Right now in the U.S., we’re in the midst of heated debates between the candidates of our outdated dual-party system. I really can’t bear to watch any of it… makes my stomach turn. Seems no one is addressing the real issues anymore.
But, one observation we’re hearing a lot about lately that I can’t ignore is that the middle class, as we’ve known it, is disappearing.
And I’d agree, it’s sure looking that way.
I’m not here to get political by any means. (I’m not aligned with any particular party, by the way, in case you’re curious.)
But I do think it’s important to step back and look at what’s happening, so you can be prepared if needed.
If you’re like me, you grew up with parents in a generation whose livelihood was rooted in the middle class.
I remember it was my folks’ aim to really just work to earn what we needed. To do what we had to do to get by. And at best, make enough to “be comfortable”. We’d cut back a bit in the lean years, and we enjoyed ourselves a bit more in the good years.
For decades, this strategy enabled most people to live a pretty decent life. Buy a home. Take come decent vacations. Plan for retirement. Feel pretty secure.
But that’s all gone out the window. Like it or not, and no matter who wins this election, we’re in the new economy.
Today, aiming to “just get by” won’t get you anywhere.
You’re going to be left behind. Or you could even end up in big trouble.
You may be feeling this right now. (Are you?)
Let’s look at everything happening right now in the U.S….
With declined real estate values, pathetic savings interest rates, high unemployment, a government that spends money like water, and likely higher tax rates coming in the near future, you cannot choose to “just get by”.
Also, many of us today have more responsibilities and pressures than our parents did. Some of us are in the “sandwich generation”, caring for both children and aging parents at the same time!
It’s become very clear.
Strategies for surviving will only leave you struggling.
You must now CHOOSE to thrive.
And here’s the thing: I’m seeing this same phenomenon right now happening with entrepreneurs.
There’s a disappearing middle ground.
Have you noticed as well?
Business owners are falling into one of two categories.
They’re either surviving or thriving.
Let’s look at a few examples of each…
The survivor
scurries around, jumping from idea to idea, and chasing every bright shiny object, hoping it will be her ticket to riches.
But the thriver
is focused, with her feet on the ground, carrying out a clear and simple plan to grow a moneymaking business she loves that will support her for years to come.
The survivor is always “robbing Peter to pay Paul”, constantly feeling like she’s trying to catch up. And she’s fearful to make any commitments or invest in herself… let alone have anything left to give others.
The thriver
knows how to create large income increases, which she reinvests in her business to further grow while also socking away some reserves. She contributes to her family, her community, and causes she cares about.
The survivor somehow thinks that doing the same old things over and over will someday yield her different results.
The thriver
knows that if she keeps doing what she’s always done, she’ll get what she’s always gotten. She knows it’s important to keep thinking forward.
The survivor works from a place of desperation.
The thriver works from a place of inspiration.
I could go on, but you get the idea.
Your only choices now are to step up… or fall behind.
If you want to flourish, for yourself and your family, it’s your time to THRIVE.
Perhaps you’re feeling this right now as you read this. Maybe you’re still in a job you don’t love, and you’re tired of just getting by. Or maybe you’ve started a business, but you’ve been treating it like a hobby… dabbling here and there, when you know it’s time to get serious. Maybe you’ve been forced to be off on your own now, and it’s the first time you’ve ever had to believe in yourself and rely on your faith.
It’s time to stop grasping at straws and falling for gimmicks; and instead really start thinking, planning, and taking action, ladies.
We need to build personal businesses that are solid, will grow, that honor our values and the lifestyles we want to create, and help others along the way.
So, for those of you who feel caught in the middle, this is my “call to arms”. The “same ol’ same ol’” isn’t going to serve you anymore.
There’s no time to waste.
But here’s the good news… There’s never been a BETTER time. Options for self-employment and building a business you actually love are everywhere!
But it’s also an urgent time. The opportunities are right here, but it’s time to catch this wave before it’s gone.
This could be the time of your life.
You just have to decide to thrive.
Question: Are you seeing the same trends I am? How has it been affecting you and your family or your business? Have you made any decisions lately to CHANGE your situation? Please share in the COMMENT section below! :)
© 2012 Ali International LLC
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INVITATION: Making the leap from surviving to thriving can be a challenge, when you’re not sure what you’re really supposed to DO. Well, I just released Video 2 in my new, free THRIVE video series to help you. It covers a lot of ground, but… most applicable, it gives you some juicy ideas on how to take one idea and turn it into over a DOZEN income streams. Go here now to access these videos for free, because they won’t be up for long.
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Tracy Shaw says:
September 7, 2012 at 4:53 pm
Yes, we are facing foreclosure through one of the megga banks and decided to research our options and our now fighting them and we will prevail. We have learned so much through this process and are so grateful that we put ourselves in this situation otherwise we wouldn’t have learned what we have. We now are taking responsibility for all aspects of our lives including revamping our photography business to now create contemporary beauty portraits of women of all ages. We hope to help women realize their true selves through this experience and through one woman at a time help heal our planet.
