These days everyone is abuzz about the economy and how bad things are and I have to agree that in my 36 years on this planet, I have never experienced times such as these. I am told that “The Great Depression” was far worse than anything most of us youngsters could comprehend. My hope is that we will never have to experience what our grandparents and great grandparents experienced during the depression. My hope is that we as a nation will raise our heads, get pissed and turn this country around. My hope is that I don’t have to tell my grandchildren and great grandchildren about the “American Financial Disaster” of the new millennium.

I do not proclaim to be anything other than a small business owner who is trying to be successful, provide for my family and change my financial family tree. My goals are much like many of you out there. My goal is to be happy, healthy and wealthy. My goal is to set a good example for my children and to prove to them that no matter what you decide to do with your life, you can do it if you put your mind to it. Cliche you say? Well, maybe, but I truly believe this to be true. So, I have come up with a list of things “NOT” to do in a down economy.

1. Do not feed into the negativity of the media, the neighbor or the naysayers. Do the opposite, inject your sphere of influence with enthusiasm, positivity and hope.

2. Never stop progressing. Keep your plans to go on that vacation, buy that car, move into a new home, get married, have children….. whatever it is that you would do in good times, you must do in bad times. Do not let outside forces keep you from achieving your goals.

3. Do not stop loving this country. The United States of America is an unbelievable place. We have more freedom, hope and opportunity than any place on Earth. You are blessed to reside in this country and you should be proud to call yourself an American. Be proud of these United States, and do whatever it takes to keep the heartbeat of this country strong and powerful.

4. Do not think that this will never happen again and let the lesson pass you by. Use this opportunity to be more efficient, make smarter buying decisions and educate yourself about being prepared for future market down turns. Times like these are an expensive life lesson for many. Do not blame your current situation on anybody other than yourself. If you lost your job, then you should have had a nest egg to cover you until you found another one. If you are financially struggling, then you should have conserved in good times to survive in bad times. We all have to take responsibility for our actions, even the author of this article.

5. Do not ignore those in need. If you are flourishing in these tough times, be sure to help those in need. The simple things such as filling somebodies tank with gas or picking up their grocery bill for the week or providing them with medial jobs around your home will pay dividends ten fold. Pay it forward, you might be quite surprised at how good it makes you feel. Take the opportunity in tough times to brighten someones day, give them hope and prove to the outside world that Americans are amazing people.

I hope you find this article inspirational and mind-changing. I know it has been for me while I sit here and type it. We all need to be reminded to do the right thing, be the better person and live a great life. Its not that hard, you should give it a try sometime.