Tag Archives: Entrepreneurial Spirit

An Attitude of Gratitude

Posted on by
1

Question: There are way too many challenges and conflicts in my life – at work, at home – everywhere. How do I get past this mess?

Answer: Our perspective on the various challenges and conflicts that we encounter can make or break us. If we are unable to look for and find the opportunities in such situations we will most certainly feel a great deal of negativity. Of course no one intentionally wants to tap into negative energy. But how, in the face of what seems to be insurmountable odds do we make the choice to find the positive?

There is a way and it’s called gratitude. Being grateful for what we have can be a powerful force in our lives. In the midst of your consternation, stop for a moment and think about all the wonder and bounty that has been bestowed upon you. Your spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, home, pets, vacations, material possessions, faith – the list is virtually infinite. Take this one step further and start a gratitude journal. Every day write down the things for which you are grateful for that day.

Here’s a tip on how to really find the power of gratitude that I have practiced for many years. Before I make a phone call – a sales call, or a general call – I purposefully spend a few seconds and think about something for which I am grateful. This generally brings a smile to my face and sets the tone for my call. I also do this before I go into a meeting. More often than not the result of my call or meeting is positive.

The expression of gratitude goes beyond thinking about that for which we are grateful. It also includes verbalizing these thoughts to others. When your coffee cup is re-filled in the restaurant do you thank your server? Do you say thank you every time someone does something for you? Besides common courtesy this also helps pave the path toward feeling gratitude on a daily basis. And by feeling grateful throughout each day you will find that your attitude will change – for the better – with respect to the issues and problems that you face. Gratitude will trigger a pivot in your perspective and enable you to see the mountain that you are trying to climb as an energizing exercise in creative problem-solving as opposed to a cliff over which you are about to fall.

 

Perceptive Passion.

Posted on by
1

Question: Why is it that many entrepreneurs seem so animated about what they do?

Answer: There’s no doubt – entrepreneurs are a different breed of cat. Successful entrepreneurs somehow seem to live in a “zone.” Things always seem to go right for them. It’s almost like they have a sixth sense about everything. How does this happen?

It’s all about perspective. Some people see what they do for a living as a job. Others see it as a career. Successful entrepreneurs live it as a passion. Their vocation may have started out as a job and progressed into the career phase. But somewhere along the line something clicked and it became a passion. I remember when I graduated from college and went to work for the firm that I’m still with. My first position was a job and I hated it. But I was intrigued enough to stick with it and before long it became a career. I knew it was what I wanted to do for a long, long time. This was followed by years of toil, angst and stress – certainly not the most fun period of my life. Then it was as if the clouds parted and the sun began to shine.

For me the difference was the realization that I was actually living the dream I always had. My creativity level was off the charts and I was truly having a lot of fun. I never sought the passion I was feeling, but gradually it was just there. Today I understand that it was all about mindset. Had I willfully focused on changing my perspective I might have succeeded in reaching the passion stage much sooner. I’m lucky that the gradual shift in my mindset occurred. I wonder how many would-be entrepreneurs never achieve this gradual shift.

Intentionally changing your perspective is the key to moving past job and career and into a state of passion about what you love to do. This means understanding that everything you experience can build toward the good you desire. Look for the silver linings. Look for opportunities. Dwelling on what may seem negative is a passion killer. Use these situations as a challenge to learn perseverance and problem-solving. And this will lead to the silver linings and opportunities.  

Entrepreneurs – Fasten Your Seatbelts!

Posted on by
1

Are you an entrepreneur! Do you want to be an entrepreneur? This blog is an extension of my book, An Entrepreneur’s Words to Live By. The book is about some of the traits of successful entrepreneurs. It’s also about what entrepreneurs can do to lead more rich, happy and balanced lives. And believe it or not, a more balanced life can help you become a more successful entrepreneur.

If you are a Baby Boomer there is still time for you to have success as an entrepreneur and enjoy a long and vibrant life. For those members of Generation X or Y who want to become entrepreneurs, the world is your oyster. Perhaps what you read in my book and in this blog will provide a perspective that helps you reach the goals you have set. Above all I hope that what I share with you may help you become a better, well-rounded human being who will eventually take the time to pass along to others that which you learn over the course of your life.

In this blog I will use a Q & A format to delve into many of the questions that entrepreneurs often have. If you have such a question – ask away and I will give you my two-cents worth.

Entrepreneurs have a complex collection of traits and tendencies. Entrepreneurship is all about harnessing these traits and tendencies into a positive driving energy force. Yet it’s even more than that. True entrepreneurship is a state of being. Are you ready to find out more about what makes an entrepreneur tick? Fasten your seatbelts because here we go.