We're going through tough times - the antidote to negativity is 'action'. Wishing our way out doesn't help. We need to build and develop our skills for a brighter future.
'May you live in interesting times' says an old Chinese proverb/curse (allegedly).
Well, the last ten years have certainly seen some turbulent events.
In recent years, we've had Brexit, the Coviid-19 pandemic, a war in Ukraine, and the demise of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss.
We have bankers and their families concerned about their positions and location post-Brexit. The status of UK nationals living abroad regularly arises as does the 3 million EU citizens who have settled here over the years.
We have young professionals unable to get on the housing ladder. College/university students in debt for a generation. Education and health systems struggling with funding. Homelessness and people living from day to day via food banks. There's gloom over mortgages, housing, and rising inflation. New car sales are down; retail sales are down. It's not looking good - is it?
Donald Trump made waves nationally and internationally. Syria, North Korea, and Afghanistan. Does anybody know where we are heading?
Could I make a suggestion? Don't leave yourself in the hands of politicians. Do you really believe they have the panacea for the UK's problems - the world's problems? They haven't so far in my lifetime. I'm in my sixties and I believe it's getting worse, not better, both at home and abroad.
I know because I work abroad with charities and big companies and I have witnessed some awful situations in the UK, Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
I don't know what's going to happen in the future, the only thing I can control is what I choose to do right now. The only way I can impact the future is by investing in the now. That's why we send our children to school and why we build schools and hospitals now, as an investment in the future.
In the last ten years (through the credit crunch and deep recession) I have spent over £25,000 on upskilling myself in terms of being a better technician, leader, and speaker.
Those levels of investment will continue whatever is happening nationally and internationally. That investment has contributed massively towards my company's survival through choppy waters and it will future-proof me, my family, and the company through the next 10 years. I'm investing now for the future.
The world will take care of itself and so must you. The more you invest now, the greater the return on your investment.
In the workplace, there is a technical glass ceiling. It's the highest pay grade for your work discipline. The really big salaries come in the realm of management and leadership. All fields are competitive, so you'll need to be outstanding in what you do and how you portray yourself and your company.
If you communicate well, over the course of your professional life you will earn 70% more than your colleagues.
Wherever you are in your profession, now is a good time to invest in your future.
The world will take care of itself and so must you. Your family's future and your country's future is depending on it.
If you're looking to enhance your professional skill set or want to help a colleague on the road to success, enrol on our 5-Day Public Speaking Course. This executive public speaking course helps you to polish your skills so you can present comfortably to the board and other industry professionals.
