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How to Prepare for Tough Times

There may be very little you can do to prevent tough times, but you can control the way you respond to them. Give it some thought before it happens. It’s easier to be rational when you’re not emotional. Here are eight guideposts to help you prepare for hard times:

Be realistic. Don’t become complacent by believing that good times will last forever.

Be practical. Problems are best addressed before they arise. Don’t wait for a fire to locate the exits. So, hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

Be positive. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people.

Be proactive. Think about what you’d do if you were faced with tough times. For example, take steps to remain healthy, reduce overhead costs, and expand your social network.

Be cautious. Hedge your bets to protect your downside. If you place all your eggs in one basket, any fall will be a messy one.

Be humble. Remain grounded. Don’t let success go to your head. Achieving success is hard; staying successful is even harder.

Be accountable. Own the problem. Don’t waste precious time and energy making excuses or casting blame. Move forward rather than dwelling in the past.

Be determined. As Richard M. Nixon said, “A man is not finished when he is defeated. He is finished when he quits.”

Have You Ever Been Tested?

Life is long. The possibility of facing a setback one day is inevitable — so be forewarned. There will be times when you can push through a temporary setback, while other times you’ll have to live with the cards that were dealt to you. The key is that exceptional people don’t shun tests of their strength and determination — they relish them.

Some people quit — and throw in the towel. Others reach deep down into their soul and rise to the occasion. In any case, your true character will become clear when times get tough. And how you choose to respond to the challenge will say volumes about who you really are. Do you get frustrated and complain “Why me?” — or do you face the setback head-on with grace? Do you take your frustration out on the people around you or do you view them as a pillar of strength and great comfort? Do you view your setback as an opportunity to learn or are you too pigheaded to adjust your ways in the future?

When you are tested — and prove you can rise to the occasion — you’ll be able to wear your response as a badge of honor. You can take great pride knowing that your backbone was tested and that you came through it with flying colors. As Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

Check out Franks NEW book, Leadership by Example: Be a role model who inspires greatness in others.

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Are You Prepared for Tough Times?

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Additional Reading:
What Do Tough Times Say About You?
Good Times Builds Confidence…Bad Times Builds Character
Are You Down in the Dumps? Take This Challenge
Perseverance: The Secret to Success
17 Action Steps to Take During Hard Times
Is Asking For Help a Weakness?
The Power of a Positive Attitude
How to Overcome Negativity in Your Life

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