I’ve met with several key business leaders in the last few weeks. To a person, they say their greatest challenge is staying encouraged. With the economy the way it is—and no end in sight—it is difficult for leaders to remain optimistic.
But this has always been the challenge of leadership. You must lead yourself before you can lead others. It’s that simple. If you can learn to do that, especially in this environment, you will have developed a skill that will serve you for life.
How can you keep your spirits up in a down economy? Here are seven suggestions:
- Turn off the news media. Turn off the TV. Turn off the radio. They are no longer reporting on the problem; they are the problem. The relentless torrent of bad news only makes people—including you—more discouraged and less confident about the future.
- Connect with God. You were not created to function without a connection to God. He is the ultimate encouragement. Trying to navigate life without him is like trying to ride a motorcycle without starting the engine. You can do it, but it only works downhill. Unfortunately, a lot of life is uphill. The way I connect is by reading a passage from the Bible and praying on my commute to work.
- Read inspirational books. It’s not enough to turn off the flow of garbage into your brain, you need to replace it with something positive. You need a vivid reminder that people have gone through tough times before. They have not only survived but thrived. If you don’t know where else to start, read a good history book like 1776 by David McCullough or a good inspirational book like The Traveler’s Gift [affiliate link] by Andy Andrews.
- Hang around positive people. This sounds harsh, but you cannot afford to be around negative people—especially those that refuse to change. The problem is that these people are highly infectious. And their disease is deadly. If you don’t avoid them, you will become like them. Instead, intentionally seek out and befriend positive people. Their attitude is contagious, too.
- Exercise regularly. This is one of the most important things you can do to keep your spirit up. It’s hard to feel good about life when you feel badly about yourself. When I exercise, I always feel a little proud of myself (in a good sense). I think, I took initiative. I was proactive. Life is full of possibilities! The release of endorphin’s also has a measurable, positive impact on your brain and on your thinking.
- Get more rest. It’s almost impossible to stay upbeat if you are tired. You can’t light up a room if your batteries are drained. Therefore, it is important to know exactly how much rest you need and make it a priority. If you are like me, I often confuse discouragement with being weary. But it’s amazing how much brighter things look after a good night’s sleep!
- Go to church. When I get discouraged, I am tempted to isolate myself and retreat from the world. But this is exactly the opposite of what I need to do. All of us need a caring community of people who will love us for who we are, not what we do. We also need to be reminded that there is a purpose to our lives and to our circumstances. Nothing is happening by accident. It is all intended for our good. Church provides both of these opportunities.
Leading yourself is easy when things are going well. It pretty much takes care of itself. But when the external environment is negative, it takes work. But this is the leaders most important work. Without it, you won’t be much use to anyone else.
Building Champions has been coaching me since 2002. They have taught me to be more proactive and intentional in both my business and personal life. Visit their Web site to learn more and see their special offer for my blog readers.
Related posts:
In: 
Tags: 
Well done, Michael! Exercise doesn’t have to be frenetic to be therapeutic. A good walk with your dog(s) can be as calming and uplifting as a hard workout for those of us who are a bit “over-the-hill” where the exercise regimen applies. Take your dog to the dog park if you want to be around positive energy. If the people don’t bring it, the dogs will. They are faithfulness on the hoof. And it’s a great place to “bear witness” that Christians and others of faith are not the boring, inept cretins we are often portrayed as in the mainstream media.
Thanks, Michael. I feel encouraged that I’m doing five of those really well right now. I’m failing miserably at #5 and #6 though.
That's right where I am at too. :( Full time work and school makes it hard.
Turn off cable TV. That’s a big one for me.
I believe we are all suffering from the same weird thing we all experienced post-9/11: Media frenzy and self-fulfilling prophecy. We are in the age of constant media analysis, and they must fill the airwaves with something. There is a huge herd mentality in the media, and especially in unique events that impact everyone in a wholly unprecedented way.
Think about what it was like just after 9/11. And now, think about how the media covers terrorist attacks. Newsworthy, sure, but it has a context now.
Tsunami? Anyone think there will be the kind of around-the-clock coverage the last one had? And by last one, I mean the FIRST one we covered live. Obviously this planet has had thousands of tsunamis, right?
Nicely said.
A few of mine.
Become both creative and wise with your spending. Involve your family and challenge them to come up with ideas and work as a team.
Humor, laughter, whether in book or movies is indeed the best medicine.
Volunteer. Nothing takes your mind off your own woes than to help another in more need.
Thanks for your words of wisdom. God knows what He’s talking about doesn’t He, He’s the smartest, we should listen. Have a great week. The Singing Nurse, Dawn
Well presented Mike. A few months ago when you announced you were turning off the media I was concerned because it gave the impression you felt the economic problem was being exaggerated. We now know more facts and while massaged during the election cycle, clearly, it’s bigger than just the media stirring up fear. Whether we blame the media, the lameduck congress, the hyper active congress or Alan Greenspan or even acknowledge our own contribution, this time you gave us more useful info to cope, grow, and stay focused on keeping our emotions in check.
Great advice, Michael. I really do enjoy your blogs. Positive, relevant, always uplifting, you are a breath of fresh air in these difficult times.
