The beauty of entrepreneurialism is that there is no structured career path and certainly no guarantees.
The entrepreneurs journey involves a myriad of twists and turns complete with unexpected diverges, challenges and obstacles. That is why it is important for an entrepreneur to have a mindset that enables them to navigate the inevitable highs and lows.
For success is not a destination, it is a journey.
An entrepreneur sets up a business that will either fail or succeed. If it fails they may start another business and if it succeeds they may hold onto it for a few years before selling it, only to start all over again.
Irrespective of where you are on your entrepreneurial journey, if you are just starting out or an experienced professional here are six steps to create a mindset set for success:
1. Dance to your own tune
Be an authentic leader not a follower. It does not matter how many people do what you do, the fact of the matter is no one will do it the way you do it.
People are drawn to you for your unique gifts and talents. Learn from others whilst remaining authentic. If you are not authentic, people see straight through it.
“You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine” – John.C.Maxwell
2. Admire without idolising
It is inspiring to admire people for what they have achieved however it can be taken too far.
It is easy to get caught up with the success of people you admire and want to emulate them. We have the same traits as those we admire whether we see it or not.
When you put someone on a pedestal, you are also putting yourself down.
Take the time to realise where you have those same traits. Then utilise your precious time and energy to dream big, stay inspired and focus on achieving your own goals.
3. See both sides
In business and life in general, aim to see both sides. Quite often we are motivated to act by seeing the benefits over the drawbacks. This is how we make decisions, by searching for things that give us more pleasure than pain.
However, if you can take a step back and look at both sides before acting that prepares you for whatever comes your way and ensures you refrain from getting too excited or stressed. As Dr John Demartini says: “If you are too excited about something, you are not ready for it”.
4. The Power of meditation
Aim to set aside 10-20 minutes per day to quiet your mind. Meditation enables you to get to know yourself better by connecting to your soul.
This gives you access to information you will not receive by thinking logically about it.
Our mind is too busy and by quietening the mind daily it gives us the guidance and visions that are connected with our heart in order to reach our true purpose in life.
This one step alone changes your life. When we seek answers from within we are able to stay strong, live on purpose and have a greater impact in the world.
5. Appreciation
Every morning or evening, spend 5 minutes writing down everything you are grateful for in your life. We can often take things and people for granted.
By appreciating even the smallest things like a cup of coffee in the morning, a walk on the beach, or your best friend it helps us to focus on the many blessings we have right now.
As opposed to being on the continuing search of wanting more and feeling dissatisfied. This enables you to live in the present moment and ride out the waves of highs and lows.
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” – Oprah Winfrey
6. Beware the seesaw of praise and criticism
The universe offers us a balance of support and challenge with 50% of the world loving us and the other 50% disliking us.
When we become reliant on external validation it makes us hungry for more and results in lessening the impact you have. It alters the message you are sending as you are overly concerned about others perception.
Likewise, understand the benefits of being criticised such as: implementing better systems for your business, creating an improved version of your keynote speech, or notice how it is helping to make you a stronger, more resilient person.
When we allow life to flow and focus on serving others, this is when we truly impact others lives and add the most value to the world.
By being less emotional, you have more vitality and a more balanced mind, which is crucial for success as an entrepreneur.
Great Article Angelina!! Points 1, 2, and 5 were my favorites from the article. I couldn’t agree with you more that being “Authentic” and having “Gratitude” are two of the qualities that any entrepreneur needs to have to thrive in today’s business world.
Also I’m not sure if you are familiar with LaRae Quy or not, but if you don’t know who she is let me know and I would love to connect the two of you ladies up I think you both would be great friends. 🙂
Wow awesome points here! Thank you for sharing that wealth of knowledge!!
This is an excellent piece! Morning meditation is very important and a major key to success!