In Warren Buffet’s annual letter to the Berkshire Hathaway stockholders, Warren informed them “the nation’s economy will be in shambles throughout 2009″ and probably “well beyond”.

Those words were enough to send the shivers down the spine of any CEO, company president or business owner.  When the Oracle of Omaha speaks, people listen.  Warren went on to say that the credit crisis, falling housing and stock prices have led to “paralyzing fear”.

Every day we are subjected to all the 24 hour-a-day cable stations continually reminding us as business people that we are in peril. 

All of the warnings on the economy need to be paid attention to.  You need to take appropriate action in your business to make sure you survive this recession.  But you also need to understand and focus on your “real life”.  Life outside of the business.

Your business is what you do and it may even define who you are. But there is so much more to life than just business.  Business is a game you play.  It’s how you make a living.  It may even be a way to judge your value in society.  But the one thing that will get you through this recession is understanding what is really important in your life. 

You need to see your life as a whole not just evaluate one aspect of your life.  For example, there may be your commitment to your religion or faith, your community or your family and friends. 

Focus on your business.  Work those long hours that may be necessary to get through this economic crisis.  But don’t forget to pay attention to the important things in life.

Take an afternoon and go to the park with your children; go have coffee or lunch with a friend you haven’t seen lately.  Do something fun.   The time away from your office will do you and the business good.  

As you work hard in your business know that the economy in time will rebound.  Warren Buffet believes it will.  In his letter he went on to say: “Though the path has not been smooth, our economic system has worked extraordinarily well over time.  It has unleashed human potential as no other system has, and it will continue to do so.  America’s best days lie ahead.”

With your business and life priorities in the right place, know your best days lie ahead.