What Would Be Perfect For You?
In a separate article, I suggested in tough times we should take what we can get, or as I framed the idea, "Don't let the good be the enemy of the get-by."

This plays off the expression you hear in normal economies, "Don't let the great be the enemy of the good." In a word, these aphorisms teach us to avoid perfectionism, waiting until deals are just-so, before seizing them.

But there is a near-opposite to these expressions, which is useful to meditate on in any circumstance. It is this question:

"What would be PERFECT?"

I first encountered this in one of Tony Robbins' books, possibly "Awaken the Giant Within." I think he's onto something.

Looking back on those very challenging times when I've tried to envision ideal, perfect scenarios, I've actually been able to follow through and construct them. For example, when I wanted to do a Masters degree, I pictured the perfect job that would let me read the never-ending material most graduate school programs require.

Presto! "How about working in the departmental library?" a voice whispered in my mind.

And that's exactly what I did, part-time along with other jobs. Often, I was the only person in the place, so I had utter peace and quiet.

Likewise, when I tired of conventional college teaching, and its dreary, semester and year long commitments, I asked "How can I be paid far more than professors, and teach untra-short courses?"

Bingo! "Teach one and two-day seminars in adult and professional education settings!"

By the way, in both of these illustrations, the economy at large was in recession or stagnation. That didn't matter, because my breakthroughs didn't require a robust business climate.

Before dismissing ideal circumstances as being unrealistic, ask: "What would be perfect for me?" and you just might engineer a breakthrough!
Dr. Gary S. Goodman is a top speaker, sales, service, and negotiation consultant, attorney, TV and radio commentator and the best-selling author of 12 books. He conducts seminars and speaks at convention programs around the world. His new audio program is Nightingale-Conant's "Crystal Clear Communication: How to Explain Anything Clearly in Speech & Writing." He can be contacted at gary(at)customersatisfaction.com.