A year ago it was clear to the least delusional amongst us that we were in a recession. But considering that our economic plight is usually "self-fulfilling," nobody would formally declare it as such for fear that when they did, it could likely reflect that we were in, or on the verge of, a depression.


As bad as it is, many feel today that whatever you call it, the other shoe still hasn't dropped — an event of which they seem to be awaiting nervously. (Never before have so many been so attentive to what I do for a living). People are running for COVER — many to cover their ASSets, while we are trying to cover their backs (and other body parts).


The irony is that things aren't going to get better until we all believe that they have already gotten better. Although this situation is clearly affecting most of our incomes, I believe that it doesn't necessarily have to affect our outcome. In tough times one invariably finds the greatest opportunities.


The mantra of the day is CHANGE. What worked before isn't working now, and may never quite work the same way again. The economy will turn and businesses will get better, but all are being forced to learn how to do more with less. The realities of a more efficient, responsive and productive business model isn't likely to go away.


With that said, in the interest of self preservation, perhaps we have to go back to being "clothes minded"? If you look good, you'll feel good about being in your shoes, and probably increase your own interest rate. Being an accessory to change may even reward you with the chance to share your own stimulus package.


In that things are usually how they appear, we need to return to our half full glasses, renew our perspectives, and remember that, as we have said, "you can change your outfit, you can outfit change, or both." After all, it's no longer about looking subprime, it's time to believe that THE FUTURE IS ABOUT TO BE REDRESSED.