It’s easy for us in the newsagency channel to be drawn to a mindset pessimism. History gets some to this point while unjust and inequitable treatment by some suppliers gets others there. Once we there, in a pessimistic mindset, it’s hard work to get to an optimistic outlook.
While I am no psychologist, I know that running a newsagency through a fog of pessimism is more likely to lead to poor decisions that make the business situation worse and guide you to fulfilling a pessimistic view that the business is dying. Running your newsagency through a mindset of optimism, on the other hand, is more likely to lead to decisions which are positive for the business and those connected with it.
The challenge is how do you switch from one to the other?
As I noted, I am no psychologist. For me, if I feel pessimistic about a situation or overall, I focus on what I can change in and about my business. Sure I complain about suppliers, often in this blog, but once the complaint is given breath my energy is spent on climbing over or digging under or around it. I make a deliberate choice to leave the feeling of pessimism aside as I know that it is an emotion that wastes time and pulls focus from what can be achieved. I make a choice to see the opportunity – in any negative situation.
No matter what we are faced with, there are aspects we can control and act on and others we cannot. Focus on what you can act on. Celebrate the small steps. Share a positive comment with a team member and take energy from their joy at recognition. Play your favourite music. Wear something because you like it. Have the extra cup of coffee. Count your smiles for the day. Do things you know will make you happier and hope and work at these small steps helping you to focus on an optimistic outlook instead of a pessimistic one.
A difference I have noticed between businesses navigating change positively and growing and those that are not is the attitude / mindset of the leadership of the business. Work at choosing optimism over pessimism and it could be that challenges acting as a barrier today and in your rear view mirror tomorrow.
Amy Neumann has published a slide show documenting 19 ways to be more optimistic. It’s pretty cool.
I touched on this topic in Sunday management tip: what if you hate your newsagency? in May last year.
Mark,
Couldn’t agree with you more..
One of the biggest lessons/reminders I have got from the GFC, is how important my emotional state is to the success of my business. It not only governs my daily decisions, but it also impacts on my ability to a have a clear vision on were I want to take my business. Just as importantly.. my negative emotions has a big impact on customers.. and my staff.
Pessimism is a soul killer.. When you have a pessimistic outlook, most people avoid you.. the only people you attract are other pessimistic people.
So how do you stay optimistic and manage those customer’s who ‘always see the negative’?
Take control, have a plan, re-affirm what’s really important and try and remove as many negative influences as possible. Most importantly stop blaming others for circumstances which you can’t control or influence.
John
One of the best posts ever.