Never Lose Your Spirit

As you may have heard, the economy in Iceland crashed yesterday. Banks are being nationalized, Russia is lending the government money to save them from bankruptcy. The splash is so big that it's heard all around the Atlantic but hopefully, it won't send a wave your way.

A few months ago it costed me 64 ISK to buy one dollar. Last night, it was 127 ISK for one dollar. That means all imports like gasoline, cocoa puffs, Pampers and other necessities are sky rocketing. The stock market has collapsed and it looks like I've lost a big part of my live savings. The future is unknown.

Lots of people have their loans in foreign currency, but income in Icelandic Krona. Those people are in immediate trouble since the loans are much higher now than the house or car they used it to buy - and the payments have doubled. The rest is going to be hit with inflation and increasing unemployment. Things are getting tough. Tough like I've never seen before. "So what you gonna do Charlie? - SMILE!"

I could crawl under a blanket and cry. I could lay on my back and die. But that's boring stuff. That's not inspirational or constructive for my 5 children. I believe that no matter what happens - never lose your spirit! Always remember what it is in life that really matters. Last night I realized that I had probably lost half of my live savings - and you know what surprised me? How little of a shock it was to me. After all, it was only money. My family is healthy. I've got a beautiful wife and five adorable children that mean the world to me, more than I ever imagined possible. That tells me I've got my priorities straight.

I like to look at every problem as a challenge. A challenge to overcome and to learn from. I look at every change as an opportunity. I like to look at the bright side of life. So what are the opportunities I'm seeing?

Well, I'm a marketing guy and I've focused on internet marketing, which is probably the only marketing branch where there is still a chance of increase. That puts me in the right spot in my field. So next month I'll be offering a two day course in "How to land on top in a recession - Internet marketing and tactics in a recession".

I also launched a new website yesterday which I call Túkallinn (2 cents). There I'm going to collect recipes to cheap but tasty food, ideas to cheap or free entertainment and good saving tips. Sounds like something useful these days (and if you have some tips or resources to share, email me. hjortur.smarason at gmail).

Regarding the currency, the low value of my Krona means that anything foreign I buy is very expensive. But it also means that anything I get paid in foreign currency is of great value. So my focus now will be on getting foreign assignments (hint, hint ;). I've been actively building up my international network on LinkedIn and Twitter for over a year now, which might come in handy. It would have been too late to start now. I'm also working on an e-book on Marketing tactics in a recession and am offering speaking events and courses abroad on internet marketing, social media and personal branding - open for booking now :)

It's important to realize that there are always opportunities. People aren't going to stop living though the economy goes down the drain. People just have to live differently. Figure out how and adjust. Those who do are the ones that survive.

Hjortur
ps. What ever you do, don't let it be your desperation you consult when making decisions. Oh, and SMILE!

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Comments

[Engago Team]

Whishing you all the best.
Keep the spirit and happiness for your good health.
You're probably not alone.

[George Cozma]

There is an old Arabian story about a prince who wanted a magical item which would make him sad when he was happy and happy when he was sad.

The wise men at his court thought and thought and after several weeks they gave the prince a ring.

On the ring laid the following words:

It will pass

[jquaglia]

HJÖRTUR,

This is a compelling story of your life and country. Thank you for putting things in perspective!

[amy]

you inspired me today. Thank you!

[Hjortur Smarason]

Thanks for the comments folks. Things are still very uncertain here but we keep on going :)

[dan]

i hear what you're saying about understanding the real value of money - it lies in being able to provide for your family, and ensure their continued well-being. after that, everything else is a bonus. great attitude. good luck.

[rishil]

That is the bravest thing I have heard. With an attitude like that nothing can bring you down.

[Stephen Pierzchala]

Hjortur - If we could only figure out how to export geothermal power...

Iceland is the one place I have determined I MUST visit before I die. I am deeply saddened that this beautiful, mystical place has been so deeply ravaged by this mess.

You are taking positive steps to make it through. Your Ancestors have done this for generations.

Iceland will survive. I always has.

Skal...smp

[Jennifer]

Man, I'm so bummed about how Iceland is faring in all of this...

I was seriously planning on moving there in the event that the elections here turn out like I think they will. Maybe I'll still move there - like you, I have a PayPal account, and most of the money I earn is in US dollars. At least then I could lend a hand and support the local economy.

I'm searching for travel deals right now...

Also, I'm big on Iceland, and I'm big on writing and Internet marketing as well. I'd like to help out in any way I can. If you know of any Icelanders who are looking to write a book, create a site, drum up new leads, launch a direct response campaign, etc. please don't hesitate to let me know.

I'm willing to do the work at no out-of-pocket expense to the client, just a share in the profits that come out of the efforts.

Unfortunately, I don't write or type in Icelandic (actually, the only Icelandic I know are a bunch of animals - kakalakin, reverun, flugan, kyrin, etc. and butterfly, which I don't have the macros to type in Icelandic, lol.)

Hoping I can help!

Jennifer Gibbs

[Soultravelers3]

I love your positive attitude! Sending good vibes your way! I have stumbled this and tweeted it...loved it!

We all need to follow your example. Did you know many of the greatest businesses started during a severe recession?

You will do fine. Sending our love and light to all the people in Iceland and everyone around the world affected by this recession.

[NEENZ]

Perseverance will prosper for you. :)

All the best and aloha...

Always,
NEENZ.

[Danny Brown]

You're an inspiration and someone that your family should be very proud of. With your outlook it's clear that you'll get through this no matter what - if only the whiny Wall Street guys that caused so many problems were made of the same stuff.

Keep on smiling, mate - we're with you. :)

[Wayan]

Danny,

I'd love to help out in a little way - do you know of good freelance web designers who are skilled in Moveable Type? I have several jobs coming up and would be happy to spend USD on Icelandic talent. Please email if you do.

We may need the payback if the greenback does the same.

[Hjortur Smarason]

Thanks for the kind words, people. I'm glad if I manage to inspire some.

@Jennifer Iceland is still a nice place to live. Though the economy is a mess at the moment, crime rates are very low, it's politically very stable and public service is in most cases excellent.

I'll keep you in mind regarding freelance writing :)

@wayan I don't know if I can find graphic designers that know Movable Type very well, but I can sure find some that are great graphic designers in general. I'll send you an email.