ReportWire

Tag: Success Mindset

  • Control What You Can Control: 5 Strategies to Build This Mindset

    Control What You Can Control: 5 Strategies to Build This Mindset

    [ad_1]

    There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.

    When I was pregnant with my daughter, I was an active member of an online group with 72 other expecting moms, which was appropriately titled January 2015— the month our babies were due. 

    Many members used the space during the time they were pregnant to create their “birth plan” and bounce ideas off of each other.

    Some women spent a significant amount of time crafting the perfect plan for how they were going to give birth, who would be in the room, and whether they were going to go natural or get the drugs.

    I didn’t create an elaborate birth plan. I think because I was so nervous for that day to come that I was too scared to stare at it in the face. So when it actually did come in November of 2014, I was glad I hadn’t wasted my time.

    Because I know my plan wouldn’t have included: complete a conference call while the nurse pushes me down the hall to the delivery room, but that’s certainly part of what happened that day.

    Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m usually filled with anxiety as I consider the “what ifs” of the future. This is especially apparent when I’m packing for a trip, and upon returning home, half of our luggage remains untouched.

    I have to wonder why I thought my child “just might need” a jacket in South Florida in mid-June. But I had to spend the time and energy worrying about the possibility that she could say she’s cold…and since there are no stores in Florida…

    It’s in these situations where I really admire people who can roll with the punches in any situation.

    I know I have an expert level of experience staying up all night wondering why a boyfriend hasn’t responded to a text or overthinking how I handled something at work that day–and how I will do it differently the next time that exact situation presents itself again.

    But trying to change the past or predict the future are two things that make me feel pretty helpless. Because no matter how long I spend with my mind fixated on the issue at hand, somehow, the outcome doesn’t seem to be impacted by my mental energy. And, as it turns out:

    “If a problem is fixable…then there is no need to worry. If it’s not fixable, then there is no help in worrying.”― The Dalai Lama

    So what is the difference between a fixable and a non-fixable problem? Well, one of them you have some control over, and the other, you don’t.

    In this article, we are going to talk about how you can build the mindset of only trying to control the things that you have some control over. But first, let’s talk a little bit about why this is important.

    Why Should You Control What You Can Control?

    Let’s start with addressing why you shouldn’t try to control the things that are out of your control.

    Say you’re trying to find parking somewhere at an event that’s packed and you see a spot ahead where you think you can squeeze in if you parallel park your car just right. And then you pull up to the spot, and once you get a closer look, you see the space is about two feet shorter than your car is.

    How much time do you spend sitting in your car, blocking traffic, being angry and frustrated that you can’t fit into the spot? How long do you spend sitting there trying to wish your way into it?

    I would assume not a whole lot. Because, in that moment, you recognize there is nothing you can do to make that spot bigger (or make your car smaller) so you move on to look for something else.

    The size of that parking spot is out of your control, and you are quick to realize that and move on. This is an objective fact that you can’t change. The same can be true for other factors in life, you just need to recognize what situations are out of your hands and which ones you can influence.

    Now, when you do spend time and energy focusing on the things that you can control, such as your goals, attitude, how you spend your time, the books you read, the media you consume, the people you surround yourself with, what you eat, etc., you can feel good that you’re being proactive in making a positive difference in your life somehow.

    Not only will this help you feel empowered, it will also make you feel confident that you have the ability to influence outcomes and feel a sense of achievement when the end result turned out the way it did because of you.

    Because of this positive difference you can make, you don’t want to waste your mental energy on the things that are out of your control–you want to save it for when you can be useful and make a real difference.

    But if someone has ever told you to “Let it go” or “Get over it” when you’re upset about something, you probably know that it’s easier said than done.

    So let’s take a look at some strategies you can use to build this mindset.

    1. Establish What You Can Control

    When you feel like something is wrong, think about what (if any) impact you can make on the situation. Can you stop a storm in its tracks when it’s headed your way? No, but you can prepare for it to hit. When you turn your attention to what you can control, you will feel more empowered.

    So what does this look like when you’re doing something that often feels defeating, such as job hunting?

    Worrying about your unemployed future demise is draining, so instead, turn your attention to what you can control: the quality of your resume, the amount of networking you’re doing each week, and the number of job applications you’re submitting every day.

    Or, what if you’re so focused on the fact that you got laid off from your last job that you can’t find it within yourself to move on? This type of rumination can not only lead to depression, it can damage your ability to effectively problem-solve.

    Studies show that this type of behavior causes people to struggle to find satisfactory solutions to even hypothetical problems (i.e. “What if my next job pays less than my last job?”).

    Furthermore, those who focus on trying to control the past are often so uncertain in their solutions to moving forward that they frequently fail to take any action at all.

    Whatever the issue at hand is, adjust your attitude, goals, and how you spend your time appropriately to empower yourself to improve the situation.

    Occupying your mind with trying to will someone to like you, make a hiring manager call you back, or keep a storm out at sea will only exhaust you and leave you feeling tormented.

    Knowing yourself is the first step in establishing what you can control. Take a few minutes to watch the video below to learn about the five proven strategies to increase your self-awareness.

    2. Practice Mindfulness

    As stated above, having an awareness that there are some things you can control and some things you can’t is a big part of regaining the power you need to focus your energy toward the right areas, and this can be achieved through practicing mindfulness.

    Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally paying attention to the present moment without passing any judgement. It’s about engaging with your surroundings and training your brain to observe your passing thoughts and feelings so you can accept what is.

    Letting go of the idea that you can control everything gives you some energy back to focus on the things that you can control. Controlling your response to your passing thoughts and feelings involves taking a step back to be mindful of just how these things are impacting you and then altering your course.

    Finally, practicing mindfulness has been shown to reduce self-judgment, which will allow you to be more open to making and learning from your mistakes.

    After practicing mindfulness, you will be better prepared to be present in any given moment and be more accepting of your circumstances–even those that are beyond your control.

    So while you may dislike your situation, if you can choose to accept it and focus on what’s in your control, you will come out on top.

    3. Continue to Be a Learner

    People who have agency over their circumstances are always learning and expanding their ability to learn by keeping an open mind and being collaborative with everything they do. This means you need to position yourself to meet new people, explore new ideas, and learn new skills.

    Having a growth mindset and recognizing that you’re capable of learning and adapting to your surroundings can help you let go of your need for control and perfectionism because it can help you fight your fear of failure.

    When you’re in the mindset of lifelong learning, you’ll realize that even on your worst days, you will go to bed stronger than you woke up that morning.

    And because of this, sometimes the best thing you will get out of your hard work is the troubles you experienced, the lessons that came along with them, and the person it made you into.  

    4. Practice What You Can Control

    When you actively practice the things that are in your control to the point of mastering them, you will be able to confront the things that are out of your control with a stronger mindset that will help you tolerate them with more stamina and endurance.

    Spend some times working on the following things that are in your control:

    Your Breathing

    Practicing deep breathing can help you learn how to calm your nerves and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. This is a practice that allows more air to flow throughout your body, which promotes a sense of relaxation. Here are four exercises to try to practice deep breathing.

    Your Attitude

    If you can’t change something that is causing you stress, change your attitude about it.  Whatever challenge you’re facing, reframe how you’re thinking and start to consider it as a starting point for achieving something new.

    Owning the opportunity to change your attitude and your reaction to things you cannot control is a shortcut to growth, happiness, and a sense of freedom.

    Gratitude

    Research has found that practicing gratitude is directly related to greater levels of happiness.

    Giving thanks for the things you’re grateful for in life helps you feel positive emotions more frequently, enjoy the good experiences that you have, improve your physical health, handle conflict, and build strong social bonds.

    Practice writing in a gratitude journal to help you see life in a more positive light. Doing this and other activities to promote gratitude will help you turn your focus toward the aspects of life that you can control.

    Visualization

    Visualizing yourself achieving positive outcomes will help you cultivate a motivated and powerful state of mind. Visualizing happy things, such as plans for your future or a favorite memory helps you focus on good things, which combats worry.

    things you can control | control what you can control quotes | controlling what you can control
    Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally paying attention to the present moment without passing any judgement.

    When you take the time to visualize the good things in life, you’ll have less time and energy to worry about factors beyond your control.

    The more you engage in visualization, the better you will become at doing it. The results of this practice can have a big impact on your life. Start by creating a vision board.

    5. Let Go

    You will notice life is a lot easier when you release control, and once you do, you will realize you never really had control in the first place. Start allowing things to happen instead of making them happen.

    Like most people, you probably spend a lot of time focusing on business that’s not your own–whether that’s your friends’ business, your boss’s business, or the universe’s business. But the reason you’re trying to be a part of everything is because you’re scared of what might happen if you’re not.

    This need for control stems from an attachment to one outcome, which you’re sure is the best outcome. 

    But the truth is, you don’t always know what’s best. So when you can step back and trust that you will be alright whether you try to micromanage everything or not, you can let go. This will open you up to all kinds of new possibilities that aren’t possible when you’re devoted to only one “correct” result.

    When you choose to let go and surrender to reality, you will make a shift from being anxious, stressed, and hyper-focused on the past and the future, to being calm and present in the moment. You will start to actually feel like you’ve gained control.

    Letting go is a combination of accepting what is and having faith that everything will be alright. So when you notice you’re starting to micromanage your surroundings, make a deliberate decision to just let go.

    Final Thoughts on Controlling What You Can Control

    While you may not have control over a lot of the big things in life, there are a ton of smaller things that you do have control over. And by learning to control what you can, it will become second nature to act in empowering, positive ways.

    So let go, and start using your time in a more effective way that will help you live your best life. And remember, research shows that 85% of things that you worry about that are out of your control never come true.

    And if you’re looking for more resources to help you control what you can control in your life, here are some articles that might help:

    Connie Mathers is a professional editor and freelance writer. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and a Master’s Degree in Social Work. When she is not writing, Connie is either spending time with her daughter and two dogs, running, or working at her full-time job as a social worker in Richmond, VA.

    Finally, if you want to take your goal-setting efforts to the next level, check out this FREE printable worksheet and a step-by-step process that will help you set effective SMART goals.

    control what you can control | you can only control what you can control | focus on the things you can controlcontrol what you can control | you can only control what you can control | focus on the things you can control

    [ad_2]

    Connie Stemmle

    Source link

  • 100 Day Challenge Review: Will It Help You Achieve Goals in 2024?

    100 Day Challenge Review: Will It Help You Achieve Goals in 2024?

    [ad_1]

    There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.

    If I’m being honest… when I was first asked to write a 100 Day Challenge review, I was somewhat skeptical.

