BETA
This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here

More From Forbes

Edit Story

Mind Tricks To Help You Attract More New Clients

When it comes to finding new clients, letting go of expectations might be just what the doctor ordered.

The field of brain science offers clues on how to make a game out of quieting the mind and fighting burnout caused by overwhelm, which can seriously hurt business development for agency owners, business coaches, consultants and others in the business of expertise.

"Combating burnout sometimes means not following common success advice,” said neuropsychologist Steve Swavely, Ph.D., author of an upcoming book optimizing team performance, in an interview.

“For example, ‘Eat your frog first thing’ is an adage about tackling your toughest challenges first thing in the morning,” said Swavely. “It has some merit, but not if you’re combating burnout. A better approach is to tackle some small challenges early to experience the satisfaction of success. This causes the brain to release a host of neurochemicals that lift your mood, and your capacity to tackle more difficult challenges. Save the frog for lunch."

Puja Aggarwal, M.D., a board-certified neurologist, and founder of Zenful Brain, said even she has questioned herself, “What if I fail?” For her, this only led to more guilt and shame. When she let go of expectations, her success skyrocketed with new opportunities and ventures.

“You are more likely to succeed by releasing yourself from expectations,” said Aggarwal in an email interview.

Here are her top four tips for letting go of expectations to increase productivity, build engagement and maximize success in your business:

Uncage yourself of expectations. “Naturally, our brains want to succeed. When we don’t, we indulge in overwhelm, anxiety and sometimes anger,” said Aggarwal. “This affects our ability to emotionally detach ourselves from our business leading to avoidance and inaction. When you stop focusing on the outcome, you will grow your business.”

Develop a growth mindset. “Our brains are hard-wired for negativity,” said Aggarwal. “We think ‘I can’t do that’ or are not open to challenges. By changing that thought to ‘I can do it,’ you rewire your brain to build new neural pathways. You will discover new talents leading to more engagement.”

Practice gratitude. “Write three things daily that you are grateful for,” said Aggarwal. Gratitude increases dopamine and serotonin in your brains leading to appreciation and contentment. With increased awareness of what we do have, you show up fully present to work in your business.”

Let nature take over. “Determine the problem you solve, then the solution and value you offer,” said Aggarwal. “Lead with value and how you can help others. You will feel more joy and satisfaction in your work. Sales will naturally follow where value is seen. This will propel you forward in business.”

Here is valuable advice to calm the mind: Keep doing a proactive schedule of business development. Practice the adage of “Keep it regular, not random.” Keep regularly offering help, not hype about the problems your prospects care about. Let go of expectations of what should happen this day, week or month and commit to the long game.

“Expectations hinder our growth,” added Aggarwal. “When you let go, you allow your business to expand, increase productivity, build engagement and maximize success.”

Follow me on Twitter or LinkedInCheck out my website