I’ve spent a month largely away from the internet, and I think that returning to work suddenly has made certain trends in articles stand out. Mostly, I’m struck by how many articles are keen to tell you 1) what you’re doing wrong and 2) what you could do better.

These are often useful articles, but today I’d very much like to spend time discussing the other side of that coin: what you’re doing right.

How often do you really stop and ask yourself and others what you’re doing right?

Probably not enough.

So let’s do that.

Chances are, you’re enjoying some form of success. In fact, I’m going to say that you definitely are, as these things are all relative anyway.

Here are four questions to ask yourself:

1. Why do your favourite clients choose you?
2. What do you stand for?
3. What do you stand against/avoid as a general rule?
4. What concrete benefit(s) do you provide your clients?

It’s worth not only jotting down your own thoughts but also asking your clients for their opinion. The overlap of perspectives is likely to be enlightening.

Why do this?

Understanding your value and the positives that you bring to a crowded marketplace will put you in a great position to continue growing.

Ultimately, the self-awareness this brings can only be a positive.

And frankly, I think we could do with a little more positivity on this rainy September Wednesday!