Facing Tight Situations

by Clint Maun, CSP

Have you ever faced a "tight situation," i.e. felt like everything was hopeless and you were ready to "throw in the towel?"

Frank, a friend, once told me a story about his business. He was having severe financial problems and needed to borrow more money. He went to several banks and talked with numerous loan officials with the same negative results. Generally, Frank was having a really tough time.

During one of his many efforts he met another man, Bob, in the same line of business and facing the same setbacks. Frank was upset and complained to Bob about the poor condition of the current marketplace and how things just weren't going well and probably weren't going to get better.

Bob acknowledged Frank's concern but then said, "When you come down to it, isn't it great?" Frank looked at him and said, "What do you mean? Are you nuts? I don't see how any of this is great?"

Frank replied, "I think these tough times are tremendous because only a few of us are going to make it through. And, though I'm truly sorry, if everybody continues on with your attitude, I'll be in a wonderful position."

The message is clear, Bob sees himself surviving and prospering through tough times, Frank sees his business and himself failing.

Tough times can make the tough stronger. People who see themselves as weak will behave in ways that undermine any strength they might have inside themselves.

When you look at tough situations as learning opportunities and challenges to overcome, new possibilities open up to you. It is these situations that separate the professional from the "wanna-be." We suggest you join the winners. By taking a different look at life's challenges, you can be a winner, too!