How you approach life and business can mean the difference between failure and success. When things aren’t going well, sometimes you need a change in perspective. Making an effort to look at life differently will unlock opportunities for you when you least expect them.
I have a story that explains what a difference in perspective can make.
Two bricklayers are laying bricks on a hot afternoon. They’re working on the same project but spaced out from one another. A man approaches the first bricklayer and asks about what he’s doing. Wiping sweat from his forehead, the bricklayer tells the man that his job is to continue adding one brick on top of another until he completes his shift. The bricklayer then reaches into the pile beside him to grab another brick and returns to what he is doing.
Unsatisfied with the first bricklayer’s answer, the man walks down to the second bricklayer. Unlike the first bricklayer, the second bricklayer has a little pep in his step and is whistling. “Excuse me, sir,” the man says. “What are you doing?” Looking up at the man, the bricklayer smiles and says, “I’m building a cathedral.”
You’ve heard me say this before, but I will repeat it: Success in business and life is 90% attitude, self-image and self-discipline, and 10% is knowledge. How are you viewing your work? Are you giving it your all and turning negatives into positives? What about your self-limiting beliefs? What are you doing to overcome the obstacles you’re putting in front of yourself? You’re usually your worst enemy.
After you assess your life and adjust accordingly, turning to your team members is next. They’re the ones running your business and interacting with your customers every day. How are they viewing things? Do they have positive mindsets? Are they showing up to work for a larger purpose? If not, you have some work to do.
Your business lacks vision when your team members aren’t working toward a larger purpose. If that’s the case, it’s time for you to do some soul-searching. Take some time to look inward. Think about what you want from life. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? What about 20 or 30 years from now? Once you know the answers to these questions, you can create values, goals and a vision for your business.
Remember: Positivity begets positivity. Changing your perception isn’t easy, but it’s necessary to succeed in business and life. Thinking positively begins with you.
Positivity is contagious, so don’t be afraid to spread it.