    At first glance, the website reads like a “click-through” ad. It is very bright and poses just one question, “Supercharge Your Growth In 100 days?”  Beneath it read the words, “free manifesto”…  and asked for my email address.

    I initially declined for sake of argument and was brought to a page that promised to get me the results I wanted 10x faster… offering to “show me how”. 

    Enter Gary Ryan Blair, founder of the 100 Day Challenge.

    Blair is a highly successful motivational speaker and author.  He even has the picture perfect family to lend support to his movement. 

    100 day fitness challenge | 100 day challenge weight loss | 100 days for positive change

    And while I’ve never been the biggest fan of motivational speakers, I am a fan of action over inaction. 

    I’m a fan of anybody that can motivate me to get my butt into gear and get the job done.

    Whether it’s a physical, professional, emotional or personal goal… if you can help me achieve it, I’m game.

    Blair can do that.

    See, Blair’s approach is different. 

    Direct.

    Having worked with the military, you might say being concise and precise is his M.O.

    The 100 Day Challenge is a hardcore performance acceleration program designed with one purpose in mind— to provide you with the growth hacking tools and and execution strategies you need to transform your life and career in just 100 days.

    Built to operate with blistering speed and relentless execution… this extreme beast of a performance challenge is meant for serious people and organizations who crave serious results – fast!.

    There is no such thing as “halfway” with the 100 Day Challenge.

    If you want to learn how to create SMART goals that can work with your 100-Day Challenge, take a few minutes to watch the video below.

    So, Who Is 100 Day Challenge For?

    The 100 Day Challenge is designed for anyone looking to obliterate their personal and professional goals in just over three months.

    Three months.

    Whether you’re a businessperson, entrepreneur, athlete, coach, parent, or someone who wants to accelerate their win rate, play a much bigger game and unleash their greatness… this program is for you!

    Want to drive up sales? Run a marathon? Write a book? Climb Mount Everest?

    what is the 100 day challenge | how do you get 100 days code | how can i change my life in 100 dayswhat is the 100 day challenge | how do you get 100 days code | how can i change my life in 100 days
    benefits of 100 day challenge | 100 day challenge cost | what is the 100 day challengebenefits of 100 day challenge | 100 day challenge cost | what is the 100 day challenge

    Maybe you just want to pay off your mortgage faster?

    If you want it bad enough, it will happen.

    And it will happen faster by taking the 100 Day Challenge.

    Blair’s philosophy is rather simple, while still being thought provoking. 

    Essentially, he believes that we’ve been duped by a multi-generational conspiracy, starting the day we were born. A conspiracy designed to encourage conformity, instill self-doubt, and enforce limiting beliefs and discourage original thought.

    Sit still, stand in line, keep your head down, follow the rules, do as you’re told, play it safe, don’t risk it, wait your turn, ask permission, stop asking questions, slow down… patience is a virtue.

    Blair believes these “excuses” only pave the way to procrastination… resulting in us never getting what we truly want or deserve.

    He makes a good point.

    Blair preaches that there is no time like today to begin the rest of your life. That every minute counts and it is always a good time to accelerate our goals, touting “success loves speed”. 

    Our society is built on shortcuts, such as FastPass for rides, TSA precheck and Global Entry, Amazon Prime, E-Z pass.  We are always looking for shortcuts when it comes to getting something or somewhere faster… so why should our goals be any different? 

    How Does 100 Day Challenge Help Its Subscribers?

    The 100 Day Challenge offers subscribers a custom plan page, where they can review the day’s lesson, as well as other materials.

    review on 100 day challenge | performance acceleration program | 100 day challenge chartreview on 100 day challenge | performance acceleration program | 100 day challenge chart

    The entire challenge consists of 100 video challenge lessons. Lesson 1 starts the day you sign up!

    On your subscriber plan page, one click gains you easy access to a number of useful categories:

    1. After Action Review – which includes weekly call instructions, forms and recordings
    2. Goal Setting Tools – downloadable goal setting forms, phone apps and inspirational wallpaper
    3. Inspirational words – audio and video recordings and, as well as articles from Blair on: mojo, boldness, excellence,  motivational moonshine, power surge and success stories
    100 day challenge review | 100 day challenge login | 100 day challenge goal examples100 day challenge review | 100 day challenge login | 100 day challenge goal examples
    1. Integrity – motivational words and an “intergrity pledge”, based on the premise that success is built on keeping promises… while failure is a result of breaking commitments
    100 day challenge workbook | 100 days to improve your life | 100 goal challenge100 day challenge workbook | 100 days to improve your life | 100 goal challenge
    1. Quantum Leap – a video outlining another strategy for achieving maximum results from the 100 Day Challenge, how to rapidly advance without going through all of the steps yourself… and exceed your expectations
    2. Help Desk – program support and answers
    3. Coaching – personal one-on-one coaching via Skype or telephone with Blair (additional fee). Sessions last 45-60 minutes.

    Keep in mind, each of these videos are in addition to the 100 daily lessons… bonus motivation for the mind, if you will.

    What Benefits Does the 100 Day Challenger Offer?

    Commitment to the 100 Days Challenge gives you access to a variety of helpful tools.

    • After Action Reviews
    • Downloadable Action Plans
    • Daily Accountability Reminders via email
    • Global Community Forum
    • Bonus content
    • Private Membership Site
    • Goal Setting Forms
    • Mobile App
    • Optional one-on-one coaching lessons

    One of the most powerful, in my opinion, was the Weekly After Action Review (or AAR).

