By Joyce M. Coleman
(2003 Joyce M. Coleman
1286 words
Given today's unstable economy, the unveiling of corporate
shenanigans, shrinking paychecks, job layoffs, and false
prophets who promise get-rich-quick schemes with every click
of the computer mouse, it's no small wonder that our heads are
spinning like a child's toy. Each of us copes the best we know
how. We feel so... vulnerable. Blood pressures rise, tempers
flare. Under these conditions, the house cannot be a happy home.
Now, we can't personally fix the national or global economy.
Most of us don't sit at the boardroom of a fortune 500 company.
(That may be a good thing). When the axe falls at our job with
the BIG Company, we don't get to tell the boss who stays or
who goes. When we try to tell the powers-that-be that there is a
far more efficient and effective way to do business, well -
it'll probably be our head that rolls. The axe, again.
Nobody actually believes the get-rich quick malarkey
perpetuated in so many Internet "business opportunities".
Folks, reality is exactly what you are thinking every time
you see an Internet-business-based ad that says, "I
made $10M last night. You can do the same." We know
better. But desperate time calls for desperate measures.
We try it, and are yet again disappointed when it doesn't
pan out. Don't get me wrong. Some of these opportunities
are fantastic. Amazing! The product has real value and
does exactly what it says it does. It is a pleasure to help
promote these products. Too bad our culture almost
demands outrageous hype that we all give a wink and a nod.
The truth, in many instances, would do nicely, thank you.
What, then, are we to do? Exist in a fog of confusion just
waiting for the dreaded axe? Or, why not take charge right
now, while some sort of cushion is still in place.
The objective of this article is to help you devise an action
plan that will ultimately lead to your personal, mental,
and financial well being. That's right! Not overnight, but
the old-fashioned way - you will EARN it. No, no, wait a
minute. Please don't be miffed because I don't promise
riches if you click your heals three times and say the magic
chant. This is far better, and much more long lasting.
I'm talking about old-fashioned values, coupled with 21st
century tools.
How, you ask? By sticking to a universal truth, and
marrying that truth to modern technology. (Although
technology changes at warp speed these days).
Find the goldmine in your own brain - your own special
skill or information that is uniquely yours. Explore it
until it is crisply defined. Wrap words around it that
clearly identify how it will benefit a whole ton of people,
and offer it as your gift to them. In exchange for a fair
market value in the currency of your choice, of course.
We all have pain, wants, needs, desires. Find that special
thing you have that eases our pain, makes us feel pretty,
makes us rich (eases the pain of being poor), or turns us
into a beauty icon. Absent that impossible list of tasks,
find that special thing (information, product, service) you
have that will help a large number of people see the light,
find peace within, make some serious money, or navigate
tricky and unsettled waters in a particular area. That's
really what makes the world go round. It's not the building
of the Taj Mahal, or discovering another galaxy. It's about
improving the lives of everyday people. Its about helping
us improve our financial health and personal wealth - how
to earn more money and save more of the money we earn.
It's about helping us improve our golf swing, or cook a
world-class meal in 5 easy steps. The list of opportunities
is endless. It simply does not realistically include making
$10M overnight unless the scenario involves a Brinks truck.
The very first step you can take right now. Decide to step
off the merry-go-round long enough to be reflective. This
is Step I. I call it Rediscovery and Reclamation.
In the Rediscovery and Reclamation step, you explore
selective past experiences to isolate those things you have
proven to be darn good at, and were passionate about.
Make a list of them. See what I mean? You're on your
way to finding and reclaiming your personal gold mine.
This one is not susceptible to other's whims. All it needs
is to be of value to a large segment of the world population.
On to the next step.
Step II is Reflection and Preparation
Have you noticed that most get-rich-quick schemes tell
you that all you have to do is buy the book or the
thingamajig, and presto! You're rich the next day or so.
Baloney. Even if you buy a turnkey system, you will spend
time understanding how it works, and setting yourself up to
manage it. If you don't, you won't have it for long. Some
opportunist will gladly take it off your na