Stress Over Economy and Business Conditions

Dear Amy: I am the owner of a business that provides a service for homeowners that is considered a luxury and we rely on a decent economy to conduct business. We’ve always done fairly well, even in slow times. Gas prices have increased so much this past year that we can now barely afford to fill our fleet each day. In this economy, we are losing long-time customers who can no longer afford us, so we cannot even suggest raising our rates to cover the added expenses with the few customers we have left.

To help keep us in business this year, we were forced to change employee benefits and ask our employees to pay for half of their health insurance and we increased the annual deductible in order to make premiums remotely affordable for them. I have not taken payroll in six months just so I could meet payroll for my employees. I look at the P&L each month and fall into a slump as I wonder where the funds will come from to meet our next payroll. We have staff meetings at the end of each month and it is everything I can do to look our people in the eyes and encourage them to come to work. To tell you the truth, my face is an open book. I’m sure they see right through me!

If the economy doesn’t pick up very soon, I’m going to be forced to lay off quite a number of our employees and/or consider closing up shop for good. If we come to that point, I know intellectually that it is simply a business decision that must be made, but I agonize over my dear employees who have been faithful to the company. We’ve come to love them and their families and it just breaks my heart to be in this position as I know the effect that my decision to lay off will have on them.  Our operations are in Arizona.  Even at the top level of unemployment benefits, if my workers could qualify, a layoff would break these families financially.

It gets worse. I cannot sleep at night as I agonize over delivering bad news to some very special people. I cry so much my eyes are always swollen and I have a continuous headache. I snap at my children with every word that comes from my mouth. I learned last night that I have apparently driven my husband into the arms of another woman. Let her have him. I’m not worthy… I admit I haven’t been the nicest person to be around in recent months, but the pressure is not just mounting, it is downright overwhelming.

I am so disappointed with my lot in life. I’ve done good for my community and have put over fifty people to work and now I am faced with ruining them and I am at my lowest point in life.

I read a recent article in the newspaper about a mortgage broker who committed suicide and to tell you the truth, that option has crossed my mind on numerous occasions too. At least if I was gone, my employees would believe just how bad things really were and maybe they’d understand. These thoughts are in my mind day and night. I’m afraid that the urge to do myself in might become uncontrollable. I know I should seek help but I can’t find the money to spare without hurting someone else and now I am starting to get scared. Dare I say that I live in a multi-million dollar home north of the city? Who is going to help me when I live so well? I couldn’t liquidate in this economic downturn even if I wanted to and I feel as if I am at the end of my rope.

Dear Reader: Follow these instructions. Close your eyes. Take a deep deep breath. Blow the air out slowly. Do this three times. Now that you have more oxygen in your brain you will feel better. Am I right? When we are stressed or upset we shallow breathe. When we shallow breathe the brain is deprived of oxygen and then your heart starts to race in a vain attempt to get more oxygen to the brain. So, whenever you are faced with a tough situation, take deep breaths frequently.

All the issues you are struggling with are a combination of things, not all of which you can change. Make a list of all the issues that you can change.

For example—Things I will change:

• I will change how I react to situations. I will react with calm determination and conviction that I am capable of making it better one step at a time.
• I will trust myself to do what is right and with credibility and integrity.
• I will change my self-talk to reflect a belief in myself, honor and respect my abilities.
• The economy is what it is—I will become more creative and focused on creating a thriving business. When the going gets tough the tough get going.

For example—Things out of my direct control:

• How others react to what I do.
• The economy is what it is.
• How people react to my business decisions

Your self-esteem in all areas of your life is low. Consider attending workshops, which will enhance your self-esteem. Working individually with a Life/Business Coach, who also uses hypnosis, can jump start your road to success.

Nutrition and exercise plays a large role in maintaining self-esteem. I recommend using a food plan for your blood type. An excellent reference is the book, Eat Right 4 Your Type: The Individualized Diet Solution to Staying Healthy, Living Longer & Achieving Your Ideal Weight by Peter J. D’Adamo and Catherine Whitney It is easy to follow. I have used it for 15 years and feel better now than I ever have.

Exercise at least 20 minutes a day, using a combination of cardio and toning. There are a plethora of video tapes to guide you through a workout. All the major book stores carry them.

Excellent books to read:

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
• The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Pocketbook Guide to Fulfilling Your Dreams (One Hour of Wisdom) by Deepak Chopra

We often think we need to do something earth shattering to create a change or to achieve what we want to achieve. The opposite is true. Little shifts in the right way create huge outcomes. Notice there are only 7 habits to be highly effective. Those habits done every day are easy and doable, and they create huge results.

Go for it! You are worth it. Please contact me in 30 days and let me know how you are doing.

Amy