More and more, my coaching work is about helping people become engaged and connected with their work, their families, and their communities at large. Recognizing who we are in the world, what we stand for, and how to go about reaching our goals requires courage and perseverance.

In difficult times – such as in today’s economic and social climate – the task is more difficult because we have to balance our search with a realistic assessment. It may seem that pursuit of a passion or dream is out of the question because we have to do what is necessary to put food on the table and keep a roof over our heads.

The real challenge is to find a way to do both – find the connection between them. There are things we can do to address both desires. These difficult times require us to reach for our courage, be more creative in our thinking, and more tolerant of our present situation.

“The Protean Self” by Robert Jay Lifton. sheds light on how we are attempting to live our lives in today’s chaotic society. It is Lifton’s view that embracing the fluidity of our lives, “is an act of imagination and, as such, a profound (new) beginning.”

Most of us have to believe that times will get better. The question becomes, will we be ready to move ahead when they do get better, or are we going to wait, see what happens, then move? Those who have the courage and perseverance not to abandon their dreams and do what can be done during these trying times will be poised for a more rewarding future more quickly. The person who does this has both a strategic and competitive edge. Where are you in this mix?