An Upside of Down

a man lying on a rest to photograph the tree tops above him
a smiling man sitting up on a rest in the forest

Fourteen years ago, I heard a strange sentence. ‘I love recessions.’

I was in a training centre in Leeds, a recession was coming fast, the TV news full of grim statistics. I was chatting with a fellow freelance trainer who said, ‘I love recessions.’ What?? ‘Yeah, I love them, they sharpen you up and provide opportunities if you look for them.’

Not the language I would have used, but it got me thinking. Amidst the gloom of a recession, there are still opportunities. It is all about keeping your eyes open and being ready to take and shape what comes your way.

Luckily his words proved right. They have stuck with me ever since. I suspect they will come in handy in the coming months.

Keep looking around, stay in touch with your network, make the most of what you have, think about all you can offer.

There is often an upside of down.

the crowns of pine trees seen from below

© PT Performance Solutions Ltd

By Paul Tran

Paul Tran helps people think and do things differently through training, facilitation, coaching writing and music. He enjoys spending time in nature, on beaches and mountains.