Veronica Cole says:
September 7, 2012 at 5:17 pm
Ali this is a terrific “wake up” and call to action! I prefer to be in a place of choice, and to know there is plenty to go around as opposed to scurrying in fear. The difference – making the commitment and the decision to move forward with solid business savvy. Thank you!
Debra Bayless says:
September 7, 2012 at 5:19 pm
Ali, your thoughts and words of inspiration shine with wisdom!
My decision to thrive is absolute – today the journey begins. I am stepping up, I want to flourish for myself & my family! It’s my time to thrive!
I’m looking forward to video #3!
Donna Wilhelms says:
September 7, 2012 at 5:26 pm
You’re spot on, Ali, as always! I’ve always dreamed of thriving, but when the economy tanked, I knew I’d need to put some serious thought into how I was going to get there. I’ve always been fascinated by the history of the Great Depression and how there were many people who saw opportunity in the midst of chaos and created their own success. Thanks to your courses and webinars the last couple years, I feel like I am right around the corner from success and thriving. I’m living on the edge but it feels GREAT!
Christine says:
September 7, 2012 at 6:30 pm
Thank you for your insight. I am glad to know I have the HEART of a Thriver!
Carolyn Bond says:
September 7, 2012 at 7:05 pm
Excellent, Ali. As a solo entrepreneur struggling to survive — and currently identifying the insidious elements that prevent thriving — I’m all ears.
Mads Singers says:
September 7, 2012 at 7:06 pm
great article, but i specially love the video ;)
Kind Regards
Mads
Angela Shoffner says:
September 7, 2012 at 8:42 pm
A beautiful piece that many of us can relate to! In our business, I often feel like we survive, then thrive, then reinvest and have to just “survive” a bit again to catch up. It helps tremendously to look back and remind yourself of where you started, especially when you are feeling a bit financially challenged! thanks for the inspiration to keep going forward and making necessary changes in our lives and habits!
Lane Romero-Reiss says:
September 7, 2012 at 9:17 pm
A similar analogy I have made in the past is to think of the difference between a swimmer (the “thriver”) and a drowner (ironically, the “survivor”).
The drowner is struggling just underneath the surface of the water, and is completely focused on the suffocating forces around them (i.e. – debt). They are expending a lot of physical energy, but it is unfocused, and desperate, and often does more to drag them further down, instead of lifting them to the surface.
The swimmer, on the other hand, knows how to focus their energy in a way that propels them forward at times, and can be nearly effortless at other times (i.e. – back-floating on the surface). They recognize that there is more than enough air for everyone, and if they were to help bring someone who is struggling to the surface, there won’t be less air for them as a consequence.
I have been a “drowner” in the recent past, and I understand when you are surrounded with water, it is hard to focus on anything else. Fortunately, someone helped bring me to the surface, and I have been learning how to swim and support myself. I’m sure the other swimmers out there can relate that it feels pretty good to help others to find their way back to the surface, where they can breathe again.
Ali Brown says:
September 12, 2012 at 5:49 pm
Oh I Love that anaology Lane! Thank you for contributing here
Carmen says:
September 7, 2012 at 11:35 pm
If there is a middle class family that has felt this hardship is mine. Besides my passion for helping others, starting my own biz is really and will always be for my family. I will always want better for my children, especially for my 18yr old daughter who just graduated high school. Family is the reason why I THRIVE everyday!
Ali Brown says:
September 12, 2012 at 5:50 pm
Yes Carmen! Brava… it’s up to US to decide to thrive for our families
Jackie Wolfe says:
September 8, 2012 at 12:04 am
As a middle-aged athlete who has been happy with a simplified life, I feel that I am trhiving on very little. However I have realized that my light still wants to shine, and I have much to offer others from my experience.
Listening to you I realize that I am right on the mark, and you are giving me great info on how to steer myself with others.
Elisa Goodman says:
September 8, 2012 at 1:21 am
Ali – Fantastic article –thank you for extending yourself once again! As you know I’ve been following you, David and Baeth for years! I’ve found Inspiration every day from all of your teachings. The basis of my ART is Inspiration…and yet I continually shift between Survival and Thrive…which I think is sometimes the Entrepreneur’s dilemma. Making it work, sticking it out and coming up with creative solutions and being willing to be flexible in our approaches and bold in our thinking. I am committed to THRIVE and after 12 years, I’m so grateful for the inspiration and tools you and your peeps continue create to keep us motivated and on purpose!
Ali Brown says:
September 12, 2012 at 5:50 pm
Thank you so much Elisa – -great to hear from you! xo
Tamela Hetrick says:
September 8, 2012 at 2:01 am
I also believe the middle class is disappearing and I will be on the top and not the bottom! I greatly appreciate the information, Ali, and I am looking forward to much more! I am making some major business decisions right now and this new video series is coming at a perfect time!