Power Maxx Blog

As my regular readers are aware, I am writing an ongoing series on “Looking at the Big Picture,” and how to use concepts extrapolated from that idea to help live a better more fulfilling lifestyle. My next installment is a fairly well known concept, that is often summarized in a simple phrase: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. As cheesy as this saying might be, they are good words to go by, and in the big picture series, this translates into “Making the Best of What you Have.”

I thought of writing about this topic the other day when I was re-evaluating my own financial situation in light of the financial crisis that is upon us. I was pulling my hair out thinking how far I had fallen in terms of income and net worth from even 6 months ago, and how hard I had worked to get to that point, only to have it all taken away from me through no fault of my own. The more I thought about it, the worse I felt, and it didn’t look like it would be turning around any time soon.

Then, I read an article in the Toronto Star one day, which discussed homeless people, and their current situation in light of the financial crisis, and how even shelters and food banks are struggling in these tough times. That really got me thinking.

When push comes to shove, despite the fact that I have fallen quite far in terms of where I was, and where I am now, I am still in a position that many would envy to be in.  Although I have debt, it is manageable, I have a roof over my head, food in the fridge, and I am still able to enjoy a fun night out here and there despite all this.  In reality, I don’t have it that bad!!

Because of the fact that I was dwelling on what I had lost, I completely ignored the fact that I haven’t yet hit rock bottom.  In fact, not even close.  I think in this tough economic time, it is very easy to lose sight of this, as we are bombarded by gloom and doom on the news daily, it is rare to hear anything positive in terms of our own financial well being.  To think Canadians have lost $191 BILLION in net worth so far in the financial crisis, is almost mind boggling.  Heck - it IS mind boggling!!

There is still a lot more that I could fall, and really - things COULD be a lot worse.  So my advice to you, even if you have lost a lot, and things look bad - don’t forget about what you still have.  Until you’re out on the streets, you have to keep on looking forward, working hard, and doing your best to come out on top in a crappy situation.

Although this is a painstakingly simple idea, just like any other that I have talked about, it is VERY hard to implement!  Many of us, including myself are living proof of that.  I can’t imagine how many people would laugh at me for suggesting “It isn’t so bad.”  But hey - its true!!  So sit down, think about where you’re at, and ask yourself - do I really have it that bad off?

Try to wrap your head around the idea that you aren’t at rock bottom yet.  Understand that your life is still full of good, and positive things, and try to focus on those, instead of the negatives.  By no means should you ignore the negatives completely - after all - you have to be aware of a problem to be able to work through it and improve, but the positive things that you still have in your life will enable you to work through what is currently holding you back.  By focusing on the positives, and making the best of what you have, you will able to more forward, and get through the disaster that we now know is the financial crisis.

I’m not saying its easy - the ideas that I bring to you, as simple as they are, are never easy to truly implement fully.  But once you look at the big picture, and make the best of what you still have, you will be a lot better for it in the long run.

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