I believe change is one of the scariest things in life. The problem is you can’t stop change. The question then becomes will you embrace it or run?
You Can’t Stop Change
Whether it’s career, environment or just about anything in your life, the only thing you have control over when it comes to change is how you choose to react. The changes are going to happen that are beyond your control. For example:
- The company you work for goes out of business.
- Your parents will pass away.
- You could lose a child.
- You might even win a lottery!
Some changes you have control over but outcomes are not what you planned or expected:
- You may marry.
- You might start a family.
- You could start a successful business.
Some of the above may or may not have happened to you. Regardless, I’m willing to bet there have been changes in your life that you could add to these lists.
Embrace Change or Run?!
We either choose to embrace change or try to run from it. Fight or flight is a natural human reaction to stressful situations. The decision is yours to make.
Running from change is to give over control to others. When you choose to embrace change, you are actually gaining power over your personal situation and more likely to be able to affect the outcome.
I can’t really give an example of running without making it up but I have had to face change a few times in my life that were painful. For example, when I worked for Dominion Stores in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, they started closing stores and I went through the Best for Less stores, before ending up being laid off and going to work for A&P, which then did the same. A&P to Superfresh before being laid off again. From A&P, I landed a management position with PETsMART.
Although PETsMART was fun, it wasn’t great for family life and didn’t pay that well. I left there and went to a company called Data Complex Computer Centre where I learned to design and sell computer network solutions to small and medium businesses. From there to Investors Group as a financial consultant and then a major life change, we lost our son to cancer, forced me to look for a non-commission job. In the end, I landed in a great place giving me peace of mind and working with great people.
Embracing each change made my life far less stressful once I took that step and took control. In the early stages of each change, particularly the last one, I was trying to run. The hole got deeper and deeper and life just got darker. Until I turned around, took control and took steps to move forward.
You may well have similar experience or will have. Did/will you choose to be The Carrot, The Egg or The Coffee Bean?
Make it a great day!
Barry
P.S. What am I thankful for today? I’m thankful for BBQ, beef and farmers. What are you thankful for today?
May 05
Trump Effect on Markets, Money and the Economy
May 5, 2017
How will Trump affect the financial markets, money markets and the economy? Regardless of what you think of the man, he is already showing a positive effect on all of the above!
I’ll admit to being a little lazy, this is from my Canadian perspective. For the most part, US markets and economy usually demonstrate similar patterns. I’m not going to treat the US separately for this purpose.
Trump The Markets
Just over a week after the election, the market closed last night at 14,733.22. During that 8 day period, the market shifted not much more than one percent up or down on the most volatile of days. As of May 4, 2015, the market was at $15, 396.70. This means the market was up 5% in six months.
There was a more drastic change August 28 to September 17 in 2008 when the market tumbled from 13,750.48 to 11,877.69, a change of 1,872.79 points. This was a drop of 13.6%. (These numbers were calculated using TSX historical market numbers.) >>>Click here to check the numbers
So, what is the net Trump effect? Not much. This isn’t to say there can’t be. As always, we need to be aware of world events and consider them when making investment decisions. The key is to consider all factors but not in isolation and with a view to the long term.
Trump the Dollars
When Donald Trump won the election, it had a positive effect on the US dollar. Because our dollar is mostly measured against the value of the US dollar, it appears to be Canada’s loss. But, is it?
Trump the Economy
We won’t know the effect of Trump on the economy for some time yet. Typically, the markets are a leading indicator for the economy. Right now, there isn’t enough time passed for a fair measure but the short term numbers seem to be pointing to little change or maybe a positive outlook. We will just have to wait and see.
All The Noise About Trump
I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to tire of it and really don’t pay a lot of attention. I believe most of the noise is because he wants to keep everyone distracted so he can achieve his objectives. Are you going to let him?
Go ahead. Trump that!
Make it a great day,
Barry
P.S. What am I thankful for today? I’m thankful to be Canadian. I’m thankful it looks like the Trump noise is dying down. I’m thankful for spring showers. What are you thankful for today?