The positive responses to the teleconference with economist Rodney Johnson affirmed the strong need for clarity during these confusing times. Rodney is like the prescient Sorting Hat in Harry Potter, a fountain of insight and perspective. These two qualities are exactly the kind of unique advantages LodeStar thrives on bringing to consulting clients.

To follow up, Rodney's post-program answers to your questions have been posted on my Leadership Mojo blog so you can review in detail. I'll announce another in the series You Can't Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought later this summer. But Rodney's post program comments lead me into the theme of this newsletter and two points about The Economy as it stands right now.
 
A (Good) Economy
 
"Good" Economy is not an adjective the typical person associates with the Economy right now, unless you are the kind of thinking person who looks beyond the obvious. Most of my readers have just that kind of intelligence. Of course, it is true that there remains much instability.

The most significant guiding principle or lodestar Rodney and I discussed is this: Where there is change, there is opportunity. We discussed many examples for personal investment and business growth.

This moment in time provides an unprecedented opportunity to re-evaluate, giving us motivation and space to create new lines of business - unless we distort it with fear, hate, anger, and blame. (Cisco CEO John Chambers spoke essentially in the same vein all this past week in the news media.)
 
Even though we've all been throttled by the shocking power of the Economy to rock the foundations of what we thought we knew was true, there is more to consider.

This leads to the second piece of good news, the second lodestar: When we get the crud knocked out of us, we become clear about what is more true for us. As we become more clear, we make better decisions moving forward to create the lives we want versus being unconsciously reactive. For example, I just spoke with one client who is finding so many incredible business opportunities he asked me, "How shall I focus?"
 
Big Questions - Your Important Answers
 
With this opportunity to re-evaluate, where can you personally find opportunity? How are you handling the stress and treating your family? Watch out that you don't fall into the stoic trap of, "Buck up." Be careful that you don't become rigid with inflexible will, pushing your way through things. Opportunity is rhapsodic more like making love, versus forcing your attentions on someone - even if that someone is your own self. If you find you have a tendency to fall into the "Will" trap or "Ego" mindset, I urge a measure of caution: The "pressured" approach never works without serious side effects. Willing your way into anything achieves short-term goals at the expense of long-term success.
 
Tread lightly and pounce swiftly when the moment arrives...because if it isn't already here, it will be soon. Of that, I am certain.