In these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to be a positive person in order to be successful, happy & healthy.  That’s because despite the many challenges at work and at home, we still need to resonate with hope & positive energy so that we signal to our staff, customers and our families that everything is going to be OK.  As leaders, that’s our role….. and MAN, has that role become more important!   So, how can we ramp up our positive energy when so much is happening outside of our control?  Well, if you’re NOT one of the few who are blessed with natural positive energy, then it’s time to get to work on developing your positive thinking.  Here are my 10 sure-fire ways to become a positive person in Business (and in Life). 

1. Know How Blessed You Already Are.  Open up your eyes to see how lucky you are to have your family, your health, your company/job, your house, a car that works, food on-the-table, and just continue building your “I’m Blessed” list.  When you understand just how blessed you already are, you are filled with gratitude and you’ll feel less pressured because you’ll understand that anything else you accomplish or acquire in life is just gravy.    
2. Acknowledge Your Challenges.  Forget about “denial” and personal ego!  A positive person acknowledges their problems, and sets out an Action Plan to solve them.  They understand that identifying specific problems is a wonderful opportunity to take the business (and their personal development) to the next level.  So, develop your Situation Review, formulate your Action Plan and empower your people to find creative solutions.   
   
3. Show Appreciation to Others.  A positive person capitalizes on every opportunity to thank and acknowledge others even for the smallest gesture or accomplishment.  And then two incredible things happen, 1) folks bend over backwards to help you, and 2) YOU feel more positive because you are more connected to people.  Hey, surely you realize that you’re NOT the only person who loves a pat on the back.
4. Connect With Family & Friends.  There’s no greater source of positive energy than family & friends, but ONLY if you’re connected.  So, get beyond the apprehensions and “mental baggage” from your past, and start loving on the people who really matter.  Offer quality time to your kids, set up a “date night” with your spouse and reach out to your friends.  Be the loving parent, spouse and friend NOW that you HOPE they will describe later when you’re gone. 
5. Focus on Your Physical Fitness AND Diet.  If you really want to feel positive and confident, then stop dreaming about having the body you want, and just go get it.  How?  Start out by eliminating all empty calories, eat healthy food, eat smaller quantities, and find a fitness program that works.  And as you stick to it, you will start to see a younger, healthier and more powerful person in the mirror…..and nothing will churn out positive energy more than that.   
   
6. Eliminate Wasted Time & Money.  The quickest way to feel more positive is to “lighten the load”.   So, review your budgets and drop all unnecessary spending, withdraw from advisory boards & groups that you aren’t committed to, stop making personal plans with folks that you don’t even like…..and simplify your life.  It’s time to focus on what really matters!
7. Surround Yourself ONLY With Positive People.  Associating with positive people will fill you with hope, ideas, and confidence.  But negative people will do just the opposite – they’ll rob you of your energy & enthusiasm.  They are speed-bumps for your success.  So, decide now to choose your relationships accordingly.    
   
8. Keep Your Problems to Yourself.  A positive person knows NOT to wear their problems on their sleeve.  Customers and co-workers have their own problems and don’t want to hear yours.  If you need to unload your problems, call your spouse, your business partner, your best friend, or your preacher…..but keep a happy face in front of your staff, and certainly in front of customers.    
9. Give of Yourself, and Help Others.  Do you truly want to feel positive and connected to this world?  Then reach out and help someone less fortunate than you.  This simple and voluntary act of kindness will fill you with positive energy, hope and confidence that you have made the world a better place. 
   
10. Develop New Skills.  From e-marketing, to social media, to everything being re-engineered, we ALL need additional skills and knowledge to be successful.  So drop all fears and dive right in.  You’ll feel more positive and empowered when you do.  Remember the old adage:  In business, the only thing that is consistent is “change”…..so embrace it!   

It’s time to refine and improve our “positive skills” so we can be the awesome leaders that our businesses and families need.  But as you do, remember to be easy on yourself.  Rome wasn’t built in a day, and nor were your problems or your (previous) less-than-positive disposition.  It will take some time to fix your problems and reorient your perspective.  So, be gentle.  But one thing is for sure – when you become a positive thinker, that winning attitude will vibrate through your business, creating an environment where good things are more likely to happen.  And isn’t that what it’s all about?

Mark Kaplan is the Franchise Coach, and editor of BestFranchiseInformation.com. Mark is also the CEO of Great Wraps, Inc., a rapidly growing Franchisor of Hot Wrap & Grilled Sandwich Shops. Mark has spent over 20 years in Franchising, and he has a no-nonsense way of showing Entrepreneurs how to be successful in Franchising. Prior to Franchising, Mark championed major, national Brands for Corporate powerhouses like Coca-Cola, Nabisco Brands & Colgate Palmolive.