As I wrote this article, one of our neighbours was being retrenched and completed his last day at work. It was a very traumatic time for him, particularly since he had been in the same job for the last twenty years. Jobs are not that easy to find in this area, particularly if you are a coal miner. He has a wife and three children and the family faced a nervous and uncertain time ahead. Sure, he received a pay-out from work which he intended to invest into an olive grove but it will be several years before he earns a return for his work in establishing his plantation.

I have also been through the trauma of retrenchment and can certainly sympathise and empathise with his situation. Sadly, it is an increasing occurrence in economies that are focused on economic rationalism, on growth at any price and without concern for the individual. For most people in employment, retrenchment is always a possibility which is not always accompanied by a sizeable pay-out.

For one person, retrenchment may be the doorway to a world of possibilities while to another it can represent the end of their world as they know it. It just depends upon how you process what is happening to you. Some will see themselves as the victims of circumstances beyond their control, while others will grasp the opportunity to shape a new destiny and to follow a new direction with their lives. Some will feel devastated while others will feel liberated and relieved. Some will enjoy new freedoms while others will be terrified by the loss of certainty and routine.

A saying I once read was, "It doesn't matter what happens to you in life, it's what you do about what happens that counts."

In my opinion, it is never too late to start on a new direction with your life. Regardless of your age, your circumstances, your education, your experience, your religion, your colour or your race, you have the power to choose what you want to do. If you choose to retreat back into your comfort zone, you will not move ahead. On the other hand, if you choose to live life on the edge and if you are willing to take a few risks, your life will be far more exciting and probably more satisfying.

Many people faced with retrenchment have taken the opportunity of starting their own businesses or changing their careers. Some of these have gone on to become very successful while others have failed dismally. Often those that have failed have done so because of insufficient research and inadequate capital backing. As we go into the new millennium, we will also go through some massive changes. I'm sure there will be considerable turmoil and chaos. Those people who are willing to be flexible and to learn new skills will have a much better chance of prospering while those that are slaves to tradition and want to remain in their comfort zones will find the going much tougher. The requirement for capital is becoming less of an issue than the ability to be creative and flexible. New technologies are providing greater possibilities of working from home and with few employees. The requirement for large and heavy equipment is decreasing and the equipment required for many businesses is becoming more affordable. On the other hand, technical knowledge and creativity are becoming increasingly important. Fortunately, these are skills that can be learnt. This opens many more doors for entrepreneurs than ever before.

How are you going to deal with change?

Are you going to say you are too old or too young? Do you think you lack the skills or the money? Do you think that you don't have the contacts or the experience? Are you put off because you don't know where to start?

These are all excuses to help you to retreat into your comfort zone. There's an interesting statistic which indicates that many millionaires only made their millions after the age of forty. Others went broke several times before making it to the millionaires club.

Life is a self-fulfilling prophecy. When you change your beliefs, you will see different results. When you change your beliefs and behaviours, you will attract different people and opportunities into your life.

People who can't find jobs are the ones who don't believe they can, who don't keep up with technology and who fight progress. It is not that they don't work hard, or are unwilling to work. If no-one will employ you, then it is up to you to create your own income stream.

Often we define ourselves by our age. I often hear people say: "Oh, I'm too old for that" or "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" or "when you get to my age you will see things differently".

There is no doubt that physical changes come with age. Our bodies change and will continue to do so all of our lives. Inside, most of us are still the same whether we are 30 or 80 years young. In our hearts, we never age. In our minds, we only age if we choose to do so.

Opportunities are all around us and it doesn't matter whether you are 18 and starting into the workforce, or 65 and leaving the traditional workforce. There are not fewer opportunities - there are just different opportunities. In order to discover those opportunities, you need to be open to new ways of doing things.

It's never too late! Here are some interesting facts to think about:

• Most of the top executives in any country are aged over 40

• The top leaders in government are often aged over 40

• Colonel Sanders did not start up Kentucky Fried Chicken until he was well into retirement age

• Grandma Moses began painting at the age of 80

• Michelangelo was painting masterpieces at age 80

• George Bernard Shaw wrote plays at 90

It's never too late! Today is the start of the rest of your life. Visualise what you want to do with your life and then decide to do it. Never let anyone tell you it can't be done when you know in your heart it can.

Find out how to change the direction of your future and to recognise and maximise opportunities in the Q Wealth Report.