It’s the beginning of yet another year, and I’m sure a good number of you have been engaged in that annual ritual of making resolutions. You’re psyched that this year you’ll absolutely change your life for the better–whether shedding unwanted pounds, spending quality time with loved ones, or learning a new language by summer. Well, not to burst your bubble, but studies show that less than a quarter of us succeed in turning over a new leaf.
So scrap that list of empty promises. The sure-fire way to achieve all your objectives is actually quite simple: This year commit to developing a positive attitude. Despite these uncertain times, stop caving into defeatism before even entering the arena. Bring energy and brilliance to each and every situation instead of allowing your life to be consumed by doubt and darkness. Remember the lyrics to that old ditty: Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative.
I recently talked with a good friend and business associate regarding how too many of our entrepreneurial and executive colleagues seem willing to put their livelihoods in the hands of others, accepting whatever fate is dealt them, and resigning themselves to the inevitability of defeat. To me, failure is never an option.
Let me set the record straight: Just because I’m a dyed-in-the-wool optimist doesn’t mean I’m a Pollyanna wearing rose-colored glasses. I choose to surround myself with a network of positive people and admire those individuals who seek out possibilities and forge ahead
without excuses. I take great pride in believing I’m equipped with everything I need–drive, intellect, health–to maximize personal and professional success. I thank God every morning for another chance to make today better than yesterday.Over the years, I have chosen to adopt the mental attitude of a champion excited to snag opportunities from challenges, fully confident I have the God-given abilities to eventually achieve my goals. You must develop this level of confidence whether you run a business, seek employment, or invest in today’s volatile market.
As an entrepreneur, being positive will allow you to realize greater productivity and profitability. I have never met a successful organization with a downbeat CEO at its helm. Enthusiasm is infectious and energizing. People are motivated by leaders who possess a vision for a better tomorrow.
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Any job hunter who isn’t upbeat will get steamrolled in this tough environment. Take black enterprise, for example. Any prospect who walks into my office for an interview with bowed head, drooped shoulders, and lethargic posture will wind up hitting the pavement in 9.7 seconds; the body language betrays insecurities that can’t be glossed over by either a sterling résumé or gold-plated recommendation. I would only consider hiring a highly skilled, polished candidate whose passionate presentation communicates that he or she is the power hitter I need to strengthen my executive bench.
As for investing, it’s true you must be knowledgeable about the market. However, you must also have a positive outlook to help drive long-term decisions to secure your family’s financial future. It starts, of course, with a change in mindset. For instance, if you’re drowning in debt and haven’t taken any serious corrective action, you will never regain your financial footing. Conversely, if you’re too conservative to invest then you will never realize the potential capital gains that ultimately produce a life laden with options. Quite frankly, maintaining the status quo often represents your worst financial position.
So let’s make a fresh start in 2012 with an uncompromising belief that we deserve the best from life. I’m here to tell you that any and all aspirations are well within your reach. All it takes is developing a positive attitude.