20 (More) Ways to Slow Down Smart

The economy may be slowing down, but members of the Fast Company community are still fast on their feet -- and quick to share their wisdom. Last month, more than 1,700 people registered for our Lap(top) of Luxury contest. They read through a collection of articles that offered ideas and tactics for staying fast in slower times, and then submitted their own ideas. The reward: One community-minded participant would be selected as the winner of a Dell Inspiron 4000 Notebook computer.

So here's (some of) what you proposed -- 20 tips for building resilience and maintaining hope during the downturn, real advice from real Fast Company readers. And congratulations to Bonnitta Roy, of Kent, Connecticut, winner of our first-ever online contest!

Wind in Your Sails
Reimagine the vision that got you started. That same vision will drive you forward. But you must remember what your vision looked like before reality filled in so many details -- details that act like barnacles and weigh down your ship. You might need to pull your boat up out of the water, scrape off those contingent details, and perhaps repair the warped hull. That clear, pared-down vision is what drives your passion for the work and what generates the creativity you need. Like a clean hull, your reexamined vision will suffer less drag as it sails through the waters -- muddy or clear.
-- Bonnitta Roy
Kent, Connecticut

Take the Curve
Slowdowns are like winding highways. You need to brake into the turn to stay in control and to accelerate out of it for maximum efficiency. So when the economy slows down, take a break and learn a new skill. Catch up on your reading. Reintroduce yourself to your family and friends. Then be prepared to accelerate out of the turn when things pick up. You'll be at the front of the pack during the next up cycle!
-- Brett Kottmann
Centerville, Ohio

Million-Dollar Smile
Keeping your energy level at its peak is very difficult when you've been "pink-slipped," but it's crucial to remain upbeat at certain times. The people you call for references and for interviews can hear depression and desperation in your voice. There will be days when you just don't feel like making more phone calls or arranging more meetings. Accept that you need a short break and do something good for yourself.
-- Lydia Stark
Vancouver, British Columbia

Be a Closer
Now is not the time to simply put in extra hours. Results count. Focus on accomplishing tasks and solving problems, not just putting time on the clock. The resolvers, closers, and self-improvers will be the last ones standing.
-- Cory Butler
Austin, Texas

Practice Makes Perfect
Slow times allow people to lose their professional and personal focus. Joe Lewis once said, "There is no such thing as a 'natural.' A natural dancer has to practice hard. A natural painter has to paint all the time. And a natural fool has to work at it." Success requires discipline, focus, and a supportive environment. Find those things, and you will find strength in weak times.
-- Vance McMurray
Woodbridge, Virginia

Become a Leader
Thriving in tough times means acting like a leader. Great leaders don't take a wait-and-see attitude, and they don't focus on problems and obstacles. They look at a tough economy as simply a different economy and put their plans in place accordingly.
-- Sara McKinnon
Dallas, Texas

Make It Happen
You will always remain promotable if you pursue opportunities in areas not normally staffed by people like you, or if you take projects that nobody wants and "make them happen." That kind of risk taking allows you to test and redefine your boundaries.
-- Larissa Estrada
El Paso, Texas

The Power of Networks
I cannot stress enough the importance of networks. The last job I got from a cold call was when I was 19 years old. I am now 36. I can trace every job I have had since back to the network of people that helped me land that first job 17 years ago.
-- Sean Wheeler
Redmond, Washington

Add Value to Your Personal Franchise
Never consider yourself unemployed. Instead, you are "consulting." There are always opportunities surrounding you. Some may be short-term cash propositions, while others may be long-term equity plays. Either way, use your time wisely.
-- Michael Taus
Beverly Hills, California