Here we are, in what experts say is perhaps the start of a long climb out of the economic chaos that's changing our habits. Call it what you will, problem or opportunity, the fact remains: we are the ones who get to choose how we'll move forward. So, as some indicators are pointing to a slow ramp-up in the economy, now is the time to ready yourself.

Get Ready. Get all systems in order: Get your databases up-to-date and make sure your technology serves you. Are the people around you aligned with where you're headed? If not, why not? What conversations do you need to have to make sure everyone is playing from the same sheet of music?

Readiness might mean that you have cleared out the thoughts and habits that no longer support where you're headed. Readiness might also mean that you actually spend the money on marketing your product or service now, rather than pull back. It seems counter-intuitive, but this is the time to build and deepen your relationships and your brand. That's what a number of successful companies are doing right now.

Get Set. When you watch a runner take that final position before blasting away from the blocks, the runner's weight is both physically and energetically grounded. There's a kind of relaxed tension that readies the runner for action. So too, in the martial arts, it's important to center your energy but not be so rigid or inflexible in your placement because that just makes you an easier opponent to dominate. "Getting set" is a key practice of successful people but often the piece that people miss. I believe it is one of the most important.

This means setting a clear intention as well. An intention doesn't necessarily include the details of how you're going to achieve your goal or create the outcome you desire. These days, our predictions of circumstances may not be as accurate as they used to be. But we can make sure that all our actions and support systems are connected to that intention. This helps us prepare to deal with anything that shows up with a sense of focused ease.

Let go! When you've taken the time and invested resources in these first two foundational steps, then you're ready to "let go" and let the preparation carry you forward. Effortlessness and flow are more likely to be present when the first two steps are in practice. I'm often struck by how runners spring into action as if they've waited their entire lives for that moment. It's what they've been built for. It's what they've trained for. Focused high performance is the result.

I believe this global economic meltdown has the potential to make us better, take us higher and raise our individual and collective consciousness like no other demarcation in history. It will take some prep work, some tough choices and a commitment to raise the bar. I'm ready. It may be the end of an age, but it's also the beginning of a new age! Are you? Get set. Let's go!