When You Have Nothing

By Dan Miller
48days.com

CBN.com – Joanne and I were in Chicago for our annual pre-Christmas excursion. The weather was bitter cold and the streets were not as crowded with shoppers this year. And the sidewalks had all too many people with quickly constructed cardboard signs who were hoping to capture the sympathy of passing shoppers.

I saw one sign that said:

Lost My Job
Lost My Home
Lost My Hope
Please Help

What’s the next step? Is this really an inevitable sequence? I was reading this morning about the inventions that are coming out of the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. The tagline on the story said, “When you have nothing, anything is possible.”

This is a season for hope – not despair. Hope or optimism is not about denying reality; it’s about seeing the possibilities for creating a better reality than you currently have.

Yes, I’ve always been accused of being a glass-half-full kind of guy because I really do believe that every problem brings with it the seed of a solution, and I believe that the search for a solution can itself be inspiring and hopeful. If you lose hope, you will not be looking for solutions and will miss them even it they pass right in front of your nose.

More can be gained by focusing on those talents and gifts you know God has given you. Focus on what you’re moving to, not what you’re moving from. Circumstances beyond your control may lead to losing your job and maybe your home – but losing hope is a choice. Remember, “When you have nothing, anything is possible.”

Read the blog

Past Humiliation – But Stuck in Sameness

Each week I create a new online radio podcast — that you can hear in iTunes or at the 48 Days Online Radio Show link below.

I begin this 48-minute podcast from December 17 by recapping my recent blog on getting stuck in trying the same things – when it’s clear they aren’t working.

I am currently in a contract position in a pharmaceutical company – with an opportunity to become a permanent employee in 2009. What advice would you have for negotiating salary and benefits?
I'm considering buying a franchise with startup costs of approximately $250,000. Are there benefits to buying a franchise as opposed to starting a business from scratch?
I have lots of good ideas for starting a business. However, can you explain to someone how to eliminate procrastination?
If I understand correctly, you started your career in coaching with linear income before moving on to residual. If you could do it again, would you (and could you) have focused only on residual income? Or was the work you did while earning linear income necessary for the residual?
I've always had an interest in becoming a life coach. I wonder whether you think this is a viable career during the current recession.
After speaking with my academic adviser, she told me I need to start taking more classes or it will be 10 years before I finish. I can’t do that! I work 80 to 100 hours a week (no exaggeration) and taking just one class at a time has been putting a toll on my family life. I have decided to quit college. Is this the right choice?

If you have a question, just click on 48 Days Online Radio and you can ask about starting your own business, getting a better job, or finding your purpose in life. That’s the same place you can listen to this week’s broadcast immediately – no downloading – no wait.

48 Days Highlights

Personal Coaching
Many of you are asking about my personal coaching. Yes, I still work with a few people each month – and I still love the process. This is a great time to be planning to make 2009 the best year of your life. Also, keep in mind that many companies encourage and pay for professional coaching or transition assistance if needed. With the current workplace changes, people are requesting my coaching as part of their layoff package. If you want to review the options and provide me with some basic information, I’ll be honored to evaluate it and give you some starting feedback. Just go to Personal Coaching and get started.

The Future of 'Intelligent Dreaming'
48Days.net is our newest project – and wow, are you all responding! People just like you, with ideas and energy, are joining this “idea network” to share and grow together. You‘ll see groups have already formed on speaking, writing, sales, parenting, and inventing. If you have an interest and don’t see it here, you can start your own group. There’s no charge – it’s just one more benefit of being part of the 48 Days family.

Chuck Bowen - Financial & Business Coaching
Need to do better (maybe a lot better?) with your personal finances? Is your business as profitable, or enjoyable, as you'd like it to be? Contact Chuck Bowen Coaching. If you want to transform your life permanently for the better, he's your guy. Chuck serves as President of our 212 Connection and oversees the business side of that part of our business.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT
Know Yourself – Set Your Goals
The most popular product in the 48 Days arsenal continues to be the 48 Days Career Profile. Before you begin seeking a better job or self-employment, you need to be sure you are pursuing opportunities that match your personality style and will fulfill and reward you for a lifetime!

Dan Miller is the bestselling author of 48 Days To The Work You Love and a renowned Life Coach specializing in career fulfillment. His weekly newsletter reaches 70,000 subscribers. Dan’s articles are featured here at CBN every Tuesday, and you can find out more about Dan at www.48days.com.