How to Keep Your Boat Afloat

There is no avoiding it now. Words like “Economic Recession” and “Economic Contraction” are out in the open. They are talked about on cable TV news almost on a daily basis. Wall Street brokers and traders are losing their lucrative jobs left and right. Small business owners are concerned about their product sales and credit lines. College students wonder about their future job prospects. And the average worker is trying to make their paycheck stretch beyond the end of the month.

Whatever the causes had been that led us to this path, one thing seems clear: We are changing from a thriving economy to a surviving economy. Much energy has been spent on political debates and government bailouts as means of economic rescue. As frustrating as it can be, such efforts need to continue for the health of the country. But for the individual and the families that care about their own chances of survival in a very challenging economic environment, are there strategies they can employ right now? The answer is a definite “Yes”.

What are some strategies you can use to survive in tough economic times?

Number One – Be still and know

Before you engage yourself in a fishing expedition for jobs or income sources, you need to take time to be still and know where you are spiritually. No matter what kind of a boat you are in at this moment, it helps to know that you have intrinsic value beyond that of a fishing machine. It helps to know that with all your hard work, you are not in control of the weather elements or the ocean conditions. You can still experience love and share love with others even in a hard economy. This core value of your life will be your anchor.

Number Two Be aware and prepare

Take a look at your boat and your net. It doesnt matter how big or how small the boat is, just make sure that the boat is in good repair and the net is mended. When things slow down, it’s a good opportunity to give attention to areas of neglect. Are there leaks in your cash flow where you can stop the expenses? Are the emergency supplies adequate if you should run into a storm? This is the time to reduce the excess and replenish the essentials. The security of having basic survival tools on hand will give you peace of mind and release you to apply your energy in productive directions.

Number Three – Be in community and share

This may sound strange, but healthy giving generates a healthy flow of resources and good will among the members of a caring community. It motivates and energizes the giver as well as the receiver with genuine kindness. Say you are doing your fishing by day, perhaps you can lend or rent some of your equipment to your neighbor who does fishing by night. In turn they can offer you some of the extra fish they catch out there. Carpooling for shopping trips and school activities not only saves precious gas, it builds friendship between families. And a burden shared is only half as heavy; a joy shared is double the encouragement.

Number Four Be bold and adjust

If you are not catching much fish where you are at, why not throw your net on the other side of the boat? It may not be necessary to abandon your current course to chart in new waters altogether, but it is worth your experimenting to enlarge the territory you are fishing in. Sometimes a small turn can yield surprising results. For example, if your investments have been exclusively with the US companies in the past, maybe it’s time to do some good research into the international markets and make small investment in selected stocks there. If your restaurant is not pulling in as many diners as you wish, perhaps you can offer value-meals as carry-out items and promote them with posters on your windows?

Number Five – Be resourceful and grow

One of the good things that have happened in this challenging economy is that a record number of people are utilizing their local libraries a lot more frequently than before. Libraries are also acquiring more resource material to meet the ever-increasing demand. Among the resources they offer are: movies on DVDs, educational videos on a wide variety of subjects, newspapers and magazines for children and adults in different languages, job-hunting and work related books and references, books on counseling for family relationships and life crisis situations, meeting events for community and professional groups, etc. You can find helpful material for free entertainment, personal growth as well as professional development in most libraries. The large bookstore chains such as Borders and Barnes and Noble also allow readers to access their brand new books on hot topics about creating a new business or finding a new job for yourself in today’s changing market.

Number Six – Be creative and save

Look at saving money as a fun game instead of a hard discipline. Free tips can be found online for more frugal living. Sometimes you may still want to have a treat though. If you go out for family night pizza special, you can order a big house salad to share instead of individual appetizers. In some Chinese restaurants one entry dish often contains plenty of food for two to share. Many people are trading their cars for scooters or opting to ride the train for work and leisure trips. Visit a forest instead of traveling to another city. Find small gifts and pretty gift bags in dollar stores for your casual parties. You will delight your friends without the burden of spending a fortune.

Number Seven Be ready and act

Small efforts to improve a job skill or strengthen a network relationship are good starting points. Give yourself small goals so you will not become overwhelmed. If you lose a job, you need not feel shame since most people can relate to your condition these days. If you have a small business, contact your existing customers to be in tune with their current needs and seek ways to meet those needs. If you are a professional service provider, broaden your exposure and sharpen your focus. Be willing to develop depth in your knowledge to take your service to a higher level. Work together with a partner if necessary to offer backup support and quality assurance.

In a tough economy it takes patience and steady steering to stay afloat, but your boat will be safe. Your fish will come to your net.