Imagine yourself “stranded on a deserted island” or “lost in the woods.” What would be the second thing (other than not panic) you would do?
Answer: Identify all your resources.
Of course, the first thing you better do is hold still long enough (mentally and physically) to determine your precise objective—which is to survive and return home. The second action you must take, however, is to sit down, empty out all your pockets, bags, etc, and identify (down to the last shoelace or paper clip) every resource you have on hand that could help you accomplish your goal. This will provide your brain with much-needed data which it can then use to come up with possible solutions. It is amazing how well this process works.
Metaphorically speaking, some of you might feel “stranded on a deserted island” or “lost in the woods,” not knowing how to get from your current daily condition to a better condition in the future. If you wish to not only survive but thrive (physically, emotionally, mentally or economically), then you had better make yourself stop and implement Step #2.
Open your eyes. Look around. Make a list. What do you already have that you could use? How many potential tools do you already possess of which you are not taking advantage? What are you wasting? The efficient arrangement of your home, the contents of your cupboards, pantry, shelves, dressers, closets, garage and land are all possible resources. The knowledge and learning abilities of your own mind as well as your current talents and skills are additional, potentially powerful resources to help you accomplish your objectives. Give your brain something concrete with which to work (rather than allow it to dither about in fear) and possible solutions will begin to emerge.
Remember, you organize your home and everything in it so that your possessions can be resources instead of obstacles. Keep your resources in a way that they are still resources and then use those resources to get “off” your particular “deserted island” or “out” of your particular “woods” and into your desired future.
