Judgment Day - Attracting Perfect Customers

So it's time for a bit of a confession. One of my greatest personal development challenges has been the releasing of judgment of myself and others. I could tell you that I was doomed from the start and that my Myers-Briggs ESTJ personality is all to blame, but anyone who understands that theory knows its just not true. I judged myself and others because I foolishly thought it was a way to hold myself accountable or to make myself feel superior to others. Years ago I began to see how I was wrong on all accounts.

I judged everything from the cloths I wore to the shoes you wore, the job title I had to the one you did not have, from your zip code to the color of my American Express. Looking back it was a heck of a lot of work. Seems strange now that I was able to get anything productive in my life done.

Dr. Success Challenge: Reflect back on your day. Think of the people you met, the places you went, the feelings you experienced. Did you have any thoughts or speak any words that judged yourself or others? Did you even think when someone walked by, "Doesn't that person have a mirror in their house?" Come on, be honest.

I have been reading a book (I know, big surprise) that has been in my library for many years -- yet I had never read it. I actually purchased several copies which is a habit I have. I want to make sure that if I really like the book and think it can be useful, that I have extra copies to give to others. I have cut back on that habit during the last year. I am so ready for this recession to be over. Well, back to the book, Attracting Perfect Customers, by Stacey Hall and Jan Brogniez. Since "attracting" is one of the 5 A's of Achievement framework that I use, I was -- yes -- attracted to Chapter 3 Like Attracts Like: Whom Do You Like?

On section of the chapter jumped out because it is a perfect example of how the Positive Psychology suggestion that developing the habit of being grateful positivity impacts your life -- and I would add, business -- success. The following is a direct quote of page 33 of Attracting Perfect Customers:

What Do You Desire to Have in Your Business

Play with the question of what you want in your business by embarking on a treasure hunt. Here are your instructions: 1. Acknowledge that each person you meet today has at least one perfect quality, a quality that you find attractive. 2. Your objective is to find that quality. 3. As soon as you identify the perfect quality, write it down. At the end of the day, your list may look like this:

• Has a nice smile
• Gave me a compliment
• Provided me with a referral
• has a very organized office
• Dresses fashionably
• makes great cookies
• Said "thank you"

Just by following this one exercise you have made a Three Good Things list at the end of your day. Creating such a list is exactly what the Gratitude Exercise in Positive Psychology suggests you do. If you would like a copy of the exercise, just drop me an email and I'll get it off to you ASAP.