With today's economic times, many clients I speak with are stressed out and anxious from not knowing what will be.

With the continued downward trend in the economy, many retirees are looking at the options they have regarding employment.  Clients' concerns are well based and have raised some good questions.  One client was wondering if she needs to put off retirement because the money she thought she'd have has decreased. Another client thought he may need to re-enter the job market after being retired.  Another client had just lost his job.

In order to make the best financial decision, I told them to meet with their financial advisor if they haven't already done so. 

But what does this all mean to peop...the loss of a job, the financial insecurity, the uncertainty and so on.

One of my clients, Lois, who was planning on early retirement, recently told me of her inability to retire at this time.   Lois said she had been working for 40 years and was looking forward to slowing down and relaxing but that would have to wait.  One of the things we discussed was instead of living in the disappointment, and feeling badly, to focus on how blessed she was to have a job where she could stay. 

Another client, Tim, had been retired for a few years and doesn't have the funds to sustain a comfortable lifestyle for himself and his wife.  He said he was looking to go back to work, hoping that his former employer would be able to employ him.  Tim seemed withdrawn.  He said he didn't want to talk to his family or friends about the current situation.  Tim and I discussed how talking to his spouse and possibly a friend would be to his advantage, and could even help his situation.  We discussed how his family and friends could actually be great allies to him. 

When Tim and I next spoke he said he felt so much better.  He had talked to his wife and told her how he was feeling.  He said she was very supportive and happy he opened up the communication between them.  When he spoke to a couple of friends, one of them knew of a possible job if his old employer couldn't take him back.  Tim felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He didn't feel alone and got the support from people who really cared about him.  In fact, the people who supported Tim actually felt better themselves.

With both clients, as well as others, we brainstormed options and possibilities.  We looked at what they have, not at what the losses were.  We focused on their skills and strengths in order to determine how they could best apply them in any situation.  We also discussed how my Eight Positive Self Talk (our inner dialogue) Strategies could help them to move forward and into action.

1) Set aside a quiet time.

2) Be Present and In the Moment

3) Be Aware and Notice

4) It's a Perspective

5) Replace and Reframe Negative Self Talk with Positive Self Talk

6) Choose the Words You Think and Say...Intention

7) Focus on What You Have

8) Realize You Have a Choice

 (To learn more about the PST Strategies, just look for my last column.)

The thoughts we think, the words we say, and the beliefs we have, have a lot to do with how we live our lives.  Shifting to a positive mindset, and practicing the strategies, can have a positive impact on your life.  A positive mindset will greatly influence your quality of life no matter what the circumstances.  Remember, one day at a time!

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Certified Business and Life Coach Susan Samakow is the principal of Susan Samakow Coaching, LLC.  She works with individuals and businesses on life and career transitions, focusing on retirement.  Susan coaches individuals, couples, and groups, as well as conducting workshops, retreats, and seminars. For questions, contact Susan at susan@selftalkcoach.net or 301-706-7226 and 703-472-7690.