Starting a business is an amazing opportunity, one I am relishing. I am extremely grateful that I am able to take my time to build a strong foundation for a successful business. I wake up exhilarated, excited about what I will achieve today and some days I go to bed feeling overwhelmed and my mind chatter just won’t stop talking to itself.
A couple of weeks ago I ruptured my plantar fascia ligament from over exercising, who knew too much exercise could be so bad for you! I had to rethink my whole exercise routine. I can no longer run, cross-fit , boot-camp with the girls down the road, all high impact exercise is out. I was gutted, I actually cried when the doctor told me. Once I had calmed down I had to work out what my next strategy for my exercise was going to be. I certainly can’t do nothing for 18 months, I would go mad. So I bought myself a good bike and I have started riding in the mornings. I have to say, I am loving it! Not going is it great exercise, I get to see the sun rise in the mornings, it’s become my way of mediating, saying my affirmation as I ride really sets me up for the entire day.
This whole experience got me thinking. It’s all very well and good to have the right content strategy and know which social media platforms/tools you are going to use, if you don’t have the right mindset to keep you on track. Certainly when the you start doubting yourself and the negative thoughts become the background noise in your head or when you need to find another way around that problem or change direction all together. As the great Kenny Rogers said:
Here are 7 keys to help you create a positive, successful mindset.
1. Surround yourself with successful and positive people.
The influence people have over our own personal energy is amazing. Moods and attitudes are so easily spread – think about how much of a difference a simple smile from a stranger can make for your day and then magnify it 1000 times to demonstrate the power of positive and successful friends, family and associates. When you have people around you who inspire you, believe in you and want you to succeed, there’s no room for doubts and even when they creep up, they’re quickly swept away.
2. Create a mantra or an affirmation.
For example, “I am building a powerful and profitable business.” Many of the most esteemed business professionals have used the same affirmation strategy to attain their success. To find the right affirmations for you, consider writing a quick list of your doubts, insecurities and complaints. These can then be quickly turned into affirmations.
For example, if you write that you’re always feeling disorganized then your affirmation would be, “I am organized and in control.” Repeat your affirmations several times a day and feel the power of positive thinking.
3. Change the tone of your thoughts from negative to positive.
We all have negative thoughts from time to time, however, negative thoughts and emotions can derail us and prevent us from achieving our goals. Of course catching those negative thoughts takes practice and persistence. When you find yourself thinking negative thoughts or having negative emotions, find a trigger to turn them around. The affirmations mentioned above are a great way to turn the negative into the positive. You can also find quick pick me ups like a favourite song, a walk outside in the fresh air, or some exercise to help improve your mood.
For example, instead of thinking, “We are going to have a hard time adjusting to our living situation,” think, “We will face some challenges in our living situation, but we will come up with solutions that we will both be happy with.”
4. Set goals but be willing to let it go or change direction.
The law of attraction says that we attract what we focus on the most. However, desperation, needing your business to be a success, sends mixed messages and a lot of negativity into the universe. Set your goals and intentions and then let them go. A certain amount of faith in yourself and in the power of attraction is necessary. Give it a try.
5. Be grateful.
Gratitude is perhaps the single most powerful and positive tool for success. When you’re grateful for all of the wonderful things and people in your life the challenges you face seem significantly less important and are more easily dealt with.
Consider keeping a gratitude journal and make a practice of entering into it daily. That way, when you’re facing challenges a quick peek at all the amazing things in your life will make you feel as if you can tackle anything. Additionally, an attitude of gratitude helps you maintain a positive perspective and to face challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. It worked for Oprah!
6. Don’t play the victim. You create your life—take responsibility.
Life is too short, try not to complain or hate. Just breathe through it and remember the sun is always shinning no matter how many clouds are in the way.
Not owning up to our actions takes us away from ever doing anything different. We simply remain stuck while we continue to complain and feel miserable in our status quo of negativity.
We have to decide it’s up to us and not pass along our power to the blame and excuse game.
Making excuses and blaming others keeps us victimized. We don’t have to do anything different because it’s not about us; it’s about someone or something else. We’re simply the recipient. It’s time to decide to do something different, empower yourself with ‘I can’ not ‘I can’t’ statements.
“Whether you think you can or can’t you are right” – Henry Ford
7. Smile
A smile can change the world! It can make you more attractive and it can also close that sale! Smile and the world smiles with you.
If success is all about the right mindset than following these simple, yet powerful, tips will help you build a successful business, live a happier, more satisfying life. And you never know, you just might be the sunshine in someone else’s bad day. If that’s all you achieve then it’s been worth this read and a smile!
Keep smiling, try positive thinking and you can achieve anything!
Natalie Smith
Visual Energy