    For the entire duration of your 14-week program, Blair offers the chance to conduct a weekly assessment of your progress.

    AAR’s are designed to address four primary questions:

    1. What did you set out to do this week?
    2. What actually happened? What were your results?
    3. Why did it happen?
    4. What are you going to do next time?
    100 day challenge goal examples | 100 day challenge facebook | 100 day challenge app100 day challenge goal examples | 100 day challenge facebook | 100 day challenge app

    It’s important to note that the AAR is not a critique.

    An effective AAR doesn’t judge success or failure, but rather attempts to discover why things happen.

    The AAR keeps the focus on what you wanted to accomplish and identify lessons learned in order to minimize mistakes moving forward.

    Another cool feature for subscribers is the daily email you’ll receive, containing a specific action item to complete.

    Here’s a screenshot of the emails that I’ve received over the past few months:

    100 day challenge | 100 day challenge program | 100 day challenge review100 day challenge | 100 day challenge program | 100 day challenge review

    Simply, click on the email and it brings you to the lesson for the day. Here, you will be asked to fill out the action item and recite the integrity pledge.

    Members can also review all archived lessons at any time, in case they want to revisit and reinforce any messages.

    There is also a ton of bonus content for members, as well as community forums, which make great sounding boards when you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated with a lesson.

    Blair, himself, voices all audio and video content within the program… he puts in all the work, clearly dedicated to his mission.

    And to you.

    He starts off loud and confident… and never waivers.

    I kept waiting to hear him say, “Let’s get ready to Rumble!!”.

    At times, I could literally picture him in front of me… speaking at a podium, swinging from rafters. His voice leaps off the screen.

    Ironically, the “quantum leap” is one of his key motivational points. 

    The ability to download an app to your smartphone is another key factor for members. Not all of us can sit in our bedrooms or office listening to lessons, ranging from 15 – 40 minutes at a time.

    We have lives. Some of us have kids. Commutes.

    The app makes it easy to access the lessons and all the tools you need on the go, giving you one less excuse for not meeting your goals!

    You can request a link on the website, for either ios or Android devices.

    How Much Does 100 Day Challenge Cost?

    You may have heard the saying, “nothing in life that is worth having is free”?

    If not, you have now. You’re welcome.

    And it’s so true. Think about it.

    Whether what you want costs money, or simply unwavering dedication and commitment, we all pay for what we get in one way or another.

    If we aren’t attentive to our spouse, he may wander off.

    If we aren’t paying attention to our children’s behaviors, they may veer off course.

    If we don’t put in the extra effort at work, we will likely be skipped over for that promotion.

    If we aren’t willing to invest a few dollars in a successful online training program that can change our lives in 100 Days… we may just not want it bad enough.

    It’s that simple.

    Are you content? Or just complacent? 

    Do you want more?

    If the answer is yes, the 100 Day Challenge is the answer.

    Plus, in the grand scheme of things, it’s not that expensive. In fact, for the price, it equates to less than some monthly gym memberships or your cable bill.

    100 Day Challenge costs just $177, which can be split up into two payments of $90.

    So, yeah, they technically make an extra $3 on the payment plan option… but it may be worth it if you find a $90 debit an easier pill to swallow in order to get you on your way.  

    There is also a current coupon code being offered on the 100 Day Challenge website, giving you access to the full program for just $77 USD.

    100 day challenge program | 100 day challenge plan | 100 day challenge review100 day challenge program | 100 day challenge plan | 100 day challenge review

    That’s $100 off the normal price.

    Total bargain.

    You also have the opportunity to engage in  personalized, live, one-on-one coaching with Blair via Skype or telephone for an additional fee… starting at $175 for one session, or $750 for five.

    There is absolutely no obligation to take advantage of that, but it is a pretty cool option if you’re looking for an amped up dose of motivation.

    In fact, there’s very little risk at all with the 100 Day Challenge 30-day money back guarantee.

    Did I mention that?

    If you’re not satisfied for any reason… you are free to walk away, no questions asked and no money wasted.

    I don’t know about you… but anytime there is a money back guarantee, I’m almost always game if it’s something I’m curious about. 

    Final Thoughts on the 100 Day Challenge

    So here we are.

    I’ve done my best to paint you a picture with my 100 Day Challenge review.

    I told you a bit about the program founder, Gary Ryan Blair.

    I’ve touched upon what the 100 Day Challenge offers subscribers and the types of goals it can help them to achieve… be it personal or professional.

    We’ve talked about cost because, let’s face it, money is always a factor.

    So here’s the recap:

    • You get 100 days of motivational lessons – jam packed with actionable advice and tools
    • You get bonus video and audio content, reading material and downloadables, to help you keep track of your progress and enhance your goals
    • You get personalized emails to help keep you on track
    • Access to the program on the go, thanks to the mobile app
    • You get Blair. He’s a powerhouse.
    100 day challenge app | 100 day challenge instagram | 100 day challenge homelessness100 day challenge app | 100 day challenge instagram | 100 day challenge homelessness

    Look, everybody has their favorites when it comes to motivational speakers and goal setting programs.

    Chances are if you are looking to change your life in a significant way, you’ve tried different programs and failed.

    We’ve all been there.

    That or you settled for finishing just shy of reaching your goals because you felt you weren’t capable of running the marathon, only the sprint.

