How the 2016 USA Presidential elections will affect you – no matter where in the world you live
There are few key things that I feel many may be missing the point on about the current 2016 USA Presidential elections. Firstly there is too much focus on the messenger and not the message. Secondly there may be an assumption that is just about America, not about non-Americans living elsewhere in the world. And thirdly, a lack of forward thinking about the implications of the outcome.
Firstly – the message vs. the messenger. Granted it’s been a campaign that may have taken gutter politics to a new high (or low). And I can understand how anyone could be distracted by that. But let me bring you back on focus. It’s not about the messenger. Take Donald Trump. I see a lot of commentary on his personality, or on the allegations of his treatment of women, or on his own word selection about treatment of women, and so on. Or take Clinton, with focus on her email management or Benghazi or her husbands track record with women.
Firstly, let me be politically correct – what I am about to say is not endorsing the values or behaviors that either person has been criticized for. What I believe is however that the point is being missed. Go beyond the individuals – consider the bigger picture. This is the first time, to my knowledge, and in my lifetime, a complete political novice has been a front-runner for Presidency of the United States.
This is the message – that enough Americans are fed up with or frustrated by or disillusioned with the solutions offered in their adult lifetime by career politicians that enough of them are supporting an alternative. I suggest this is more about people power and one of the greatest shifts in political and social patterns in my lifetime that it is about Trump or Clinton.
And why? I suggest that a growing number of people in the US (and potentially other countries around the world) are concerned enough about their future that they are willing to endorse change. And that means they must be really disillusioned and questioning main-stream to-date accepted ways of governance. And that, for me is massive. There is a message in this, a ‘huge’ (no to paraphrase Donald!) message. We are possibly witnessing one on the most significant shifts in social and political thinking of the masses, based on I suggest financial realities. The system is just not working for a growing number of people.
In summary on this point, I suggest take your gaze off the personalities involved (the messengers) and look at the message – a proposal be the people, even it is only the Republicans to date in this pre-election (11 days away) moment – that there is a viable alternative that they are willing to support other than a career politician.
Now for the second point. Perhaps too many of us – myself included at times – have considered this an ‘American’ thing, that it doesn’t really matter to or affect those who are not US residents or citizens. Perhaps this is not so. What if the outcome of this election affected every country in the world and every citizen of every country in the word? And how might this occur?
In the first instance, considering the size of an impact of the US on other countries globally, it would be naïve and short-sighted to assume that there would not be a flow on affect to every other country. Now just how much impact may depend on many variables including the extent to which your country trades with the US. However there is a second potential impact. What is the same social wave of unrest, as I have called it, sweeps your country and impacts major decisions such as national elections? This is a very strong possibility, that the world may be moving into a different phase.
Thirdly lets talk about the post election impact. No, I am not talking about whether Donald jails Hilary if he is elected. Or if Hilary has retribution for Donald if she is elected; or whether Donald’s accusers will prevail; or whether the FBI will bring criminal charges against Hillary. I am talking about how our lives may or may not be impacted post election. Have you considered that?
I have, and I believe it’s something you should consider, and form your own opinions on before I share my thoughts on this with you – which I plan to do.
So there you have it. I trust I have stimulated you to give serious reflection to this moment in time, and perhaps have given you a new perspective on what may be happening – to us all, currently, in the US.
https://kosura.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/TrumpvsClinton.jpg5601260Teresa Kinghttps://kosura.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kosura-transperant-background.pngTeresa King2016-11-03 03:11:322016-11-03 03:11:32Trump or Clinton?
Someone suggested in a response to a recent FB page that I was engaging in ‘scare tactics’. That post was not about scare tactics. I have no reason to use ‘tactics’. I am simply reaching out and giving you an opportunity to manage life moving forwards in a period that you may not be ready for, with strategies that I have been developing for the last fifteen years.
Let me explain
Growing up in a household where the dominant economic belief was that ‘the sky was falling’, that the stock market would crash at any movement. As I learnt more about history I understood why. My grandfather was a young father with little children when the 1930s Great Depression hit. That would have left scars.
But only scars for one generation or an 80-year cycle. In the same way as a Great World War – it’s when those who remember them pass, and those who do not remember them shape up for another one, that history repeats itself And I suggest history – the 1930s – is about to repeat itself.
I spend most of my life going contrary to the negative outlook on the economy of my upbringing. And this bullish approach served me well, giving me a degree of financial success.
