Inspirational quote:
You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
~ Dr. Seuss
Ah, the wisdom of Dr. Seuss! 
Whenever I start sinking into “victim mode”, feeling like things just aren’t going my way, it’s good to remember this quote from the good doctor.
Here’s my distillation: brains + feet + steering = power!
Things are tough right now, with a huge amount of economic uncertainty out there. Everybody’s wondering what’s going to happen next, where we’re headed, how bad it’s going to get. Running a travel business, I certainly see the economy impacting our industry. So, what to do?
Fact is, I can’t answer for the national economy. I don’t know who needs to do what to fix it. I have some opinions on the topic, but it’s WAY over my head, and out of my control.
All I can answer for are the things in my direct sphere of influence. I can make decisions about how I’m going to deal with the economic situation personally, and how I want to steer my business given the current state of affairs. Viewed this way, there are still opportunities. We adapt our business strategy based on the environment, and I have some ideas that I’ll be rolling out over the next few months as a result.
The point is that in every situation, there is still a range of options available to you. It could be that your previous options are no longer there. I’ve been laid off by big companies before, and I know how that feels. It’s out of your control, and all of a sudden you find yourself back in the job market. Some avenues may be closed to you right now, but look around and you’ll find others that are open.
There are always options. It’s up to you to recognize them, decide which direction you want to go, and then start moving.
Just remember: brains + feet + steering = power.
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We just announced our new Belize ‘reefs & ruins’ trip in yesterday’s newsletter. While that’s not part of a new business strategy (we’ve been working on it for some time), it’s certainly a cool direction to go!
5 responses so far ↓
1 Sebastian Keller // Sep 27, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Sometimes all you need is a new pair of shoes. It’s a good exercise to walk a few miles in the shoes of others and let them walk in ones own shoes. Maybe they have solutions you would never think of.
2 Sammi // Sep 27, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Inspirational blog! It is a truly frustrating time in our economy. And its frustrating even more that after we buy our first home, the economy goes to crap. Thanks for the thoughts. I will keep your motto in my head. Maybe it will help me see the better things ahead despite our current world’s status.
3 Deanna Keahey // Sep 28, 2008 at 5:06 pm
It’s hard to stay optimistic sometimes, like during this current financial crisis. But sinking into depression won’t accomplish anything useful. You’ve got to keep moving.
4 isabella mori // Dec 3, 2008 at 10:06 am
a fellow dr. seuss fan! yay!
yes, there are ALWAYS options. always. and i totally agree with you - being in victim mode often comes from thinking black-and-white. there’s nothing i can do! woe me!
(speaking from personal experience here, btw
isabella mori’s last blog post.. another novel excerpt
5 Deanna Keahey // Dec 3, 2008 at 10:13 am
Isabella - You got it just right - Woe is me! That feeling is all too common these days, for me and others. I find that I need to keep snapping out of it. When you’re in “Woe is me” mode, you don’t see the other opportunities. Thanks!
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