There are two Chinese symbols that spell the word crisis - one symbol meaning danger and the other opportunity. With the world in the state of crisis, it's time, as the lyrics to that old song says, to "Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative, and don't mess with Mr. In-between."

• If Danger is immanent and real...BE realistic, but proactive
• If Danger presents a challenge...BE up for it
• If Danger presents tough life lessons...LEARN from them
• If Danger creates financial difficulties...LIVE differently
• If Danger is mentally draining...CHANGE your attitude

On the other side of every crisis is opportunity. When fires burn a forest into ash, the forest rebuilds itself better than it was before. Maybe it's time to take control of WHAT you can by HOW you ACT and REACT to opportunity?
Consider some options:

• IF the Boomers retired as originally planned, business will lose 80% of experience and expertise within a short amount of time. INSTEAD, the Boomers can phase out, work less hours and re-establish their 401Ks. The Xs and Ys can benefit by participating in planned succession transition and still have the flex time they so desire.
• IF talented people are unemployed for long periods of time, their enterpreneurial spirits will emerge. They will create ingenious boutique-type businesses; move into live/work condos; and virtually rise above this economy.
• IF we realize that much of business in the U.S. was based on greed and fear resulting in bursting bubbles and stimulus bills, perhaps we will build more reliable foundations for economies and lifestyles based on gratitude and appreciation.

So, when you hear that knock on the door - open it! It may well be the opportunity of a lifetime. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to be the right person at the right time for the right reason. Unleash your passion and potential and create a new model for the person or business leader within you! Lee Iacooca said, "Apply yourself. Get all the education you can, but then, by God, do something. Don't just stand there, make it happen!

Petey Parker can help you and/or your business find opportunity in crisis through an inspiring keynote address, educational seminar or one-on-one consulting. Check out the new features on Petey's website, www.peteyparker.com!