Why Optimism Helps Your Business

I consider myself one of those lucky (perhaps even truly blessed) people who believes I can do anything I set my mind to... and trust me - it was never easy. I grew up on food stamps, was dealt a hand that most people would run away from.... and I still became a successful CEO.

Many people think that success makes you happy. But, I have found that it's the other way around. Happiness helps people be more successful.

Upbeat people are more sociable and healthier too. In the business world, these attributes help them succeed. It's a situation where the happiest people don't just survive. They thrive.

Believe me when I tell you that there are some very specific ways optimism and happiness help you do better in the business world.

Optimistic people are more resilient

Happy, optimistic people see a brighter future. This makes them better able to face day-to-to struggles and deal with stress.

This resilience is one of the most significant attributes of a great business leader. Whenever you hit a road bump or failure, you'll be better equipped to pick yourself up, find the source of the problem, and continue on your path to success.

Listen to your inner positive voice

If all you hear are negative voices and naysayers, this has to change. You have to start paying attention to the more positive words you think and say. They have tremendous, energizing power.

If you don't think you're going to be successful, you won't be. If you're seriously struggling with a fear of failure, it's going to become a self-fulfilling prophesy.

Think positive thoughts, and you'll find positive energy to succeed.

Celebrate your successes

When my marketing agency lands a new client or creates a rockin' new website, I share the success with our whole team and applaud the people who have helped in the success.

Whether it's a major victory or simply a small accomplishment, smile and share the success with your entire team. Both large and small successes boost morale and create an upbeat, dynamic business environment that fosters teamwork, empowerment, and ultimately, more successes.

Paying attention to the little things, as well as to the big ones, spreads the joy. Simple courtesies, like notes of appreciation and words of thanks, go a long way toward building an upbeat atmosphere. Remember to pay attention to workplace details, and encourage others to do the same.

Always reinvent your business

Optimistic people don't sit back and wait for success to come to them. They never sit still. They create and re-create situations where they can succeed again and again.

They are constantly looking for ways to uncover new customers and markets, new products, new technology, new ways of doing things. That all leads to further success.

You're not alone

Happy people are never alone. They attract other upbeat people. Happiness is contagious and breeds more happiness.

Even if you're a solo-entrepreneur, you don't have to do it all alone. If you're serious about success, you can find a mentor or hire a coach to guide you on the right path. They will give you a fresh perspective. Plus, they've been there and can share their optimism and their keys to success.

Keep your rose-colored glasses handy

Joy and passion go a long way when it comes to success. Looking at the world through rose-colored glasses makes the outlook bright and happy.

Remember, in the real business world you're much more likely to succeed when you emulate Happy instead of Grumpy. Trust me on this one.