    That is why the 100 Day Challenge is the best of both worlds.

    It is designed to get you the results you want, fast.

    Think of it as taking the express lane to bypass mediocrity.  

    100 days in a drop in the bucket when it comes to spending time working on getting the life you deserve.

    Aren’t you tired of standing still? Going through life at a snail’s pace in your pursuit of professional or personal happiness?

    It doesn’t have to be this way.

    The 100 Day Challenge is time well spent, money well spent… and there is no risk with the 30-day guarantee.

    And if you’re curious about what other goal apps or programs are out there, be sure to check out our reviews:

    Finally, if you want to take your goal-setting efforts to the next level, check out this FREE printable worksheet and a step-by-step process that will help you set effective SMART goals.

    Nicole Krause has been writing both personally and professionally for over 20 years. She holds a dual B.A. in English and Film Studies. Her work has appeared in some of the country’s top publications, major news outlets, online publications, and blogs. As a happily married (and extremely busy) mother of four… her articles primarily focus on parenting, marriage, family, finance, organization, and product reviews.

    100 day challenge | 100 day challenge weight loss | 100 day challenge tracker100 day challenge | 100 day challenge weight loss | 100 day challenge tracker

    [ad_2]

    Nicole Krause

    Source link

  • 45 Travel Journal Prompts to Chronicle Your Adventures

    45 Travel Journal Prompts to Chronicle Your Adventures

    [ad_1]

    There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.

    Few of life’s great activities are more stimulating to the imagination than traveling. So, travel experiences naturally inspire journal writing. 

    In fact, one of the best ways to capture your memories is to create a daily habit where you jot down your thoughts about events of the day, the people you’ve met, and the amazing sights you’ve seen.

    So with that in mind, in this article we provide 45 travel journal prompts that can help spark your imagination.  But first, let’s answer a specific question that you might have.

    Why Should You Use Travel Journal Prompts?

    Journaling is a mentally freeing practice. For travelers, it’s great for inspiration, for sharing information with others, and for looking back on your trips and having a chronicle of what you did.

    You can just spontaneously pick up your journal and sprawl down thoughts of the moment across page after page, or you might prefer some more structured ways of journaling. 

    However you approach it, journal writing can be a highly rewarding method of documenting your experiences and expressing your views and ideas. Seeing your inner life mirrored on the pages of your journal makes it a naturally effective self-development tool. 

    When it comes to traveling, journal prompts can be sentences or phrases designed to trigger inspiration to pursue topics for journal writing.

    Writing prompts like those on the list below can remind you of a meaningful experience at a particular place or time that you will enjoy writing about. The prompts can cause you to go down paths in your writing that you might not otherwise have taken. 

    An exploratory range of journaling prompts can provide a veritable travel guide through your memories, and expose your psychological and emotional responses to so many travel experiences as well as others that might not have been previously accessible to you at such internal depths.

    These prompts are designed to lead the thinker to provide life lessons in different ways. That activity can strengthen the agility of the mind and the ability to reach solutions and more ideally manage one’s personal happiness — the ultimate inner destination in journaling.  

    45 Travel Journal Prompts 

    There are journaling prompts to help trigger thought streams for writing on just about any topic you can name. There are also endless numbers of useful generic journal writing prompts available on the world wide web.

    But, for help generating journal writing topics specific to traveling, here are some prompts tailored to lead into writing on your adventures:

    1. One of the most amazing places I’ve ever been was ________.
    2. One of the most exciting things I’ve ever seen was ________.
    3. When I was travelling through ________, on my way to ________, I was fascinated by ________.
    4. I once spent what I thought would be a relaxing vacation in ________.
    5. It’s considered risky to go there, but visiting ________ was an extraordinary experience.
    Travel Quotes - “Jobs fill your pocket but adventures fill your soul.” – Jaime Lyn Beatty | adventure travel quotes | nature travel quotes | time and travel quotes #inspirational #adventure #happiness
    1. I’ll never forget the feeling of standing at the edge of ________.
    2. It was shocking to see right before my eyes, ________. 
    3. All around me, there were ________.
    4. It was an epic adventure going to ________.
    5. I was frightened at the thought of it, but I’m very glad I ________.
    6. Few things have given me as big an adrenalin rush as ________.
    7. It seems crazy looking back on it now, but we ________
    8. One of the most breathtaking sights I’ve ever seen was ________.
    9. One of the times I was most lost was in ________.
    10. Being in ________ was a true culture shock.
    11. Navigating the subway in _____ was an strange odyssey. 
    12. Many of the locals were skeptical of foreign travelers at ________.
    13. One of my favorite beaches is the U.S. is ________.
    14. When I went to  ________  during the annual ________ event, and it was unbelievable.
    15. There are so many incredible museums and galleries in ________.
    16. One of my favorite museums in the world is the ________ in ________ (city).
    17. I didn’t speak the language, but fortunately many people in ________ speak English.
    18. I was most impressed with the vastness of ________.
    19. The many stunning statues added to the special atmosphere of ________ (city).  
    20. The wildest public party scene I’ve ever seen was definitely in ________ (city).
    21. Seeing such deep poverty juxtaposed to such conspicuous wealth shocked the senses.
    22. The whole area of ________ (region) was teeming with wildlife.
    23. The customs of social interaction in ________ (city) required me to ________.
    24. It was surreal staring into the gaping mouth of the cave.
    25. The people of ________ were so welcoming and charming. 
    26. The panorama had a mystical quality.
    27. the desert stretched as far as the eye could see.
    28. Suddenly, for the first time, I beheld a ________ in the wild.
    29. There’s nothing really quite like gazing out over the ocean.
    30. Crossing the border at ________ is its own adventure.
    31. ________ is one of those areas where finding edible food becomes a major focus.
    32. The pictures of it can’t portray the immensity of ________.
    33. Spending time out on the water was a highlight of the journey.
    34. There was so much to see, it was hard to decide where to start.
    35. Hiking in the ________ mountains was an especially satisfying challenge.
    36. Standing beneath that massive, powerful waterfall was thrilling.
    37. Exploring ________ revealed wonders all around us.
    38. Being in ________ was very different than I expected. 
    39. If I could go back to only one destination, I think it would be ________.
    40. For unforgettable music, food, and atmosphere, ________ is the perfect spot.
    what to put in a travel journal | topics for travel writing | travel journal sentence starterswhat to put in a travel journal | topics for travel writing | travel journal sentence starters

