#42 What to do in times of crisis

According to Stephen Green

There is one piece of advice from my university commencement speech that stuck with me forever.

In 2015, Hartwick College’s commencement speaker was Stephen Green, a New York real estate developer with a company valued at $13 billion.

In his speech, Green told us about lessons learned through his successes and failures. In 2008, when the recession hit, Green's company stock value went down by 95% in a matter of days.

"That was, without a doubt, the lowest point of my professional career. And I am sure these kinds of setbacks are probably going to happen in your life. I don't when, or how, but they are likely to happen. When that day comes, what should you do?

Well, the first thing you should do is start the day by getting out of bed. Then make your bed, take a shower, get some exercise. Get into a daily routine. In times of crisis, you need to zero in on today. Do not think too far into the future, just get through today and focus on the positive. That's the lesson I want you to remember."

When faced with setbacks, I remind myself of Green’s advice. I try to do the simple things: shower, meditate, make a cup of coffee, get a workout. As I get into the rhythm, I can think more clearly and address the situation at hand.