Thinking, then acting.

• Author: Heffes, Eleen M.
• Position: Editor's page - Editorial

An adage I recall from my early career days producing audiocassette tapes with business, finance and motivational authors goes, "You are what you think about all day." The expression has come to mind recently as I'm feeling bombarded 24/7 with negative news--economically speaking. I'm wondering if readers are, like me, feeling weary and weighted down with this blitz of negativity that is seeping into our culture and impacting our thoughts and actions.

If so, what are we going to do about it?

While I understand the reality for many is not optimal, this is, after all, the United States--the strongest, most powerful democracy in the world. Our economic system is largely based on confidence. So, if we allow the negavity to affect our actions, continued bad news is all we can expect. This is truly a time a awaken that entrepreneurial spirit Americans are known for and to dig deep to inspire, motivated and pull out the best of what's in each of us, those we mange and those with whom we work in our organization. In that way, we can make a difference and move to turn those organization numbers around.

Which reminds me of another expression from my all-time favorite motivator, Denis Waitley: "Don't dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend you energies on moving forward toward finding the answer."

Yes, that's what we all need to consider. What are the answers to move U.S. economic engine again? What can each of us proactively do? These thoughts have driven the content of the first issue of the year, "2009: "What's Ahead? Armed with information on several key subjects, we believe readers can make some smarter decision.

One thread through much of the current business landscape revolves around risk and its role in the new order. Our cover story, by Simon Johnson, a professor at MIT and former chief economist at the international Monetary Fund--along...