Three Things To Remember Even In "Tough" Times!

It is so easy to allow outside influences and opinions to dash our dreams, fuel our fears, frustrate our faith in the future, and fertilize the seeds of failure. That may seem like a strong statement, but since we are all susceptible to the constant bombardment of “bad news” from the media, friends and coworkers, I’m sure upon reflection most thinking people will agree with it.

Yes, we are facing some difficult times, but despite what we are being told, they are nothing compared to the difficulties of past generations. For example, we keep hearing that things are equal to the depression of the 1930’s. Well, in 1931, unemployment was 15.9% and in 1933 it had risen to 24.9%--that in spite of FDR’s massive work programs! And keep in mind, there were no safety nets (unemployment benefits, etc) in the 30’s.

Now, I’m not saying that things are magically going to get better, nor am I saying that the situation can’t get worse. I’m simply pointing out that as a nation, we’ve been in much worse situations and emerged from them stronger and more vibrant! The key is to develop the same mental toughness that our parents and grandparents had—a mind-set that both acknowledged the problems and held out a vision of better days ahead.

Three things I’d like to share with you about this concept. First, don’t ignore the “bad news” but always look for the “good” news! The other day a local television station reported on lay-offs at a company. A big visual over the anchors shoulder heralded “Our Economy In Crisis”. The combination of the visual and word of the lay-offs no doubt had the desired effect on many people. But, and this is important, that same day three companies announced expansion plans or said they were hiring at all levels! While it was mentioned (almost as a after thought), it wasn’t reported with a visual that read, “Bright Spots For Tulsa’s Economy”.

The second thing I’d like to share with you about this is remember that we tend to find what we are looking for. Too often, we tune out or explain away that which contradicts that which runs contrary to what we have allowed ourselves to be told we are supposed to believe. This is herd mentality at its worst! If we allow other people, the media or a couple of setbacks to convince us that “the sky is falling” then we will ignore other indicators that tell us that “it ain’t necessarily so.”

Third, never give up…keep on keeping on, even in the face of discouragement. Back in the early 80’s I met a remarkable old gentleman who had retired as Vice President from one of the country’s largest drugstore chains. For years, I told his story, but for the life of me I can’t recall his last name (I wrote it down, and will find it eventually..you know how that works!). Anyway, his first name was Walter, last name began with an H…Walter was a simple farm boy during the depression. He told his dad that he wanted to go to New York and get a job. Unable to dissuade him, his father suggested he get a telephone book and write to companies before simply hopping a freight and going to the city. Walter discovered that this particular drugstore had over fifty locations in New York, and wrote letters to everyone of them!

Weeks turned to months with no response. Walter refused to give up and announced to his dad that obviously letter writing didn’t work, so he was going to New York to apply in person. His dad scrapped together a meager amount of cash (to keep Walter out of the breadlines for a few days) and bid his son farewell. Upon arriving in New York, he went to one of the drugstores, and was told that all hiring was handled through the main office and was given directions to a big office building.

When Walter walked into the personnel office, he found a long line of job seekers and was told they only had a couple of jobs available but that he could get at the end of the line (most folks, seeing such a line would have turned around and left). A clerk was walking down the line, taking names. When she came to him, he told her his name. She took him by the arm, led him to the front of the line, through the door to the personnel managers office and excitedly announced, “It’s Walter H.!”

The personnel manager stood up, shook his hand and after a brief interview hired him on the spot. Stunned by the turn of events, Walter asked him why he was moved to the front of the line. The personnel manager pointed to a mail sack in the corner and said,

“Young man, there are over 100 letters of application in that sack, all from you—we knew you'd turn up eventually because you obviously want to work for us. We would have contacted you sooner, but you forgot to put a return address on them!”

Have a great and profitable week!
Robert Hidde