Have you seen those orange juice commercials? You know, the ones where people have imaginary conversations about the obstacles awaiting them in the day, then they bravely drink their juice and start the day with a super positive attitude?  Here’s one in case you’ve missed them: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DHT7b0QjW8

Aside from the straight-faced delivery of the actors, one of the reasons these commercials are so funny is that most of us know we could never face a day of problems with such calm and a smile, no matter how much juice we drank. I feel privileged to actually know someone who embodies this enviable attitude, Amanda Younger. Full disclosure: I met Amanda and Joe Younger long before I agreed to take on this column. However, they embody some great couples-in-business principles so I really wanted to profile them.

Amanda and Joe have been married 23 years and have three daughters ranging from pre-school to college age.  Together they work toward the same family goals as independent ACN representatives providing essential home and small business services such as phone, internet, and television www.youngers.acnibo.com.   Their personalities and business skills are almost a perfect yin/yang blend of people skills, technical skills, introverted problem solving and extroverted dynamism. Amanda says, “Joe is very detailed in his thinking and has the ability to see the big picture from any angle. I tend to be more in the now and able to deal with the everyday tasks that need to completed. Where we both seem to do well under pressure, I do better closer to the ‘dead-line’ than Joe.”  Most importantly, the Youngers know how to bounce back.

All businesses have problems; all families encounter difficulties. For years research has shown that a positive attitude, resiliency in the face of adversity and a good dose of fearlessness is linked to long-term success. You simply cannot let bad events weigh you down, no matter how many happen in a row. One year, after a particularly tough January, the Youngers declared a New Year’s “do over” and restarted the year fresh in February with a family party—complete with sparkling drinks. Amanda feels that “… it’s our ability to look at the challenge as an opportunity to excel that helps both of us keep the proper perspective on life and business under the same roof.”

What if you weren’t born with this great outlook and ability? You can develop both. Start by cultivating the attitude of gratitude. Becoming aware of how much you do have and what is going RIGHT can help you to deal when things seem to go wrong. As Amanda told me, “At times we both view the glass as either half empty or half full, luckily we never seem to see it the same at the same time. However, both of us see the fact that we have a glass as a good thing and for that we are grateful.”