by Aaron Lloyd

Increasingly over the last several months I’ve found myself needing a little encouragement. The way I figure it, I’m a business owner trying to succeed just like the rest - maybe someone else could use a little encouragement as well. In an uncomfortable moment of self-analysis, I’d realized my battle against the whirlwinds of pomp and circumstance had made me yield the high-ground.

Times have been tough, no doubt. We’ve all felt the squeeze of a world wholly absorbed with singular survival. The employer hordes their money and refuses to hire for fear of tax implications in newly passed legislation. You cut and save every dime to make sure you can pay the bills. You don’t purchase that much needed new item for fear you may not have a job next week. You give up on that loan modification because everyone has scared you into hopelessness about your circumstances, and on and on it goes.

The Thesaurus defines several synonyms for “encouragement”. Here are some of them: assistance, backing, boost, cheer, comfort, confidence, consolation, fortitude, helpfulness, hope, incentive, inspiration, optimism, reassurance, refreshment, relief, softening, stimulation and trust. 

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably thought, “when will common-sense make an appearance?” The Thesaurus defines several synonyms for “encouragement.” Here are some of them:  assistance, backing, boost, cheer, comfort, confidence, consolation, fortitude, helpfulness, hope, incentive, inspiration, optimism, reassurance, refreshment, relief, softening, stimulation and trust.

Simply put, be careful with what you allow to roll around in your head. Most business professionals  pride themselves on being positive. There’s merit to this. They understand that what you think about, consistently, will become your decisions and actions.  

This is my challenge to you today. Discount those things which are negative and fearful and begin to think, and act on, on those things which bring encouragement. You’d be surprised how quickly things will turn around.

Aaron Lloyd is the Senior Escrow Officer with Sunset One Escrow, Inc., 24630 Washington Avenue, Suite 202, Murrieta.  Ph:| (951) 200-3331, Fax:| (866) 316-4445 or www.sunsetoneescrow.com.