Salesmanship Corner By Zig Ziglar - Solving the "Blues" Problem

First, let me define the "blues." I am not referring to clinical depression, which is a medical condition and requires the help of a skilled physician. I use the term "blues" to describe the type of depression most of us experience at one time or another. It simply starts with a mild case of "stinking thinking" and accelerates into a severe case of "stinking thinking."

First, accept the fact that you (except in cases of chemical imbalances) can control your moods and that your actions will dictate your feelings. One sound psychological axiom is this: logic will not change an emotion, but action will. The old saying, "Act as if and it soon will be," has more than a kernel of truth in it. Example: In the last 22 years there have been dozens of times when I did not feel like working out, but I have always gone ahead. Experience has taught me that once I start to exercise, I will feel better and enjoy the process.

It happens to you. The "opportunity clock" sounds off (negative people call it an "alarm clock") and you slowly get out of bed, not really feeling like going to work but knowing you have responsibilities. You do a little halo-adjusting and head for work. Once there you get involved in what you need to do and quickly forget about "not feeling like doing it."

Depression is almost always preceded by anger. You need to deal with the person or circumstances that triggered the anger. That's a major step toward putting it behind you. Next, put some order in your life. Frequently, depression is caused or sustained by "loose ends" in our lives - a desk or office that is "a wreck"; a house or room that looks like a cyclone hit it. Get things around you in order and soon your thinking will be in order.

Next, do something for someone else. There's nothing more exhilarating than the feeling you get from helping someone else. Try these ideas to overcome your "blues" and I'll SEE YOU AT THE TOP!

Zig Ziglar is a motivator and teacher. He is the author of 26 books and loved by millions of people world wide for his practical wisdom and his gift of hope.