By Pam Hadder
"No man ever wetted clay and then left it, as if there would be bricks by chance and fortune." -- Plutarch
We are living and working in very interesting and challenging times -- everyone is struggling to do more with less, while cynicism grows and mistrust festers in the background. It is a scary and frustrating thing to work harder, with uncertainty looming, and with the knowledge that our best efforts may be in vain.
So does this mean that we should abandon our dreams? Should we eschew ethical and quality standards? Does anyone really value our diligence and attention to the details? No doubt there are always those who will profit greatly in a depressed economy, cleverly finding any opportunity to gain market share or some financial advantage -- all too often as a result of another's demise. Why should we be any different? Why travel the high road if it's a dead end or leads to nowhere? Shouldn't we just grab what we can, while we can and say "screw the other guy?"
Despite what the newscasters report on the evening news, money is still being spent. What's really interesting is how and where it is being spent. Consider all of the new construction in the private sector, as well as the purchase and refurbishment of commercial real estate. Ask any staffing recruiter or HR manager, and they will tell you about the higher than ever demand for skilled trades workers. Where is the money coming from for all of the construction, and why is investment in commercial property on the rise, if there is no hope for business and the working person?
It has been statistically proven that, over time, real estate is the most stable and secure form of investment -- with the rise and fall of markets and of currency values, real estate retains its value. So in uncertain times, it makes sense to store one's golden eggs in bricks and mortar -- this explains the mass appeal of investing in infrastructure.
But of what value are impressive, gleaming office towers and business properties if not to house vibrant companies with brilliant dreams, achievable objectives, and marketable services? Perhaps the future is grim, but perhaps it is not -- either way, we have only one true choice, and that is how we as individuals respond to the cues and challenges each day presents. Why not choose SUCCESS, and work with that goal , accepting only those choices that support our positive outcomes?
We can't all be multi-millionaires, but we can each engage in purposeful activities that are positive and life-affirming, and which provide a valuable contribution to our world.
