To read the first piece in this two-part series on developing an entrepreneurial mindset, click here.
Now, one of the biggest things I have encountered in my time is our uncanny ability to get in our own way.
Yes. It is we that get in our way of our own success, whether we would like to admit it or not.
The quicker you can come to terms with this concept, the more likely you are going to be successful. Instead of blaming the competition, your team, the economy or the weather, you will take full responsibility and ownership.
Mind you, this seems to take shape only once you are well and truly on your way to success. Although there are plenty of entrepreneurs out there that have a fear of failure, there are a lot more out there that have a fear of success.
This is the one that we seem to trip over most of the time because it is the one that is the hardest to identify, unless you have someone to help you out and bring light to your saboteur.
The self-sabotaging entrepreneur
A lack of self-esteem, self-worth and self-belief are some of the common saboteurs that have come to light in my coaching sessions with clients.
However, the three greatest challenges of all that I encounter with entrepreneurs are self-doubt, self-limiting beliefs and fear of their capabilities.
This is the very place where the deep work begins.
It’s a shift in mindset.
You need to unload and get rid of your baggage before you can start from scratch.
If you don’t do the deep work now, you will have to do it eventually. So, it’s better at the beginning than later on when you are in the midst of your success.
In the case of entrepreneurs, this means digging into the underlying reasons for their limiting beliefs. It requires a deep dive into the unconscious mind to identify and unravel what is truly holding them back from bringing their powerful inner leader to light.
But the process goes beyond finding the cause for the effect. In fact, it can often mean solving the symptom, not the root cause.
It all starts with the way in which an entrepreneur chooses to perceive the obstacles that show up in their path.
Successful entrepreneurs view obstacles as opportunities
As a transformational coach, I can ensure you that life is not about getting what you want out of life.
Life is about getting rid of what is in the way.
From my own experience, I know too well what it’s like to get in my own way. I know what it feels like to close myself off from a loving relationship. I know what it’s like to sabotage my own success. I know what it’s like to resist change.
All of these are obstacles.
Once we can identify our obstacles, then we can let go of them.
Eventually, all things change. If you truly believe that change is inevitable, then there is nothing to hang on to.
Another obstacle that I see get in the way for most entrepreneurs is the need to control. They try to do it all alone. All that does is create unnecessary stress and overwhelm. If anything, it stops them in their tracks, resulting in procrastination due to a lack of creativity.
The flipside to that is when I see an entrepreneur who has way too many creative ideas. Consequently, they have a lack of focus. They lose sight of their core business because they keep coming up with shiny ideas.
Finally, as a result of the need to control everything, countless entrepreneurs face the obstacle of not knowing how to delegate. Work with your strengths and delegate the tasks that take up too much brain power, time and energy.
This is truly gold — delegations are vital if you want to grow your business.
Mastering the entrepreneurial mindset
Once you can identify your strengths, pain points and obstacles, create a systematic road map. It’s the most effective way to implement your strategy across all areas of your business.
It will keep you on a consistent track in terms of nurturing your strengths and delegating your opportunities so to give you more time for the things that matter.
In doing so, you will be reaching the mature stage of the entrepreneurial mindset. It’s all about putting your insights into practice in an attainable, productive and healthy way for everyone involved. It extends beyond your status as an entrepreneur, opening up new opportunities for your teams, your customers and your overall business.
The mindset of an entrepreneur is the mindset of growth. The process is continuous, and the only way is forward. The results and benefits? Countless.
So, what step will you take today to get closer to mastering the entrepreneurial mindset?
