***** Positive Thinking, Happy Living

I recently heard about a business owner who, like many others, has seen his sales volumes fall in the economic downturn. He was asked what the problem was as far as he was concerned. His reply was interesting: "It's the adverse exchange rate between the dollar and Sterling." he said.

Now, I don't know this man. Nor am I too familiar with his specific business. But here's what I do know. As long as he is focusing his attention on something that is outside of his control, he is powerless to change things; he is making himself an effect of the environment in which he finds himself.

Unfortunately, in my working life I meet a great many people who adopt a very similar, disempowering philosophy. These are the folks who expect other people and things to change for their lives to improve. They are dependent on others or the environment to 'do it for them'.

Such a cross finger approach is a very risky strategy. For one thing, what if that other person or event never shows up? My belief is that they will be and remain powerless to change, making themselves a victim rather than a creator of the circumstances that they desire.

One of the advantages of studying successful people is that, perhaps without realising it, they leave clues to how they achieve their success. One of the biggest clues they leave is their philosophy of being a cause of the things that happen in their life rather than being an effect of circumstances. In other words, in any situation they search for where they can exert maximum influence and then take action to exercise that influence.

So, rather than wait for the exchange rate to improve they might look at changing their marketing strategy, maybe attend a sales training event or read a book to improve their skills.

Rather than wait for the minimum wage levels to go up, they set about making themselves more valuable to their current or potential employer. Many years ago I bemoaned my distinct lack of progress to a good friend. "When did you last buy yourself a management book or CD?" he asked. I told him that I hadn't bought one. "Well, if you won't take responsibility for your own development, why do you expect the company to do it for you?" was his reply.

The path to success begins with the decision to be more of a cause of the events in your life and less of the effect of what's going on around you.

About the Author:

Ian Henderson is a highly experienced trainer, consultant and speaker. In a 20 year career he has worked with thousands of people from a wide range of organisations in the UK, the USA, Europe and Africa.

He is the director of training of Eagle Training Ltd, one of the UK's leading management and leadership training companies. For more information go to http://www.eagletraining.co.uk