Dear Robert,

Focus during a Turbulent Economy

Gas prices are at $4.00 and quickly moving to $5.00 with no end in sight. Traveling now requires that you pay for your bags to fly. Food prices are also at an all- time high. Let's not even talk about utilities. So what do you do to keep yourself and your team focused?

More emphasis on what you CAN control!

The winner will spend time improving his or her own game and focus on what he or she can control. The whiner will whine about how the economy has had a negative affect on his or her life. We all know it's how you look at things. It's funny--the other day I overheard a conversation where one individual was articulating with great superlatives the "woe is me" syndrome about the economy, and the other person seemed to have a plan of attack.

First they stated that they weren't driving anywhere unless it was a necessity. Then, they stated that public transportation and carpooling became an option overnight. They even shared with their friend that they were working on a way to gain more trust from their boss, so they could telecommute. I suggest you focus on ways to change your attitude instead.

Stepping up your personal game

I believe the bad economic times give us the opportunity to step up our game. It is human nature to learn more when the cards are stacked against u, and this economy has spawned all sorts of thoughts in my mind.

I can remember as a young boy when things were tight picking up pop bottles from neighbors and recycling them for cash. It was just something we did. Today, I do pretty well with recycling, but now I have stepped it up to another level, and I'm finding ways to recycle everything. I look at it as one of those things I can control and it actually helps. I suggest that you find one thing that you can do to step up your personal game, too.

Stepping up in your professional game

Marketing is crucial in my business, and the economy has me thinking of new ways to market. The internet has become more critical to my business, and I've begun implementing programs such as webinars to communicate with my clients.

For example, the other night I was on a Send-Out- Cards conference call with my new buddy Jordan Adler with over 500 people learning how to send out customized cards and gifts to clients without leaving your office. The take away for me was an ability to keep in touch with my clients, friends and family in a more efficient and effective way. If you want to learn more e-mail jordan@jordanadler.com. I suggest that you find one thing that you can do to step up your professional game.

The economy is what it is and there's not a damn thing we can do about it. What we CAN do is plan better, conserve more and live life abundantly. As the soap title says, we have only "One Life to Live". Make each day your best day, by living it to the fullest.