Let’s face it, in the face of a pandemic (or any crisis, for that matter), it’s tough to keep your eyes on the proverbial prize and model the optimism needed to sustain forward drive. But whatever your goal – big stakes or small – and no matter the challenges and obstacles in your path, success calls for positive thinking and confident leadership. Easier said than done, though, right? And despite the teachings of motivational gurus like Tony Robbins and Jack Canfield and Dale Carnegie and Eckhart Tolle (to name just a few), being positive and confident “in the moment” can be difficult. Nonetheless, your future will almost certainly be brighter if you can tap into your innate power of positivity. Here are five rules that can help you move confidently toward success even in the face of a lingering crisis:
Rule #1: Control Only What You Can Control
When a crisis such as the Coronavirus pandemic commands attention 24/7, it can be difficult to focus on much else. But while staying informed can be critical to understanding and navigating risks, so much of the information conveyed in any crisis is simply beyond your control. It’s vital to face reality, but it’s also vital to set boundaries. Keep in mind the “Serenity Prayer” which calls for you to accept the things you cannot change, courage to change the things you can, and wisdom to know the difference. Worrying excessively over things you can’t control has the inevitable effect of keeping you stuck in place instead of moving forward to better things.
Rule #2: Let Your Inner Voice Fuel Your Positivity
Zig Ziglar is credited with saying, “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.” While some people are naturally upbeat, energetic, and charismatic, developing a positive outlook and mindset can be challenging for others. If you must work hard to radiate positivity, train your inner voice to be a cheerleader. Remind yourself of past successes in order to manifest future successes. One trick is to simply replace the word “if” with the word “when” as you take on a new challenge. For example, don’t say, “If I can accomplish this…” but rather, say “When I accomplish this…” You’ll find that this one little change can often give you the mental boost you need to generate great results.
Rule #3: Picture Yourself Succeeding
In the classic motivational book, The Power of Positive Thinking, Normal Vincent Peale begins by sharing some basic rules to “build up confidence in your powers.” Peale’s first rule is this:
“Formulate and stamp indelibly on your mind a mental picture of yourself as succeeding. Hold this picture tenaciously. Never permit it to fade. Your mind will seek to develop this picture. Never think of yourself as failing; never doubt the reality of the mental image. That is most dangerous, for the mind always tries to complete what it pictures. So always picture “success” no matter how badly things seem to be going at the moment.”
Good advice! Whether you are visualizing big-picture success or willing individual accomplishments to be realized, fill your mind with images of achievement. Visualize specific positive outcomes. By keeping such images burning brightly in your mind, any negative thoughts can be pushed into the darkness or banished completely.
Rule #4: Move Onward, Forward, Upward!
Positive mental images fuel a positive attitude; and a positive attitude fuels confidence – the kind of confidence you’ll need to be proactive. With the right mindset, you can confidently and effectively play offense rather than retreating into a defensive posture. Keep moving forward. Remember automotive and motorsports mogul Roger Penske’s motto: Effort equals results. Have a plan. Work that plan with confidence!
Rule #5: Inspire with Leadership
Putting it all together will empower you to lead by example, to exude confidence, demonstrate wisdom, and model leadership. Ultimately, confident and wise leaders inspire others to overcome obstacles, achieve more, and accomplish great things.
The Bottom Line:
As a sales leader, you can motivate your sales team to greatness – even in a time of crisis – when you control only what you can control, let your inner voice fuel your positivity, picture yourself succeeding, move forward with confidence, and inspire others with your leadership. This set of five rules is commonly modeled by our licensed Sales Leadership Consultants. If you share these powers of positive thinking and confident leadership and want to explore the opportunities of sales leadership consulting, click here or contact us today at 844.874.7253.
