How to Brighten the Path to Prosperity… Even in a Dark Tunnel

Let me share a story with you:

My friend chose to sacrifice himself and stay behind for work reasons when his family immigrated to the States a few years ago. It was a difficult decision I'm sure, but one that was necessary (I'm told) due to financial constrains.

His son was 14 at the time but he was always upset. I remember one evening while we were over for dinner, he asked his mom out loud "Why can't we be rich?"

That was then.

In a few short years, my friend's son completely changed. He is now 17 and working part time at a local cafe. He told me that he realized how foolish it was to be upset. How blaming everyone else who was trying to keep the family close together did nothing to help the situation.

Instead of wasting his time being mad, he started thinking of ways he could change his situation. He started helping out around the house so his mom had more free time to find a part time job. When he was old enough, he started working part time as well.

The extra income helped his dad (my friend) come up with the courage to move here and look for a job. At long last, the family was together.

The Way We Look at the Problem IS the Problem

I saw the matured youngster at the café the other day and while speaking to him, he reminded me what everyone should know:

Every problem has a solution, but if we don't create a solution, we become another problem.

I couldn't believe that it was coming from a 17-year-old, but what he said was absolutely true – even if we don't create the problem, we can become a part of it.

The Bulb That Should Light Up

There is no doubt the economy is deteriorating right now. There is no question that people are losing jobs and it almost seemed like an understatement when I say that our investments lost significant value.

You might be upset but blaming everyone is easy and unproductive. Instead, ask yourself what you are doing about the situation:

• How are you trying to secure your own job and helping the company you work for so further layoffs aren't necessary?
• What steps are you taking to make sure that even in this downturn, you are well on your way to financial prosperity?
• What lessons are you teaching your kids about the financial crisis?

The Glow from Within

If you want to be heard, learn to listen. If you want to be helped, assist others. If you want to prosper, take action.

It really starts with you. Even in a dark tunnel, you can brighten it up by glowing from within.

Written by David Ning for MoneyNing and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.