by Bob Schmidt

Created on: August 24, 2008   Last Updated: September 12, 2008

Survival during difficult economic times represents a challenge that each of us has to accept whether we like it or not. The most important ingredient required to survive successfully is attitude. Accepting the challenge with a positive attitude can equip you to not only survive, but thrive under difficult circumstances.

Fight, or Give Up

Difficult economic times usually means not enough money to pay the bills. When fuel costs drive up the price of home heating/cooling, using less energy is the only answer. A fighter will find many ways to reduce consumption, instead of giving in to higher prices. Who can't survive with the thermostat adjusted a couple of degrees?

Two for One

There isn't a person among us who can't buddy-up on the next trip to the grocery store. People tend to ignore that every trip in their cars can carry a passenger who also needs to go to the same places. It is not difficult to take turns driving with a neighbor who shops at the same places as you. Besides saving 50% on travel costs, friendships can flourish which is a great byproduct.

Increase Income

As the expression goes, "necessity is the mother of invention". Survival may require some to look at potential income opportunities. Most people have areas in which they have particular knowledge, or skills. With the Internet, anyone can turn their knowledge into income. Instead of participating in hobbies that are non-income producing, consider ways to produce income from past experience, or special expertise.

Trim Waste

Everyone wastes something. Unfortunately, few are willing to be brutally realistic about their own personal waste. Those who pay excessive interest rates on credit cards can easily stop using high interest rate credit sources. Fast food is much more expensive than home prepared food, and usually not very healthy. Anyone can become "waste expert" as relates to their own lifestyle.

Accepting the challenge of hard times is not difficult. As with any challenge, you only win if your attitude is positive. The person who says, "woe is me", never manages to win. Victory is the result of believing in yourself. When that positive attitude is followed by a realistic plan that will reduce unnecessary costs, and possibly add to income; the most likely result will be improved economic conditions. Added to that, the ability to "pat yourself on the back", is a great feeling.

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