In this episode
This week on Risk and Reward TV we’ll look in the rear view mirror to see the End of the Greek debacle – or is it? and out the foggy windshield to see higher oil and the threat of war.
In Critical thinking, we’ll tell you what you want to hear, and in viewer mail we’ll try to make things easier.
1:12 The Rear View Mirror -
Nobody really thinks the Greek situation is resolved. Many analysts are already talking about the next Greek bailout. They bought some time getting this done, but a real solution will require more than this.
Also, Spain pushes it’s own agenda, and some people in Germany are pushing for stimulus and growth, opposing the hardline of Chancellor Merkel.
Take away: Don’t confuse delay tactics as solutions. Solutions can come after some lengthy delay, but no matter how lengthy the delay, until there is a real solution, the problem still exists. Europe is buying time, but the better question is where are you buying time?
6:29 The Foggy Windshield -
There’s lots of talk about military action in Iran. The US is sending an aircraft carrier, there is a US Presidential election coming up, China’s oil reserves are rising rapidly as is the price of oil and gas at the pump.
It could be posturing and pressure, or it could be real. The most likely time to take action is before the US election where it will be very difficult not to support Israel’s actions. Even thought this isn’t extremely likely, it’s the kind of foggy windshield item that we can’t take our eyes off of because the consequences would be significant.
Take away: The trouble with the foggy windshield is that you keep seeing turns in the road that you have to avoid so you don’t drive off a cliff. It’s often not clear how hard the turn is when it first appears. Some are sharper than others, so that’s why you drive carefully.
13:43 Critical Thinking -
Black and white issues, those with a binary outcome, can be very difficult because there is no room to negotiate. Either Iran has nukes or not. Either you buy the stock or you don’t. Either you sell, or you don’t.
But to get through those difficult decisions, try to change them so they aren’t so black and white. Try to invent a new option that can allow for mutual gain. Also, work through all the issues so your just left with one on the table.
Take away: When facing a black and white issue that you really want to resolve, try to broaden the situation to more issues so both sides can feel like they won some and lost some. People with nothing to gain and everything to lose rarely give in.
17:00 Quiz -
Last week’s questions:Why would you ask for unreasonable demands?
- What happens when something can’t continue?
- What happens when something can’t continue?
- Price, quality or service, which do you pick?
- What advice would you give a 25 year old just starting out?
This week’s questions:
- Is Greece out of the woods?
- What the trouble with the foggy windshield?
- Where are you just buying time?
- What should you do when you feel overwhelmed?
19:09 Viewer Mail – Send your questions in directly to Doug@riskandrewardtv.org
Ralph in Atlanta writes, “I’m working hard and trying to be smart, but sometimes it’s overwhelming. It just seems too hard to get ahead and I always feel like I’m falling behind. I doubt I am the only one. Any suggestions on what to do?”
Here’s a couple of things to consider:
Cut your goals into smaller pieces with shorter time frames.
Take things step by step and try to focus on the step that you are on.
Look for opportunities to be more productive.
Remember, we are often most happy when we are doing something that’s difficult but not impossible. It’s progress and accomplishment that could really make a difference in how you feel about things.
Take Away: When feeling overwhelmed, focus on the one task at hand, and take it one step at a time. Set smaller goals with shorter time frames and think about how you can be more productive. Combined those things should keep you too busy to be feel overwhelmed.
24:00 Upcoming events and wrap up -
If you would like to host my seminar or have me speak, email doug@riskandrewardtv.org.
What’s for dinner?
Basil, tomato phyllo pockets, broccli soup, fillet mignon and roasted potatoes, panna cotta with candied hazelnuts.
Until next week remember:
It’s your money. You’re taking the risk. Take smart risks.