Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University, has talked about his struggle with terminal cancer: “Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted. We can’t change the cards we are dealt, just the way we play them.”
Randy Pausch delivered his well known “Lecture of a Lifetime.” Dealing with terminal cancer has helped Randy learn what it’s like to play a poor hand well. There is much we can learn from such attitudes.
As the media spreads fears of a recession, leaders and consumers are responding to a rapidly changing economic reality. Many are observers who are cutting expenses and preparing to weather out the worst. During the tough times, the best earn their success by staying focused and engaged in securing strategic opportunities. With the dollar taking a beating, companies with products and services to export are soaring— America is now the world’s bargain basement! Find ways to serve those who prosper in down markets, and you will do well. If they call a recession, don’t passively participate. You’ll miss 100% of the business you never ask for, so invest your worry time in action!
With any additional down time, invest in strategic learning and in developing your next generation of products and services. When the economy rebounds, you want to be ready to ride it.
True maturity comes from experience—getting through the tough times gives you the assurance that you can do it again. Economies go through cycles. What goes up, comes down. What comes down, goes back up. Welcome to the challenge of minimize the impact of any downturn and maximize the return during the rebound that is sure to come.
What do you do to make yourself more resilient and focused on opportunity?
(Source: Randy Pausch, a computer science professor, Carnegie Mellon University, “Lecture of a Lifetime,” WSJ.com)
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