    Final Thoughts on Travel Journal Prompts

    Memories of travel often grow even more significant over time and can be deeply satisfying to write about.

    Writing prompts that are specific to travel experience afford you a vast array of journaling options any time you want to pick up your journal and start writing.

    Moreover, maintaining a journal can be a great way to re-live your fondest travel memories.  Many years after a trip, you can review a travel journal to remember the sights, sounds, and people you’ve met.  

    And if you’re looking for more prompts, be sure to check out these articles:

    example journal about travel | travel diary | what to put in a travel journalexample journal about travel | travel diary | what to put in a travel journal

    [ad_2]

    S.J. Scott

    Source link

  • 5 Entrepreneurial Mindset Principles That Empower Financial Literacy | Entrepreneur

    5 Entrepreneurial Mindset Principles That Empower Financial Literacy | Entrepreneur

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    An entrepreneurial mindset encourages individuals to view their personal finances as an opportunity for wealth creation and growth. This mindset emphasizes the importance of investing, whether in stocks, real estate, or other assets, to generate passive income and build wealth over time. That being said, developing your own foundational belief systems around your relationship with money is just as important as the financial vehicles themselves.

    One should remember that financial literacy is a journey, and it requires consistent effort, practice and application of these foundational principles to enhance your understanding and improve your financial wellbeing. When it comes to money, adopting certain mindset philosophies can help shape your relationship with wealth creation and guide your decision-making. Here are five imperative viewpoints to consider:

    1. View money as you would view a current

    While the term “currency” is derived from the Latin word “currere,” which means “to run” or “to flow,” the concept of money flowing like a current is metaphorical rather than a literal representation. The term “currency” primarily refers to a system of money that is used as a medium of exchange for goods and services.

    However, the metaphor of money flowing like a current can be used to describe the dynamic nature of money and its movement within an economy. Money circulates through various transactions, changing hands from one individual or entity to another. It flows through the economy, enabling economic activity and facilitating trade.

    Similar to a current in a river, money is constantly in motion, connecting different participants in the economy. It can be earned, spent, invested, and transferred, creating a continuous cycle of transactions and economic interactions.

    This metaphor highlights the importance of understanding and managing the flow of money. Just as currents in a river can be strong or weak, money can fluctuate in terms of its availability, value, and the speed at which it circulates. By being aware of this flow and managing their finances effectively, individuals and businesses can navigate the economic currents and make the most of their financial resources.

    Related: We Need a Real Commitment to Mental Health at Work. Here’s How (and Why).

    2- Don’t allow the limits of your past to have any bearing on your future

    Embracing an abundance mindset involves believing that there are plentiful opportunities for wealth and success. It is about focusing on possibilities rather than limitations. With this mindset, you approach money with a positive and optimistic outlook, recognizing that there is enough for everyone and that your financial situation can improve through hard work, smart choices and abundance mindset-based actions.

    Many emerging thought leaders have recently endorsed the ideology of “mindset monetization.” With these new, but logical shifts, countless case studies across the nation validate that financial empowerment begins with shifting your paradigm. And thus, by challenging the rigid, conservative “work, spend, save” 9-5 mindset and evolving from thinking like an entrepreneur rather than an employee, one can drastically uplevel their monetary milestones.

    3. Pivot — don’t pause

    The philosophy of financial independence centers around achieving freedom and control over your finances. It involves building a solid financial foundation that allows you to support yourself and pursue your desired lifestyle without being reliant on others. This mindset encourages you to take ownership of your financial situation, prioritize saving and investing, and develop multiple streams of income.

    Take the pandemic, for example; leaders who adopted remote skills, studied macroeconomics and understood what sectors were poised for growth not only weathered the pandemic but significantly improved their business and personal growth.

    4. Continuous learning to stay updated on the latest financial trends

    An entrepreneurial mindset prioritizes continuous learning and improvement. When it comes to financial literacy, this means actively seeking out resources, courses, and information to enhance your understanding of financial concepts, investment strategies and personal finance management. The post-Covid era has democratized online certifications from individual subject matter experts to academic institutions, so there is now a level playing field regardless of your geographical standpoint. Engaging in lifelong learning allows you to stay updated with the latest financial trends and adapt your financial strategies accordingly.

