Mental Fitness and Economic Tough Times

Last week was a nightmare for our economy; in fact for the world economy.  We saw the stock market plummet.  We see our savings ripped away from our investments.  The value of our homes has dropped.  We are fearful that we may lose our jobs.  Will we be able to support our families?

We see giant banks fail?  We see incompetence and self-serving interests destroying our Congress and Executive branch of our government.  We see government policies underlying the financial principles of good business.  We see greed on Wall Street.  We see the President and Congress bailing out big industry and we feel we are not being represented.

There is no doubt that our country and the world's economy are on the verge of collapse.  We are experiencing post traumatic stress and the economy is the stress.  We are angry!  We are fearful!  We have been deceived!  We experienced panic!  We are discouraged and depressed!

All of these emotional reactions are understandable and natural.  The economic catastrophe has strangled our lifestyle and is threatening our well-being.

From a mental fitness perspective, we have a choice: 

1. We can allow the economy to determine our feelings and actions.  
2. We can realize that our thinking determines our feelings and actions regarding the economy.

We can empower ourselves even in bad economic times by how we think.  We do not have to allow the economy to determine our mood and quality of life.   We do not have to allow things outside of our control destroy the quality of our life.

How do we empower ourselves in bad times?   We focus on taking care of ourselves!  We focus on our inner strength.  We focus and make choices to take care of ourselves.  We feel good about out decisions.  If we focus and act to take care of ourselves, our thinking will determine our mood and outlook on life.

With greater urgency we approach our lives in difficult times.  We realize our confidence is not determined by the economy.  Our confidence is the result of our inner thinking, decision-making, and commitment to do what is necessary to take care of ourselves.

In good or bad times, we must take care of ourselves.  Let us focus on what we must do to take care of ourselves and our families.  Let us commit to freedom generated by our choice making. 

Let us unite and commit to reforming our government and economic system.   Let us stop being victimized by our elected officials and companies entrusted to manage our financial resources.  Let us stop listening to the lies and rhetoric from Washington and Wall Street.  Let us become aware.  Let us purge from out government and big business those who are motivated by self-serving interests and party allegiance to the detriment of our country.

Remember, We Live within the Environment and Economy Created by Our Choices.

Dr. Hal

Life and Mental Fitness Coach