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Most entrepreneurs start a business with the intention of achieving a better lifestyle and greater success. Each entrepreneur defines success in his or her own way, but ultimately the common driving factors are more freedom, greater fulfillment, financial success and above all the ability to be in control of their own destiny.

Unfortunately, after a few years, the entrepreneurial dream can start to warp into a partial nightmare. A dangerous form of bondage sets in. The owner is trapped on the treadmill, working harder and harder but going nowhere.   Many business owners are tired, beat-up and unsure of the future. It is easy to lose hope due to overwhelming odds, roadblocks and challenges, which ultimately lead to the question: “Should I quit? Should I give up? Maybe I should just get a J. O. B?”

Despite these challenges there is hope.   Look at many successful business people and you will notice that perseverance and adopting a positive mental attitude were critical to their success. So, during this time of economic uncertainty, if you feel the hopelessness of failure set in, remember your Victories! Remember the courage, perseverance and drive you once had that gave you the strength to step outside your comfort zone and start your business. Think about the positive skills that you have learned along the way. NOW, as you look back, let this re-energize you and your team with the optimism of earlier days. The person with the Highest Energy WINS!

As we enter the final lap of 2009, decide to make it the turning point for yourself and your business. You have invested too much financial and sweat equity to give up now. Get fired up and inspired, it begins with you as the leader of your business. “It’s about leadership that creates a climate in which people turn challenging opportunities into remarkable successes. ” – Kouzes & Posner

Begin using these simple steps for HOPE:

Have a Vision:

We all have so much to do these days, so many directions and priorities to deal with in this fast paced world. Why is a Vision so powerful? Because it mobilizes action and provides hope for the future. It separates the “Trivial Many” (day-to-day activities) from the “Vital Few” things that drive the business. A vision has a cascading effect – A vision narrows your direction, it sets priorities, goals and strategies, which lead you to engaging in only the most important day to day tactics.

Operate with Values:

When you and your team know your core values, every decision you make is easier. Values create company loyalty, improves morale, reduces job stress & employee tension, fosters pride, and facilitates understanding of job expectations.

Plan for Action:

Fear typically the holds people back, it is one of the top reasons that people do not reach their full potential – 95% of all fears are never realized. Actions create results and results create momentum. Four keys to Action: Set your objectives, Develop strategies to achieve your objectives and goals, Outline your tactics to succeed, Define measures to benchmark your progress, and finally Create a sense of urgency within your company.

Execute Relentlessly:

You can have reasons or results! Execution is a discipline and integral to strategy. Execution is the missing link between your vision and results. Remember, execution is the major role of the leader. You must make execution a core element of an organization’s culture.

Many business owners become “stuck” in a depressed, immobile state because they have no hope. If you are serious about your success and follow the H. O. P. E. model you will have an outstanding 2010!