However later in life I began to wonder what it took to indicate a Depression, because I had been very aggressive in my investing, and I realized that if I took this highly leveraged approach into a major downturn or Depression I would be smashed. And after spending my early years listening to stories about economic depressions, I had no excuse for totally ignoring the lessons of my upbringing.
I had become a student of money and business in the early 1990s when I had the hard realization that I had nothing to show for my financial position other than the warm feeling of being successful and highly paid in my profession.
However in the early 2000s, in particular post the September 11 2001 Twin Towers events, I asked different questions – what would it take to create a financial depression and what were the signs?
From the research into the subject of economic depressions, in 2003 I began teaching my inner circle about the 2007/2008 dates for a economic downturn. This information saved me financially, and also served my coaches. My colleagues and acquaintances who didn’t want to heed my advice paid the price during what was called the ‘Global Financial Crisis’ (GFC).
My study in the early 2000s let me to the belief that a larger economic shock was going to hit the world in about 2016.
And that’s were we are today. On the brink of 2016. With the definite signs of a meltdown showing, we may be months, and if not just years away, from experiencing massive financial changes in our lives, in our cultures, and in a way that could significantly affect our daily life.
I don’t need to be right, but if I am on track, and you ignored this heads up because you thought it was ‘scare tactics’, I look forward to swapping notes in about 5 years time. Maybe some of you do need to be scared now!
I have been reaching out more this year to those outside my inner circle. Has it been effective? Not really, most think I am crazy. That’s okay. In retrospect they can review their initial conclusions, and I will look back as say I did what I could to give a warning.
Even those who have shown interest in this more recent reaching out have shown inadequate responses and actions. All I can say is – this is not a dress rehearsal. This is the real deal. It may just be the warm up, but this is the real deal, it is going to happen. How serious it will be, we don’ t know. How much it will affect you we don’t know. But what we do know is that I have reached out, and the ‘ball is in your court’.
https://kosura.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Kosura-Home-based-business-planning.jpg6851000Ian Kinghttps://kosura.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kosura-transperant-background.pngIan King2015-08-27 03:22:322016-07-14 12:16:40This is not a dress rehearsal - and it's definitely not 'scare tactics'
I’ve been a student of the economy, business, finance and success since the early 1999s. By that time I realized I had ‘cracked’ the code on training, yet at the same time realized I was a white belt in the financial stakes. So I set to work, as I do, studying widely and seriously. As with my training innovations, I didn’t write about my study and experiments for a decade, when I wrote my first financial education book ‘Paycheck to Passive’, and began teaching about money in our holistic physical preparation coach education through KSI U circa 1999.
Yes, I know. Physical prep coaches should not be talking about finances, have no right doing so, and most of you are not interested. Which is why most of you will become losers at the money game. And if the predictions I have been exposed to about events in the next few years are anywhere near accurate, those who lose at the money are facing a small upper-cut – rather a left / right combination and a hook and an uppercut.
I don’t speak too often or openly about money and business outside of our inner circles KSI Coaching group, however I chose to go out on a lim b recently in a general blog here:
But Wiedemer’s outlook for the U.S. economy today makes Trump’s observations seem almost optimistic.
Yes see we’ve being studying and improving and helping others in physical preparation improve, prepare and thrive in the holistic areas such as money, business and financial education now for about a decade and a half. We are unique in what we teach – we actually teach from personal experience. And we are very concerned that most of you are going to sink if the ship goes down because you may not be taking the warnings seriously.
Now hopefully the prediction and wrong and you can continue doing and thinking exactly what you are doing right now and survive. However, if the predictions are on track, all we can say is we did our best to reach out and inform you… its up to you.
If you have a concern about your future and you want to chat we are willing to reach out and help. We can make this offer because we know we are not going to over-run. Most of you are still lving with the habits in the mind and body of an economy that left the station years ago. Email us at question@kingsports.net.
https://kosura.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kosura-Why-Join-home-based-business.jpg9981500Ian Kinghttps://kosura.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kosura-transperant-background.pngIan King2015-06-07 03:23:402017-02-23 04:04:36If the ship goes down
I’m going to give you a brief economics lesson because we are holistic teachers. So if you find that boring or offensive, you can shut down, close the email and go back to whatever you are going. After all I know there are many who, for whatever reason, have interest only for the narrow focus of their tomorrow. No future focus.
