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5 Mindset Shifts That Will Help You Become a Decision-Making Samurai

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Image Credit: Twenty20.com

As entrepreneurs, we are under a lot of stress as the world is continuously moving at a faster and faster pace. Instead of slowing it down, entrepreneurs like us strive daily to outpace it. The entrepreneurs and influencers we admire seem like they have it all together, and so we try to repress our own emotions to be more like them. We believe we’ll take a breather once we’ve made it.

STOP! Unless you’re a psychopath, emotions are not only necessary, they’re your secret weapon. I’m going to walk you through five mindset shifts that will help you become the master of your emotions and harness their power to make tough decisions . . . like samurais.

See the 5 mindset shifts below:

1. Life will almost never be as bad as whatever “worst case scenario” you’ve imagined

“Negative Visualization” is a technique beloved by stoics and samurais alike. To conquer their fear of failure, samurais force themselves to imagine the worst-case scenario a lot. No, it’s not pessimistic, it’s a reality check.

Negative Visualization puts you back in control. Rather than being at the mercy of a random universe, you now know the worst that could happen. Due to this, you’ll probably discover that it wasn’t all that bad after all.

Mindset shift: “When I’m dealing with a stressful decision, I will imagine the absolute worst-case scenario. Then, I will realize that a) this is very unlikely to happen, and b) even if it does, I’m now in control and prepared.”

“In morning meditation, see yourself killed in various ways, such as being shredded by arrows, bullets, swords, and spears, being swept away by a tidal wave, burned by fire, struck by lightning, dying in an earthquake, falling from a great height, or succumbing to overwhelming sickness.” – Yamamoto Tsunetomo, 17th century samurai

2. Nobody actually knows what they’re doing and that’s okay

Everybody’s winging it. When we’re in the pit of self-doubt, facing a decision that feels impossible, we feel inadequate. We wonder if we deserve to be where we are or if we are an imposter. The truth is, nobody knows what they’re doing—not really. Sure, they can put up an impressive front on social media, but inside, even the most successful people in the world have doubts.

Mindset shift: “It’s normal to feel lost. Everybody does—especially when facing important decisions. Instead of fighting those emotions off, I’ll embrace them for what they are: a completely normal part of the entrepreneurial life.”

3. You make irrational decisions when your emotions are out of control

Wild emotions lead to irrational decisions. This may sound obvious, but so many entrepreneurs interpret it as “bury your emotions” rather than “address them.” Burying emotions flat-out doesn’t work, so stop trying.

Phrases such as “Suck it up,” “It’s not that bad,” “Everybody else can handle this better than me,” are negative self-talk which flusters and burns more of your limited cognitive energy. Instead, accept your emotional state as it is and try this Navy SEAL technique: intentional breathing.

Mindset shift: The next time I’m making an overwhelming decision, I’ll take five minutes to breathe like a SEAL:

  • Inhale for 4 beats
  • Hold for 4 beats
  • Exhale for 4 beats
  • Hold for 4 beats

4. Acting “tough” doesn’t help anyone

Many of us became entrepreneurs in the first place because we want to change the world for the better. However, if you aren’t taking care of yourself, there is no way you’re going to be able to help others effectively. If your basic needs aren’t met, you can’t support your friends, family, and clients in the way you’d like to. Because of this you must always take care of yourself.

Mindset shift: “I won’t sacrifice my wellbeing to appease others. My decision will prioritize my ability to eat right, sleep well, take breaks, meditate, have fun, work out, and check in with my emotions.”

“Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back and choose the path that leads to wisdom.” – Buddha

5. Sometimes, you need to be tough enough to ask for help

When samurais are young, masters teach them Kendo (“the way of the sword”), Zen Buddhism, the samurai moral code, and how to live according to Bushido (“the way of the warrior”).

Three-fourths of those deal directly with the inner workings of the mind. And yet, so many of us entrepreneurs today are hesitant to seek help for the problems in our own minds. If you’re happy and well-rested, you’re more likely to have a productive, positive meeting.

Mindset shift: “I accept that unclouding my mind will lead to better decision-making. To achieve that, I’ll probably need outside help: a nutritionist, a confidant, a therapist, or a trainer. Getting help doesn’t make me weak—it shows I’m willing to do whatever it takes to achieve my goals.”

Samurais don’t reject their emotions or fears, they lean into them to find the strongest way forward. So whether you are selecting your next entrepreneurial venture, deciding who to hire or fire, or determining the most productive way to spend your morning, elevate your judgment by staying grounded in reality and focusing on what you can actually control. Only then can you become a true decision-making samurai.

