Sure, the market is tough. But there is still a market and it does not mean that you can’t enjoy your work more and seek out market opportunities.

To do so, you need to rediscover your business mojo – the reason why you do what you do. This is because people are drawn to those with enthusiasm and steer clear of those with a cloud above their head. You need a business mojo to be a success.

So here are a few tips to achieve this. If you only do one of these tips, it will make a big difference.

Think positively

Always remind yourself of your strengths, of what is good about you and your business. Give as much attention to these as you do to the problems, challenges and mistakes. Make a list of your strengths and have these displayed everywhere, so you never forget them.

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Look forward not back

Too many people still say to me “when the market comes back”. Guess what, it won’t. Don’t forget the past, but look forward and find positivity in today’s market. Comparing it to a previously buoyant market will not help.

Get some energy

Some people gain energy from their thoughts (introverted) and some from other people (extroverted). Know where your energy comes from and either get thinking, or get talking.

Do something different

As they say, a change is as good as a rest. So do something a bit different tomorrow, something you have always wanted to do but never quite got around to doing. It will give you a buzz that is infectious.

Celebrate triumphs

Celebrate your successes, no matter how small or large they are, as it will keep you going to achieve the next goal.

Set goals

Have something to work towards. Include a goal that really stretches you. Without a goal, you’ll never achieve anything of value.

Make contact

Phone an old friend or colleague and see how they are doing. You never know where the conversation may lead.

Seek it out

If you want the mojo back, then it has to start with you. Find ways to make this happen and don’t rely on others.

Have a happy hour

Find some time each week to simply have some fun with your colleagues. Friday is often a good day for this traditionally. Having fun can help release emotions in a healthy manner. Fun relaxes the mind and stimulates positive thinking. It is also a great trigger for creative thinking, as is humour.

Get creative

I am not talking about picking up a paint brush; I am talking about enhancing your creative thinking which is about generating ideas. This is a skill we all possess and is a skill that is vital for businesses. Creativity stimulates the brain and creativity comes more naturally to a mind that is active and energised. It’s a perpetual gain and has been shown that creative thinking leads to business growth. So get creative.

Get out of the office

This is a great way of enhancing your creative thinking, utilising the power of soft thinking. It revitalises you and your frame of mind. Do this and you won’t see problems only solutions.

Give praise

Do this, where it is due, because it is infectious and will make you feel good and raise the mood of everyone around you, which will benefit you also. Remember, positivity attracts.

Find friends

Your working day is far more enjoyable if you have someone to talk to. It keeps you positive. And if you are like me and work alone, build support with suppliers and other local businesses.

Help others

Do something with your fellow employees that does not involve work. A good example is doing something that raises money for a charity.

Have a clear out

Clearing out unnecessary paper work can be very rewarding, therapeutic and makes you more productive.

Leave your work at the office

I am a real culprit for this, but I can tell you that it is counter-productive. And that includes not looking at your emails too.

Find a mentor

I once had an executive coach and it was the best thing I ever did. Find someone (from within your business or outside it) who can act as your sounding board and give you energy and help you see those opportunities.

Sleep well

You need your energy to drive yourself. A tired mind and a tired body will not find its business mojo.

Jeff Knight is managing director of Tonic Marketing