How to Stay Positive in a Negative World
You’re probably used to negative media stories in the last few years. By regularly listening to the news you may even start to question whether the sky is falling. (Don’t worry — it isn’t.)
High achievers know it’s critical to maintain a positive mental outlook no matter what’s going on around them. So how do you develop and maintain this attitude? Here are some ideas I personally use to stay positive in a negative world. I also coach my Financial Advisor clients on using them. #financialadvisor #financialadvisors
1. Mission Statement. The starting point of all high achievement is a clear sense of purpose. So your Mission Statement is “your personal pledge of allegiance” — it describes who you are and what you’re all about. The first thing I do with all of my clients is to have them create a Goal-Based Mission Statement with a proprietary process of mine. #missionstatement
2. Affirmations. To become a “legend in your own time,” you must first be a legend in your own mind. A way to do this is to work with Affirmations: Repetition of empowering positive statements in the present tense as if they are already a fact. #dailyaffirmations
3. Goals. Writing out specific, measurable goals is a critical step for you to know where you want to go, by what deadline. You need to set annual goals, then quarterly goals and monthly goals, then define action steps to fulfill them. #goals
4. Visualization. An important skill for any professional is to mentally picture specific successful outcomes (i.e. closing a deal) in a meditative state. #visualization
5. Positive mental input. Take on the challenge of a “media fast” for a week. Instead, substitute reading, audio books and podcasts that enhance your skills and mindset. This will have a positive effect on your attitude AND your bottom line. #learningskills
6. Physical exercise. Top producers understand the importance of staying in shape. A regular workout regimen has a multitude of benefits — it reduces stress, clears the mind, builds endurance and provides you “the look of a winner” to grow your business. It doesn’t matter what form of exercise you choose as long as you do it 4 – 5 times a week. #exercise
7. Positive support group. Unlike magnets, likes attract. So if you want to be a top producer, start hanging out with them. One assignment I give my clients is to identify successful Financial Advisors, then invite them to lunch to find out what they’re doing. Most high achievers are flattered by invitations to share their success stories. #positivepeople
One final word: If becoming a top producer was EASY, everyone would do it — and then it would be worth the equivalent of flippin’ burgers at your local fast food joint. My Financial Advisor clients who use the ideas I’ve described here KNOW how to stay positive in a negative world. And they’re the ones you’ll see at the top. #coaching #businesscoaching