Positive Bloggers Only Need Read This

Positive thinking is as much a part of common parlance these days as corporate speak and management lingo.

The power of having a positive outlook on life is something which is both acknowledged and advocated in the world of business and our personal lives, alike.

Initially used to motivate sales people and encourage passion in the workplace, positive thinking has now worked its way in to the world of small business ownership as a fundamental principle of operating, meaning that we can stay engaged with our business and maintain momentum.

It may sound a bit ‘fluffy’ but staying positive really does help business owners and bloggers to be productive. Having a clear view of how you want things to be with your business can keep you focused and on track when things go wrong, giving you peace of mind that you can make improvements.

People who have a strong optimistic streak are more likely to develop skills which make for great business practice, including the following:

Future focus

People who run their own online business need to have the ability to stay focused upon what they want to happen in the future, rather than being entrenched in the day-to-day management of their services and products. Being able to look ahead with a positive outlook and see where you want your venture to be headed is the best possible way to build in new strategies and adapt to changes in customer requirements as and when they occur, without losing sight of your end goals.

Creative visualisation

Without a healthy injection of creativity, it’s tough to stay ahead of your competitors and evolve your business. Thinking positively inspires the creative process, by letting you know that you can achieve anything which you put your mind to, and opening up possibilities for future development. Being able to sit with a positive mindset and map out your business activities and plan supports an outstanding product suite, innovate customer service and allows healthy new ideas to flourish.

Longevity

As successful businesses need an element of staying power, being positive about the future of your business will support you to make it thrive, long-term. Understanding that you are in for the long-haul, and having the confidence of knowing that you will make it in the end is a critical part of business ownership.

While too much positivity could lead to complacency, preventing you from sorting out issues before they become problems, a good dose of positivity can be a real asset when it comes to keeping your business going while those around you flounder.

Determination

Knowing that things can turn out right in the end offers small business owners an inner strength to deal with issues as they arise, without getting despondent. Being self-assured and trusting in life to present solutions as you need them supports you to stick with your business through the tough times, finding ways to resolve issues rather than simply giving up.

It’s important to remember that no-one makes a successful business overnight, and we can all expect hiccups and issues when we start out. Whether we are looking at having a period with reduced income, or overcoming barriers with friends and family as we set out to establish our blogging business, it can be tough to have the courage of our own convictions when things don’t look as if they are coming to fruition.

However, being determined about what you want to achieve with your business gives you a strong outlook, enabling you to shoulder the difficult initial stages of setting up your business and move things forward.

When you consider business tycoons such as Branson, Gates and Sugar, you see they have a common trait. They all emanate a confidence and self-assurance which has stemmed from their determination to succeed. This suggests that each one set out with an unswerving belief in the power of their company or initiative, and had the strength of mind to see it come to fruition.

So, how do we stay positive in the face of adverse business events?

It’s all very well knowing the theory behind positive thinking and understanding the benefits of this kind of outlook. It’s quite another thing to stay positive when things are going wrong.

If your business is faced with low revenue, or you are dealing with difficult customers or unpaid bills it can be almost impossible to stay upbeat while you resolve things. Many businesses fall by the wayside because people simply choose not to hang on to their ideas and initiatives through the tough times.

Staying positive comes down to a number of factors which can be learned and practiced, rather than simply being an innate quality which some of us have, and some of us don’t. This is great news for people who normally err on the side of cynicism or pessimism, as there is nothing to stop you from developing a healthy dose of positive thinking when it comes to your business.

Follow the steps outlined below to establish yourself as a positive thinker, and strengthen your ability to shine in the face of adversity.

Steps for achieving a positive mindset:

• Think of what you have achieved so far

• Remember why you are doing this

• Think of the benefits

• Go easy on yourself

• Recall times when life has given you a lucky break

• Call on people who inspire and enthuse you

• Do things you enjoy, not that you feel you ought to be doing.

By remembering your ultimate goals and being kind to yourself on your path to achieving them, you stand to gradually develop a much more positive outlook for your business that will hold you in good stead when things do not always go as you expected.

Surrounding yourself by upbeat, positive people also supports you to develop a strong attitude towards your business, enabling you to partner with confident and experienced people who will support you to achieve and stand by you as your business reaches its targets.

Positive thinking is a habit just like any other, and you can train your brain to find the best in most situations, overcoming obstacles and challenges with an unswerving confidence in your abilities and your business.

How do you stay positive?

Please share your views in the comments below.

_______________________________________________________________________________