    The philosophy of delayed gratification, in tandem with a commitment to learning, involves prioritizing long-term goals over immediate satisfaction. It requires resisting impulsive spending and prioritizing saving and investing for future financial security and goals. By delaying gratification, you can make wiser financial choices, avoid unnecessary debt, and accumulate wealth over time.

    Related: The Financial Literacy Basics Entrepreneurs Need to Know

    5. Practice mindful spending and asset allocation

    Mindful spending involves being intentional and conscious about how you allocate your financial resources. It means aligning your spending with your values and priorities as well as the emerging, lucrative sectors that require attention. With this mindset, you take the time to evaluate your needs versus wants, track your expenses, and make deliberate decisions that reflect your financial goals. Mindful spending helps you avoid impulsive purchases, stay within your budget and make more conscious choices with your money.

    [ad_2]

    Ben Sever

    Source link

  • You Need This Mindset to Unlock Your Business’ Full Potential | Entrepreneur

    You Need This Mindset to Unlock Your Business’ Full Potential | Entrepreneur

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    There are several steps in personal growth that go along with growing a successful business. From self-awareness to risk tolerance, many of the buzzwords in entrepreneurship actually come from popular psychology. Having a working knowledge of how an entrepreneurial mind processes information is a good start to figuring out whether — and how — starting a business is best for you. Perhaps the biggest step is going from being an employee at someone else’s business, to deciding that you truly want to lead your own.

    Crossing the bridge to business ownership requires an entrepreneurial, adaptable mindset. First, understand that you’ll be going from a 9-5 mindset to one that is on 24/7, 365 days a year. It may feel overwhelming, but it’s something every successful business leader cultivates. Second, you’ll be going from following orders to leading other people, which requires another shift in perception. Third and most importantly: To grow a business, you need a growth mindset.

    Related: 5 Reasons Why Personal Growth Also Boosts Business Achievement

    Know yourself

    Self-awareness is the most basic and essential attribute for an entrepreneur, which is why it’s become a business buzzword. Surprisingly, a study reported in the Harvard Business Journal found that “even though most people believe they are self-aware, self-awareness is a truly rare quality,” and estimate that only 10% to 15% of the people surveyed actually have the self-awareness necessary for a managerial position.

    To gain self-awareness and determine a path to successful entrepreneurship, take an honest look in the mirror. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What motivates you? Looking inward leads to decision-making about whether being an employee is the best fit or if you have the core mindset to be an entrepreneur — and, for an entrepreneur, self-awareness is also the power for cultivating a great team.

    Leaving the comfort of an organization to start a new venture requires overcoming fear, building fortitude and taking a leap of faith. Going from an employee mindset to an entrepreneurial one may be the biggest emotional jump — but it will be the first of many.

    Related: Why Self-Reflection and Self-Awareness Are Vital Skills for Any Entrepreneur

    Creating an adaptable mindset

    Having an adaptable mindset is one of the key elements of creating and growing a business. What is an adaptable mindset? It’s what the brain does behind the scenes to help us learn from mistakes and overcome setbacks to find solutions and move ahead, instead of accepting failure.

    This resilience can’t be underestimated in entrepreneurship. Not only does business survival depend on the ability to learn and overcome difficulties, but it allows a business owner to seek and leverage new opportunities.

    There was a groundbreaking book on this very subject published in 2006 by psychologist Carol Dweck titled Mindset: The New Psychology of Success that explores the concept of growth and fixed mindsets, terms that the author coined. Examining brain processing activity, her team measured brain activity as students reviewed their mistakes on a test. They found some students had more brain activity, demonstrating a growth mindset, and others had none — a fixed mindset. She postulated that a fixed mindset prevents you from learning from mistakes, while a growth mindset can empower you to perceive mistakes as learning opportunities.

    Is it possible to train oneself to create a growth mindset? Absolutely. It’s a matter of transforming thinking from a one-size-fits-all to an adaptable mindset. Here are a few tips:

    1. Be human: Humans are flawed by nature. Accept imperfection in yourself and those around you and embrace the uniqueness that makes you, you.
    2. Be brave: Overcome fear by seeing new challenges as opportunities. Fear is a natural emotion, and having the ability to forge ahead with a can-do attitude will take you through many crises and allow you to operate in a high-pressure environment. Think of business as an adventure and achieving success as a climb along a rocky, winding trail to the mountain top.
    3. Be mindful: Give consideration to what you’re thinking and saying. There’s an old song recorded by crooner Johnny Mercer in 1944 titled Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive that allows us to, as the lyrics go, “eliminate the negative,” which holds true. Self-censor the negative thoughts in your head, and don’t let them exit your mouth. The more you focus on the good, the less the bad will concern you and the results will be self-respect, ethical behavior and the ability to reach higher to achieve loftier goals.
    4. Be creative: If you can dream it, you can do it. Your brainstorm needs a clear vision about what it is, and the need it fills. Envision what success will look like and create a detailed business plan to achieve it. When we started our food truck business our goal was to offer amazing fresh Mexican food in a casual atmosphere. We knew that success for us would be an escalation to more trucks, then brick-and-mortar locations and finally a franchised business model.
    5. Be real and realistic: Take a deep dive into what you want to achieve in business. Is it fame or fortune? Is it a dollar amount? A number of locations? Goals are essential, but just as important is a realistic plan to reach any objective. Time, funding and knowledge each contribute to the capability to reach any goal.

