"I proceed with a courageous and honest analysis of situation. Then I determine what worst consequences of my failure could be. After imagining most disastrous consequences that could result, I resign myself to accept them in case it becomes necessary. From that moment on, I concentrate all my time and energy to looking for ways that could alleviate consequences which, mentally, I have already accepted". Dale Carnegie, American orator

Problems: You either love 'em or hate 'em. For some they represent a challenge, something from which to learn. For others problems are beginning of end, a reason to 'down tools' for day. This is what distinguishes winners from losers, business successes from failures.

Positive thinkers act in a similar way to Carnegie, namely recognising that a problem exists, understanding possible consequences, anticipating worst possible scenario, and formulating their objectives on this.

Recognising That a Problem Exists

All problems share one characteristic. All are deviations from norm. For example, where your average/anticipated sales during a given period are Ј200, you have a potential problem where actual sales are significantly less.

All successful businesses set standards. The first step towards solving problems presupposes that you have determined measurable standards against which to measure progress and performance. From this, you periodically compare actual against projected performance. This is best achieved as a team exercise, including management and staff, as appropriate.

Analysing Problem: Defining its Scope

Here you are locating and determining extent of your problem, deciding whether it has short-term or long-term consequences. A well-defined problem is almost solved and frequently solution is obvious. A useful tip is to draw up a 'Problem Analysis Worksheet', including vertical columns where aspects of problem can be recorded: what problem is, who was responsible for it, when it occurred, what its consequences might be, what ideal situation would be (your objectives), how serious problem is, and so on. Having considered all aspects of problem, as a team, group then lists possible solutions.

Focus on Objectives: Classify these as 'Essential' or 'Desirable'

In business, winning edge may be a critical piece of information, an inside connection, a chance meeting with a key decision maker or a well-rehearsed sales presentation. It doesn’t matter what edge is as long as you have it and your competition doesn’t.

As African Americans, winning edge in business has historically been denied us. Access to capital, ownership rights, quality education and relationships with White decision makers in business world were historically hard to come by. Many tried to succeed and did but many more fell by wayside, unable to overcome these huge barriers.

We no longer live in day and age where these obstacles are forced in place by society. That doesn’t mean however, that we have full access and participation in “ownership society.” The changing world economy though, offers us a prime opportunity to achieve significant gains in entrepreneurship, asset accumulation and wealth.

However, we need to adopt first winning edge in business, sports and, even, relationships. That edge is a winning attitude or mindset.

A winning attitude produces winners. A losing attitude produces losers. Its not much more complicated then that however, some explanation is in order.

I define a winner as someone that wins more then he loses. A person that wins when winning matters most.

Take note that a winner is not someone who always wins and never loses. You can lose all day play slot machines at a casino but if you win big once and walk away with more then you started, you’re considered a winner that day. In fact, casino always wins but they know that occasionally letting you win will keep you coming back to try out your luck.