Business I career coach

The Art Of Staying Positive

S

omeone once told me when things
are bad, it never looks like they
will be good; and when things are
good, you never think it will be difficult.
These are tough times. With the looming
threat of recession, many of you might be
finding it extremely difficult to be optimis-
tic about your own futures.
Don't let the negative get you down. Don't
whine. Don't com-
plain. It won't result
in anything good.
The keys to being
positive are survival,
focus and persis-
tence.
My son, Michael,
who is in residential
real estate, embodies
a positive attitude.
Robert Sher
He used to say it was
Columnist
easy to sell a moder-
ately priced house. No one, not even Mike,
would say that today. But, somehow, Mike
remains optimistic and he sold six houses

in January. How does Mike stay upbeat in
banks to avoid foreclosure.
the face of adversity?
Mike portrays confidence. When you are
"I always believe the sun is going to rise
negative, you simply do not portray con-
the next day. Excuses are the barriers we
fidence to anyone. What message are you
create to accept our failures. It is harder
sending if you complain constantly to your
today than it used to be to sell a house but
spouse, friends or colleagues?
still possible. People still have to buy and
The old adage is true: Whether you think
sell their homes and that is
you can or can't, you are
not changing:'
right, so you might as
The keys to being well
Mike also networks
take the high road
a lot. Once a week, he
and find a way to move
positive are
participates in a business
forward. It is bad out
roundtable where he keeps survival, focus and
there, and I know the
up with business trends
economy has been slow
and gets acquainted with
to recover, but this is no
persistence.
people in all types of busi-
time to feel sorry for
nesses. You never know
yourself. Instead, reces-
when one of them might need to sell a
sion-proof your finances and seek advice
house.
from a financial planner if you need help
Mike keeps up with trends and is always
with it.
looking for news to stay ahead of the com-
Hate your job? Update your resume and
petition in the saturated market place. Now send it out.
he is moving into a new area — short sales
Feeling blue? Get counseling. Also, let's
— in which he is helping sellers who are
not underestimate the power of exercise. In
about to lose their homes negotiate with
addition to being good for you physically,

it will make you feel better emotionally. Do
what you can to think positive thoughts
and keep those thoughts.
Some things, like corporate downsizing,
restructuring, layoffs and buyouts, are out
of your control, but your attitude is yours to
keep — and you should do what you can to
keep it upbeat.
Optimism is essential for survival and,
ultimately, for success. It is achievable and
is the perfect antidote to feelings of failure,
insecurity, fear, defeatism and lethargy.
Now take some advice from author
William Arthur Ward, who said, "The pes-
simist complains about the wind; the opti-
mist expects it to change; the realist adjusts
the sails." ❑

Robert Sher, CPA, is a certified executive coach.
Formerly CFO and partner for Livonia-based
Schostak Brothers & Co., he now serves on the

West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees
and is treasurer of the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants Foundation. His e-

mail address is: info@bobshercom.

DO YOU HAVE
BUSINESS OR PERSONAL
TAX PROBLEMS?

Levy & Associates can help!

We stop and resolve the situation before going to
court, and lawyers are needed. We let you focus
on your personal and professional life.

00

SPECIALIZING IN:

• Offer in Compromise
• IRS Collection Issues
• Release of Wage Garnishments
• Release of Bank Levies

• Unfiled Tax Returns

• Abatement of Penalties
• Installment Agreements
• Currently Non-Collectible Status
• Innocent Spouse Claims
• State Tax Collection Issues

We are a Michigan based corporation. We have successfully
represented thousands of corporations and individuals

YOUR OPTIONS:
Payment plans Reduction or elimination of penalties
Settlement for less than the amount demanded

EVY

We have resolved MILLIONS in tax
liabilities in the last year alone!

Associates:
• Charles M. Inman, Ill, C.P.A.+ • Kenneth Winston, E.A.•

• Richard A. Erickson++

• Dale L. Gudenau, Esq.**

• Renee M. Cooney*

• Michelle C. Levy, Esq.**
• Julie Morley*

• Glenn Sturm, C.P.A. & A.I.C.P.A.
• Allen Reback, Regional Manager
• Jerry Becker, Regional Manager

+ Member Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants

** Member Michigan Bar Association
* Member National Society of Accountants

•

Former IRS Revenue Officer

++American Society of Tax Problem Solvers

A36

March 13 • 2008

• New York

• Los Angeles

• Boston

• Ft. Lauderdale

• West Palm Beach

• Tampa

• Orlando

throughout the State of Michigan.

• Patricia L. Martinez, C.P.A.+

OFFICE
LOCATIONS

• Dallas

Lawrence B. Levy
Member National Society of Accountants &
American Society of Tax Problem Solvers

28400 Southfield Rd • Southfield, Ml 48075
248.557.4048 • Fax 248.443.1642
Toll Free 877.666.1evy (5389)
www.levygroupinc.com

• Fort Worth

• Indianapolis