How to Survive and Thrive on Chaos

A note from: peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Monday April 14th 2008

welcome to the start of another week of opportunity.

My sincere thanks to all who shared over the weekend about the impact that the video “My Stroke of Insight” had on you. Some truly amazing awareness’s where were revealed.

This week we are going to be witnessing some of the impact that the economic conditions that prevail currently on the continent are going to have. The news on the weekend does not bode well for some business sectors.

However, as is always the case, some entrepreneurial souls will find some very creative ways to advance their businesses during this chaotic time. Our friend Philip offers us a perspective that is highly worth your attention.

How to Survive and Thrive on Chaos

By Philip Humbert

This is a time of chaos. In the past two weeks one airline has canceled 3000 flights (yikes!) and three airlines declared bankruptcy. We all know about the mortgage crisis and problems in the housing market. And of course, it's an election year. Chaos reigns! And winners will find a way to thrive on it.

The most effective people in the new century will be those who thrive in a world of chaos. They do not believe the world is actually "chaotic" because the laws of cause-and-effect still apply. You still get results based on intelligent action and focused effort. But they understand we live in a world that "seems" chaotic and they thrive on it.

Peak performers in the 21st century will be comfortable with ambiguity. They know they will never have enough information. They know the rules are constantly changing, and yet they play "flat-out" because they expect to win. They know that action and calm, purposeful effort in the midst of the storm are still the keys to success.

I'm intrigued by how easily disrupted our lives are. I was in an airport this week, and the variety of responses was mind-blowing. Thousands of people were upset, angry, tense or confused. But here and there, little clusters of people were getting work done. Sure they were tired and sometimes hungry, but they were on their computers or cell phones. Or they were taking naps, reading, playing cards or talking with other stranded travelers.

In the midst of chaos, winners do not fall into over-whelm and dysfunction. They get things done. As the old cliché says, When life gives them lemons, they make lemonade.

Several things are necessary to thrive in the midst of chaos:

1. Exceptional boundaries. Winners structure their own lives and refuse to get caught up in other people's drama. They know how to close their doors and ignore disruptions. They know where they are going and they tolerate few, if any, distractions.

2. Exceptional vision. They know their priorities and their desired outcomes. They know what they want and they can see, taste, smell and even touch their results in advance. They have goals rather than mere hopes or dreams.

3. Exceptional self-direction. Winners are in charge of their lives and chaos around them is merely someone else's drama swirling nearby. They maintain their inner calm. They are not easily lost or confused. They know their priorities and their direction, even when their flight is canceled.

4. Exceptional optimism. They see chaos as opportunity. Chaos "stirs the pot" and opens doors. Rather than annoying or frustrating them, they love it! On a wild and windy day, a rainbow may appear at any moment and they welcome it.

5. Exceptional Reserves. They take care of themselves. They eat well, rest often, save and invest wisely and when opportunity knocks, they are waiting to answer the door. They operate from strength and stability, while a chaotic world wreaks havoc on the competition.

6. Exceptional response-ability. Rather than reacting from anger or anxiety, they see an ever-changing world and thoughtfully respond to opportunities that present themselves. Most people react; winners respond.

John Lennon observed that "life is what happens while you were making other plans." Life will not wait until we are ready or until we catch our breath. Winners thrive on chaos. They'll see and seize opportunities, and they'll love the wild ride.

In a world swirling with change and chaos, they invest in themselves and they get things done.