Positive Outlook is a Choice

Psychologists estimate that roughly 80% of your day is filled with negative thoughts. In the current economic and regulatory environment, it might seem like 100% for bank executives!

If you are like me, you are constantly trying to figure out the “next step” in reaching your goals and trying to anticipate the next barrier coming your way. For banking executives, that process is justifiably difficult, because they never know what will come out of the next congressional meeting or regulatory exam. 

These days, it seems like banks are hit with something new every time they turn around. It poses the question, how do you stay positive when it seems like everything in the foreseeable future is only more cumbersome and expensive?

We believe the key to winning that mental battle lies in your approach.

Regulations are always going to be a part of banking. What’s more, they will continue to evolve as markets expand and contract. So let’s focus on the positive aspect of making a difference for your employees, customers, and communities in helping them reach their goals and aspirations

As comedian Ron White once said, “I believe that if life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade….And try to find someone whose life has given them vodka, and have a party.”

In the spirit of making lemonade, here are three tips for staying positive:

1. View challenges and mistakes as learning opportunities. Life and business will always have hiccups. Instead of viewing them as weaknesses or failures, try to see them as learning opportunities.
2. Focus on what you can control and don’t sweat that which you cannot. If you’re a banker, you know that regulations are here to stay. It’s wiser to spend your time and resources focused on HOW you can change the game with what is in front of you instead of worrying about WHAT is headed your way. Remember the words of Chuck Norris, who said, “A lot of times people look at the negative side of what they feel they can’t do. I always look on the positive side of what I can do.”
3. Own your state of mind. At the end of the day, YOU are in charge of how YOU feel. Staying positive in the face of adversity is the key to staying motivated when things seem overwhelming.

While you may not be able to attach a clear dollar value to your optimism, it will have an impact on the productivity and culture of your banking organization, and that is a proven path to growth.

What choice will you make?