A blueprint for building unbreakable mental toughness.
By Brian Sullivan
Alright, let’s dive into a bit of truth that’s often misconstrued or outright dismissed by folks across the board. You’ve heard it, I’ve heard it: “I’m having a bad day.”
Now, doesn’t that just sound like a neatly packaged excuse for when things aren’t going your way? But here’s the kicker: saying you’re having a bad day is pretty much like saying, “Hey, I’m letting everything and everyone else dictate how I feel.” And let’s be clear – that’s a no-go in the playbook of mental toughness.
Flipping the script on this whole “bad day” narrative isn’t just recommended; it’s essential. The day ahead of you is like a blank canvas, and you’re the artist. You can either splash it with grays of gloom based on what’s happening around you, or you can paint it with the vibrant colors of optimism. Make no mistake, the brush is in your hands.
Let’s break down the real deal behind fostering a winning attitude, slicing through the fog with 7 PRECISE insights:
No. 1: Start with the bedrock
Our life is a reflection of our core beliefs. If your foundation is shaky, don’t expect the house to stand firm. It all starts with what’s under the surface – your philosophy. That philosophy shapes your attitude, your attitude drives your actions, and your actions pave the road to your results. And those results? They’re the bricks building the life you live. If there’s a crack in the foundation, it’s time for some serious self-reflection and repair work.
No. 2: Embrace the power of ‘yes’
There’s a fine line between having a positive attitude and embodying a ‘yes’ attitude, but oh, what a difference that line marks. A ‘yes’ attitude isn’t just about being agreeable; it’s about being open to a ton of possibilities that each day offers. It’s a signal to the world – and more importantly, to yourself – that you’re a force of positivity, ready to transform challenges into opportunities.
No. 3: Cherish the grind
Here’s where many get it twisted. It’s easy to celebrate the win, but what about the hustle it took to get there? The real magic is in valuing the effort, the late nights, the extra cold call, the relentless pursuit. That’s where character is built and where true victory lies. Recognizing the hard yards is what sets apart the contenders from the pretenders.
No. 4: Knowledge ain’t power till it’s applied
We’ve all met the know-it-alls, the ones who can recite every sales technique chapter and verse. But knowing isn’t enough; doing is where the game changes. The bridge between knowledge and action is where many falter, but not you. You’re going to cross that bridge with the confidence of someone who not only knows the path but walks it, every single day.
No. 5: Time management is self-management
Let’s get real about time management. It’s not about color-coded schedules or fancy apps; it’s about managing your actions, your procrastinations, your fears. It’s about facing the tasks you’ve been dodging and embracing them head-on. This isn’t time management; it’s self-management, and it’s a game-changer.
No. 6: Learn like your life depends on it
Continuous learning is the fuel for continuous growth. But here’s the twist: learn not just for the sake of gathering information but for the purpose of applying it, of living it. Make learning a journey of self-improvement, a path that constantly challenges you to be better, do better, and ultimately, to live better.
No. 7: Self-first for the win
Now, this might sound a tad selfish at first glance, but hear me out. To give your best to the world, to your job, to your family, you first need to be the best version of yourself. This isn’t about ego; it’s about ensuring you’re fully charged, fully equipped, and fully committed to excellence, starting with yourself.
Crafting a positive attitude isn’t just about wearing rose-colored glasses; it’s about actively shaping the narrative of your day, your career, and your life. It’s about painting that canvas with bold strokes of resilience, optimism, and relentless pursuit of excellence. So, the next time you catch yourself on the brink of declaring a “bad day,” remember: the only thing truly having a bad day is that excuse, as you leave it in the dust.
Brian Sullivan, CSP, is the founder of PRECISE Selling and a leading voice in the field of sales training and development. He believes in the potential of every salesperson to achieve their best and continually challenges sales professionals to reach new heights. To have Brian Sullivan or one of his stable of trainers and coaches help your team get to the top, visit him at www.preciseselling.com.