The current economic climate has most of us feeling insecure and uneasy. Chances are good we all know someone close to us that has been affected in one way or another. The grim economic state encourages increased pessimism and feelings of defeat. It creates the perfect opportunity for the negativity to consume you.

The perfect storm has been brewing of blind trust, innocence, hope and optimism for too long. As is human nature, we can only take that stance for so long before we eventually give up hope. This breaking point is a fairly normal and reasonable human reaction, especially for those who have been directly affected by the downturn.

However, I believe, this is an opportunity to recapture your freedom. Utilize this tool that we simply underuse and forget about in tough times. Be smart and well-prepared, but use this opportunity to extend yourself. It will be our human nature to become reserved, protective and overly cautious, all of which should be avoided.

We became such a successful nation by our ability to think outside of the box, or rather, outside of the whole damn warehouse. Be strategic, but be creative. Don't let the hesitation of failure keep you from taking a step forward, that step is often what will put you back on track.

Follow your passions and push your boundaries, for that matter, make new boundaries. Take this opportunity to redefine yourself. Take a stance and believe in it. The same would be true with a great idea, figure out a way to make it work. Don't let economic misfortunes destroy your spirit. Our spirit is what got us to the summit of success that we now fall from. Just make sure you don't fall too far before you begin your climb back up.

An opportunity is simply that. It doesn't become a good or bad one until you do something with it.