The economy helps to create conditions, not outcomes.

Airplanes experience differing conditions and still complete their flight. Sometimes airplanes have a tailwind, which makes getting to the destination easier and oftentimes quicker because the wind is going the same direction as the plane.

Headwinds force the plane to use more fuel and typically slows the plane down. Wind shear & turbulence are changes in the wind & irregularities that force pilots to sometimes take corrective action.

None of these conditions stop a plane from landing at its destination. The conditions are simply factored into a flight plan and not factored into flight success.

So, it stands to reason that pilots would want tailwind all the time. However, pilots want to take off & land in a headwind. A headwind creates more pressure and helps the lift of the plane. It’s the opposing wind that makes the airplane fly.

You are like an airplane. Conditions should only inform your flight plan and maybe your timing, not whether or not you’ll reach the destination.

Yes, the economy creates conditions. You must operate in those conditions. Sometimes, those conditions are more favorable – you can go faster with less fuel (effort). Other times, they are less favorable and you might have to be more patient and use more effort. And, when the economy creates momentary turbulence, you must stay for course or make a minor adjustment to hit your destination.

Why does this message matter so much right now?

After a presidential election, people tend to have emotions tied to the outcome. If the emotions you feel are negative & you’re fearful over the economic future or if you experience positive emotions & are excited about the future – you have the responsibility to act.

You have to make your own economy. It’s up to you to read the conditions in the market – the headwinds or the tailwinds – and make your plan as to how to reach your destination through the conditions. Then take action based on your plan.

Many of the major companies of the 20th century that continue to be stalwarts today began during an economic recession. General Electric was founded when US business was down 40%. Try selling major upgrades like electricity during a recession. General Motors began during a 30% dip in business. Imagine selling a new mode of transportation in that environment. Disney started in 1929, the beginning of the great depression. Think about selling a discretionary product during 30% unemployment.

Those companies and others like Trader Joe’s, FedEx, Microsoft and many of the original tech unicorns that thrived during the dot-com bust nearly 25 years ago, made their own economic conditions.

Consider how you will achieve the goals that you have in the next year, given the conditions around you. Good economies don’t anoint businesses. Bad economies don’t destroy it either.

Regardless of your conditions or the conditions you might think are coming, go out and make the economy work for you.