On the flip, if you have any inkling that the future economy could have a massive impact on your personal financial security, your ability to put food on the table and the ability for you to cloth your children, you might choose to read on.
I have been holding back on this message to you for nearly 15 years, waiting to see if the signs support the predictions I have been collating from those whose insights into future economy I trust. And as the time is getting closer, if I don’t tell you know, I will suffer regret for my silence.
So on one side I have the risk of the small percent who will opt out in disgust at our audacity to talk about something outside of sets and reps, body fat and how to get bigger and stronger. I do that, and have been prolific contributor in professional development for many decades. What I also do it teach holistically. You can tell me you are only interested in sets and reps and bodyfat and strength all you want, but know that some point in your future your ability to do those things will be impacted directly or indirectly by your ability to create the legal tender to survive.
So if your head isn’t in the sand by now, I want to share with you the consensus of opinion from my teachers about the impending economic challenges we may face in the next few years.
I was raised in a Great Depression household, where my father watched his father struggle during the Great Depression of the 1930s and the flat 1940s. It left a strong imprint on that generation. However as the western economies boomed through the 1970s and beyond, the next generation became complacent. After witnessing the 2001 9/11 impact on the US economy I wanted to learn the signs and triggers of any potential future depression, so I could be forewarned and share this with others.
Those in my inner coaching circle who were with me in the early 2000s will vividly recall me talking about the prediction that the world economy would suffer a significant downturn in the 2007-2008 period.
This prediction was spot on – the US suffered what become known as the ‘Sub-Prime’ loans crisis, where the collapse of a large number of housing loans brought the US economy to it’s knees. Australia called it’s economic challenges the ‘Global Financial Crisis’ (GFC).
Now as a person who earns their money training people, you may ask what does this have to do with me. I not interested in economics or future predictions! I understand this, but what I want to share it this – when the economy turns down significantly you are/will be affected.
Why do I say this? I watched the impact of the 2007-2009 economic downturn in various countries.
As a student of futurism and holism, the study of future economic changes of significance has been. Sport sponsorship reduced sharply and wages and number of positions in sport contracted. Everyone in the general population was affected financially, and the spending on non-essential services such as gym membership and personal training declined.
I have many wealthy friends and after watching the impact on them during the 2007-2009 period, I learnt that no-one is immune.
So you can stick your head in the sand and say ‘If its not about sets and reps, I couldn’t give a flying f—!’. And I look forward studying the outcome of this group, as well as the group who take my future economy concerns more seriously.
One of the strongest themes I have seen about the economy in the immediate future is reference to 2016. Which is why now, in 2015, there has never been a better or more important time to learn new skills such as those taught through the KSI Leveraged Income Challenge. Click here to learn more: http://bit.ly/LeverageIncomeChallengeInterest
Thom Hartmann promotes his new book ‘The Crash of 2016’ with the suggestion that another great depression looms over the United States in 2016, because of all the economic fraud and corruption by the 1%, the mega corporation, and politicians all buying laws to enrich themselves, and bankrupting the rest of the economy. (sounds like what I see in the fitness industry – self enrichment at the cost of the masses…)
tube.com/watch?v=2FyK8xqfRhc
We’ve been saying for years that we believe the period of 2016-2018 is the start of an overwhelming financial crisis, possibly much worse than the 2000/2001 stock market collapse, and the 2008/2009 credit crisis. 2016 appears to be the peak of the financial markets and economic escalation, with the giant reverse beginning as early as 2016 and as late as 2018, but more likely as late as 2017.
This is just a sample of those who express concern for the economy during this period. And of course there are as many who say don’t worry, there will be no crash.
Now let’s say the doom predictions are all wrong. That nothing happens. Or better still the economy booms in that time. I am very happy. I don’t need to be right. I don’t expect my teachers to be right. I just want to act and see them act in the best interests of those we seek to serve, to be honest, and to help others be prepared for the possibilities.
However there is one thing I feel very confident of guaranteeing you – the rich will get richer and the poor will get poorer. Your income’s buying power will shrink. The cost of living will rise faster than your wage rises. In summary if you don’t start doing things differently, you will slide down the standard of living scales. So you can tell me now that all you want to do is think, learn and talk about sets and reps and bodyfat and getting stronger – and I will ask you how you are going in 10, 20, 30, 40 years etc from now what you are doing, what you are interested in, and how life is going for you. I am confident those who take action will respond positively, and those who shut down and put their heads in the sand will have a ‘different’ outlook than the one than have now, one where regret will most likely figure prominently….
