Is now a time to try something new – perhaps something you’ve never done before? Or should you sit out the “recession” and wait until “things get better.”
“The times when everyone is confused and stunned can present an enormous opportunity because no one’s really doing anything,” says Dell Computer founder Michael Dell. “I think this is the time when the seeds of really successful new businesses will be created.”
Designer Kenneth Cole says, “When things are going well, people want to do what’s working and more of it. It’s only in difficult times that people are open to creative alternatives.”
Mark Cuban, entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, points out that some of the greatest businesses were built in recessionary times. “Money is easy to find in boom times, which leads to far too many businesses getting out of the gate that don’t deserve to be started. When money is scarce, better ideas face less competition and better execution can lead to greater success.”
Whether it’s changing career paths or starting your own business, there’s never been a more opportune time than today. July 1st marks the beginning of the second half of 2010. And what better time to claim your “independence” than on July 4th. Recognize you are in the driver’s seat, break ties with the mother country if necessary and begin your personal revolution. And remember, “things” get better when you get better.
Dan Miller's Blog 
July 2, 2010 at 4:48 pm
great advice as usual. Good stuff.
July 3, 2010 at 12:14 am
If someone is unwilling to start a business or make any other change they are going to always have an excuse. I look at it like “someone try and stop me”
Josh Bulloc
Kansas City, MO
July 3, 2010 at 4:55 am
The year 2010 is halfway over and I’ll be vacationing over the holiday week, enjoying life and taking a breather from my break-neck pace. Since this is halftime for the year, I’ll also be evaluating my goals for the year to ensure that I’m progressing toward what I determined to be important.
At the other end of the spectrum, my former partner is still waiting to get started on his goals that he has memorized in his head (refused to list them and post them visibly). He first said it was too cold, then too hot, then he was too tired, had routine dinner meetings with family couple times per week. As Mr. Ziglar would say, he’s been cooked in the squat as he squatted to rise. No one is holding this guy back but himself. How unfortunate!
****Take you great ideas and get started, or quietly get out of the way****
July 6, 2010 at 7:57 am
This blog post could not have come at a better time for me. I’m roughly two weeks away from resigning from a government job I’ve had for almost 11 years, as I plan to relocate to another part of the country, invest in either a franchise or business opportunity, and finally become my own boss. The more I stay employed with the Federal government, the better I understand how one can hate one’s job. I’m very excited about the next chapter in my life, especially as I am also an expecting father! Thanks, Dan, for all you do.
Cheers!
July 6, 2010 at 3:00 pm
I agree completely. Everyone is paralyzed in a state of fear right now–what better time to launch a new endeavor?
July 7, 2010 at 4:04 am
Both thumbs way, way up, Dan!
July 20, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Hi Dan,
I believe in you! It’s time to be honest. I’ve read your books and I like them. I am one of your facilitators, but I’m not succeeding at that. I’ve even been coached by Chuck. I’m honest and I care about people and helping them change for the better. But I find it very difficult to make money. I just don’t get it. I just don’t believe. I’m tired of just barely making it. I’m not sure what to do. It’s nice to read all the great results on these blogs, but I’m not one of them. Sorry
July 20, 2010 at 4:09 pm
Pat — the key piece in your own telling is likely that “I just don’t believe.” It’s difficult to get others to believe if you yourself do not. That’s not an easy hurtle to overcome, but you’ve got to do so. Start with something small – little successes lead to bigger ones.