Being a business coach is all about teaching marketing and business strategies to people who want to grow their business, right? Well, yes. But there’s another HUGE factor that determines the success (or lack) of that transformation. And that’s how the client feels. I learned that if a client isn’t in a state of positive expectation, all the coaching, tools and strategies in the world won’t make a bit of difference.
Now I don’t mind telling you, this revelation freaked me out at first. I felt an enormous responsibility for my clients getting the positive transformation they sought (and were paying me for!), and thought that meant my having all the answers ready and waiting for them before they walked in the door. That sneaky ego at work again! It wasn’t until I reconciled myself with the fact that it wasn’t my job to provide answers, but to help them shift their mindset and then give them the tools they needed, that the co-creative process could flourish.
So how do you get into the right mindset? Look for things to be grateful for and keep your focus there. Even if you have nine things in your life that are pretty crappy and ONE thing that you feel pretty good about, keeping your focus on that one thing will positively effect your experience and outcome.
Easier said than done? Sure. But if building a successful business were easy, everyone would do it, right?
Here are 5 ways to build your gratitude muscle and start getting the positive results you want:
1) Model successful people you admire
Some of my favorite business advice comes from the likes of Richard Branson, Jack Welsh and Seth Godin. Why? Because their advice is so relatable and down-to-earth. A quick way to benefit is to follow people you admire on social media and start each day with a fix of positivity and inspiration.
2) Fake it ‘til you make it
This New York Times article shares the science behind faking good feeling thoughts until you actually start feeling them. Or as Mindy Kaling puts it…….
3) Keep a gratitude journal
The simple act of writing down every little thing you’re thankful for is great for shifting your mindset. Include everything from the big stuff like your health to the little things like a particularly helpful waitress that day.
4) Learn to tame your monkey-mind
We all have that not-so-helpful inner voice giving us a running commentary of what’s not going well. Know when it’s taking up more than it’s fair share of airtime and do what you have to do to quiet it down. Running and swimming work wonders for me. Meditation or a walk in nature might be your thing. You won’t get that inner voice to shut up, but you will learn to manage it.
5) Surround yourself with like-minded people
My policy is to surround myself with people who are sympathetic to the everyday challenges of entrepreneurship, but have zero tolerance for pity-parties. Look at the people around you and ask if they are lifting you up or dragging you down. Join groups or associations that attract people who have the same goals as you and/or form an accountability group to help you keep your focus on the positive.
Choosing gratitude is like going to the gym. It may take a bit of effort to get there, but you never feel worse for having done it!
If you’d like to talk more about strategies to help you and your business thrive, set up a free 20-minute introductory call with me here. I can’t wait to hear more about your business and how I can help you achieve your goals.