As individuals and as a company we do three things – we train athletes, we teach coaches, and we change lives holistically.
We currently giving you a phenomenal opportunity to change and create a stronger position from which to deal with any possible future economic downturns, as well as change your life now matter what happens. Through the KSI Leveraged Income Challenge. Click here to learn more: http://bit.ly/LeverageIncomeChallengeInterest
There are ways to take control of your financial destiny, and they are exciting opportunities. Darren Hardy, Founder of Success Magazine and student of success, is passionate that now is the time to begin your entrepreneurial journey. http://bit.ly/TheresNeverBeenABettterTime
https://kosura.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kosura-transperant-background.png00Ian Kinghttps://kosura.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kosura-transperant-background.pngIan King2015-05-11 03:25:232016-06-26 03:18:25Securing your financial future - 2016 predictions and beyond
With the Australian central ‘bank’, the Reserve ‘Bank’ of Australia, cutting interest rates to an all-time low, many industry commentators came out and put their spin on the decision.
Amongst them was the incumbent governments Treasurer, who suggested:
“Now is the time to borrow and invest, whether you be a household or small business – now is the time to have a go,” Mr Hockey said after the decision.
The way I read that is simple – if that is what the government is recommending – and many people will be influenced by this – then there will be blood on the streets (figuratively speaking)for those who do just that. Those who expand their debt on the recommendation of the government will most likely be amongst the victims of an economic contraction placing them in jeopardy, during the next 1-2 years.
It reminded me of the time in about 2007 when the Australian government changed the super-annuation rules allowing a larged one off deposit into personal retirement plans and encouraged people to do so.
Many sold their real estate and invested the cash from the sale into predominantly stock market based retirement schemes. Within about 18 months the stock market had crashed, with most losing about 50% of their stock value, and real estate held firm for the most part.
So if the government is recommending you get into further debt – consider the opposite direction!
https://kosura.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kosura-transperant-background.png00Ian Kinghttps://kosura.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kosura-transperant-background.pngIan King2015-05-05 03:33:212016-06-26 03:21:23If the government gives financial recommendations - do the opposite!
Over a decade ago I concluded that the business model used by our partner company was ahead of its time. This conclusion was based on my study of business books that described new trends in business. Some of my current top team members became business partners on the basis of these writings. Now I believe – the future is here.
And here is an example, another mainstream conventional business product distribution shifting to our way of business. One of the first was computers, with Michael Dell’s direct to the customer model. Now read what’s happening in cars sales and distribution – and not just bottom end cars – this article is about the top end of the brand options.
How about a car dealership with, er, no cars. Audi’s virtual showroom in London is hailedas the future of automobile retailing.‘Audio City is revolutionizing the future of retailing by combining digital product presentation and personal contact with dealers’, says Interbrand, which annually rates the value of global car companies. Other makers, including BMW and Infiniti, are working on similar products.
That’s what we do. We offer personal relationships to consumer, using virtual displays and a small amount of hard product, and arrange distribution from the manufacturer to the consumer. We even offer customization at a level not yet achieved by any other in our industry.
Make no mistake – the future is here. It’s time to stop thinking and living in the past. That’s going to be tough for many who do not embrace change, and who cling to the mind-set of the masses. But then being left behind economically and in standard of living – the price you will pay for failing to keep up and change – is not going to be very easy either. And that ‘un-ease’will be experienced by more than yourself. It will be experienced by all those who depend on you – you partner, your off-spring, your relatives and any others you influence.There is one saying that will always apply – the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Your decision in embracing new models of commerce will in a significant way determine if you are part of the poor getting poorer equation.
Yes, the future is here. I embraced it over a decade ago and have been paving the way for thousands who have followed my lead. Are you still living in the past? If so, and I expect that would be the honest answer, you probably have a collection of vinyl records also…
Want to learn more? Email info@paychecktopassive.com.
https://kosura.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kosura-transperant-background.png00Ian Kinghttps://kosura.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kosura-transperant-background.pngIan King2012-10-04 03:34:202016-06-26 03:25:49The future is here
I write this article specifically for my American brothers and sisters. I have been flying in and out of the US for about 23 years now, so I feel adequately positioned to share my observations. Since 2001 I have noted a significant contraction of the US economy. Sure there have been occasional rallies, but overall the pattern has been decidedly down. In contrast to many other economies, including the Asia Pacific ones, America has been declining now for at least a decade, and some would say longer.
