Boomer Business Start-Up Strategy #9

Accentuate the Positive

You don't have to peer very deeply to find negativity.  It is all around us.  This is especially so in a down economy.  Discouragement will raise its ugly head and you must decide how to deal with it!

If you are a Boomer, you encounter other special issues.  A recent report on formal EEO complaints revealed the following; "The amount of cases pertaining to age discrimination have increased dramatically over the past couple years to the point that these complaints are nearly as common as race and gender based claims."

As Psychotherapist, Karen Chambre, states it; "Baby Boomers who are laid off, or whose jobs are being replaced by technology, tend initially to get very depressed. I have seen people work through their depression and become aware of their passions. As they become drawn to what interests them, I have seen people become creative with these passions and find a innovative way to make a living in a way that they truly love. Sometimes out of the depths of despair comes something more wonderful than someone had ever experienced."  We call this accentuating the positive.

As owner of a business start-up, you must develop the proper entrepreneurial mindset.  This is the ability to reframe all input in a positive optimistic context.  American icon, Walt Disney is a prime example of this.   He experienced multiple bankruptcies along with a plethora of naysayers who did not have his vision.  They criticized his dream and pulled his lines of credit.  What would you do?

In this series we have examined a number of great entrepreneurial tips for the Boomer.  Early on I wrote about the importance of commitment to your business plan.  Negative emotions can quickly destroy any plan if not kept in check.  I recommend expanding your capacity for reframing each situation into a positive perspective.  This is an exercise that you should practice over and over again until you have adopted this paradigm.  Be patient.  It takes time, but is well worth the effort.  Your demeanor will improve and that in itself will attract business.  Try it.  You may be surprised just how this basic suggestion can make the difference between success and failure in your new business.  "Attitude is everything."