- It's just as important to work on your business as it is to work in it.
- Surround yourself with the people whose success you'd like to see in your life.
- Good luck isn't enough to be successful.
When you own you a business, you wear many hats. Not only are you the CEO, CFO and COO — but you’re also the sales, marketing and IT departments as well. It’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to stay on top of everything that happens.
The most successful people understand it’s just as important to work on your business as it is to work in your business. When you work on your business, you’re doing more than strategizing for the future; you’re improving your mind and perspective to tackle the challenges that arise.
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1. Be selective about your intake
A positive attitude is shaped largely by what one listens to, watches and reads. If you find yourself watching hours of arguing on reality TV or news programs each night, it’s easy to begin feeling combative and negative.
The best remedy is to turn off the television and look for positive forms of entertainment, whether it’s an uplifting book or an inspiring movie, podcast or music. When you fill your mind with positive input, it’ll impact and improve your attitude.
2. Surround yourself with successful, positive people
Jim Rohn said, “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” What you put into your brain impacts your attitude, and who you associate with does as well.
When you associate with positive, successful people, you’ll be inspired to become more so yourself. Additionally, you’ll be able to bounce ideas off of and network with other driven professionals.
3. Stay motivated with positive affirmations
Whether it’s a quote that hits home or a saying that inspires you, affirmations help to frame your perspective.
They help you focus on what matters and give you the confidence to pursue your goals, even on those days when you’re just not feeling it.
4. Keep a journal
We learn from our experiences; however, when we write them down, we’re able to reflect on the circumstances and our reactions so we can gain perspective and either avoid or address the situation if it happens again in the future.
Writing down what you go through each day is a beneficial and sometimes cathartic experience that can help you improve your overall business.
5. Be accountable
Tracking helps you stay accountable to your tasks and activities. If you say you’re going to make 20 calls and write five personal notes, you’re more likely to do it if you’re keeping track of your activities.
Just as journaling allows you to reflect on and understand the experiences you go through, tracking helps you keep your finger on the pulse of your business.
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Take accountability a step further by enlisting the aid of a partner or mentor. A person can hound you to do your activities and commit to your goals in a way that seeing the numbers can’t. An accountability partner or mentor can help you take your business to the next level.
Although many folks chalk success up to good luck, in reality, much of it boils down to attitude and preparation. Your attitude keeps you motivated, even when times are tough, and preparation will help you maintain a level of success once you achieve it.
When you take the time to work on your business, and on yourself, you’ll be able to meet your clients’ needs and surpass their expectations.
Brian Buffini is the chairman and founder of Buffini & Company. You can follow Brian and Buffini & Company on Facebook.