It’s been enough to have people like martial artist turned movie star Chuck Norris publicly express their concern for the US economy, for the US way of life, for the future of the country. I believe Americans should be very concerned. In my opinion, this once great nation stands to experience the greatest contrast in economic fortunes and quality of life for its citizens than any other country.
Yes, I know you hear over-riding chatter about Greece and other struggling European countries. I suggest that is a smoke screen. Yes, Greece is in trouble. However should Greece fail, it makes relatively little difference to the global economy. Should the US fail in the same way that most fear for Greece – that is a different story.
The concerns for US are now so apparent, at least outside of the US, that I am seeing reference in global media to the ‘financial cliff’ faced by the US economy post election.
Why post election? Because most economists openly recognize that the US economy ‘coincidently’ looks above the trend in the pre-election year. I will leave you to figure out how that happens.
I believe that if the mainstream media have picked up on it, it must be glaringly obvious. However I sense that many of my American brothers and sisters have their heads in the sand. Hoping that the next government will save them. I am sure they have had these same hopes ever four years for the past few presidential cycles. I suggest they will be seriously disappointed. Neither the Republicans nor the Democrats, in my opinion, can save them.
So yes, you can view my theories on the economy as being outside of my field of expertise. However I know you will ultimately jump on board at some stage down the track when the trend spotters, who criticise today, and copy tomorrow, being teaching these same ideas. When ‘most people’ are either doing them or happy to accept them. And what the blind masses, like sheep to the slaughter, wait until this point to participate. You don’t have to. You can act now. And I strongly suggest you should.
Mark my words – this is an economically led social revolution which will occur in the next few years that will change your life forever. Should you fail to prepare for it, it will most likely be a change that will leave you gasping for air, one that you may struggle to recover from. I recommend you take this more seriously than you do a training theory. Your income, your standard of living, and that of your family, depend on this.
I am not alone in believing that your once great nation is heading towards a significant economic milestone, one that will have significant ‘challenging’ repercussions for every American. I am not the one who coined the term ‘economic cliff’. I endorse the concept, and have been calling this for nearly a decade now.
The opportunity to prepare for the greatest economic change in the 80 year generational cycle is upon us.
Every day really does matter. This is sink or swim time. Your country is a ship in serious trouble. And this has serious implications for the world economy.
What I feel most in commerce and industry fail to appreciate is the worlds economy is entering a critical period and their industry will not pass through this unscathed. I believe many have already been affected in deleterious way. I believe a number of factors cause this apparent oblivious condition to what is occurring in the global economy.
Firstly the intent of specialized education is to encourage people to cut off from all else and focus exclusively on their profession, in the interests of the commercial machine. Secondly, those who act as the front people for commercial interests took the money from the masses with ease during the good times. Now times are changing and becoming ‘tougher’, these same people are not about to educate the industry masses on what they need to do to empower themselves. Their methods of profiteering will only become more sharp, and less about you and more about the commercial machine. Desperate times lead desperate people to do desperate things. These models of commerce are not interested in change for the betterment of the world and the masses.
This is what I predict – most workers will be affected by the global economic downturn in ways they had not considered, not prepared for, and are not equipped to deal with. Yes, a shocking and controversial relative to what your industry ‘educators’ are telling you. And I would be happy if my predictions were off-track. But I don’t think they are.
Therefore I watch with interest as the majority in the work force seek to solve the problems of the new economy with solutions of the past. This will not work. The old values will not work. The era of lying, cheating and stealing is coming to an end. The era of economic entitlement is coming to an end. You are going to need to develop new values, new skills and work in new economic models. But don’t expect the average trend-spotting ‘educator’ fronting for a commercial interest to tell you this.
So I understand if my message is ridiculed and rejected. After all most of my innovations in physical preparation have been. Until of course, they reach a critical mass of acceptance at which time the trend-spotting ‘educators’ become not only experts but publish these ideas in the absence of referencing, for professional and commercial gain.
I am not alone in my concern for those who fail to read the economic writing on the wall.
