In my work, I get to speak with a lot of people who are focused on either starting or growing a business. In this time of economic recession, it seems as if everyone has been affected on some level; most of my clients have either lost at least some, if not most, of their business in the past year.

The people that I speak with tend to fall into three categories: first, those whose businesses are struggling, and who are seriously concerned about losing their businesses altogether. The second group is people who have struggled, but have started to turn things around. The third group are those that were hit initially by the recession, but quickly responded–and their businesses are as well as, or even better than before.

The people in the first group tend to share similar attitudes toward their businesses and life in general. In most cases they haven’t considered making changes in their business or marketing plans despite serious challenges. When they have considered changes, they seem to struggle with implementing these changes. They tend to have negative attitudes about their businesses, and there seems to be a sense of desperation about their circumstances.

When talking with people in groups two and three, I have made a habit of asking what they have done, or are currently doing, to turn things around. In most cases these individuals have completely overhauled their businesses. Most of them have taken the time to re-educate themselves on several aspects of their business, especially in the areas of marketing and business development. In addition, they actively and promptly take action to implement the strategies and tactics they have learned. And their attitudes reflect their actions: the people in these groups are almost always positive and excited about their businesses, and are looking forward.

Recently, I had the privilege to speak a “category three” client whose business is doing better than ever. Like the others in this category, he was very positive and extremely proactive in transforming every aspect of his business. But when I asked him why he was doing so well, he said he primarily attributes his success to a simple, yet committed practice of gratitude. He told me that, since the recession began, he has taken time every morning to focus on and reflect upon everything that he is grateful for. At first, he said, the list was short. Now he finds that he could easily spend 10 or more minutes listing things to be grateful for. His story reminded me of a saying that I heard years ago: ‘The interesting thing about gratitude is that, when you practice it, in return you receive more to be grateful for’.

My client went on to say that this practice has become one of the most important activities he takes part in. He said it now permeates everything he does, and that this practice gives him the insight and the awareness to see the good in almost everything- which in turn gives him even more to be grateful for.

In order to avoid being in the first category-where struggle and defeatism abound–I try to incorporate things that I learn into my own business. And so, like my client, I have been practicing gratitude regularly. Like him I have also found (in a very short period of time) that it seems to affect every area of my life. It has a huge impact on my attitude and how I feel in general.

This practice has given me a very practical tool to control my attitude, which is quite empowering when we are fearful of circumstances (like a recession) which seem to be beyond our control. I have found that it is very difficult to be negative when you regularly express what you are grateful for- regardless of the circumstances. My tendencies to slip into worry and doubt have been significantly diminished. And for this I am grateful!

Mikel Bruce
WebFlexor