Change Your Way of Thinking
by Dera DeRoche-Jolet

I’m sure you’ve seen those Apple Computer ads that tell us to "think different." That’s good advice. As the saying goes, different is good.

In fact, if you want to really succeed in business you need to change your way of thinking. Obviously, you need to set yourself apart from your competition, but you also need to think differently about yourself.

In a way, we’ve all been "brainwashed." Not really brainwashed, but much of our thinking comes from things others have told us and even from our own preconceived ideas. Unfortunately, it gets a hold of us and directs the way we run our businesses and conduct our lives. But don’t worry, there is still hope. We need to rid ourselves of our old misconceptions and embrace a different way of thinking. Here are some very basic concepts that will help you immensely once you include them into your way of thinking.

Avoid negative people

Negative words and attitudes can have a profound affect on us so be careful of people who tell you, "It won't work" or "You can’t do it." Most often, it will always be the people close to you such as your family and friends. Although they might mean well, they wind up only discouraging you. Negative people have a tendency to drag us down with them.

While it’s always a good idea to get the opinions of others, seek the opinions of those who are positive and successful. Don't listen to people whom you don't want to be like. Why would you seek advice and discuss your business and goals with those who are not successful and not doing any better than you?

Surround yourself with positive people and listen to business training and motivational tapes. These really do make a difference, especially over time.

We all have good days and bad days

One hurtful fallacy we tend to believe is that everything always goes well for successful people and that they got where they are today almost instantly and without much of a struggle. Of course, that’s not true. The problem with that type of thinking is that we’re ready to quit the minute our own plans veer off course.

That’s why it’s important to understand that the people who are successful are just like you and me. They have good days and bad days just like everyone else. What separates them from the person who fails is that successful people hang on during the hard times and keep pushing on. Believe me, we all have hard times and have at least 1,000 reasons why we should quit. The real winners just keep focused on their goals.

Don't complain about what went wrong

We also have a tendency to complain and blame others for problems in our business. What a waste of time! We should be concentrating on finding out what went wrong, what we need to do to fix it, and then do it.

You can still "make it" even if you didn’t go to college

Our parents and teachers told us, "If you get a college education you'll get a great job, make lots of money, and be successful."

I don’t want to you to think that I have anything against a college education but that’s just not true. College is important and I highly recommend it. But college in no way assures wealth or success. It doesn't necessarily assure a job.

If possible, go to college and get as much education as possible. However, don’t think that you’ll never be successful because you didn’t attend college. With that type of thinking, you’ll just hold yourself back. Think of all the learning and experience you already have and use it.

So don’t let yourself be caught up with all of those preconceived thoughts that are hindering your growth. If you really want to succeed in business, change your way of thinking.