One of the most interesting concepts I have learned through my coaching and life training has been that everything IS perfect. As a matter of fact, I have learned that spending any energy on regrets or frustration that I am where I am has always had a negative effect. For years, I wasn't aware of that and let myself dwell on the unfairness or even anger about situations I didn't want in my life. As I shifted from struggling against what I couldn't change to accepting and looking for the gift or lesson or opportunity, I noticed how much better I felt and how things started to go in a better direction. Instead of being at the mercy of how others or life were treating me, I found I had the ability to choose to do something to make it better. And, the more I chose to look to the future and see what steps I COULD take towards my dreams, the better it got.

So, lately...... with the economy the way it is, some of my clients have been expressing fear and/or feelings of uncertainty about their futures. Lacking a crystal ball, my coaching usually takes them to what they can do, what IS working and even the gratitude for what they do have. Sure feels better in this place. I believe, over time, most of us know what will make a difference and when we get into action, we see a momentum towards what we do want and towards the positive.

• So, is your life perfect right now?
• Do you have some things that ARE working?
• Are you grateful for what you DO have?
• Are you taking care of it and enjoying it?
  

Here are a few actions to take that may be useful if you aren't as busy with clients as you'd like to be:

1. Invest in Yourself! Is there a course, a book, a means to expanding your professional skills, or your personal development that you have the time to pursue. Position yourself for the next upturn. Jim Rohn said, "Invest more in yourself than in your career", and agree. Invest in yourself because the most skilled, the most attractive and the most competent people are NEVER unemployed.

2. Invest in Technology. It's ONLINE or the BREADLINE if you haven't learned to maintain a professional practice with efficient tools! Streamline and automate everything! A few dollars and a few days of training to use the right tools will pay dividends for years to come. Be creative. In my GRI Class this week, they did an exercise to spend $1000 to build their businesses (and only $1000). What would you buy? How could you use some freebies? Or partner with some great strategic partners?

3. Invest in Networking. It's a great time to add more strategic partners to your team. Who is interested in the same demographic you are? Create joint marketing, share your influence to expand each other's reach to people who have loyalty and confidence in one of you. Do you have a hobby? Get involved with others who love to do what you love to do and tap into the supplier's or business that make their living from that hobby. You might also find this a reason to have a little more fun! Host a TweetUP!

4. Invest in Customer Care. A few customers well taken-care-of, will provide all the marketing you need! Extreme customer care doesn't cost; it pays! Raise the bar. Surprise your clients with WOW service and they will rave.

5. Invest in Yourself. Upgrade the way you are taking care of yourself. Take time to relax, enjoy and appreciate the little things in life. Even if you can't afford a month in Hawaii, you probably can afford a date with your significant other (even if it is just a picnic in the park). Take bubblebaths. Watch the sunset. We're still above ground, after all.

Life is Good! These investments will give you a phenomenal return!