How to Maintain a Positive Attitude

Many sales professionals know that a positive attitude is a key element, perhaps the most important element, to success in sales. Even though they know this, most sales professionals find it extraordinarily difficult to maintain a positive attitude all day, every day. The reason: most likely because they believe that their attitude is the result of external circumstances rather than something that is within their control.

Here are some tips to help you stay positive:

1. Create a new definition for yourself of “external circumstances.” You might think that hitting a few red lights on the way to an important meeting with a prospect could be seen as “bad luck” and put you in a bad mood. Definitely not a mood you want to convey to your next potential client! However, if you view those red lights as an indication to yourself of how wise it was of you to leave early, they take on a whole new meaning.

If you are late because of those lights, take it as an opportunity to collect yourself and brainstorm a damage-control strategy.

1. Begin every day with 15 minutes of positive input. If you fill your mind with positive thoughts, you’ll have a larger library of positivity to pull from when your day might not quite go as planned. Read an inspirational book or listen to motivational CD’s in the morning. We happen to know where you can get a few of those! Might we suggest popping in your Sales Development CD’s on your way to prospecting meetings? (If you need one contact us today)

2. Choose your news. You get bombarded everyday with a news media that believes in the mantra, “If it bleeds, it leads!” followed by commercials designed to make you feel better. Our media strives to ramp up your feelings of anxiety by highlighting horrific stories and follows them with advertising that helps you to buy comfort food or medications to relieve the pressures of everyday life. Unplug yourself from this negative imagery. Find alternative sources to keep yourself up to date with the day’s events, such as public radio or print news. It’s easy to choose what to read and listen to.

3. Surround yourself with positive people. Business associates, friends, and relatives who have a negative view about life can make it hard for you to maintain your positive attitude. These people can drain you mentally and physically. Wherever possible, avoid them or at least limit your contact with them. If you cannot avoid them, don’t get drawn into lengthy gripe sessions. Listen empathetically and turn the conversation to a more positive topic as soon as you can. On the other hand, positive people can enhance your life and help to keep you upbeat and with a good outlook on your world.