What can you do to stay on track, when life throws so many obstacles in the way? How are you supposed to keep your chin up when the economy is down? How can you practice positive thinking "under fire?"

Truthfully, we are tested in "the heat of battle." Anyone can be a clear and rational thinker when everything is going in the right direction. Your ability to maintain goals in "rough waters" is what separates the leaders from those who just want to lead.

When you elect to be a leader, you are judged by your ability to handle a crisis. The role is similar to the captain of a ship who must plug a hole or go down with the ship. It's that simple, and that is the difference between a successful leader and one who would like to lead.

In the current business climate, with the pace of technology, and the skill of your competitors, you don't have time to be depressed or draw a blank. You must take action and respond immediately to "damage repair." There is simply no time for mourning over past mistakes.

The time of crisis, is the time for solutions. You must allow for thinking, prayer, meditation, "brain storming sessions," or consultation with a coach. This allows you to "think outside the box." This is where you will find creative solutions to your present obstacles of life.

Do you remember the saying, "Life is like a bowl of cherries?" Sometimes, we could say just the opposite, but life is what we truly envision. If you fear that everyone is talking badly about you, you will envision and perceive it. Paranoia becomes reality, and so it is with real life.

Take the time to recognize fear, paranoia, frustration, and negative feelings within you. Know your fears through self-analysis. You should know yourself better than anyone else. When you hear the little voice of negativity, in the back of your mind, give it some consideration. Don't make fear of failure become your number one priority.

One more suggestion: Visit your local book store or shop online for a self-improvement book. You can choose audio, e-Book, or the traditional version. Each has its own usefulness in the course of your day. Make the most of your time, and listen to audio books while you are traveling. This gives you an inexpensive coach whenever you are alone or in transit.

Allow for quiet time in the early morning or later at night. This is time for reading, meditation, prayer, or creative thinking, to put what you learn into the planning stage and go after success with all of your resources.

© Copyright 2005 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

About the author:

Paul Jerard is the director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in RI. He's a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness. He wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students wanting to be a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org