The entrepreneurial mindset and lifestyle come with great flexibility and opportunities. You get an opportunity to better yourself while also making the world a better place.
In 2020, Guidant Financial reported that the number of people wanting to start their own businesses due to their dissatisfaction with corporate America increased by 27%.
The problem, however, is that many of these people with entrepreneurial dreams hardly do anything to move it forward. What’s holding them back?
For many, the simple answer is fear.
If this sounds like you (even if you’re scared to admit it), keep your fears aside for a few minutes – because, in this post, we’ll discuss some mindset changes and character traits you’ll need to develop, to help you cultivate a business mindset and do what you’ve always wanted.
Take business lessons and leadership classes. Enroll for coaching with Mia Hewett and commit to continuous self-development.
1. Develop a positive mental attitude
Self-help author Napoleon Hill first popularized the concept of positive thinking in his 1937 book, Think and Grow Rich. That book made me realize all the good things in life stem from a place of positive mental attitude. It means you alone can create your reality.
How does this relate to starting a business or becoming an entrepreneur?
A positive mental attitude never gives in to negative thoughts and emotions that can undermine your resolve to start a business or succeed at it.
Being optimistic and developing a positive outlook does not mean ignoring all of the risks and the possibility of things going wrong.
It’s, however, more about knowing things could actually work out for you as well as understanding how to frame your response when things don’t go as planned.
Focus and work on things you can control. Be your own cheerleader. Don’t dwell too much on your self-doubts. Try to see the positive side of things.
2. Redefine failure and embrace your fears
According to Entrepreneur, the five (5) biggest fears that business owners, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs, face include;
- Fear of failure
- Fear of uncertainty
- Fear of rejection
- Fear of not being good enough
- Fear of success
As much as 33% of Americans cite the fear of failure as the one thing holding them back from starting a business. This is a natural human emotion, one you should expect when you’re considering taking big risks and striking out on your own.
However, to develop an entrepreneurial spirit, you have to understand, embrace and conquer your fears so they don’t control your life.
- Understand that every failure is one step closer to success.
- Remember that everyone –including the most successful businesspersons– has all failed at some point.
- See failures and tough times as great opportunities to learn from adversities.
- Don’t be afraid to change course and readjust when things don’t go as planned.
- Move with confidence and trust that you’ll figure out some things along the way.
3. Remain curious and creative
Entrepreneurs have to be creative and innovative to make a difference.
Fortunately enough, you can also train yourself to start thinking creatively. Let your imaginations run wild and allow your brain and mind to explore and wander. When trying to process your thoughts and ideas, however, endeavor to ensure that these ideas are both rational and logical.
Finally, cultivate a thirst for knowledge to continually fuel your creative mind.
Develop both your vertical and horizontal knowledge. While vertical knowledge relates to a deep knowledge of a specific topic, horizontal knowledge describes a solid understanding of a diverse variety of fields. Take business lessons and leadership classes. Enroll for coaching and commit to continuous self-development.
4. Understand the importance of relationships
Businesses are built on relationships. You need to understand that.
Get better at connecting with people so they can connect easily with you too. The more relationships you’re able to forge, the more clients or customers you’ll be able to drive for your business.
To succeed in business, you need to master the arts of relationship-building and persuasive communication, even if you’re an introvert because they are essential for your survival, success, and growth in the entrepreneurial world.
Henceforth, make it a point of duty to form strong relationships with your family members, work colleagues, friends, partners, etc. This would mean one less challenge you’ll need to surmount when you’re finally ready to launch your business.
5. Be resolute and determined
Being an entrepreneur can be highly rewarding but the road to success can be just as challenging. There are days you’ll feel you’ve had enough and would want to throw in the towel, but your self-determination and intrinsic motivation would prevent you from quitting before you’ve hit success.
Being strong-willed and determined are some of the characteristic traits of successful entrepreneurs.
You’ll need to cultivate these and similar skills to develop an entrepreneurial mindset – which you’ll need to not only start your business but also manage it successfully.
Start by defining what success means to you and then setting clear goals and plans to achieve it. Keep self-doubts far and away while keeping your hopes high. Be tenacious and determined to work towards your goals for being an entrepreneur whether that means bettering your financial position, creating more time for yourself and loved ones, etc. Persevere through tough times and keep your mind fixated on your end goals. With your mind focused on the right things, you’ll be able to position yourself for business success, knowing it’s most likely not going to happen overnight.
Conclusion
Entrepreneurs are made, not born.
But even though I agree that some may naturally possess certain personality and entrepreneurial traits, anyone can also develop these traits and achieve a shift in mindset that they need to launch their entrepreneurial dreams.
47 million Americans quit their jobs in 2021 – voluntarily.
Microsoft says as much as 41% will leave their employers again in 2022. Some of these employees will find new employers. A significant percentage might also go ahead to start a business of their own. With the right mindset, strong determination, adequate planning, and a willingness to continuously learn and improve, your odds of succeeding in business will be strong, no doubt.
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