This Bloomberg interview with Nouriel Roubini was sent to me. For those who are not aware of him, this is a extract from Wikipedia:
Roubini is an American economist. He anticipated the collapse of the US housing market and the worldwide recession which started in 2008 and ended in 2009. He teaches at New York University’s Stern School of Business
In a little over 3mins, he outlines what he considers could be the perfect storm confronting the global economy in the coming months. Given his track record, he is worth listening too http://bloom.bg/OolLAP
I say you need to take the blinkers of and look at the bigger picture. I say you need to ignore most of what you are being told to focus on. I recognize I may be alone in this message, but I will take no joy in looking back in the years to come if in hindsight you belatedly and in retrospect see the wisdom in this insight. Now is the time to take action, to move into the mind-set that will prosper in the ‘Age of Aquarius’.
To use a Napoleon Hill saying:
In every adversity lies the seed of opportunity.
I’m excited for the possibilities, but concerned for the masses who are trapped in the thinking they have been ‘taught’ to use. It’s not going to work in the new economy.
As a person who likes to develop and using sayings, in reference to the ‘new economy’, I now say:
There has never been a better or more important time than now to secure your future.
I commend those who did more than read my recent post – who took action:
Some people make things happen, some watch while things happen, and some wonder “what happened”?
Which person are you going to be? Because the world is changing – whether you are ready or not.
https://kosura.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kosura-transperant-background.png00Ian Kinghttps://kosura.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kosura-transperant-background.pngIan King2012-09-18 05:35:542016-06-26 03:35:34The world is changing - coming ready or not
As you may have realized I read widely with a specific focus on finding solutions to challenges and limiting factors. One challenge we are all facing and will face in an increasing manner over the next few months and years is the deterioration of the worlds economy. Irrespective of whether you buy into the content of this particular article, I suggest you should take note of at least the following extract. It really is time to get out of your comfort zone, get off the couch, get out of the ‘group’ mentality, leave behind average…:
#5 What If I Don’t Have Any Money To Prepare?
In this kind of economic environment it is no surprise that I get this question a lot.
Many families are just barely scraping by each month and they do not have much money to put into anything.
And I can definitely sympathize with that.
However, I would say that there are very, very few families out there that do not have anything that can be cut out of the budget.
The truth is that American families are experts at blowing money on really stupid stuff.
In general, I recommend that all families do what they can to reduce their expenses.
The smaller of a financial footprint you have, the better off you will be and the more resources you will have to help you get prepared.
Also, now is the time to be looking for ways that you can increase your income.
For many Americans, starting a side business is a way to bring in some extra cash. Yes, this will cut into your television watching time, but now is not the time to be lazy.
The time you spend working hard now while the sun is still shining will pay off later.
Don’t be afraid to work harder than you ever have before.
https://kosura.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kosura-transperant-background.png00Ian Kinghttps://kosura.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kosura-transperant-background.pngIan King2012-09-18 01:00:372016-06-26 03:51:33Work harder now than you ever have before
Two years ago I wrote an article titled ‘Economic Reflections – 2012 and Beyond’ in which I sought to integrate the potential of three cycles that had the potential to impact global economics. These included economic cycles, natural cycles and social cycles. I reviewed these cycles with an eye to the year 2012. Note that as this year is now upon us, it is relevant to review the predictions and possibilities that I raised in my 2010 article.
The Economic Cycle
The dominant economic predictions raised in my 2012 article related to what many futurists describe as the 80 year cycle. A number of prominent authors pointed to the period 80 years on from the Great Depression of the 1930, which is the decade of the 2010s. So what is occurring in global economics that would point to the accuracy of these predictions?
The first signs of significant economic weakness was felt in what has been termed the ‘Global Financial Crisis during the years first decade post 2000. Many describe this as a period between 2007 or 2008 and 2009, with a subsequent recovery.
Personally I question that this recovery occurred, and apparently I am not along. The free online site Wikipedia appear to share this view, describing a period of 2007 to 2012.
The 2007–2012 global financial crisis, also known as the Global Financial Crisis and 2008 financial crisis, is considered by many economists to be the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s
I suggest that the period of 2007 to 2009 was so challenging most hoped it would end there and long term recovery would occur.
From this position late in 2012, I believe it is indisputable to say that we are now in a period of further economic decline.
Which leaves many to point to a recovery in the imminent future. With the national debts of most countries rising rapidly, and in the light of these debts relative to the Annual Gross Domestic Products of each of these countries, I take an outlook that is more bearish.
