It's All in Your Head: Easy Ways to Stay Positive and Boost Your Business

I did a lot of things over the past few years to grow and expand my business, including working for the lifestyle I want, defining my ideal clients and taking care of my physical and mental health.
Part of my mental healthcare included maintaining a positive mindset and it really made a huge difference. It cleared my head and allowed me to really focus on my business. Here are the four things I did to create a constant source of positive energy.

1. No News!
My first rule was no news, no radio and no reading the newspaper. That meant not flipping on the radio in the car. It meant not turning on the TV - even for two seconds - because it seemed like I'd always hear bad news. It's amazing how I always manage to hear about the top news items anyway.

2. Positive Programs and Music
I made sure that I had a lot of positive audio programs and music. This can be any kind of spiritual teacher, guru, coach, leader or author who resonates with you. Buy their audio books or seminars and put them in your iPod or on your computer; rent them from the library and listen to the CDs in your car. Positive, uplifting music is good too. I, myself, like music that includes chanting, affirmations and stuff that's just fun and fancy-free. We all have music that puts us in a good mood - so use whatever works for you.

3. Positive People
I decided I only wanted positive people around me. That meant I needed to not hang out with some of my family and friends. I worked hard to avoid energy vampires - those people who are so negative they just suck the life right out of you. To be honest, for a while I went into kind of a little cocoon. I needed to reconnect with my family and myself and be very purposeful about who I was spending my time with. Also, I attended retreats and conferences that were in a positive, spiritual realm. If that doesn't work for you, find something related to a hobby. For example, if you're into genealogy or you're a stamp collector - whatever gives you energy - put yourself in those environments.

4. Community Connection
I made sure I was connected to community. This is a really big one because we tend to isolate ourselves. As entrepreneurs with our own businesses - most of us in our own homes - it's very easy to isolate. So, find some likeminded groups, like a book club, spiritual group or volunteer activity, and attend regularly.
Taking care of oneself physically and mentally - and keeping a positive mindset - is a great way to keep yourself in the game. You'll be amazed at the renewed motivation you have for doing the things that are not your core passion, but will make your business grow. Working from a cup overflowing helps you float through cold calls, accounting, filing, networking or any other activity that is critical to success but not always top on your list. Once the negativity is gone and you've got positive energy on your side, anything is possible.