & kids and our extended family members/friends.
My husband’s self grown business went belly up – then I experienced a lay off at work and later joined a wonderful new company. But all the while, I was still happy (quite stressed out I admit – but never un-happy). The experiences over the past 12 months have made me “the wiser” and more humbled but even better, it’s reinforced my gratitude for all things, big & small!
oh and i finally figured out the value (and fun) in tweeting ;o)
Melanie says:
I learned to keep my head down and focus on the work. It’s so easy to get distracted by all of the news and speculation. It’s easy to worry about the future and lament about the past. But doing all of that zaps me of my energy and focus. When I really began focusing on controlling what I can and ignoring the rest, I was much happier
and productive.
I also learned what Beth mentioned – Give Back. When I remember how very blessed I am, how can I complain? And when I see my neighbor’s trials and needs, mine pale in comparison.
Scott Waller says:
Very interesting questions….the lessons were timeless ones taught by most of parents….save, debt can be destructive, travel lightly and “do you really need that?”
Marc Dresner says:
My Top 10 (echoing much of the others):
1) Change is good! It’s an inevitable part of life and a terrific opportunity to learn and grow. You can’t run from it, so embrace it.
2) Perspective is key. There are always people worse off than you. Spin your attitude. Stay positive. It’s rarely as bad as it seems.
3) Focus on what you can control, not what you can’t (BTW, you would be surprised at how much you can control)
4) Show up! It’s 80% of success, right? Sure you might not get whatever it is you’re showing up for, but your odds are a heck of a lot better than if you don’t show up at all.
5) Take risks. Step outside your comfort zone. I have without exception learned more from my failures than I ever have from my successes. Fear will paralyze you.
6) Don’t wait for the bomb to drop. Upgrade your skills in good times; make the time to take a class, invest in training, etc., when it isn’t urgent. Don’t put it off. Never allow yourself the luxury to just sit back. Constantly be upgrading in good times.
7) Don’t be afraid or too proud to ask for help (you would be surprised how many people will go to great lengths to help you if you simply ask)
9) Similar to eight, don’t expect anything in return. You’ll miss the point. Help when you don’t need anything. Help when you’re doing well.
10) If you’re unemployed, stay productive. No TV. No video games. No farting around on the Internet. I’ve never met anyone who can justify wasting time or who can’t find anything productive to do. Take a walk. Volunteer somewhere. Get off your duff!
OK, I lied: #11) Be patient. Don’t rush it.