When I answer the phone for my business I try to be enthusiastic and energetic to the caller. I was talking to a friend a couple of weeks ago who called a business and the owner answered and he sounded like the phone ringing had interrupted him. This was a business that has a retail location. My friend knew the owner and told him that he sounded pretty miserable answering the phone.
You Set The Mood
Can you imagine if the owner feels this way, how do the other employees feel? I wonder how they would answer the phone?
Granted we all have bad days, but we business owners must remember that our employees, customers and vendors won’t get excited about our business if we aren’t excited about it.
Our Thoughts Control Our Mood
When I wear my second business hat, I am a counselor. In counseling we learn that our thoughts really have a huge impact on our attitude and mood. We also know that in most cases we can control our thoughts.
Sometimes we have to do something to distract ourselves from bad thoughts.
Other times we can force ourselves to think positively.
We Control Our Thoughts
The best way in my opinion is to get ahead of our moods and attitude. Put positive thoughts in your head proactively.
Are you passionate about your business? Were you at one point and then a series of frustrating, aggravating, disappointments occurred sucking the joy out of your work?
Go back in history to the time you had unbridled energy and enthusiasm in your business. Before you go to work each day, remember that time and tell yourself that today is going to be one of those days.
Or think of an especially satisfying day at work in the past few months. Why was it different? Did you do something different? Try to put your thoughts on recreating that day.
Attitude Is a Choice
However, you do it, attitude is a choice. People are attracted to people and more so to people with energy, enthusiasm and a contagiously positive attitude.
Share this positive view with everyone at the beginning of the day. Employees. Customers. It will catch on and everyone will work harder and treat each other better. Soon your good thoughts and peppy mood will be real, not contrived.
Seize the Day
Jesus says in Matthew 6:34:
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Focus on the day.
Focus on each moment. Make the decision to show excitement and passion about your business. Make a decision to make someone else’s day. You may be surprised, it may make your day too!
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
Thanks. I have a wonderful client who is a physical therapist. You all make such a difference in people’s lives and health!
I remember those days of ‘unbridled enthusiasm” … Wow. that was a long time ago.
So, getting the spark isn’t overnight. It does mean i have to change my attitude and my behavior. my boss isn’t going anywhere, so it’s me that has to adapt…or die on the vine.
Very poignant post!