“If it’s not one thing it’s another”

This statement is typically used in a moment of defeat.

Yes, even my Cali-sunshine-happy face has had plenty end-of-my-rope moments blurting this out.

Yet, I’ve learned now to see this statement as a source of empowerment.

Why?

Because it’s true: If it’s not one thing it is another.

The only constant in life is change.

I got this tattoo on my arm after losing both my husband to cancer and my young grandmother during emergency surgery.

It’s the Pali word “Anicca” which translates to the life principle of “impermanence”

At it’s simplest foundation, it means that life does not stay the same.

Life moves with an ebb and flow.

Nothing is permanent. All things are impermanent.

When it’s bad it won’t last, something will get good.

When it’s good it won’t last, something will go bad.

It’s not just okay, it is the way.

The frustration comes when we demand life and circumstances to stay the same.

They won’t.

And thus, we create a battle that can’t be won.

When we instead expect that movement, that change, we’re no longer afraid or surprised when life looks different.

Does it make us immune to pain or difficulty?

No.

But the acceptance of constant change makes it much easier to move from “Why this?” to “What now?”

Are we going to be in a Recession?

My questions to you is…”does it matter?”

I don’t say this to dismiss real changes that may occur in your life if there is a recession.

But would a recession change your mission?

By official definition, a Recession is:

A period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced, generally identified by a fall in GDP in two successive quarters.

No matter what is going on in the world, humans will all be experiencing their own individual seasons of growth and recessions.

For some, it will be time to buy.

For some, it will be time to save.

For some, it will be time for a big leap.

For some, it will be time to lay low and steady.

Fortunately, you work with humans and some of them will be ready to work with you.

Instagram, Trader Joe’s, Airbnb, and Netflix were started during the 2008 recession.

Was that the “right time” to start a business?

Nope.

But it was their time to start a business.

And it looks like it worked out well for them.

There is no recession proof.

But you can choose to move from a recession mindset to a resilience mindset.

Don’t look for security based on what’s ahead.

Look to your past.

You can do hard. You’ve done hard.

You’ve been through challenging times before and you’ve come through 100% of them.

LEARNING IN ACTION:

In the midst of challenging times here are 6 ways to recession proof your mindset:

1.Serve Yourself First

• It’s not selfish, it’s the very thing that will allow you the strength and energy to care for others.

2. Remember Your Wins

• What 5 things have you accomplished in the past 5 days?

3. Stand in confidence in the present

• What is one small thing you are confident you can do right now?

4. Stop asking “What might happen” and ask:

• How can I help?
• Who can I help?
• Who can help me?

5. Remember your true mission and values

• Change is temporary, and while it’s important to get our plans in order for present challenges we need to reconnect to the long-term vision and goals you are working towards.

6. Get Real

• Men lie. Women lie. Numbers don’t lie. Use truth instead of hope to see what you’re working with in terms of money, time, influence, expertise, and audience/connections.

This too shall pass.

Then it will be another thing.

Grab your surfboard and ride the waves my friend.

You got this.