May I, however, suggest an 8th way to keep your spirit up? At the end of every day, remind yourself that no matter what yor circumstance in life, tomorrow always holds the potential to be just a little bit better than today. The ability to look forward with hope can help to lift anyone’s spirit.
Great tips. They are so practical, yet so easy to forget when there seems to be so much to worry about.
I walk the trail by the beach with my dog and admire God’s handiwork. Or look at my children and grandchildren’s videos and pics and thank God for such a blessing (they live in Va, and I live in FL.)
Your post was well-timed for me today. Thanks!
Loved this post! I loved the turning off of the news. I read it online a couple of times a week and just read the things that interest me without having it pounded into my head how bad everything is.
I do everything but the exercise. Groan. I SO need to get out of my writing chair but we’ve had a rough winter with lots of snow and ice. And my treadmill isn’t working. Excuses, I know. I need to just go buy another one!
Another thing I do is go see my granddaughter. Smelling her sweet baby scent reminds me of all the good in the world. I’m reminded how I never thought we’d have a grandchild but God is a God of surprises. And I’m reminded that HE is not surprised by these circumstances. Nothing will happen to us unless it passes first through His hands.
Thanks so much for your post. You hit the nail on the head!
“When Things are Down, Lets Look Up” – words from Franklin Graham are encouraging too – http://tinyurl.com/akcs8u
I start off most mornings with a time of praise and thanksgiving. I do it at home seated before the computer, using ‘e-sword’ (a free Bible, commentary, prayer journal, application). It’s hard to come away from a time of genuine praise and thanksgiving feeling depressed.
test
cool.
Those are great ideas, Michael. I am completely with you on #1. I rarely even turn my TV on any more.
tv can be a good source of information but too much tv will certainly 'brainwashed' your mind slightly..
plus,if you keep on watching,negative news,it will let your spirit down and affect your day.
Thank you, Michael! As usual, you have distilled things beautifully. And I couldn't agree more about turning off the media – that helps my outlook immediately!
Great tips Michael. One of my author clients released a great newsletter on this topic this week. It's titled "FEAR OR FAITH." Making the choice between the positive road or the negative. First paragraph excerpt below. Really sums it up well.
"Do you know what Fear and Faith have in common? A future that hasn’t happened yet. Fear believes in a negative future. Faith believes in a positive future. Both believe in something that has not yet happened. So I ask you, if neither the positive or negative future has happened yet then why not choose to believe in the positive future? What do you have to lose but the fear that is sabotaging your joy and success?"
Michael, the list is great. Today it seems we need to work harder at remaining positive. I think for me the hardest is #1. I have always been a news junkie but today it's all so negative, even the newspapers. Time to refocus.
The tips you gave are excellent not just for a down economy, but for anytime. My wife and I were in total agreement as we read these, and we rarely even watch TV anymore…..Great Stuff!
It's almost impossible to sing (especially praise songs) and not keep uplifted spirits.
When negative thoughts come into our minds, we have the choice to yield to them, or reject them and choose to dwell on the positive.
As Abraham Lincoln said, "Folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."
Great list! May I add one more that has always worked for me? Learn what you can do to help someone whose situation is worse than yours. If you can, participate in a project/trip to help some really difficult part of the world. The fastest way I know of to move up the economic ladder is to work in the third world. You go out middle-class, and you come back wealthy — all without adding a cent to your income or possessions.
It looks like we have the new IntenseDebate comment system working. I am so excited about this. I think it is going to be great. I am going to post on it in the morning.
Mike, this is such a good post! It's nice to start the day reading something like this as opposed to a depressing headline on MSNBC.com. ;) All of these are fantastic advice – your post has served as a great reminder to me!
Good list. One more from my experience:
#8, Be so poor already that the economic downturn only makes you feel like you suddenly have more friends.
Thanks Mr. Hyatt. That was very inspiring. I have also enjoyed your conversations with human3error
Being productive and respectful each day in the three cores of mind, body and spirit give me a sense of accomplishment. For the mind – I make sure to learn something worthwhile and complete one writing project. For the body – I walk, try to eat right and respect the physical presence I am responsible for. For the spirit — I connect with those I love, my husband and son, I take in the gorgeous desert surroundings and sending blessings out to nature and the spiritual context that nutures me. Little by little, each of us will build the positive space that will grow and grow to others. Thank you for a worthwhile post, Michael.
I admire that you stress the importance of going to church and connecting with God in these tough times. In all times, but especially in tough times, we can find strength in His power – when we are weak He is strong.
Thank you for the post, Michael.
Christie McQueen
http:http://www.ModerneCaptureStudios.com
Great list. Although, since I've been back in the U.S. it's been difficult for me to do #7 because most people are interested in my mission field, and the #1 question…"When are you headed back?" or invitations to speak or teach. This is great, I'm not complaining, but it's rare when someone asks about me personally. I usually end up asking them how they're doing. I think it's because I want them to ask me the question back.
However, thats when all the other one's come in handy. Thanks for the list, i'm sharing this one with my posse!
thanks Mr. hyatt. i learn a lot from this article.
Thank you for linking to this, Michael! Timely, and well stated. It was the gentle slap-upside-the-head I needed today!
Michael – I am encouraged by reading your twitter feed and blog posts. I find your list of 7 things to resonate with me. I appreciate the transparency in which you share your thoughts and beliefs.
Thank you very much!