If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, service provider or in sales, the current economy may be affecting your business. However, whether or not your business succeeds or fails is up to you, not the economy. That's good news.

In every economy there are businesses within the same industry that fail and businesses that come out ahead. The difference is often the owner of the business.  Are you feeling stuck and paralyzed by outside influences, like the economy, or have you decide to do what it takes and be successful, no matter what.

There are two responses to what's going on right now - fear or opportunity. It's all about perspective and choice. 

It starts with your attitude. It's not just about pushing harder; it's about coming up with good ideas and following through on them. In every economy there are people that come out ahead, that make money and do great. 

Empower yourself by what you think, say and do. These tips may seem too simple but give them a try and see if they make a difference in your life and your business.

1. Start your day by reading something positive.  Before you start looking at your 'to do' list, take 15 minutes to read something positive. Chose a book on success, prosperity, spirituality, positive thinking - something positive first thing in the morning to inspire and empower you.  Some of my current recommendations are:

• The Magic of Thinking Big - David Schwartz
• Secrets of Six Figure Women - Barbara Stanny
• Think and Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill

2. Decide what you'll accomplish each day. When things get challenging we often fill our time with busy work instead of the real work that will push our business forward.  Either that or we start feeling overwhelmed and freeze entirely. So, after reading and raising your outlook and attitude, decide where you want to go next with your business, what you need to do to be successful and what you'll do today to get there.  Set goals and make a plan for your day. 

3. Take action today.  Show yourself you have the power and ability to do what it takes.  Do what you need to do today.  You'll feel better.  Make some sales calls, go to a networking event and network – just do something.  Show yourself that you mean business, that you're going for it, and that you are going to get it! Take your power back. Decide what you want to create and take the action to do it.

4. Take that action that you've been putting off!  If you're not at the very top of your game, leading in your industry, then there are things that you could be doing that you're not and you know it.  Pick an action that will expect more of you than you are giving now and do it.  Choose something that you know will benefit your business.  It's easy to feel insecure, scared and to think we're good enough to reach to that next level, but now is the time - the economy is giving us the opportunity to be more than we thought we could.  Stretch yourself. Go for it.

Now, after doing what you needed to do today, know that you have and see your good.

5. Write a nightly gratitude list. One of the best things to get you into a better mental space is to focus on the good that already exists in your life. Think about all you have - your skills, your friends, your opportunities, your customers/clients past, present and future - all the good in your life and business.  Every night before you fall asleep write a list of "5 Things I'm Grateful For." This helps your subconscious mind focus on all the good in your life while you sleep.  You'll sleep better and wake in the morning feeling better. (For a boost any time, make a list of “100 Things I’m Grateful For:”)

6. Acknowledge your successes. Along with what you're grateful for, write what you did today to build your business and make your life better.  Before you go to sleep appreciate and value yourself, write a list of "5 of My Successes Today." Focus on what you have done versus the things that you didn't do.  There will always be things we didn't do but focusing on them breaks us down.  Focusing on what we did empowers us to do more and do it better. Again, you'll sleep better and you'll start focusing on what you are doing. 

In every situation we have the opportunity to build ourselves up and meet the challenges of the situation or to be beaten by it. This is a great time to build new skills and create new habits. Try this for a week and pay attention to the difference.  If these new tools work and support you now, imagine how great they'll work when the economy swings back around!

You can turn this challenging time into an adventure. We all want to fulfill our potential, to see what we're made of and what we're capable of.  The economy is giving you this chance, what you do with it is up to you.

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LISA K. BRADLEY, CPC, otherwise known as The Adversity Doctor, has been Certified Professional Coach since 2002. Her own experience in corporate American - in private corporations, banks and non-profits - inspired her to commit full-time to helping others achieve professional and personal success. Her clients span the U.S. and include executives, HR directors, small business owners, clergy, students and individuals changing careers. Lisa also hosts the popular Create Your Week – Mastermind Monday! workshops in Seattle, WA. Lisa can be reached at lisa@adversitydoctor.com.