2008 has been a crazy year for not only America but for the entire world. What’s even crazier is how much this world has changed in just the last six months. Early in 2008 – I think everyone was optimistic that the economic crisis is something we’ll easily be able to cruise by – but now you can’t turn on the TV without hearing another pessimistic outlook on how things really are.
Aside from those media reports, we’re also now seeing how the financial crisis is also taking a moral toll on people. Just in the last six weeks, here are some of the tragedies that have taken place.
• Man who lost job at Santa Clara startup killed 3
• Ohio woman, 90, attempts suicide after foreclosure
• L.A. man kills family, himself over financial woes
• City whiz Kirk Stephenson in suicide over credit crunch
I think the message that is missing in the media is to let people know that WE WILL prevail from this economic crisis. As a country, we have suffered from far worse (Great Depression), and have overcome it even stronger.
Even in my journey in life – I’ve been at several times at the brink of losing it all. But, anytime I had these moments of weakness I always considered that whatever crisis I was in – was a test from God to make me even a stronger person.
In my book I also mention this:
You will have bad days. There will be setbacks. You will have more than your fair share of failures. But at the end of the day, you pick yourself up and keep going. That’s the Big Secret of Life. You fall down, you get up.
I don’t know how the economic outlook will be in six months – but I am hoping these tragedies do come to an end. My prayers go to the families that have suffered.
We Will Prevail.
Tags: 2008, credit, credit crunch, crisis, crunch, economic, financial, great depression, meltdown, moral crisis, outlook, prevail, suicide attempts, the dream, tragedies, we, we will prevail, will
November 17th, 2008 at 1:54 am
Thank you for these words.
November 17th, 2008 at 2:00 am
Thanks you for the kind words of encouragement.
November 17th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Timing is everything. Thanks for the encouraging words..I needed them this morning.
November 17th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
You are absolutely right, we will prevail. It is so sad that in these economic times of deperation, people have turned to tragic measures. I also do wish that the media can send the similar message that we will make it. We may not be able to afford or buy every material thing we want and we have to cut coupons but we “CAN” do it. Thanks for this post G, and for everything. Loved your book.
November 17th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
I think you’re hot.
November 17th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Financial security can mean so much to some people. Even more than life itself. And that is such a sad dose of reality. I guess giving up or taking the low road seems enticing b/c it doesn’t force you to act courageously — this is, to accept your losses and keep moving forward. To rebuild your future, and not stay stuck in past regrets. To not confuse yourself in lost net worth, assets, or savings accounts. But, to some, that IS their identity. What they make, how much they’re worth on paper… that’s the measurement of success in life. =/ I hate that this could destroy people in the most horrific ways.
November 18th, 2008 at 12:03 am
It is always nice to hear/read encouraging positive words. Thanks for taking time to write this. I wish people can find strength, courage and faith to get through this time as we will make it. It is terrifying to know that one can turn to suicide/homicide and other horrible crimes b/c of economic turmoil. I do wish that media would use celebrities such as Oprah and other hollywood stars who have such a large following, who can influence and give words of encouragement and tell people to not give up.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Very optimistic way of looking at not so optimistic issues. We all should have this kind of positive view.
Cheers,
A Dawn Journal
http://www.adawnjournal.com
November 19th, 2008 at 10:50 am
You are a living inspiration. I hope you continuously touch people lives by your good example.
November 25th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Thanks for inspiring us to hold on to hope even when our lives are consumed by doubts and fears. Your book was awesome, it encouraged me to keep going after my dreams despite the odds. All the best in everything.
December 9th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Hello Mr. Chatal:
I admire your keen business sense; it is clear you are a savvy entrepreneur. Like you, I am from Indian extraction, but have been acculturated to the American lifestyle . I have spent almost the majority of my life growing up in the United States. Currently, I reside in Los Angeles, California attempting to find a suitable career. My interests are accounting/finance– I find something appealing about crunching numbers.
What motivates you to keep working? From a sociological point of a view, some enjoy the prestige of achieving recognition of status (e.g. Forbes 400 Billionaires).
I find your philosophy interesting: “Now let’s get back to my reasoning. I know my DNA. What does this mean? It means a lot to me. Part of my upbringing – we struggled as an immigrant family. Constantly, we’d have to live under the scenario: need vs. necessity. What do you really need and what is necessary? Survival. They are two very separate ways to live. Think about it. The need maybe a new car – but the necessity maybe just a car with four wheels. That’s how I lived growing up – and that’s how I founded both of my Companies. The first time I never raised any capital and I bootstrapped it the entire way. The second time around, I bootstrapped it for 1 year and then ended up raising $11.5 million but never actually used it (since we remained profitable at all times).”
When you said you are putting your money into your company, wouldn’t it be ill-advised because failures may occur which could liquid all of your assets thereby leaving you penniless. Any input or feedback is welcome.
Regards,
Dave
December 15th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Amen!
January 5th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Encouraging words at a time when the world needs them most.
I admire your sense of direction and optimistic mindset.
The world could definitely use more brilliant individuals such as you Mr. Chahal.
Kind Regards,
Aleksandar Todorovic
Windsor, Canada
February 12th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Show me the money!
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:45 pm
hey i never heard about you till now . i am taking e- business class we were talking about ad online . starting business online the startup cost low . then are teacher showed us you video on youtube. i am was really imagied by your work, you working really hard for it at the age of 16. i wish all the best for you and your family . good luck in the future .