Most people I meet ask me, "How's the market?". Well, I sense that everyone has a full expectation that my reply will offer them a chance to commiserate on the awful condition of things. Then, as social protocol dictates, we will launch into a mutually satisfying discourse on market doom & gloom.

Oh no, no, no, no! My business has recently deflated and all attempts at resuscitation just leave me breathless. Not that good kind of, "I just had the best kiss of my life..." breathless. You know.

I intend to stick this tough time through. If I spin my wheels on a negative thought track, how will I have any energy left to wake up and rebuild? Why would I want to? Those negatively focused encounters leave no room for personal responsibility. If the "market" is making things difficult, there's nothing I can do!

There's lots I can do. I'm using some of this quiet time to evaluate and revamp my lead generation systems, scrub my database, begin this blog, renew my image, take classes, and get more face to face time in with past clients. All of this activity reinvigorates my passion for this business. That keeps me confident, energized and smiling. That makes me more attractive to people. That makes it easier to generate new contacts which leads to new business. Plus, there is the benefit of having a better quality of life because each day has more meaning and purpose.

Whaddyathink?