There are always opportunities in challenging times…

During difficult times, it’s important to try and stay positive and look for opportunities to excel. As entrepreneurs and business leaders, we all have an opportunity to decide two things:

  • Whether we will let these challenging times get us down and derail key decisions
  • Whether we allow them to adversely impact our wellbeing or find a way to rally

But we cannot do that alone. And it’s about more than business.

Difficult times bring opportunities as well as challenges. But we have to stay true to our values as well as balancing cashflow. It has been particularly difficult when faced with the challenges of COVID-19.

Though thinking differently, acting fast, and innovating have meant that many businesses are finding positives within the new normal. Even in the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic we’ve seen inspiring examples of innovation, determination and true grit.

Some have pivoted their services, using the time to develop new offerings for clients. Some have set up completely new businesses. At an absolute minimum, we have found new ways to stay in contact with our clients and to generate new business.

One of the things I love about entrepreneurs is that they tend to be positive and optimistic.

And it could be that optimism comes more easily in times of crisis because they’re in greater control than people who work for others. Instead of wondering if you’re going to get made redundant, you rally, you work hard, and you make deals happen. But you can only do this in a positive mindset!

In every difficult moment, there are businesses that come out of it stronger. Some will use the crisis to figure out how to become more efficient, to make different offers, and how to produce products or services that are more appealing to their clients.

It starts with whether you look at everything as an opportunity. If you focus on making a difference, being there, trying to laugh along the way, and supporting others — that will shine through. And you’ll make an impact on not only your own life, but the lives of others.

Choosing to stay positive is one of the most important decisions you can make.