Which one of these mindset shifts resonates most with you at the moment? Let us know which one and why in the comments below!

Image courtesy of Twenty20.com

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15 Essential Habits to a Stronger, Healthier, and Happier You

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What habits can truly transform your life? That’s what you’re here to uncover. In our no-nonsense guide, we’ll introduce you to 15 habits to change your life, each with the power to improve your day-to-day existence.  (more…)

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19 Common Characteristics All Visionary Leaders Have

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How to Choose the Best Affiliate Programs for Your Blog

If you follow these steps, you can create an affiliate marketing plan that makes money, fits well with your content, and connects with your readers

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how to choose the best affiliate programs for your blog

Picking the right affiliate programs for your blog is really important. It can make a big difference in how much money you can make and how much your readers get out of your blog. With so many choices out there, deciding which ones to go with can be tricky. 

This guide is here to make it easier for you. It will give you clear steps and helpful tips to choose affiliate programs that fit well with what your blog is about, what your readers like, and what you stand for. 

For more articles on this theme, please head over to this blog https://blog.partners1xbet.com/.

Understanding Affiliate Marketing

Before you start picking affiliate programs, it’s important to really understand what affiliate marketing is and how it works. 

Basically, affiliate marketing is when you promote a product or service on your blog, and then you get paid a little bit every time someone buys something or does something because you recommended it. 

It’s great for both the person selling the product and the blogger, because the seller gets more sales with low risk, and the blogger can make money from their blog.

How to Choose the Right Affiliate Programs for Your Blog

1. Assess Your Niche and Audience

The key to doing well in affiliate marketing starts with really knowing what your blog is about and who reads it. Consider the following:

  • Your blog’s content: What topics do you cover? Ensure the products or services you promote are relevant.
  • Your audience’s interests and needs: What solutions are they seeking? Choose affiliate programs that offer products or services that solve their problems or enhance their lives.

2. Research Potential Affiliate Programs

Once you know what your blog is about and what your readers want, start looking for affiliate programs. Choose ones that are well-known for good products, great customer service, and helpful support for affiliates. Resources to find these programs include:

  • Affiliate networks like ShareASale, Commission Junction, and ClickBank.
  • Direct searches for “[Your Niche] affiliate programs” in search engines.
  • Recommendations from other bloggers in your niche.

3. Evaluate the Commission Structure

The commission structure is a critical factor to consider. Look for programs that offer competitive rates that make your efforts worthwhile. Consider:

  • The percentage of commission per sale.
  • Whether the program offers a flat rate per action (e.g., per sign-up).
  • The cookie duration, which affects how long after a click you can earn commissions on sales.

4. Consider the Program’s Reputation and Sureness

Join affiliate programs with a solid reputation for quality and sureness. This not only ensures that you’re promoting good products but also that you’ll be paid on time. You can:

  • Read reviews from other affiliates.
  • Check the program’s history and background.
  • Look for any complaints or issues reported online.

5. Analyze the Support and Resources Offered

A good affiliate program gives you things like ads to use, training on their products, and helpful managers. Having access to these resources can really help you do a better job at promoting their products.

6. Understand the Terms and Conditions

Before signing up, thoroughly review the program’s terms and conditions. Pay close attention to:

  • Payment thresholds and methods.
  • Any restrictions on how you can promote their products.
  • The program’s policy on affiliate marketing on social media platforms.

7. Test the Product or Service

If possible, test the product or service before promoting it. This firsthand experience allows you to offer genuine charge and build trust with your audience.

8. Look for Recurring Commission Opportunities

Some affiliate programs pay you again and again for subscriptions or services that charge fees regularly. These can provide a more stable income compared to one-time sales commissions.

Implementing Your Choice

After choosing the best affiliate programs, the next step is to smoothly include your affiliate marketing in your content plan. This includes:

  • Creating valuable content that naturally incorporates affiliate links.
  • Disclosing your affiliate affairs transparently to maintain trust with your audience.
  • Tracking your results to understand what works best for your audience and adjusting your strategy accordingly.

Picking the best affiliate programs for your blog involves careful planning, research, and making sure they match what your audience likes and needs. 

If you follow these steps, you can create an affiliate marketing plan that makes money, fits well with your content, and connects with your readers. 

The real key to doing well with affiliate marketing isn’t just about the products you talk about, but also how much your audience trusts and values your advice. 

With enough time, patience, and hard work, your blog can grow into a successful space that earns a good amount of affiliate money and helps your readers choose the right products.

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