The Issue

Are you ready for anything? In these uncertain times, with Washington pols providing little if any credible leadership, Freestyle Entrepreneurs better know when its time to flip the switch from inaction (normalcy) to action (adaptability).

What I Think

Air force aviators are taught survival in the most hostile environments and worst possible weather. They must learn to think and react and develop survival and planning skills because where they may be headed, if they can’t make a plan, they may not survive.

Survival means adapting and thriving or suffering the consequences, and these days that’s essential to freestyle entrepreneurs as well as to aviators. For in business, brains and courage are essential to success, but action can be the key to survival.

While researching his book, The Survivor’s Club: The Secrets and Science that Could Save Your Life, author Ben Sherwood came up with a plan for surviving and thriving in this economy based on the principles the Air Force uses to train its pilots.  It’s well-worth a look:

Situational Awareness, or S/A. Are you aware of your surroundings? Simply put, if you see your wings are on fire, or your 401(k) is in the crapper, do you have a viable recovery plan?

Hug the Monster. It’s scary to imagine 0 balance in your 401(k) or a crash-and-burn landing, but that won’t save you. “Hug the Monster” by getting hold of yours fears and making a plan.

Eat an Elephant One Bite at a Time. Gulp! Break down big problems into smaller pieces, so you don’t get indigestion. Cheew slowly and carefully.

Know Yourself. And What You Believe. Examine your own strengths and weaknesses. Do you know your credit score? How much cash do you really have?

Have a purpose. Values and principles that are greater than ourselves make us stronger when things are falling apart all around us.  Helplessness and hopelessness are stronger than the will to live, as strong as that may be in any of us.

What Do You Think? Ben Sherwood provides us with useful ideas and serves up entertaining examples of those ideas in action; but we’re on our own in this! So tell us:  What are your plans for survival if the economic pummeling we’ve all been taking continues and it comes time to flip that switch?  Please leave a comment below to share your views. Have you subscribed?

Bill Willard is a freelance writer and editor in Clearwater FL. He has been a high-impact writer and editor for over 30 years. He began his “faith journey” to Catholicism in 2008 at his wife, Sue’s urging. After putting up with him for 40 years, all she had to do was ask! Visit his Website: www.writergazette.com/WillardAssociates.shtml.

Or contact him at billw15@tampabay.rr.com to sign up for his popular eblog: Daily Grin.

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