Positive Attitude…I think, therefore I am
You’ve heard it a million times since René Descartes first said it. “I think, therefore I am.” What and who you are begins with a thought. The mind is a powerful tool that can make or break your life and your business success. Personal Growth Professionals have known this for years…it’s part of why we do what we do.
We teach other people how to use their thoughts, but sometimes we aren’t so great about using the technique with ourselves. We might think we are, but then a project fails, the economy drops, the computer crashes….
It’s just as important, if not more so, that we, as personal growth professionals, use our minds to fuel our business success.
In these tough economic times, it can be hard not to think about the possibility of business failure. That’s normal – after all, look at all the messages on the news, radio, internet, and conversations you overhear at the coffee shop.
Of course, no one said that business would be easy even if the economy is up. It takes work. Knowing that truth and truly believing it are two different things.
Anyone can go out today and say they want to start a business. Unfortunately the statistics show that few will actually succeed in taking the steps necessary to start a successful one. This is not to deter you from following your dreams, but just like your clients need to have the right mindset to make the changes they want, you need to have the correct mindset in order to triumph in your business. Making it through the rough times means you’ll be around to celebrate the good ones!
What is the mindset you need to have in order to succeed?
A realistic frame of mind keeps you and your business grounded in tough times. And an optimistic attitude keeps you in “possibility mode” – an essential if you are going to respond to challenges. After all, you are the business. Anyone working with you and/or for you will follow your lead. Here are a few tips to help you keep on top of things and see your business goals through to culmination.
Know the Statistics, but don’t be bound by them. How many businesses of your type fail each year? Do you have any idea why? What’s different between your business and theirs? What is the competition like?
Be Aware – Consider the negative possibilities so you know how to handle them when they come. You might even embrace them as a way to learn and plan in advance…possibly avoiding them altogether. Trust me, challenges show up in business. That’s the way it is. And, in fact, it’s good for us as personal growth professionals because it’s part of what keeps us fresh and on our toes. One key to business success is planning ahead for trouble that you hope would not show up.
Don’t Let Others Bring You Down – Ignore the naysayers. Seriously. I can’t state this strongly enough. If you’re running a business that you’ve always wanted to own, don’t let anyone turn you away from your goal. Say to yourself, “I have created a successful business.”
Preparation Breeds Confidence – This type of preparation brings with it an air of confidence, confidence in your ability to handle any situation. It is that confidence that will motivate you and your team if the business takes a hit one day. Besides a business plan for your company, create a life attitude plan to go along with it.
Your reactions to setbacks show who you are when things are not going according to plan. Getting bent out of shape is not going to stop clients from leaving, the sale from falling through or the market from slumping. Learn to use setbacks in positive ways.
There is not a tried and true formula for professional success. Much of it is trial and error. Allow the highs to outnumber the lows in your professional life by learning to ride the waves and keeping a positive outlook.
And remember the saying, “Roadblocks are not God’s denials. They are the reuslt of what you think about his gifts.” (David Neagle)
So…what is your business attitude like these days?
September 7th, 2009 at 4:00 am
the road to success is always dotted with challenges–and yes, naysayers, but proper mindset can eliminate all possible implications of these problems.
If i may add, seeking an advice from an expert with experience to boot can also help you plan ahead with possible problems.
thanks. great post!