During my lifetime and own personal experiences and the many years of coaching others, I’ve found that one of the most effective ways to control stress is by controlling what we think about it. It’s our attitude that makes the difference when it comes to dealing with outside stress. Robert Schuller said, “Success doesn’t come the way you think it does–it comes from the way you think.”
No matter what kind of business you’re in, there are going to be days that just make you crazy with problems. The news is negative, employees let you down, and competition is beating you up. The people who thrive and prosper are the ones who take a prescriptive approach to life and monitor of the caliber of information that reaches their brain.
What is a prescriptive approach, you ask? It’s simply a way of arming yourself in advance with information to deal with whatever challenges come your way. We must arm ourselves daily with information to prevent stress and panic. No one makes good decisions when they feel cornered or trapped in an unhealthy state of mind. In fact, most of us can trace bad decisions to when we reacted to a situation instead of acting in a manner that served us.
Please always remember that you get in life what you focus on. If you dwell on limitations, you will reach them. If you focus on stress you will get more of it. You will have a better life in every way if you make the least of the worst while making the most of the best.
One attribute that elevates the outstanding from the average is the willingness to look for the positive angle in all situations. Optimists know that difficult situations and adversity bring out hidden resources and capabilities. As entrepreneurs, we must make the internal decision to excel and to rise to the occasion. Optimists choose to see opportunities where others choose to see problems. Thomas Edison said, “If we did all the things in life we were capable of doing we would literally astound ourselves.” And another quote I enjoy is: “Real difficulties can be overcome; it is only the imaginary ones that are unconquerable.”
Here is a thought for you today: look at the stress in your life from another perspective. Ask yourself: if I have this problem then my clients, patients, or customers might have this problem. What could I do to fix that? How could I capitalize on this problem and make money from it? What could I do to offer solutions to others to fix this problem that would bring me income or business?
Think about some of the most successful folks on earth and how their wealth was created. You will find that the people who found ways to solve other people’s problems or stress have created great success and wealth for themselves as a result. Often the person who came up with the solution actually had the same problem and when they solved it for themselves they found ways to assist others. This also allowed them to create new products or services to offer for sale as a result.
When you are dealing with reality from an optimistic attitude and point of power you will be able to think more clearly and make better decisions, which of course will add prosperity and peace of mind. The bottom line is: Be an Optimist!
Magic and love to you
Lee
