We are living in daunting times as most of us are absorbed in the blood bath of the financial markets. This must be an impossible time, but I believe that tough times are the best times. The lack of resources forces us to innovate and come up with solutions that are optimally suited to our times. Tough times are good for the planet, there is less waste and more use of the three Rs — reduce, repair and recycle. These are times when you think about refusing things you don’t really need and reduce clutter of all kinds in your life and bring it to a Zen-like perfection.
Use this time to do more. Remember you will get good at something you keep doing. Most people better than you have just spent more time doing, instead of complaining, dreaming or wishing. Give yourself bigger and better goals. Whatever happens, keep a positive attitude. Make sure your self-talk is positive and nurturing. Encourage yourself, keep doing a little bit every day to realise your dreams. Build your networks. Stretch out a helping hand to those who need it. Nothing like bad times to bring families and teams together. Be encouraging and supportive to other people’s efforts. No discouraging word should pass your lips. Tough times force us to think out-of-the-box or even eliminate the box. Create an environment that is replete with the positive emotions of love, courage, compassion, laughter, wonder and peace. This is the positive field that will nurture creativity and innovation. Adapt and evolve. Remember, nothing lasts. Especially not tough times!
Dr Rekha Shetty is the author of Innovate Happily and Innovation Secrets Of Indian CEOs
