Brian Kurth

With all the bad news in the markets these past couple of weeks, I hope many of the financial analysts and bankers begin to pursue their dream jobs.  There IS life beyond Wall Street, my friends!  

Yes, one must make a living….but it doesn’t have to be $300,000 a year now does it?  Happiness can come in smaller doses.  And as long as you can downsize if you have to, pay bills and continue to save for the future, a lesser-paying dream job can suddenly makes one richer in life, fulfillment and happiness than ever before.  

With that in mind, here’s an interesting article in today’s London Times I thought I’d share.

Wow, could things get any worse in the markets?  I hope not.  But we all should prepare for even worse and hope for the best.  Makes you just want to burst out the F-word, doesn’t it?  No, not THAT F-word.

I’m talking about — FEAR!  You’re not alone if you’re scared these days.  Here are some fear fighters that I use as an entrepreneur to keep on plugging along each and every day — but they’re certainly practical for non-entrepreneurs as well.  

FEAR FIGHTERS FOR THE BEST OF TIMES AND THESE WORST OF TIMES:

1.  A clear vision – have a good picture of what you want to do.  It may be a particular job, it may be a type of work, it may be a lifestyle and a location of where you want to live and work.  The clarity of the image acts like a magnet pulling you forward.

2.  Optimism – In addition to having a clear vision, believe that your vision WILL pan out.  Failure is of course a possibility but success is more likely when you maintain a strong sense of being positive.

3.  Comfort with Failure – When you consider failure, you won’t be as terrified.  Take an attitude of “What’s the worst that can happen?  Whatever it is, I’ll deal with it.”  Imagine  a period of difficulty and adjustment after the failure and then life moving forward positively once again.

4.  A high self-standard – Take on the sentiment of “I would rather try and fail than know I didn’t even try.”  What will push you past the fear is the knowledge that by not trying you will be letting yourself down.  Be proud of yourself and your accomplishments no matter what.  You’re trying!

Hey friends, if you happen to be in Portland, OR tonight….come say hi as I’ll be speaking with the folks at PDXMindshare, Ladies Who Launch and Young Women Social Entrepreneurs….you don’t have to be a member with any of the sponsoring organizations….just RSVP at the link below:

http://www.ladieswholaunch.com/incubators/events/view/742

Souk

322 NW 6th Avenue, Suite 200

Hope to see you tonight!

I had a great time meeting over 250 people last night at the SSP BPI event here in Chicago.  SSP BPI is the world’s largest career counseling and coaching firm with over 1,200 coaches across the US.  I spoke to some of their Chicago clients last night.  

I met many people “in transition”.  The recession has clearly hit Chicago, unfortunately.  But these folks were upbeat and truly seeing their layoffs as opportunities.  We talked about going for the dream job that would ultimately provide a new level of satisfaction….a new level of fulfillment, passion and happiness.  I think the 250 folks walked away with a “Yes, we can!” attitude.  I know I sure feel that way about them!  Yes, they can!