No matter how dedicated you may be to your life and business, paying attention, being mindful and going with the flow – sometimes the ball slips from your hands  and there’s a choice – to run after it, ask someone to help retrieve it, or let it go and find another ball.

Outside circumstances change the landscape of the best laid plans and the secrets of success – and there are many – often include the ability to be flexible in your thinking, adapt quickly and change your attitude. Whether you’re a believer in ‘everything happens for a reason’ or not, I think it’s always helpful to look at what life delivers you and find the good – even if you don’t see it in front of you. Staying on course is a process, and course correction is part of the game.

Here are 3 Ways to Stay on the Ball (even when you lose it):

1. When you chart a course or a new direction in any endeavor, including your PR, marketing or business plan, expect changes in the roadmap and be willing to see what comes up with an open attitude. It’s easy to get frustrated when things go off-course, but some of the best ideas (and solutions to problems) are discovered during the process. If you’re a note taker, keep a journal handy – you may see patterns in what’s going wrong and be  able to ‘fix the fixes’ sooner than later.  Observation and the ability to make a change are not only a blessing in business, but a necessity.
2. Crying over spilled milk doesn’t get you faster to your goal. We’ve all had our share of failures and disappointments and moments of frustration. We’re human! One of my Dad’s favorite expressions was, “Next”! It was a family mantra when things didn’t turn out the way we had planned. An onward and upward attitude and faith that something better is down the road can alter your thinking. Don’t let Debbie Downer in your door, unless she’s paying you big bucks. And, then think about it. You own the mental real estate.
3. If you believe that you’re a winner, you are – despite setbacks and loss, and even tragedy. I’ve lived in a million dollar home and out of a suitcase, and everything in between. But, I believed in myself, and when I didn’t, I had support and love to prop me back up, heal  the boo boo’s , and get my mindset back in the game.  It’s normal to get off track, but it’s one of the best tools in your toolbox – to learn how to snap yourself back into positive thinking and action so too much time doesn’t elapse. If you have doubts of being a winner, find someone who holds that space for you, and believe in them, even if you don’t (temporarily) believe in yourself.

Life happens, business happens, love happens and it’s all easier when we have the ability to recognize that even a flower doesn’t bloom 365 days a year. We all have our off days.

In Boston, Spring is around the corner – so I’m envisioning those flowers. And they’re going to be beautiful even now, that they’re buried deep in the frozen ground.

YOUR TURN:

How do you stay on the ball, when you lose it?

What’s your strategy for success to overcome the stinkin’ thinkin’?

Is there a favorite mantra you use when things go awry to get your head back in the game?