Let's change your perspective in 2009 as you realize, self help should be more important than dwelling on the economic crisis. Our current economy is not within your control.

Too many people live according to external circumstances, and fall into that "sticky" trap of uncontrollable occurrences. When this happens, you become a victim and rather than finding a way to help yourself, you blame the external world - the economy, the boss, politics, etc.

No matter what has happened to you or what will happen to you in 2009, it simply happens and there is little you can do about it. Learn to accept the economic crisis for what it is and realize it is not within your control unless you made it happen.

Self help is within your control, and you decide what happens next. Self help steers you toward living your life from the inside-out, and taking over the controls.

You must believe in yourself and accept your individuality. Firstly, you must recognize yourself as the most important person in the world, followed by your family, friends, co-workers and boss.

An economic crisis is not within your control but can have an impact on your daily life. It is easier to allow external circumstances to take control than to develop a plan of action for the future. If you don't bring self help to the table, you will become your own worst enemy and your life will be a downward spiral.

Your reaction to any crisis is very much within your control.

If you react negatively, you become a victim and you are definitely not in control of your life. You are more apt to externalize, and you will attract more negativity into your life, continuing on that downward spiral.

Do not waste any thought or energy on the things that are not within your control. It is a futile time investment and will not change the economic crisis.

If you react positively, then you take control of your life knowing that things happen for a reason, and that there is always something better waiting for you. A strong, optimistic outlook will attract more positive incidents into your life. Self help enables you to enjoy an overall happier life.

The statement that "self help is more important in 2009 that dwelling on the economic crisis" is true. We have the ability to control our thoughts, to create a contingency plan and to focus on a future that works.

Self help provides a future built by believers who dwell on the things we can control. Self help is the best time investment you can make, and will get you where you want to go.

Foremost, you must know where you want to go, and how to take control of your life.