When times get tough there is always a lot confronting media close at hand. Everything we read, watch or listen to is filled with doom and gloom regarding whatever crisis may be happening at the time. It doesn’t take long for every conversation to turn to this subject and generally everyone leaves the meeting, coffee shop or water cooler feeling depressed.
The reality is that none of us know how bad things may become in any particular crisis, and in reality, there is not a lot we can do to change global conditions. But we can have our own positive influence on those around us.
At times like this people want and in fact crave positivity but sadly we tend to slide more easily into negativity. The reality is that a bunch of people standing around talking about the doom and gloom does very little to grow a business or make it profitable.
As a business owner you are the business barometer. Your staff will reflect your mood. If you are ready to jump out of a window, your staff will pick up on that and they will start to share your gloomy mood, worrying about their jobs and their future.
As hard as it may be, business owners need to be motivated, inspiring and energised. Put you focus on managing the issues the can be controlled because there is not a lot of point worrying about the things we have absolutely no control over.
So my advice is that whenever times are tough, surround yourself with positive people, read books that fire you up, watch movies that make you jump up and down and look for the positives in your world rather than the negatives.
I am such a firm believer that businesses succeed or fail in the mind of owner. Don’t get caught up in the vortex of negativity, instead become a beacon of positivity. It will rub off on those around you and everyone will benefit.
Behind every truly successful business is an inspirational individual who manages to remain positive and calm when everyone else is falling apart.
Very timely advice Andrew – and pertinent for my business tree
Hey Mike, staying motivated and positive can be really tough at times. I think the hardest part is to not take on other people’s crappola, which if course is easier said than done when you run a current affairs style blog like you do. But in the end, positivity will always get you through, and if for some strange reason it doesn’t work out the way you hope, at least the journey was a whole lot more enjoyable believing that things will get better.
Stay positive mate.
Andrew
Andrew
love your article on negativity, very supportive in a tough business environment. Your new book, The Me Myth is so applicable. Too many business managers think its all about them. Its always about people, your clients and your staff. Look after them both and your business will soar.
Cheers
great post thanks for the info