If you're like me, the economic headlines have this weird deja-vu quality about them. 

The truth remains: what's important is how you look at the economy, not the economy itself. Right after the last stock market meltdown, in talking to my brother who's the Maximum Technology Guy in a multibillion-dollar funeral home business, I asked him how the so-called recession was affecting his business. (I say “so-called” because I know many great fortunes were made during the Depression of the 1930's so it's all relative.)

His answer made me laugh. It turns out that economic downturns result in fewer annual deaths because people take fewer risks and overall live healthier!!!! How's that for a silver lining?

You may feel that your job is on the chopping block, and it could well be. The trick is to stay calm, carry one and look for the incredible opportunities out there! 

7 Ways to See It's Really an Economy of Opporunities:

1. Do not read or listen to the news. 

This blog post was inspired by my reading headlines about the economy today. Like the powers that be really haven't decided if it's really a recession again, or just kind of bad. To stay informed, ask someone else to keep you up to date, to give you an executive summary of what's going on. Or just ask people about the latest news. Keep in mind, FEAR sells advertising!

2. Remember that some people make money in any type of economy.

Great fortunes were made during the so-called Great Depression. If you look at the history of any big company, you'll see that either it began during a crisis, or had to adjust to one early on. Economic crises are normal. in fact, no economic upheaval = no socio-economic mobility. We'd still be peons on some feudal estate (or worse) if it weren't for economic chaos.

3. You get to decide for yourself, is this a time for opportunities, or a time for shrinking?

If you'd like to thrive right now and you're not sure how --- that means you're normal!!! Get clear on what you'd like to see happen, and simply look for the next step, the one that might work. It's not a linear process, it's a fun and crazy process.

Seth Godin says, “Embrace your constraints.” The brick walls you hit (or that hit you!) serve to strengthen your creativity and force you to produce something better. No constraints = no creativity.

4. Look out for and take some time to appreciate all the free stuff out there. 

The seeds on a strawberry, oxygen, library books, Mixonian articles ;-), radio, social media, sunshine, ocean, laughter, growing grass, love.....it's ALWAYS out there.

Taking the time to think about all the things you love about your life will instantly put you in a better mood, which can open your eyes to opportunities, rather than focusing on the negative.

In any situation, in any economy, there is always good stuff going on and not-so-good. During boom times people worry about excessive materialism. Now people worry about insufficient materialism. Worry is a prayer for what you don't want. It's counter productive!

5. Hang out with people who are doing well (regardless of their income.)

It's not that you're only going to speak to millionaires from now on, I guess you know some wealthy people are quite annoying, but spend time with people who have trained themselves to see opportunities, not scarcity. It's also good to spend time with people who make you laugh.

6. Watch your language!

What you're really thinking often comes through what you say. If you find yourself explaining problems "because of the economy" or "yeah, there are no jobs out there," you've fallen into the trap and need to pull yourself out of it.

Not all companies are doing poorly in this economy. Mixonian Institute has a number of clients whose businesses are growing like crazy right now.
 

7. Spend some time outside.

I know it's hot. It's supposed to be hot because it's summer. Wait until evening, but getting fresh air does wonders for your spirit. So does exercise.

This may be a good time for you to upgrade your work-out.

How do you deal with this economy?