The Power of Positive Thinking

I was working with a long-term client of mine the other day, dck Worldwide global construction firm, and I got to thinking. Some of the things they do are almost mind-boggling! For example, they are building hospitals in Guantanamo Bay and fighter jet hangers in Yuma, Arizona for the US military. You name it and dck has built it and literally all around the world. This got me to thinking about how most business leaders and entrepreneurs rarely take a moment to sit back and reflect on all the incredible things that they do. In fact, many of them are simply unaware of the power of positive thinking. 

When it comes to running a business, entrepreneurs are often caught up in just making it happen -- making sure payroll is met, customers are content, employees are engaged and things are being done correctly. Rarely do they sit back and say, "Wow, we're getting some cool things accomplished here!" Working with leaders at Solutions 21, we realize that often times the failure to take the time to recognize the good things can really have a negative effect. It doesn’t necessarily project the positive excitement and enthusiasm that most leaders want to display. Let’s be honest. Sometimes we are all just too busy to stop and reflect. We think it’s important for leaders to focus on these three R's:

1.    Retreat. If you look up the word “retreat” in the dictionary it says: to make your plans not in the heat of battle, but to pull back or withdraw. Realistically, it's very difficult to think strategically when you are in the midst of a battle. Leaders really need to take themselves and their teams and retreat. Don’t stay in the heat of battle all the time, but pull back and think about what your next moves should be. It is important to be sure you are making decisions without the constant pressure of the day-to-day struggle.

2.    Recharge. This is very difficult for a lot of business people and especially entrepreneurs. Frankly, this is one of my biggest developmental areas. Retreat, pull back, make your plan away from the heat of battle, and then recharge. Did you know that this “R” is Biblical? Take a day of rest without putting a whole lot on your plate. You only have so much energy, and there is only so much that you can get done. As leaders, allowing yourself to run out of gas is not fair to those who follow you, and whose respect you command. 

3.    Reflect. Take a moment and give yourself a little bit of credit. Ask yourself, “What are we doing really well?” and think about this from the positive standpoint.  At Case Western Reserve University, they focus on what is called appreciative inquiry. This involves taking what you want to get done and focusing on the positive aspects. It is incredible how much more innovative groups become by using this approach. 

When you're an entrepreneur, you are the wheel that drives the machine. You need to get things done! If the CEO of a 200,000-employee firm gets the flu and doesn't show up for a week, you know that 199,999 other folks will get things done. If an entrepreneur has the flu and doesn’t show up for a week, things could get bad. This is why we try to get the leaders we work with to remember those three R's. It is important to take the time to retreat, recharge, reflect and get your mind around what's good and positive. As a leader, that will carry over as you are interfacing with your team.

Here is a little homework. This weekend, pour yourself a hot cup of coffee. By the time you have finished that cup, I want you to have reflected on what you’ve accomplished in the past twelve months. Think about it very positively and stop pushing yourself on what is yet to do. That will take care of itself and you will get those things done. Take some time to retreat, reflect, and recharge. As a result, I guarantee the people who follow you into battle will feel a renewed energy and be motivated to tackle the next obstacle moving forward.

Interested in learning more from Buddy? We encourage you to take a look at some of the fantastic, free consulting resources we have available right here on our website. Additionally, you can download Buddy's FREE eBook, "Experience Matters," here.