Mindset Makeover

You know it and I know it. Your mindset matters.

In life and in business – those thoughts bouncing around in our heads can mean the difference between happiness, fulfillment, success, and – well, not-so-much.

And while you don’t have a lot to say about the thoughts that pop into your head, you do have a choice about which thoughts you’re going to pay attention to.

You can shift your attention from those limiting, negative thoughts to ways of thinking that actually empower you and what you’re up to.

I’m not saying it’s easy or doesn’t take work – it definitely does. Shifting your mindset is like developing a muscle. The more you practice, the easier it gets to lift even the weightiest thoughts out of the way.

In this post, I’m unpacking my top five game-changing mindset shifts for entrepreneurs – no matter what stage of business growth you’re in.

Let’s get into it.

1. Respect Failure

Okay, let’s kick things off with a big one: failure. Yep, I said it. Failure isn’t something to be feared — it’s something to be respected.

Most of us resist failing at all costs. We’ll delay or even walk away from potential moves that could significantly drive our businesses forward – all to avoid the risk of failing. We don’t want to fail.

Because we hold failure as if it’s personal.

We relate like that failure is saying something about us.

But what if the failure were about the action or activity or plan? If a plan fails – all there is to do is revise and try again. No need for crying into a pint of Ben & Jerry’s.

Every stumble, setback, and screw-up is an opportunity to look at what worked and what didn’t – to revise and refine and get ourselves back on course.

Shift your mindset from seeing failure as the end of the road to seeing it as a stepping stone on the path to success.

Try looking at failure as simply part of the process, learn from it, and keep moving forward.

2. Ditch the Perfectionism

Raise your hand if you’re a bit of a perfectionist (*raises hand*). Yeah, I thought so. Glad it’s not just me.

But here’s the thing: perfection is the enemy of progress. We’ve got to let go of the need to have everything “just right” and embrace the messy, imperfect journey of entrepreneurship.

Yes, in an ideal world, we’d put out perfection every time. But in real life, we need to start with a version that’s workable – get it out there – then update, revise, iterate.

That’s growth.

Don’t let people be afraid to see you doing it. (They’ll actually appreciate the honesty of it.)

Done is better than perfect, my friend.

Begin. Learn what works. Grow. Ditch the perfectionism and get stuff done.

3. Adopt an Abundance Mindset

Ever hear the saying “there’s plenty to go around?”

In business, it’s actually true.

(If you have 5 siblings and we’re talking about being last in line for the mashed potatoes, it’s unequivocally not true.)

But, especially in the world of entrepreneurship, try looking from the perspective that it is.

Consider that with the world population somewhere around 8 billion, there’s more than enough business to go around.

Instead of operating from a scarcity mindset, where we’re constantly worried about running out of resources, or not having enough clients,  or falling behind the competition, try shifting to an abundance mindset.

Someone in your arena have a big win? Great! See it as validation that plenty of people want this thing you both have to offer. It’s time to talk more, not less. And it’s definitely not time to back away in defeat.

Talk more about the difference you make, what makes your offering valuable and unique. (Psst… that’s you. You’re the unique part!)

There’s more than enough.

Enough success, opportunity, and growth for all of us.

Try celebrating the successes of others, look for collaboration instead of competition, and trust that there’s plenty to go around.

4. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is possibly the ultimate game-changer, my friends.

Whether or not you believe that “like attracts like,” taking a few moments to acknowledge and appreciate the good things makes a world of difference.

We’re so quick to focus on what we lack or what’s not working. When that’s done objectively, it can be unbelievably useful.

But most often, it’s a dressed-up version of “something’s wrong here – really wrong.” It’s a short trip from there to the land of resignation.

We all do it – it’s human.

In all my years in business, getting caught in the trap of “something’s wrong” hasn’t stopped.

Try at least tempering it by taking a few minutes every day to focus on all the things that are right. The things you’re proud of. The things you’re grateful for – big and small.

Practice gratitude daily. You might even notice it attracts even more of the good stuff into your life.

5. Appreciate the Journey

Entrepreneurship is a journey of constant growth and learning.

And while we may think things will be better once we finally hit a certain revenue amount, or roll out that course, or meet some other significant milestone – there’s actually no arriving anywhere as an entrepreneur.

No rolled out red carpet that says you’ve made it.

There’s nothing to make. Nowhere to actually get.

It’s a journey. One with milestones and big moments for sure – but those are always openings for the next new ground to be taken.

Unless you’re ready stop.

Otherwise, it’s all a journey. The ups and downs, the incredible wins and the times you fall short.

The gift is in embracing it versus trying to get to some imagined destination where it’s all ok. Keep learning. Keep growing. Approach challenges as an opportunity to discover something, to grow and evolve.

“It’s got to be the going not the
getting there that’s good.”

– Harry Chapin

So there you have it – my top 5 game-changing mindset shifts for entrepreneurs. Respect failure, ditch perfectionism, adopt an abundance mindset, practice gratitude, and appreciate the journey.

They’re not just concepts; these are tools to shape and develop a mindset that will empower you through the highs and lows of running a business.

Try taking on one or two of these shifts, make them part of your daily practice, and discover the difference they make in your world. Then take on another. Then another.

Keep practicing. Keep growing.

You got this.

Here’s to cultivating a mindset that fosters your success.

xo, Kathy