Lead; Don't Follow

Sure, we're in some challenging times economically. Sure, the landscape of business is going through massive upheaval. And sure society's look is completely different from even a year ago. Yet, the fact remains this is the single best time in the history of humanity to be in business - and to be alive.

There have never been so many opportunities to deliver rich value to your customers. It's never been so easy to build a globally admired brand. And there have never been so many chances to influence people by the example that you set - and the influence that you offer.

Real leaders have trained their brains to focus on the possibilities and opportunities available with military-like focus. They block out the noise of the doomsayers and shut out the voices of their critics. They get that their mindset and their personal energy are two of their most valuable resources. So then protect them well.

Here are 5 things you can to do rewire your brain to develop the mindset of the best leaders in business:

1. Sell Your TV

Ok, this might be a dramatic (game changing?) move. But much of TV news operates on the sale of fear. The more negative the news, the more scared people get. And the more scared people are, the more they'll watch the news. But every piece of data you allow into your mind is the seed of an outer result. Put excellent information in and you'll deliver excellent results.

2. Value The Great Ones

Reading heroic books, biographies of people who've done great things and listening to inspirational audiobooks is a brilliant move to create your best life. Leadership is a lonely sport. Critics will try and knock you down. Competitors will try and knock you out. And the unexpected will visit you just about every single day. Your antidote to the stresses that you'll face as you stand for your absolute best? Work hard to stay inspired. In a world that discourages, do whatever it takes to maintain your courage. To build out your dreams.

3. Watch Your Words

The words you use determine the feelings you'll feel. The best performers understand that each word spoken has power. Use positive, encouraging, energetic words. Avoid negativity, gossip, criticism and condemnation. Just watch what happens to your mindset (and heartset).

4. Avoid The Energy Vampires

Smart leaders get that who you surround yourself with drives who you'll become. Play with excellent, ethical, inspired and passionate people and their stardust will rub off all over you. Avoid people who can't wait to dump their resentment/negativity/anger and fear all over you.

5. Own Your Power

It's so easy to play victim versus be a leader (Without a Title). In my upcoming book "The Leader Who Had No Title: A Modern Fable on Real Success in Business and in Life" (public launch: April 6), I write that the key switch to flip that changes the whole game is this one: switch from victimhood into leadership. Too many people give away their power to create positive results. They blame. They make excuses. They do nothing.

But we all have power, even if we have zero authority. Every single person alive today has the power to inspire. The power to innovate. The power to influence. The power to act. The power to serve. And the power to Lead. Use it. Please. (The world demands no less of you!).