By Jonathan Benjamin
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April 2, 2020
Lately, there are so many people talking about going stir-crazy out of boredom, lack of a schedule or just generally being stuck at home during this current shutdown/stay-at-home order during the Coronavirus. Ironically, this is the polar opposite for the way life has been for most of us......busy busy busy and feeling like there weren't enough hours in the day to get ANYTHING done! Life's a trip. Times like we are experiencing now can be scary. Especially when it gets us stressed about our fin ancial future and stability..... And while at times it's difficult to not get slightly stressed -out thinking about the future, I have been anything but bored. There is so much to do, plan and create, that I've been running non -stop! "So many people have used economic situations like this to drastically change their lives by making moves they would have never made, had they not been forced by things outside of their control." I know this first hand. Remember the downturn back back in 2009? We lost everything. Jobs, money, savings and even our home, but that is also what forced me into launching my most successful company to date - and I have been helping others launch and grow their businesses ever since. So, instead of complaining about boredom, or binge -watching something off the internet (which is running slow as shit anyway!) we can accept what is, and make the best of it. Below are some personal things you can do to be massively productive with this extra time that could very well be a blessing in disguise, if you allow it. If you are a business owner, Click here too. Work on that passion project you have been putting on the back-burner. Get cracking on that side -hustle or business idea you've been thinking about. Actually watching that video course you purchased. I personally have 3, that I haven't even logged into! Make your own video or audio program teaching that "thing" you always help people with. Finally do - or finish - that home project. Connect with people. Tell people how you feel about th e m. Write letters to friends. Call or video chat with them. Update your Will. Not because you think you'll die soon, but we all will pass someday and we don't know when. Rethink or revise your goals in life. Times like this can help us focus on what really matters to us. Make a list of the things you need to keep a closet full of once everything is back in stock. Do a massive level spring cleaning. You don't need all that shit. Give it to Goodwill. Someone needs it more than you. Think about ways to add another income stream. This will help insulate you a bit more for times like these in the future. Help someone else. Many may need even more help. This can be quite cathartic, even if you are barely hanging on yourself. This is just a short list to get you started. Another VERY important thing to remember is to breathe and stay calm. T hat means staying away from negativity, like the news! I'm not saying to be ignorant of what's going on, just don't be glued to it. Here's why: It has been proven that as a persons stress or “threat level” goes up, “creativity" goes down. We need our brains to be as creative as possible. It's what allows you to see opportunity and problem-solve at peak levels. Here are a couple things that may help with financial stress: Take a look at your finances and trim the fat. Once again, this is not from a standpoint of fear, but many of us are paying monthly for things we don't need or use. There are even smartphone apps that give you a quick rundown of your monthly subscriptions. Here is a link to one for iPhone called "Emma." Even if you are ok and have the money, ask for a skip payment on car loans & mortgages. Since we are unsure of how long this will last, it's a safer bet to keep more cash on hand. Many banks will freely offer skip payments during a time like this, without any penalty. Some banks may have stricter guidelines, so be sure to mention the "Coronavirus situation", they may have a rule that you need to say that to differentiate you from others that call. Maybe DON'T do this, if you are planning on doing a refi soon. Go online and check out which parts of the new Stimulus package you or your business qualify for. There are even business loans from the SBA that have portions that do not need to be repaid as long as you use it to pay employees and/or to keep your business afloat. Click here to check that out. If there is anything else at all I can help you with, use the form below to reach out - and please share.