Relax and have a warm cup of reality...

In the context of where we are today economically, health, and the pursuit of happiness we are force to change the projection and direction of our life.  We came out of what I like to call the "Bling" era.  We consumed without thinking of the consequences of our choices leaving many of us living beyond our means and in some cases losing everything: houses, cars, investments, etc..  With high unemployment, the real estate collapse and the global economic recession, we need to make an honest reassessment of our lives and make drastic changes to get through these tough times.
So what do we do?

• Keep life simple
• Build a solid foundation
• Have an above excellent work ethic
• Bargain shop
• Work with your community
• SAVE YOUR MONEY
• Strive for excellence

Keep life simple: We often associate simplification to being bland, boring and blah.  What people fail to understand is simplifying your education, finances, career, home and social life is essential to living a balance and fulfilling life.  Choose your priorities wisely.  As you grow older your interest and priorities change and that is a good thing.  Just keep it simple.   

Build a solid foundation:  We live in an immediate gratification society.  We look for short cuts and quick fixes to get what we want.  Success in anything takes time.  It is said that it takes 10 years or 10,000 hours to be exceptional at something.  Patience and diligence is the key to having long success.

Have an above excellent work ethic:  People's definition of work ethic is looking busy.  Let me set it straight, work ethic is being consistent, persistent, and committed day in and day out to what you are trying to achieve in the short and long term.  Whether you are a business owner, an employee or a student, having an above excellent work ethic will insure a steady career of achievements.  

Bargain shop:  Bargain shopping is not the same thing as being CHEAP.  I remember going shopping with my mother at the busy Oakland Chinatown on Saturdays and visiting at least 6 grocery stores for bargain prices.  It was a long day but our fridge and cabinets were always full and my mother instilled in me at an early age how important it was to get the most out of every dollar.  These days there are so many deals out there from grocery, clothes, textiles, automobiles, travel, etc. you would be foolish not to do a little work to insure that you get the most out of your hard earned money.  PS, don't be ashamed to cut coupons.  They can save you 30% to 80% on your purchases.  Be smart!

Work with your community:  There is no better time than now to surround yourself with good people to support you.  Work with your community or "Network" well to insure that your needs and goals are met.  There are so many networking sites out there.  Surround yourself with supportive people.  They say the best jobs are referred jobs or the best business is referred business.  Support others, treat people well and fair.  It goes a long way.

Save your money:  Saving money is such an underused and undervalued factor of life these days.  I remember as a kid I would save every coin and dollar in a big coffee can to save up for something that meant a lot to me.  And by the time I got to my goal I would realize that I have saved up so much money that I would just keep on saving and it was really gratifying to watch my my money grow out of my coffee can into a shoe box and eventually into a savings account.  Sometimes we are so blind that we don't consider the consequences of our purchase.  Some purchases require financial maintenance or your purchase will take you so far in the RED that you will end up losing it sooner or later.  It is smart to live within your means and save your money.  We'll save the "investing" topic for another post.

Strive for excellence:  This is simple... be the best that you can be at what ever you are doing.  Take advantage of the resources that we have and not SPOIL them.  I can't stand the notion of not living to "your potential".  We came from a far away island where opportunities are few and people travel hundreds and thousands of miles away from home to have an inkling of an opportunity for a better education and employment to support their family.  They work their butts off and often climb the business ladder quickly. Strive for excellence, be the best you can be, make the most of every opportunity and you will not only reap the benefits personally but you may change your community and the world.  

Maxwell Gatzby