Just before the Bruins lost in game six of the Stanley Cup play-offs, I told my husband that I was worried because they had started playing not to lose. They were backing up and being cautious. I was cringing. That is not the way to win! It is not even the way to play it safe!

A few weeks earlier, the Wall Street Journal wrote about US businesses becoming more risk averse. This does not bode well for our country. I’ve seen it myself when talking with clients from many industries and companies of varying size. People are finding it harder to make decisions and invest where it will make a difference. Granted, the world is increasingly complex. We face ever more and ever more complicated decisions. Those decisions include abundant opportunity, yet bad news dominates the press. Fear paralyzes. Many play not to lose. By doing so, they are missing opportunities and squandering the most precious and finite resource – time.

Meanwhile, the Dow has more than doubled since 2009, housing prices and housing starts are both up, and unemployment is dropping. Profits remain high and cash is being stashed.

Those who seek good news and see opportunity, where others see gloom, are constantly evaluating their options, taking prudent risks, and moving ahead. While they may not score with every shot, their willingness to act, learn, and adjust with confidence and determination will keep them in the game.

So quit reading all the bad news. Develop a strong game plan and support it with the necessary investments. Keep your eye on the puck, admit your mistakes, learn, adjust, and persist. Play to win. The alternative will never make you a champion.