By Jon Gordon
The changes you're facing right now may seem daunting, or even downright terrifying. Don't let fear and doubt constrict your future, though. You have a lot more control than you think you do. It's time to stop waiting to be fed like a goldfish and start developing some (shark-like) initiative.
Turn on the news today and you'll hear about rising unemployment rates, economic woes, proposed changes to governmental policies that will upend the status quo. Mabye you've been directly affected by these waves of change. Perhaps you're working reduced hours, facing relocation, or have lost your job altogether. At the very least, you've probably had to tighten your purse strings, and you're probably worried about what might be ahead.
In the midst of this uncertainty, you have more control than you think you do. You can choose to cower down and let this wave of change crush you, or you can embrace the new circumstances, learn from them, and ride the wave to a more positive future.
That's the lesson I share in The Shark and the Goldfish. A fable that tells the story of a pampered goldfish who accidentally gets swept into the ocean. (Yes, I fully realize that real-life goldfish can't survive in the ocean's saltwater!)
Not used to fending for himself, Gordy gives in to his exhaustion, hunger, and fear. Luckily, he is rescued by Sammy the shark, who shows him how to find food and teaches him that survival depends solely upon your faith, beliefs, and actions.
Just like Gordy, many of us have to change the way we think and act in order to survive and thrive during uncertainty. I lost my job in 2001 during the dot.com bust, and was a paycheck away from losing everything. During this time, I made some important decisions about achieving my goals. My layoff actually led me to my life's purpose and mission. What I thought was the worst thing to ever happen to me was actually the best.
Read on for some strategies that will help you thrive during these tough times—and beyond.
Decide where you want to swim, rather than being swept along by the current. You have more control than you think you do. You can decide where you want to go, and it all depends on your attitude. The key is approaching life with a positive outlook, which allows you to look for opportunity in the midst of challenge.
Rejoice as the day's debris is washed away. Change presents you with the opportunity to start over. You get the opportunity to decide what you really want. Ask yourself the following questions when faced with adversity:
- What can I learn from this experience?
- How can I grow wiser, stronger, and better because of it?
- What opportunities does it present?
- What do I want?
- What positive actions do I need to take?
Don't let negativity sink you. You must hold on to optimism even when you're surrounded by the “chorus of negativity.” This chorus is filled with those who remind you of the lack of jobs, opportunity and hope. They're so focused on what's impossible that they can't see what's possible.
When the waves get rough, choose faith instead of fear. Faith fear have share a future that hasn't happened yet. And the main thing that separates them is hope, or a lack thereof. Faith believes in a positive future, while fear believes in a negative future. Choose to believe that good things are coming your way.
Choose to see the ocean as a place of abundance. The world is full of challenges and misfortunes. Despite it all, you need to realize that it's a big ocean out there. The world is a vast place filled with energy, vitality, resources, and opportunity. Choose to focus on those things and seek them out.
Swim harder and farther every day. In times of turbulent change, merely getting by might cause you to be let go. Only those who work hard are able to successfully ride the waves of change. Very few people achieve success without effort and focus. Remember, there's no substitute for hard work. Not talent, not intelligence, and not privilege.
Don't settle for a fishbowl when there's a whole sea waiting for you! Identify what you want, where you can find it—and then get better at finding it! Every day, you can learn, grow, and improve. It might take you awhile to find the job you dream of or perfect the invention you've been tinkering with, but every day that you choose to work hard is a day that leads to the life you want.
Put yourself through shark school and proactively transform adversity into a wave of prosperity. And as you swim closer to your goals, remember to always stay humble and hungry. Humble enough to learn every day, and hungry with a passion to live up to your potential.
It's a big ocean out there…so go swim and thrive in it!
About the Author:
Jon Gordon is a consultant, keynote speaker, and the international bestselling author of The Energy Bus, The No Complaining Rule, and Training Camp, all from Wiley. He and his books have been featured on CNN and on NBC's Today show, as well as in Forbes, Fast Company, O, The Oprah Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. Jon's principles have been put to the test by NFL football teams and Fortune 500 companies alike. He has worked with such clients as the Atlanta Falcons, the PGA Tour, Northwestern Mutual, JPMorgan Chase, and Publix Supermarkets. A graduate of Cornell University, he holds a master's degree in teaching and works with numerous businesses, professional sports teams, schools, universities, and nonprofit organizations. For more information, please visit: www.JonGordon.com.
About the Book:
The Shark and the Goldfish: Positive Ways to Thrive During Waves of Change (Wiley, September 2009, ISBN: 978-0-470-50360-7, $16.95) is available at bookstores nationwide, major online booksellers, or direct from the publisher by calling 800-225-5945. In Canada, call 800-567-4797.
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