Contractors are amazing people. We build something out of another person’s dreams, and we love doing it. We possess the skills to turn nothing into something.
However, what happens when things turn sour? When you have nothing to focus your creative energy upon? Do you find yourself lacking the self-esteem, self-confidence, or the motivation to get something going?
We measure the value of a person not by his or her falling down, but what they do with themselves when they pick themselves up. The true measure of you as a person is when you take responsibility and action for your better being.
Today the economy is hurting a lot of people. It is knocking them down. Will they get up and do something, or allow themselves to feel beaten?
Just this morning, I listened to a man, practically in tears because he had no work. He was losing his cable service, fearing his cell phone was next and was focusing all of his being on being knocked down. “What do I do?” He asked, “Who will help me?”
It happens to all of us at one time or another, but we need to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and do something for ourselves. If someone wants to lend you a helping hand, say “Thank you” and as soon as you’re able, pay them back. If they won’t accept it, then donate your time to community service; find something you can do to help someone else in need.
Since we all will experience a moment of self-questioning, here are 6 steps you can follow to help you get through the down moments.
First, greet people; go out of your way to say “Hello!” Look them in the eye, ask them how they are and shake their hand. If you’re on the phone, answer it pleasantly with a happy tone to your voice. It will make all the difference in your own feelings, as well as those you are making contact with.
Secondly, tell the people you love that you love them! Give them a hug, don’t ignore them, speak with them, and ask them about themselves. We are social beings, and the most important people in our social network are the people we love. Never be afraid to show them how much you love them.
Thirdly, don’t be afraid to compliment others, and gracefully receive compliments from others.
Fourthly, be aware of negative thinking. Yes, you have a problem, recognize it and start developing a plan to correct it. Stay away from negative people; they are your positive energy sucking leeches. Get out and find positive thinking business owners, meet with them, share your ideas, listen to theirs and find a way that you could implement them into your plan. Network your community. Doing something is better than doing nothing!
Fifthly, develop a plan a day ahead to keep you productive for tomorrow. What are the best things that you could work on tomorrow that would help you get out of your present situation? List them, and do them! That fear in your stomach will either make you sick, or you can use it to make tomorrow a better day. Don’t allow yourself to fall victim to ‘paralysis by analysis.’
Sixth and last, learn from your problems so you never do them or get caught by them again. My dad always told me that everyone makes a mistake once in their life, but to make it again is just plain stupid! See your mistakes, problems, shortcomings as opportunities. Own up to your shortcomings, but do whatever you have to do to correct them. This economy is not the end of your career as a contractor, unless you allow it to be.
Even if you feel that everything in your life is going poorly, be aware that in the end, only you are ideally positioned to correct them. A failure is something you have done; it may very well be something you will do again on your journey of being a person --- but failure is not YOU!
Yesterday, I read an article on the new Chevrolet Volt. It goes for 40 miles on its batteries before its gasoline engine kicks in to re-charge the batteries. You see, unless it is parked in a garage near an electrical outlet, it will charge itself while it is in motion.
Why do I tell you this?
Taking action is creating motion. Bodies in motions produce energy of some kind. The only way you will ever get through your problems is by getting yourself in motion. Take positive action and DO NOT EXPECT anyone else to pick you up.
However, to prove my point.
As I sit here typing this blog, an electrical contractor just came to my front door and hung a door hanger. Its message was simple: “Need an Electrician?” Just so happens I have an outlet that is giving me a problem.
You see . . . positive action produces positive results!
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