Positive thinking alone does not ensure success, but it’s a good and important start.

Those who know me, know that I follow the teachings of a former co-worker who unwittingly became my mentor. She once told me, “Every morning I look in the mirror and say to myself, ‘You are beautiful.’” I don’t recall how I felt or what I said to her at the time. I was a 20-something and had other things on my mind. For some reason, that conversation has stayed with me. At some point I began to realize how powerful that statement is. Beauty is not just about the physical and if you don’t believe in yourself, you’ll have a hard time persevering against the obstacles, setbacks and naysayers, you’re likely to encounter.  When someone says  you will never be able to do that,  or you are ugly, fat, skinny, etc., ignore them and their negativity, just look in the mirror and say, “You are beautiful.” 

Maintaining the right attitude in the face of adversity:

Use positive language. Use words that emphasize happiness, strength and success.

Create the right mind-environment. Don’t spend too much time on downbeat things or negative people. 

Appreciate your life. Focusing on what you don’t have can crowd out appreciation for what you already possess.

Let go of mistakes. Just about everyone fails at some things; don’t obsess over them. Learn what you can and move on instead of beating yourself up time and again.

Know that success at life is just as important as success in business.