2012 is here whether you like it or not.
This time of year brings reflection, celebration and sometimes regret. Many of the folks I talk to each week have had a mixed bag with the economic challenges, changing market conditions, political uncertainly and overall unwillingness to move forward and make something happen. My clients in construction are challenged with the lending environment, clients in insurance are dealing with the uncertainty of health care reform, financial service professionals have a turbulent market, fill in the blank with your challenge from the above or perhaps you are dealing with you own. What’s a sales person to do?
Environments such as the one we are in right now leave you in one of two places: the ‘Waiting Place’ referred to in Dr. Seuss’s the Places You Will Go (a must read, my favorite book this year) or the ‘On Purpose’ place. In the Waiting Place you are at the mercy of circumstances out of control of your own life and destiny. You are at the mercy of your clients, prospects, competition – name the reason for lack of results. In the ‘On Purpose’ place you recognize that while many circumstances may be beyond your control – how you react to challenges is completely in your control.
Ready to change your address from the Waiting Place to the On Purpose Place? Here are a few thoughts on how to do just that.
- Recognize the positive that happens each and every day. What you reflect on will reproduce itself. You think about crummy stuff and all it seems you are surrounded by is crummy stuff. Think about good things and good things are every where you look.
- Watch your altitude. Not attitude but altitude. Are you looking up and forward or down and inward? For example – if you have to make a tough call do you stand up and look at the ceiling or sit at your desk with your head in your hands? Try the higher altitude and watch your outlook improve.
- goals and treat yourself when you attain them. Pretty basic but 95% of the sales people and business owners I work with do not have personal goals or rewards when they overcome obstacles. So how often would your teenager clean their room if they never got to borrow the car for the weekend out or other carrot you dangle? Not very long, but yet how often have you promised yourself something you never deliver on. Make yourself a promise and keep it.
- Hang out with good people. Do your friends have great relationships with family and friends, successful careers, financial stability and overall balance in their life? Or are they struggling financially? Can’t get along with anyone? Make sure you surround yourself with people you admire and respect, you will become a person who is admired and respected.
This list is not complete, and I’m sure you have even more of methods you use to make your success on purpose instead of letting life happen to you. Please share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s learn from other ‘On Purpose Producers.’ If you found any of these ideas helpful, please pass them along.