Don't wish your life away
At the beginning of 2008, I predicted that with regard to economics and politics, we would live the Chinese curse, "May you live in interesting times." As a result of events since then, the impact of which is enduring through 2009, millions of small businesses have experienced setbacks and millions of families have felt financial pain.
In times like these, when challenges are great, the natural human tendency is to look forward to the future when things will be better. "I can't wait for 2009 to be over." Or, "I'll be glad when my life can get back to normal." This reaction can be a productive way to cope; but it can also create a situation that is not a good thing: wishing your life away.
When it comes to country music, you could call me a discerning fan; I'm picky about what I listen to and pickier about what I recommend. Trace Adkins is known primarily for his honky-tonk songs, but recently he recorded something different, at least for him. This ballad, "You're Gonna Miss This," is about not wishing your life away. Here are the first two lines of the chorus (songwriters Gorley, Ashley, Miller & Lee). "You're gonna miss this; You're gonna want this back."
Allow me to explain why I think these simple words are appropriate for these complicated times and a powerful sentiment for any time.
There are no perfect years. The only difference between one year and another is the relationship between the challenges and the opportunities. To paraphrase an old John Denver song: some years a diamond; some years a stone. Recently, we've had our share of stones.
If your business is still open, even if the struggle is great, that's something to celebrate. If you've become one of the professional casualties of this recession, you may have to look a little harder to find something good about this year, but you can do it. I know, from past experience. When I've been at my lowest point financially and professionally, I would check on my children. If they were okay, I didn't allow my challenges - which I always took seriously - to prevent me from finding happiness that day or that year.
As we work through 2009, getting ready for whatever comes next, let's make sure that we don't let the "I can't wait for this to be over" thing cause us to wish our lives away. While we're dealing with the setbacks of any year, life goes on and good memories do happen. Consider the advice the late singer/songwriter/heretic, Warren Zevon, once gave us about this short life, "Enjoy every sandwich."
Write this on a rock... Here's Trace, with the last word: You're gonna miss this; you're gonna want this back.
Jim Blasingame, creator and host of The Small Business Advocate Show
Copyright 2010. All Rights Reserved.
