01.07.08 by Andrew Montlake

Fight Back

Now I'm not one to usually watch Wimbledon, but I tuned in briefly last night as Andy Murray was on the brink of an undignified exit and watched with mounting excitement as he fought back through sheer determination until I was standing up and cheering like everyone else.

Sport often provides moments to inspire and I thought it was a great lesson to all of those who feel like they are floundering in these difficult times.

There are always answers out there, sometimes you just have to dig deep to find them.

Amongst the gloom came yesterdays news of mortgage approvals falling so dramatically, the lowest level since comparable records began in 1993 at 42,000 in May. This is a drop of 63.8 per cent year-on-year from the May 2007 peak of 116,000, although that was a record year.

Today Nationwide has published their view that house prices have seen the biggest drop since November 1992, falling at an annual rate of 6.3 per cent.

Together with continued news of rising prices, it seems we need a mighty big spade to dig deep with.

However dig deep we will. There are some decent mortgage products out there, lenders cannot not lend for ever and appetites will return.

How people deal with adversity is a great judge of character. You can panic and shout and moan, but it does not get you anywhere.

Dig deep, get that determined look on your face and work your way out of it. That will also pick other people up around you. Don't be afraid to seek help and guidance if you need it or try new things.

As Andy Murray will tell you big muscles may help, but a steely determination, a good team around you, brains and good humour will ultimately see you through.