In general, the media continually reinforces to the masses all that is bad with the world. Death, destruction, and disasters all have their place, but to consistently focus on the bad makes the public forget about the good.

An example of how it affects the world’s economy is the reporting of it. It’s no secret that the media reports that the economy is bad. “Hold on to all of your money,” say the experts. People made a run for their money at the banks. The results of which have been once solvent banks were taken over by the government and sold to their competitors. Some of the most established, well-respected financial institutions were bailed out by the U.S. Congress. Of course, this was also due to the “bubble bursting” in the housing markets.

Do you think that was manifested as well?

When the media anchors into our subconscious how bad things are, consumers tend to hold on to their money and not spend it. Because of consumer’s “new spending habits,” sales for retailers go further down which results in additional media reports preaching how bad it is. The process becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy as the economy quickly heads into a downward spiral.

In the Franklin D. Roosevelt presidency, Think and Grow Rich author Napoleon Hill assisted him in turning around not only the spirit of Americans but also the ravaged economy. With the assistance of the nation’s newspapers, The White House advised them to take out most of the “fear-based articles” and to supplant them with articles on “business recovery.” Radio programs also focused on business recovery. Both houses of Congress, regardless of political party, stood behind the president in the hopes of turning around the country.

This was also a time when businesses were going under, people were making a run for their money at banks and the “New Deal.” The New Deal was the name that United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave to a sequence of programs he initiated between 1933 and 1936 with the goal of giving work relief to the unemployed, reform of business and financial practices, and recovery of the economy during The Great Depression.

Is history repeating itself?

It would be wise if all political parties and the media joined with President-elect Barack Obama in turning around the economy of the country. Regardless of how much money Congress gives the new administration to solve the long-term problems, the economy will still suffer unless Americans believe that the turnaround will be quick.

As soon as the mindset of Americans change, you’ll quickly see the creation of jobs, retailers start reporting an increase in sales and mortgage companies finally loosen their purse-strings and approve new mortgages – instead of looking for reasons to decline applicants.

The stock markets will rise as the sales and profits of companies begin to almost magically improve and retirement accounts will rapidly recoup much of its losses from the past six months.

In turn, world markets and economy will begin to improve as others still look to the U.S. to lead the way.

Our leaders should remember that perception is reality. If the public perceives a better outlook on the economy, that is exactly what will happen. The proper use of persuasion techniques to the masses will ensure a faster turnaround than originally anticipated. They can control the media to help the country when in turmoil instead of political gain.

Will the team surrounding President-elect Barack Obama use relevant history to help quickly restore the economy?

When you soon start to see articles of business recovery reported in the media, you will have your answer.

To Your Success…

Richard M. Krawczyk
Personal and Business Development Coach
Co-Star in the Movie “Pass It On”