Then, here is advertising part, we need to get out there and make ourselves known. Be it through a letter or a phone call or a trip to visit, we have to make first real contact. We need to know what we have to offer and what is in it for us. And we don’t have to stay in any one thing forever. We can get out and try different things.

Even us shy introverted folks can use Internet to get in touch with others who have similar interests. Can join local message groups and get to know people. Just don’t make sitting at computer “chatting” with people your whole life unless it is really leading you to something you want to do in “real” world.

The idea is to get out there, so you can get noticed so you can get a (better) life. The hardest part is first step. Actually, its thinking of all possibilities and having to narrow them down. Then comes actual decision of what to do first.

Just get out there, do something for yourself for a change. Once you’re on your way towards something you enjoy, so many things will begin to open up. People will come into your life whom you would have never met otherwise. You’ll get to see new places in which you may have wanted to go to for years, but never took time. There will be different activities to be involved with which may have only been a wish to do.

Take chance. Make time. Get out there. Get noticed. And get a life you enjoy.

© 2002 David Stoddard

David Stoddard is a freelance writer and emerging motivational speaker in St. Louis. His first booklet, “In Search Of Ourselves,” as well as subscription to his weekly newsletter is available on his web site. http://www.djstoddard.net.

In midst of an economic lull, of a slump in sales, of a profit crunch, we become very focused. The challenge is clear. Revenues growth and profit margins must be restored. There is clarity of purpose.

But in frenzy of single-mindedness, as all other goals become secondary, are you missing opportunities? Are you missing signs of an economic Spring? You must not.

This economic slowdown will pass. And so far, it is barely a slowdown. It is more like a runner taking a welcome rest between sprints. When it has passed, what will be state of your customer relationships? When optimism is restored, will devastatingly costly employee turnover increase? How about vendor relationships you have worked so hard to develop. Will your extraordinary efforts that went into creating them be negated by short-term decisions during this time of uncertainty?

Yes, there is a clarity of purpose in a time of economic uncertainty. It may not be time for new initiatives. But lapsing into a survival mentality, while perhaps successful at restoring revenues and profitability, comes at a potentially enormous cost.

Don't miss signs for a economic Spring. Don't miss inexpensive opportunities to bolster a client relationship or exploit a passing opportunity because your laser-like focus on improving profitability and revenues has cost you your peripheral vision. Be one who sees emerging Spring wildflowers first. Stay open possibilities there to be noticed and developed. It will be a richer experience, more than just financially. You'll be taking a risk, but all great accomplishments require it.