The Power of Positivity: Your Competitive Edge
As a coach, I’ve had the privilege of helping others navigate challenges, set goals, and build thriving businesses. One of the most powerful tools in any professional’s arsenal is positivity. While it may sound simple, developing and maintaining a positive mindset can be a game-changer in how we build our business, connect with clients, and overcome obstacles.
Why Positivity Matters
In a competitive and often unpredictable industry like ours, mindset is everything. A positive outlook fuels resilience, creativity, and problem-solving, while a negative mindset can stop momentum in its tracks.
The beauty of positivity is that it’s contagious. When you lead with optimism, it energizes not just you but everyone you interact with—clients, teammates, and even your personal relationships. Positivity builds trust, inspires confidence, and motivates action.
My maiden name is Jolley—so optimism truly runs in my DNA! It’s easy for me to see the glass as overflowing. But if staying positive doesn’t come naturally to you, don’t worry. Positivity is a skill that can be practiced and developed.
Tips for Cultivating Positivity
A positive mindset doesn’t happen by accident—it’s something you create. Here are three simple ways to cultivate positivity in your daily life:
Start with Gratitude: Begin your morning by focusing on what you’re grateful for. Gratitude shifts your mindset away from what’s lacking and onto what’s good in your life. Thinking about even one thing you’re thankful for can set a positive tone for the day.
Get Up and Move: As Tony Robbins famously says, "Emotion is tied to motion." If you’re feeling stuck, move your body. Go for a walk, dance to your favorite music, exercise, or simply stretch. Physical movement releases endorphins, lifting your mood and empowering you to take on the day.
Visualize and Affirm: Start your day with positivity before taking action. Visualize how you want the day to unfold and affirm success: “Today is going to be a great day. I will bring positive energy to my clients, my team, and my work.” A morning routine with mindfulness and motivation helps you lead with clarity and focus—and absolutely be the leader on this.
Facing Challenges
When challenges arise, focus on solutions, not problems. Instead of reacting with frustration, stay calm and remind yourself that every problem is an opportunity to shine. Look for that opportunity.
Celebrate Small Wins
Take time each day or week to celebrate progress—no matter how small. Acknowledging wins builds momentum and keeps positivity alive, even in challenging times.
Positivity Backed by Skill
It’s important to pair positivity with skill and perseverance. My mentor, Todd Duncan, shared this quote with me years ago:
“Positivity wins the day, positivity backed by skill wins the market, and positivity backed by skill with perseverance changes your life.”
This trifecta is what separates top performers from the rest. Positivity keeps us motivated, skill ensures we deliver value, and perseverance helps us push through tough times. Together, they create a foundation for long-term success.
A Challenge for You
If staying positive feels hard, start small. Positivity isn’t just about you—it’s the energy you bring to your team, your clients, and everyone you interact with.
Make 2025 the year you lead with positivity. It’s the foundation for success, resilience and the energy needed to thrive—even in the toughest markets. Positivity fuels action, inspires those around you and turns challenges into opportunities. When you embrace it, you won’t just navigate 2025—you’ll own it.
Recorded by Sharla Ellis
Sharla Jolley Ellis is a well-known and deservedly well-respected mortgage strategist with a contagious enthusiasm and a compassionate desire to help those she serves. Sharla is also a respected speaker and coach and draws on decades of experience as a top-producing mortgage professional and industry leader. Sharla has helped countless individuals unlock their drive to improve their reality, accomplish great things and live out their dreams. She delights and engages her audiences with her infectious smile, her positive energy, her uplifting humor, her stories and actionable takeaways.
