Much of the advice on how to survive in a recession is about saving money by setting a strict budget and reducing debt by using the money you save to pay down your credit card, or adding it to your car or home principal payments, or adding it to your "six months minimum living expenses" savings account.

For many of us, a severely contracting economy causes loss - loss of the lifestyle to which we have become accustomed, loss of savings, loss of peace of mind and security, or, worse, loss of a job or a house. No doubt about it: this recession will leave a wake of destruction and leave many wondering what to do.

No matter where you find yourself at any given time on the financial continuum, remember that the recession is temporary and that there is still opportunity around you. Recognizing and evaluating opportunity is sometimes a difficult task, but there are some things you can do. There is a common perception that a good opportunity is full of grandeur and falls into place all at once, that it will be some fantastic version of "buy low and sell high," or some inspired idea like Henry Ford's assembly line. Many opportunities, however, are small and disguised as being insignificant.

It is a small thing to try to be helpful to someone else. But, it is an opportunity that is always present and it might just get you in the frame of mind to recognize other opportunities. You always have the opportunity to get more organized. Organization helps you to be prepared when opportunity knocks. It helps you clarify and focus on your goals. Knowing where you are going is key to finding how to get there. Remember to visualize and prioritize: get rid of what you don't want, to make room for what you do want.

You always have the opportunity to learn something new. Sharpen your mind by turning off the tube and tuning out frivolous distractions. Grab a good book. It is a very low-cost improvement to one of your greatest assets.

Others are the people you know. Network and collaborate. Strengthen your relationships. Networking increases the sequential effect of your opportunities, and collaboration increases the fortitude and creativity of your ideas.

Recognizing opportunity is a matter of attitude as much as a skill. A positive attitude keeps your mind open to new things. Negativity, criticism and cynicism close down and limit opportunities before they have a chance to grow. Broaden your focus to cultivate multiple ideas. Suspend your disbelief to allow more room for ideas to grow.

Don't fear failure. Fear tends to stifle positive action and immobilize forward movement. Success is often preceded by a succession of failures. Be persistent. Remember what Thomas Edison said: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it looks like work." No matter what the setbacks, keep moving forward. Opportunity lies in the incremental steps you take. One step at a time...

Kurt Faust is an artist, blacksmith, cabinetmaker, and homebuilder. He owns Tierra Concepts Inc. and Carpinteros with his two partners, Eric Faust and Keith Gorges. He may be reached at kurt@tierraconceptssantafe.