During Career and Leadership Training I often use the phrase, “You become your environment.” Regardless of what situation you currently find yourself “trapped” in, YOU determine where you will be this time next year. Despite tremendous emotional and financial pressure, YOU can set internal mechanisms in motion that radically overcome every stigma associated with economic recession; practical, yet radical decisions, almost robotic in nature. Many of the emotions which drive success go unidentified until long after success has arrived. Life walks us through challenge after challenge in every element of life- Childhood, College, Marriage, Career, Divorce, Single Parent, Spiritual Awakening, Re-marriage, Job Loss, Disease, Blended Family, Business Success, Significance. Our success is determined by the extent of our desperate will to escape the Lifestyle address where we currently dwell. If you are a conscientious worker, not above minimum wage work, willing to learn, work extra, and even pull a few hours of classes at the local community college, you will be one of the few who actually propels ahead during these difficult times. No, it will not be as easy as hanging out with friends, blaming politicians, employers, ex-spouses, lost jobs or opportunities; but YOU have a decision to make. That decision will determine whether you will end up being in a manager position to hire these friends when the economy turns around, or still hanging out with them sharing each others doom and gloom. The point is, businesses are still hiring. They may not be paying high hourly rates, but what will you be doing those extra hours if you’re NOT working? Listening to all those people complaining about not having jobs? Meanwhile, YOU are in management training, from the ground up!

1. Your First Job:
2. Design a new image for yourself for this time next year.
3. Guard your environment to protect and develop that image. DO NOT hang with losers!
4. Find a Mentor to keep you accountable to your image; Shadow them in all their constructive behaviors, attitudes, and DRESS code!
5. Set realistic, uncompromising goals to become that image.
6. Volunteer (unless you can obtain work) in a position that will grow you into that image.
7. Say ONLY what YOU want to happen!

Be Strict, Selective, Steadfast, and Supportive of YOURSELF! Be your own Best Friend