Are You Like Blockbuster or Are You Like Netflix?

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“Anyone can make millions; all you gotta do is think.” –Ted Turner

A recent CNBC article reported “Blockbuster failed to update its brick-and-mortar model to compete in the fast-paced digital age, and it's been trounced by Netflix.” As a result, Blockbuster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The question: Are you like Netflix or are you like Blockbuster? Are you changing with the times and thriving or are you watching things around you change and reacting to your environment? There is no question we live in changing times, and while some are waiting for the economy to recover so they can go back to life as they knew it, others are being adaptable, flexible, and creative.

Here are some ways you, too, can change with the times, so you’re not left wondering “what just happened?”

Get Into Prosperity Mode: While having lunch with a friend I explained the tremendous potential within each of us for greatness. Her response, “People are too busy focusing on surviving.” If you are among those who are focused on just surviving, then like Blockbuster that is exactly what you will find yourself doing. To put things into perspective, Blockbuster had a staggering $900 million debt load. Instead, close off all thoughts such as, “I’m just getting by” and begin shifting your mind into prosperity mode. Do not become a victim of your circumstances.

Be joyful for the things in your life (family, health, friends, food…) and accept that there are limitless opportunities for you in the world. A woman recently posted on Twitter, “I reject the recession. I am my own lottery ticket.” That’s prosperity thinking! You become what you think about, so think thoughts of prosperity.

Make Your Own Rules for Success: Who says you have to play by the rules? Get into a paradoxical spirit of rule breaking with the intent of yielding results for your future. Netflix’s culture, for example, is contrary to that of many corporations. Their forward-thinking strategy for hiring, retaining, and compensating talent is vastly contrary to that of most organizations. The company threw out the old ways of doing business, which helped prepare them for a new economy. What rules will you begin breaking to start creating results in your life?

Be Proactive, Reject Reactive: Ask yourself, what kinds of skills do I have that would be of value? What kinds of people do I know? What new connections will I make? What knowledge do I possess? Asking these types of questions, keeping an inventory of your talents and resources, and taking action on some of these items (e.g., learning a new skill or making new connections) will prepare you to better adapt to changes in your life and finances.

Release the Innovator Within: One of my favorite TV shows is The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch. While the show is no longer on the air, it was a testament to the innovator within all of us. The show featured everyday people who became millionaires when they realized, as Deutsch said, “There has to be a better way!” These people invented simple products to organize their lives, care for their children, haul away junk, or eat healthier foods. Their inventions were born out of necessity.

One of Netflix’s values is innovation. Among other things, they "create new ideas that prove useful.” Look around and think of products you or others could use to simplify or enrich your lives. Or consider services that would be especially useful in today’s economy. Even the simplest ideas can lead to something great.

Become an Information Vacuum. Observe trends or gather knowledge and information by surrounding yourself with resources or people you can learn from. You may be able to glean information that you can transform into new opportunities. Media mogul turned philanthropist, Ted Turner, said his fortune grew from reading the papers and gathering information which he would then piece together to realize there was a need for a product or service. This constantly kept him ahead of the competition. “Anyone can make millions; all you gotta do is think,” says Turner. The saying, “knowledge is power if you use it” holds true. So, act on the useful information you gather.

These are just a few things you can do to change with the times. Add your thoughts and ideas below and let’s share our brilliance to support and empower each other.

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine

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