2009: Down Economy or Golden Opportunity

As 2008 comes to an end, you cannot open a newspaper, log on to Yahoo or turn on the TV without hearing the media talk about the worst recession in our lifetime. Though I’m not sure I agree, you even hear many “experts” say that the worst is yet to come.

Regardless, there is no denying the economic challenges we face and that it appears things will not improve until at least the second half of 2009.

So as we celebrate the start of a New Year, these realities beg a simple question: Are you mentally prepared to get the most out of 2009 and minimize the effects of the recession on you and your family?

There are a lot of things we cannot control about this economy. The government, the stock exchange, layoffs – all are outside of our control.

In fact, there really is only one thing that each of us has 100% control over – our attitude. As most of you have heard me say many times, attitude is the start of everything. It all depends on how you look at things.

Why is attitude so important? Because attitude is a matter of choice, focus and discipline. You choose to make the best out of a bad situation. Or, you choose to wallow in self-pity. Like everything else we profess, having the right attitude starts with being “in the habit.” If you are able to be in the habit of maintaining a positive attitude amidst adversity, you will be well prepared for 2009. Those who have the right positive attitude will thrive in these down economic times.

So, my question to each of you is this, "why don't you make a commitment to yourself and your teammates to thrive in these down economic times?"

There are tremendous opportunities out there for people willing to look for them. For example, yes, hospital admissions are down. But does that mean our business will suffer? Well, the fact is, Supplemental Health Care only has a 2% market share, even if the market contracts 5%, there is still 93% out there that we can go after. Let our competitors worry about using the economy as an excuse.

You can gain advantage by being in the habit of having a positive attitude. Start today. Make it your New Year's resolution if you prefer. Either way, it starts with the most important person of all—YOU!

I know it won’t be easy. Your attitude is tested 20, 30, 50 times a day, every day. It requires commitment, personal accountability, and perseverance. It takes a team effort, with everyone supporting and reinforcing each other. There will be hard times and setbacks, demanding mental toughness and endurance.

As the clock strikes midnight and the New Year is upon us, remember this – we believe in you.

We believe that with your help, 2009 will be a good year for Supplemental Health Care, furthering our leadership in health care staffing. We will open new offices. We will make acquisitions. We will open new lines of business. In order to accomplish this, we need you at your best. Remember, a positive attitude is the start of everything…with it, 2009 will be a year of opportunity and growth!

Best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year!