Travel and Leisure

We are seeing glimmers of hope in this economic recession. At least, there seems to be a lot of activity in Washington and much better communication. Our hope is that the activity actually is producing progress.

"In the end you are measured not by how much you undertake but by what you finally accomplish." Donald Trump

While we love the glimmer, the realism is that we have yet to see the repercussions from the bankruptcies of the auto manufacturers and all of their support industries. We still are feeling the hurt from the credit crunch and unemployment continues to rise. Consumer spending has been greatly curtailed. Not only are purchases for the home down, but all the industries associated with travel, eating out or leisure are also hurting. Look at how many restaurants are closed.

As if the economic issues are not bad enough, our traditional "heroes" are being disgraced and seldom stand for good any more. Athletes have drug and alcohol problems, beating their wives, trashing hotel rooms and more. Actors and actresses seem to have forgotten moral values completely. Many reality shows are based on poor values. The "rap sheets" on our political leaders are shameful in so many cases. Not only do we face this in the news every day, we hear it from the politicians themselves.

"Congress is the only business in the world where your colleagues wake up in the morning and try to figure out how to screw over their colleagues." Rep. Mike Thompson D - St Helena

So how do we stay positive in this negative world?

1 Look for the good in the people around you. The American spirit is alive and well and ready to burst despite the problems. If the people around you are negative, get rid of them and surround yourself with positive people.
2 Look for the real heroes and celebrate them. Look for the men and women returning from military service abroad, or "Sully" Sullenberger, the pilot of the plane landed on the Hudson River and who lives in my hometown. Or the single mother who works hard to raise her kids despite the hardships. Or the struggling business owner who opens his or her doors every day.
3 Look for the positive role models on TV and in the movies and support them and their products. It used to be that all of the spokespeople and characters for products were positive. Search the ones out that remain.
4 Look for someone to help that can't help themself. You will feel enormously better.
5 Look for a church service to attend. You may not have the same faith that I have but go worship.
6 Call your parents and tell them you love them. They need that reminder even when it isn't Mother's day or Father's day.
7 Smile at people and enjoy the smiles that come in return. You will be amazed at the reactions you will get from this simple act.
8 There was an old psychology nugget that said "if you want to be positive, act positive". That is good advice.
9 For your business, read my other articles on this site and take some action. These are best practices and can save your business. That will help you feel positive.

A leader's role is to raise people's aspirations for what they can become and to release their energies so they will try to get there." David Gergen

Thanks

John