Forward Thinking for 2011

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. (Thomas Jefferson)

I just returned from a quarterly seminar in Atlanta where I met with 12 other entrepreneurs – in all types of businesses and from all parts of the country – for a full day of learning and interaction. I have been doing this for four years now, and the one thing that strikes me at each of these meetings is that everybody in the group is upbeat, optimistic, and reporting good business performance notwithstanding what we all hear on the news and see in the media.

The fact that the experiences of this professionally and geographically diverse group are in stark contrast to the media reports stems from the fact that each and every one has a positive mental outlook and is not letting the apparently pervasive somber mood in the country overwhelm their personal and business goals.

There is a very strong message here that is reflected in the Jefferson quote above. If you have the right mental attitude, you will be way ahead of your peers.

So, as we come to the close of one year and are on the doorstep of another, it is important to reflect on where we have been and where we want to go. Now is the time to write down your goals for 2011. Make them big! BE POSITIVE! In fact, you should make your goals bigger than you would expect – aim for the stars, and you will land on the moon.

Each and every day you should look at these goals to reinforce them in your mind. You should plan each week and each quarter to take steps to achieve your goals. Maybe you want to establish a new or improved presence in the social networking arena? Maybe you plan to update and refresh your website? Maybe you will commit to joining a networking group and attending every meeting? Whatever your goals, commit them to writing, review them daily, and make sure that you take steps each and every week, month, and quarter that will move you closer to achieving those goals.

Shut out the negativity in the world. Don’t let it get you down. In times of economic downturn as well as in times of economic growth, there are people who are growing. There is absolutely no reason that you should not be within that group…and with the proper mental attitude, and hard work, you will be.

Stay focused, stay committed, and stay positive, and you are sure you have a good year!

Best wishes for a great 2011!!!