Wayne Dyer Wisdom for Tough Times

Wayne Dyer, the prolific author and life philosopher, has had an enormous impact on the development of my own life philosophy. And, he is an important part of the story of the Wisdom of Scotty, a keynote presentation I will be bringing to fund raising events of charitable organizations in 2009.

There are many things that I have learned from Wayne that are useful in dealing with these turbulent times. But, that which comes top of mind is his reminders that "teachers will appear" when we open to the wisdom of the universe.

The tough times are sure to bring out the best in some people, and the worst in others. In the former group will be people who summon up courage and compassion beyond what even they knew they had. These will be people who can inspire you to follow their lead and to operate with courage and compassion.

In the latter group will be those who succumb to their fears and stresses and bring pain to others. These people will be "teachers" of what you don't want to be like.

These are rapidly becoming times like none most of us have experienced in our lives. We can benefit from the wisdom of new teachers....who will appear...if we have an open mind.

What new teachers have come into your life recently?

What kinds of teachers do you need to come into your life to help you prosper through times?

Is your mind truly open to new teachers coming into your life?

Coming tomorrow: The exceptional wisdom of Bob Tormey. You can read the entire series of Lessons from the Masters by starting here.

Kat Tansey Wisdom for Tough Times

When it comes to understanding change, I know of few people who understand it better than my dear friend Kat Tansey. On both a professional and a personal level, Kat has had experiences that make her someone worth listening to when it comes to the changes one needs to make to prosper in tough times.

On a professional level, Kat is a co-author of Winning the Change Game. And because of her years of experience in the field of organizational and personal change she was chosen earlier this year as the Exceptional Wisdom scholar on the subject of change.

On a personal level, Kat experienced a traumatic series of changes that are chronicled in her just released book, Choosing to Be, Lessons in Living from a Feline Zen Master. This heartwarming story shares Kat's experience in literally saving herself from a severe unknown illness (at the time), which would later be discovered to be Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. She attributes her being saved to lessons she learned from her two beloved cats, Catzenbear and Poohbear.

Kat believes those who prosper in these tough times will be those that understand that "Being" is as, or more, important than "Doing." Kat believes that one of the most signifigant problems with tough times is that we can easily slip into a state of fearful reacting and frantic doing. As Kat likes to remind her coaching clients:

What happens when you have the misfortune to step into quicksand? The more you struggle, the faster you sink.

Those who prosper in these tough times will make time to get themselves centered about the things that are really, really important in one's life. Their actions will then spring from their knowing of what is really important.

What is interesting is that Kat, like Cheryl Richardson, believes that everything starts with taking care of oneself. In good times, or in tough times.

Have you significantly stepped up your efforts at taking care of yourself?

Coming tomorrow: The exceptional wisdom of Wayne Dyer. You can read the entire series of Lessons from the Masters by starting here.

Cheryl Richardson Wisdom for Troubled Times

Over the next two weeks, I will be sharing what I am calling Lessons from the Masters. Every day, I will feature one tip for personally prospering in tough times from people I respect as being among the wisest people that I know. Some are close friends, some are a mentor to me, and others are people who have somehow adopted me as their mentor. No single person can have all the answers for how to prosper in these tough time, as these times are so unique. But, I hope that by offering up this montage of tips, readers will be able to fashion their own game plan for personally prospering in these times.

First up in this series is a woman whose wisdom I respect enormously and who has made a huge difference in my own life, my friend Cheryl Richardson. Cheryl is a bestselling author and well known speaker. She has been featured on Oprah many times, has had two of her own PBS television specials, and has her own weekly radio show on Hay House Radio.

Cheryl’s latest book will be released in the next month and is perfectly timed for these tough times. The Art of Extreme Self Care is sure to become another best seller for Cheryl Richardson.

The thesis of Cheryl’s book and her recent speeches is that it is not enough to just commit to take care of one’s self. Our goal must be to practice EXTREME self care, especially in turbulent times.

In her typical divine fashion, Cheryl advises readers and attendees at her speeches that taking care of ourselves is not selfish; if by doing so, we then take care of others. In these troubled times, your loved ones, friends, co-workers and community will need your help even more. To be able to help them, you must make taking care of yourself...physically, mentally and spiritually...your highest priority.

Exceptional wisdom from a highly respected thought leader.

Coming tomorrow: The exceptional wisdom of Kat Tansey.

Recession Proof Businesses

I am honored to be listed on this page of top resources for info on Recession Proof Businesses. I am listed with some top talent. But, the truth of the matter is that:

I don't believe that any business is really recession proof.

The depth and severity of this economic downturn will test the mettle of all executives and all business owners. Sure there are some businesses that will naturally do better in the downturn...but, there are no sure things in this economic snowball.

The closest thing to a sure success, in business or at a personal level, will be those that skillfully embrace the recession. See my recent series of posts on Embracing the Recession to learn why "embracing" is so important.