Over the past several months, I've had the opportunity to meet and get to know a number of individuals from different organizations who just seem to do things a bit differently, allowing them to run in the front of the pack.  Do you know folks like this?  They just seem to do things a little differently and a little better than everybody else, when it comes to creativity and performance.  They are, I would consider, star performers.  Over the next several months, I'll attempt to provide you with an introduction to these organizations, and in the process provide insight on the way they think and what they are doing to stay ahead.  Many of these individuals are actually succeeding even in this difficult economy.  So what's their secret?  Stay with me for the next few months and find out.
 
When you meet these individuals you can tell from the onset they are a notch or two ahead of their competition.  Often it doesn't take that much to be significantly ahead.  
There is a commonly told story of two hikers.  Making their way along a mountain path, they suddenly came upon a mother bear and her cub.  Now it's well known that you don't get in the path of a parent and their child, let alone, a bear with mothering instincts!  Well the mother bear began approaching the hikers and they slowly started backing up, keeping the bear in their sights, when one of the hikers suddenly put down his pack and started putting on his running shoes.  The other hiker, seeing him, whispered, "Don't bother changing your shoes, you can't outrun the bear!"  At which the hiker completed his lace tying and said, "I don't have to; I only have to outrun you!"
 
Most often we don't have to be that much different or that much better than anyone else to make a big difference in the impression that we make.  A small difference in your approach, presentation, or mindset makes a significant difference in your results.  Betsy Wiggins is a highly engaging, and energetic person.  Just meeting her and listening to her was energizing.  From our first meeting, she was different than most people I speak with.  Her voice was vital and clear, and she spoke with confidence and assurance.  She related that she had previously worked on a computer help-desk offering support, assistance, and technical training assistance to those in a well known, mid-size company.  While she was very good at her job, when the company reorganized she suddenly found her position eliminated.  She wasn't new in her position, but she was still far from ready for retirement. 
 
She thought to herself and spoke to her husband saying, "There must be others in the same place I am in" and she realized they had to be in the same spot; not knowing where to go next.  So what did they need?  She wished she had someone to go to for guidance and support upon finding her job suddenly gone.  She thought, "If I need this, I am sure others also are in need!"  In the midst of a potentially devastating situation, she looked for and found opportunity.  Betsy didn't take time to feel sorry for herself.  Instead she looked at what she lacked and recognized an opportunity to help others.  Adversity over time is often the pressure needed to transform us, like coal into diamonds, into the gems we are meant to be.   Because she chose to use her creativity to find a way, where there was no apparent way, she shunned the luxury of negative thoughts, creating a career as a certified retirement coach; certified by the International Coaching Federation. 
 
Betsy has truly reengineered herself into a new career.  But that's not the end of the story!  When the economy decided to go south in the fall of '08, many of her clients, like so many others, pulled back on spending.  This, in her unique way of thinking, created a new hole for her to full.  So what did she do?  She once again decided to reinvent herself in order to weather the storm.  Today, she is still coaching, but has started another business proving virtual office assistance for any business needing administrative and secretarial help off-site.  The holes in her schedule are filled and she is a happy camper.
 
Betsy consistently looks for ways to make things work.  She focuses on what she wants rather than what she lacks.  When adversity confronts her, she immediately looks for the opportunity within it, providing her with an elevated perspective rising above adversity and allowing a grander perspective to view opportunities.
 
She is a wonderful example that positive thinking won't provide you with everything you need to live.  However, it will provide you with a far better outcome than thinking negative ever will.  I hope you will use Betsy's advice, and find success in whatever life hands you.  You are never beaten until you give up.  Having your back against the wall does have its advantages; at least you now have direction!
 
Be well,
John