Ways to Whack Your Inner Whiner

When running a small business, you face a lot of challenges. And as a solopreneur whose quality of work can largely depend on your ability to stay focused and function within the right frame of mind, dwelling on what’s not going your way will sink you quickly. To be a successful solo-professional, you can’t be whiner.

We all have those “Whoa is me” moments. I know I do, and I don’t know anyone who is immune to them. And I know some people who just don’t seem to be able to get past them. But on the flip side, I also know people who are dealing with some quite heavy, incredibly sad circumstances, but yet somehow manage to see the positive in every day and give others hope and inspiration.

As a solopreneur, it’s important to remain cognizant of – and appreciate – what’s going right even when certain things are going all wrong.

How?

Make it a habit!

A few ideas to help you keep your chin up and cop a “lemons into lemonade” attitude:

• Write down the steps for tackling whatever’s challenging you. Creating a plan will help you see that you do have some control over the situation.

• Every day, start the day by reminding yourself of at least three things that you should be thankful for. And it’s OK if they’re the same three things every day!

• Think ahead to an event or activity that you have planned and are looking forward to in the near future. That can serve as a source of light at the end of the tunnel.

• Remind yourself that our mistakes – and those made by others – can be our best friends and best learning tools.

• Listen to music that lifts your mood.

• Get outside for a breath of fresh air a few times every day – even if only for a minute or two at a time.

• Make a sincere effort not to complain. In many ways, we create our own attitudes by how we choose to react to situations. I haven’t taken it to the extent of the 21-day complaint-free challenge, but I’ve experimented with it to some degree and have absolutely noticed some positive changes in my level of stress.

• If possible, minimize your exposure to people who are consistently negative. And if you can’t avoid them, recognize that it’s not you, it’s them!

Again, mumbling and grumbling every now and then about less than ideal circumstances in business is perfectly normal, but don’t get settled into “victim mode” where the pity party never ends. Your prospects and clients need to know that you’re capable of weathering the occasional storm – and that starts with your ability to shed your inner whiner and focus on making the best of every situation.

Your turn: Know anyone in your professional circles who is an incessant whiner? What techniques help you stay positive during challenging times?