Struggle Less, BE More

We’re already well into this year and it’s time for you to shift into a higher gear, isn’t it?

But how do you find a way to kick it in, given that you have the usual winter blahs: it’s cold, it’s dark and how long is this season / recession / coldness etc. going to drag on?

Here’s a possible antidote, appropriate for a month containing Valentine’s Day:

Fall deeper in love with what you’re doing.

Have you ever noticed that people who are deeply in love with someone or something have a special quality?

They are often more enthusiastic, more optimistic, more passionate, more fun to be.   They’re seem to be able to shrug off the little things while they totally engage with things that are important.

People who are in love with what they do are able to talk about it excitedly without end, they are able to devote a crazy amount of time with it and they are able to accomplish incredible things…sometimes it seems on pure passion alone.

Sounds good doesn’t it?

So, taking a page from Cupid this month, act like the lovers do and treat your business like something you want to be around for a long time:

Obsess (think) about it. Reflect on your workplace, your people, your mission—why you enjoy it, why it’s important, how it matters and even what it means to you as a professional.

Spend more time with it. Take a little extra time and devote it to working in your business.  Your time and attention might make a big difference in your bottom line.

Tell everyone about it. People in love usually can’t stop talking about it.  What better way to make sure your word-of-mouth marketing is in full gear.  Don’t keep what you do a secret.

Appreciate it with gifts (investment). Show your business how much it means by showering it with investment.  Upgrade some equipment or technology or software or your space…anything to show your employees and the marketplace that you’re in this for the long-haul.

Make life easier for it. Is there something you could be doing to make work less struggle for your employees?  If 2011 was going to be your year to help the organization work smarter, not harder, what would you do?

Remind it how much you care. You can never tell your partners, your employees, your customers and clients too much, how important the work and your mission is to you and the world.  It’s always great to hear that what we’re doing matters and especially that it matters to YOU, as the leader, a great deal.

Bottom Line: If you can act toward your business with the passion, energy and intention of someone who is deeply in love, you and your business will benefit from the increased excitement and motivation.

(This post was previously published in the February 2011 issue of Business Leader http://www.businessleader.bz/ )