I have nothing to add to what we all already know about the year that started 12 days ago. In Costa Rica it even came with an earthquake, death and destruction, so it entered with force, forcing us to take it seriously. Undoubtedly, 2009 arrived claiming a space of its own and different from any other year in living memory.
All forecasts are discouraging. The trends anticipate a year with more economic deterioration, higher unemployment, less consumption and private investment, as well as, as is to be expected in our field, less advertising. The New Year has tugged on the ears of everyone in the world and has made us review our spending, lower our aspirations and control all monetary disbursements. It has made us think that the prudent, correct and proper thing to do is to hunker down, do less, risk little and wait until the storm passes. This is the way it is being done by large and small companies, rich people, salaried or with their own companies, and wherever we touch the temperature of the water, the thermometer orders prudence.
However, as it has always happened in crisis circumstances, there will be a few who will manage to take advantage. Possibly those who have been caught off guard by the crisis with cash on hand, as well as those who have specialized in low-cost, essential consumer products or necessary services, such as in the fields of security and entertainment, will have particular conditions. Unfortunately, for those who have insisted on making chocolate without cocoa and have over-leveraged or maxed out their credit cards beyond their ability to pay, 2009 will have no reservations and will sweep evenly across the board in all cases where the foundations have been laid in sand or in the clouds.
As it has always been, the future will be a consequence of the decisions we make today. However, it is important to remember that our decisions will always be influenced by what we believe in, what we know and have made our conviction, our trust and above all, our faith. Therefore, it is time to review our ideas and conceptions, what we know and have made our own, because everything will directly influence our decisions, and therefore, our future.
In particular, it is very difficult for me not to see a blue future. Perhaps I am affected by the fact that I prefer to see the glass half full, although I have been told that a pessimist is nothing more than an optimist with information. Perhaps I am influenced by the fact that I do not like to do what the majority does, and in general, I prefer to go against the current, to question the course of the established and opt for what requires at least a pinch of daring and a little courage. So, since January I am convinced that it is time to move forward and focus on overcoming the global crisis and discover ourselves at the end of the year among the winners.
In short, I think 2009 is a fierce year. I think in the end we will discover that it was more of a scare than anything else, although we may end up with less. I feel it will be for those who focus on the possibilities, deliberately ignoring the obstacles and problems. It will be a year to leave behind those who insist on seeing the gray sky, while confirming that it will be to take advantage and profit by making decisions convinced of the blue sky, the horizon in the distance and life in cycle after cycle.
To passion I would add compassion. To existence I would add significance. To survival I would define a life with purpose. To reason I would add emotion. To the status quo I would add revolution. To everything I do, God. And in everything 2009 brings, I wouldn’t make a single decision if it won’t generate a contribution. It is a year in which it is clear that there is no time to lose, we must transform, grow and improve ourselves, and for this, once again: welcome to a fierce year.
We are ready.