The European Economic Union is reeling from one challenge to the next. Once the US Presidential elections are over I suggest the realities of the US economy, currently facing a 16 trillion (and rapidly growing) national debt, will come to the fore. Australia and Asia have been shining lights, relatively speaking, throughout this GFC, however there is signs now that the Chinese economy is slowing, which will have significant and drastic effects on Australia, particularly through the reduced purchase of minerals. Australia has become, in my opinion, overly reliant on the mining boom to sustain its economic position.
So in summary of the economic cycles, the experiences of 2012 have served to support the theory that we are facing the greatest economic challenge of our lifetimes. There is nothing about recent history that would undermine the predictions made by US futurist Harry Dent some years ago when he wrote:
…our economy will worsen and that we will see the worst downturn since the 1930s between mid-to late 2009 and 2012…
This next ‘season’ in our economy will impact your life, family, business and investments more than any other economic era in your lifetime has done. If you thought 2008 was scary, 2010 to 2012 will bring on the greatest economic and banking crisis since the early 1930’s…
The social cycle
In my 2010 article I referred to the impact of astrological theories as to its impact on social change. To explain the significance of this I have turned to a relatively mainstream source, Wikipedia:
An astrological age is a time period in astrology which is believed by some to parallel major changes in the Earth’s inhabitants’ development, particularly relating to culture, society and politics. There are twelve astrological ages corresponding to the twelve zodiacal signs in astrology. At the completion of one cycle of twelve astrological ages, the cycle repeats itself. Astrological ages occur because of a phenomenon known as the precession of the equinoxes. One complete period of this precession is called a Great Year or Platonic Year[1] of about 25,920 years.[2]
The key points here were:
…is believed by some to parallel major changes in the Earth’s inhabitants’ development, particularly relating to culture, society and politics.
I made it clear in my 2010 article that not all are in agreement with the timing of the Ages:
Many astrologers believe that the Age of Aquarius has arrived recently or will arrive in the near future. On the other hand, some believe that the Age of Aquarius arrived up to five centuries ago, or will not start until six centuries from now.[4] Despite all references provided by various sources, astrologers cannot agree upon exact dates for the beginning or ending of the ages.
However we can now look retrospectively on social activity during the last two years -in part to give weight or otherwise to the relevance and accuracy of these predictions. What have we witnessed during the last two years?
There are very few countries that have escaped social unrest. Some to the point where governments have been overthrown, as was the case in at least one Middle East country. I suspect that many have not connected this social unrest to the broader economic conditions, however my personal belief is that they are tied.
If I am on track with my beliefs on this, I believe that the potential further decline economically will be matched by increased social unrest, in the short term.
The ‘Occupy Wall Street’ movement may have temporarily lost momentum, but is far from over, as today’s protest in Wall Street, New York, confirmed. And more pointedly,
The natural cycles
This is arguably the cycle most open to debate, with conflicting theories about what is happening to the world’s natural environment. Despite this, the governments of developed countries are seriously considering (or have implemented) a tax aimed at reducing factors that allegedly are causing global warming. I will leave you to determine for yourself the true intent of this tax.
My 2010 article referred to the strong suggestion in various ancient cultures that each 5,125 year time frame ends with a significant change, including natural changes – which, according to the ancient traditions (and supported by western science) for the past three cycles have ended with:
Fire and earthquake
Ice
Floods
To this end, much of the 2012 focus has been on the possibilities of significant natural earth changes.
With further debate as to whether this period of time is over or coming to an end, this is one cycle I am prepared to assess in a few years time, rather than judging the potential of this cycle from what we see now.
Where does this leave us?
Irrespective of whether people bought into the ‘2012 Prophecy’ or not, I suggest there would be very few now who are free of fear and optimistic about their economic future. However rather than leave you the reader with a state of negativity, let’s now review the action steps I recommended in 2012 – are they still relevant today?
The following are the 10 key characteristics of business activity I encouraged all consider in 2010, be it for economic survival or for the purposes of creating their wealth through business:
Have more than one income stream.
Get leverage. If you don’t have leveraged income, develop it by ensure that at least one of your income stream has potential for leveraged income.
