By Debbie Ruston, Columnist & Featured Contributor
THERE IS A DIFFERENCE IN in thinking between the mindset of an employee and the mindset of an entrepreneur. This is one of the biggest reasons that people struggle in business….they may have the skills and knowledge necessary for the type of business they are running, however, have not developed the mindset of an entrepreneur.
Developing this mindset is crucial to succeed as an entrepreneur, and although some are born with this, or have developed it, it can be learned. Let’s take a look at some of the areas of importance:
DECISION MAKING – Successful entrepreneurs make bold decisions that support their goals, and stick to those decisions. The decisions must support the goals you have. If not, you are making the wrong decision, which is usually based around fear or limiting beliefs.
RISK – Successful entrepreneurs are not afraid of risk, and understand this is part of the process. They do not need “guarantees’ but instead make their own guarantees to themselves by being willing to do what it takes, knowing they will be rewarded for their commitment. It doesn’t mean you will always have the result you want, but there will always be a benefit, such as powerful learning, that will distinguish the next steps to take. I put together a phrase several years ago to reframe how people look at RISK – “Responsibly Implementing Specialized Knowledge”.
COMMITMENT – Successful entrepreneurs are not afraid to make commitments and have an unwavering dedication to the commitments they make. They hold themselves accountable and take full responsibility for the commitments they have.
GOALS – This works hand in hand with decision making. Successful entrepreneurs set goals that support what they truly want and then make decisions that bring them closer to that goal. They do not let fear or limitations stop them, but find solutions.
CHALLENGES – Successful entrepreneurs fully understand that challenges are simply part of the process towards success, and NOT a stop sign. This is one of the biggest areas that cause people in general to give up at anything in life or business. A challenge comes up, and they give into the challenge. Successful entrepreneurs are able to push through and find a way where there does not appear to be a way.
SOLUTION ORIENTED – Successful entrepreneurs understand there is always a solution. They may not initially know what it is, but are willing to think out of the box, get creative, and figure it out. This takes personal responsibility.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY – Successful entrepreneurs do not blame others. They understand it is their personal responsibility to do what it takes.
CREATIVE THINKING – Successful entrepreneurs tap into the creative side of their brain. Many may think “I’m not creative”, however, I know from personal experience you can learn to tap back into the creative side of the brain we were all born with. Watch a child playing…it is a reminder that we are born creative, but it is drilled out of us through the testing done in education, where we are conditioned to believe there is only one right answer. It destroys our natural creativity, but we can relearn to be creative.
GO AGAINST THE PERCEIVED “NORM” – Successful entrepreneurs think outside of the box and are not looking to “fit in” to what is perceived as normal. They are not afraid to do things differently, and understand Einsteins quote “the definition of insanity is doing the same things expecting different results”
DESIRE – Successful entrepreneurs have a desire that outweighs any circumstance. They come up against challenges just like everyone else, but their desire is so strong, they never lose sight of their goals and continue to take action until they achieve their goals.
The mindset of an entrepreneur is vital for any new business owner to succeed, and lack of it is one of the biggest reasons that entrepreneurs fail. The good news is, it can be developed by those that are committed and willing to learn.
