Someone once said that 'in times of adversity some men break, others break records'. With the current economic downturn, we can safely say that we are at the tipping point of this statement. Some people will choose to break; others will indeed break records.

For most of us right now, budget time in the family is going to be stressful. Emotions may be stretched to the edge of civility and control thereof will be the test of character. Many often wonder where money for next week's food will come from. Those who find it difficult to cope, will break under the pressure. For some loosing there jobs, being sucked into a downward spiral can happen very quickly. We cannot and should not judge them or even try to understand what they are going through.

What amazes me, however, is that the majority of the most successful business people in life to a large extent have all either lost everything or nearly everything they had and had to start over again. For them, loosing a job created the furtile soil for starting the business they always dreamt about, but never had the guts to start. The darkest day in their life was the fire they needed for 'guts and glory', for the success they desired.

I guess the questions you should ask yourself is this: What can I learn from this adversity that will propel me toward my dreams? How must I act right now to break out of this trap I'm in? Then do it and do it with passion and determination. Don't stop. Don't look back. Burn your bridges (or what's left of it). Move swiftly and efficiently. Let your dire circumstances be the fuel that drives you.

At the end of the day, it's your attitude that will see you through. That's the difference between those who break and those who break records.