Focus on your weakness. Once you have mastered the art of selling your time, shift the focus to developing more entrepreneurial skills such as leverage. Spent as much if not more of your focus on developing your entrepreneurial skills. It may not be easy, it may not be quick to develop, but it will be worth it. Very few of us in physical preparation have a background in entrepreneurship, so our skills in this area lag so far behind our sets and reps skills, many get disillusioned.
Sell products also. Selling services is time based. Selling products is not. Overcome that fear of selling or belief that selling is evil. You have the opportunity to add value to people’s life if you are selling an excellent product that has long term benefit to your clients.
Use the internet. Make sure you use the internet effectively to run and expand your business.
Go global. Engage in business activity in countries/currencies in addition to that of your resident country. There is always a country/currency doing better than yours at any point in time – are you benefiting from that
Ensure you are adding true, long lasting, life-impacting, value to the lives of others. This is as opposed to promoting, marketing and selling the latest piece of information or equipment because you need cash flow. I recommend you only promote/sell things that believe strongly in, have used for a long period of time, and have achieved success through mastery of it.
Operate your business with excellence, using excellent products. There is no substitute for excellence. You will attract clients, partners and colleagues who share your value in excellence. Do not compromise for short term benefits.
Operate your business with integrity and honesty. This includes placing the needs of your clients and business partners equal to if not ahead of your own.
Work with and learn from a mentor / mastermind group. Select your mentor/mastermind group from those who has/have achieved what you want (based on accurate research as opposed to believing the marketing pieces), and who is/are willing to work with you and consider your interests – and do the same for others.
In retrospect – I would not change them at all. They are still as relevant, if not more so now as they were two years ago.
One of the key points I made in my 2010 article what that the dominant models of business were at risk of dying, along with the old economic model, and being replaced by models more in tune with the suggested qualities of the Age of Aquarius:
One of the greatest hindrances to human advancement at this time is the lack of willingness to change the centralized economic power structures and financial controls that are now vested with relatively few, and disproportionately powerful, organizations and corporations. New models of economics of sharing and mutual empowerment will need to arise. This has already begun with certain forward-looking, globally oriented business practices…
Conclusion
I believe that the cycles of economy, social and natural are evident in this order. The economic cycle has showed its hand, leaving us with no doubt as the potential downside of this cycle. The social cycle is one step behind it, with what I describe as a growing level of social unrest, albeit at this stage for varying apparent reasons. The natural cycle can be said to lag further, and has not yet fully showed its direction.
My greatest focus and concern is not however what the world is doing – rather, what you and I are doing to counter and or manage these changes. Because change is what is happening. And change can be scary, it can create action-preventing fear. Fear is a normal human emotion – my recommendation however is to not allow it to prevent you from taking action.
There are two kinds of change, and you have a choice. You can choose change, or you can have change forced upon you. Both are scary. The change by choice involves courage, comes with some pain. The change forced upon you requires no courage, but will hurt a lot more. The choice is yours. Change is inevitable. Pain, fear and the unknown accompany both. The former allows you to control your destiny, and potential to become a victor of the challenges. The latter denies your control and condemns you to being a victim
I have taught this lesson verbally for many years now. It’s now time to teach it with more leverage. Because your world is about to change. I want you to go to this web site http://www.economist.com/content/global_debt_clock and spend a few minutes contemplating your countries and the worlds’ economic position and direction.
The solutions being used to save the situation are the same solutions that created the problems, and therefore, in my opinion, are doomed to fail. I believe this cannot continue. I believe that certain realities will come be bear in the near future. I believe it was be significant. I believe it will be painful for the overwhelming majority.
I choose not to go down with this economic ship. I have chosen to educate myself, take action, learn from experience, and guide others in this journey. This is my choice.
The solutions being used to save the situation are the same solutions that created the problems, and therefore, in my opinion, are doomed to fail. I believe this cannot continue. I believe that certain realities will come be bear in the near future. I believe it was be significant. I believe it will be painful for the overwhelming majority.
I conclusion I believe the directions of at least two of the three cycles I have reviewed are clear – the economic and social cycles. I suggest we have greater challenges ahead than we have passed behind, and I believe the next 5-10 years will bear these out. However rather than be filled with fear and concern, I choose to take action and not to go down with this economic ship. I have chosen to educate myself, take action, learn from experience, and guide others in this journey. This is my choice. You will make yours. Just remember. Choosing not to take action will not save you from pain. It will only increase it. And I take no delight in the years to come when you and I reflect back on this moment if you chose to ignore this message.