    Related: Success Is the Biggest Benefit of Being Adaptable

    The need to know

    Establishing an adaptable, growth mindset is a core element of entrepreneurship. But what you fill that same mind with is just as essential. Being familiar with the ins and outs of business and acquiring top leadership skills are the basics. Business knowledge will help to create a better employee environment provide a better chance of success in business, greater personal development, more adaptability and enhances communication skills in the workplace

    One of the best places to begin when seeking financial literacy for starting a business is the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This government organization is dedicated to bringing “financial literacy not only to America as a whole, but specifically to small businesses and future entrepreneurs.” They offer a Money Smart for Small Business toolkit that provides an introduction to small business management topics.

    Transforming from an employee to an employer, overcoming fear and gaining knowledge all contribute to developing a growth mindset. With adaptability and a positive outlook, anything is possible, especially business growth and success.

    [ad_2]

    Mohammad Farraj

    Source link

  • 5 Leadership Skills the Best Entrepreneurs Know | Entrepreneur

    5 Leadership Skills the Best Entrepreneurs Know | Entrepreneur

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Given recent layoffs from big tech and the looming potential of a recession, it might seem strange to hear me say that now is the perfect time to be an entrepreneur…for leaders to step up with something new. According to an April 2023 Yahoo Finance interview with Luke Pardue, an economist at Gusto, the unpredictability of the current market represents an ideal opportunity for entrepreneurs to find new solutions to old problems.

    Before rushing out to start work on the next big idea, though, ask yourself one thing: What kind of entrepreneur are you?

    That might not seem important now, especially if you’re in the early stages of a startup. However, as someone whose job is to help entrepreneurs turn visions into realities, I’ve seen the answer provide leaders with pivotal insight into their strengths and limits, and ways to nurture and overcome them, respectively. If you’re looking to capitalize on this moment of disruption and create an enterprise that it’s in for the long haul, this is not a question you should ignore.

    The two types

    Every business leader brings unique experiences, styles and skills, but in my experience, most tend to fall into one of two categories at the macro level. “Status” entrepreneurs are primarily driven by external or revenue-focused goals, which can be great motivations early in a company’s lifecycle. If you’re in this category, you likely know exactly what you want, and that can propel early success, but even the best of them struggle with stagnation as time goes on. To avoid this, you’ll need to break out of a status mindset and evolve.

    If you’re a “freedom” entrepreneur, however, you’re not driven by external forces or some great vision to be fulfilled, but by the desire to push your abilities to the next level — to learn quickly and master skills that are relevant now, and which will direct you toward a bright future. As a freedom entrepreneur, the goal is to continue accomplishing new things — to be ever iterating and creating something bigger, better, faster and cheaper.

    Related: What Your Personality Type Says About Your Career Destiny (Infographic)

    Finding your freedom

    You may be thinking that there’s a clear winner when it comes to these two types, and you’d be half right. Each has its benefits during the early stages of a project or startup, but it’s harder to balance status-driven goals later. The point of this article isn’t to scold anyone for being one type or another but to help leaders recognize where their drive resides and identify ways to evolve.

    Here are the five leadership skills of effective freedom entrepreneurs:

    1. Simplify and streamline

    Simplifying an organization is a crucial skill for leaders, as Steve Jobs famously recognized. As any enterprise grows, so does its complexity, and the number of people who rely on its management. To avoid feeling overwhelmed and overburdened, it’s critical to confront that complexity head-on and simplify initiatives as soon as possible. The result will be making more informed decisions and leading teams with greater confidence and clarity.

    Related: 4 Steps New Entrepreneurs Can Take to Simplify Their Work Days

    2. Always look ahead

    Forecasting is a vital skill for anyone who wants to stay on the cutting edge (or who just wants to keep up), and a lack of it can be an existential crisis. After all, a failure to predict where the smartphone market was headed led Blackberry and Microsoft to cede huge swaths of market share to Apple and Google.

    To lead your company well, you must be able to predict what will happen in the short and long term. The good news is that you don’t need to be clairvoyant to make savvy forecasts. One way to hone gut instinct is to read a wide variety of news and analysis within your industry. A diverse selection will provide a spectrum of opinions that will help you better form your own. Be restless in your hunger for information.

    3. Delegate

    Being an effective leader doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. It means knowing and focusing on what you’re good at, then delegating the rest. A Gallup study in 2014 highlighted this clearly: CEOs with high delegation abilities reported three-year growth rates 112% higher than those with lower abilities.

    My advice is to seek out employees who love to do what you don’t. When focusing on the things you enjoy, you will be your most productive self. Perhaps even more importantly, you will not be relying on external factors to drive success. Instead, you’ll be having fun while capitalizing on your skills.

    Related: 5 Reasons Why Delegation is a Must for Entrepreneurs

    4. Systemizatize

    Creating repeatable processes and structures can eliminate tedious, time-consuming work, reduce employee workload and give you more opportunities to focus on innovation and growth. Through automating, you can free up hours for tasks you truly enjoy, while still providing exceptional customer service.

    A 2020 study by O.C. Tanner revealed that a shocking 79% of workers report suffering from burnout at any given moment. By implementing repeatable systems and automating processes, you can create a more sustainable work environment for yourself and your team, and so reduce stress. This leads to higher levels of employee engagement and productivity.

    5. Be hungry for structure

    The ability to rigorously blueprint an organization (and a willingness to revamp it, if necessary) is critical. Without the right people in the right seats, you won’t be able to achieve goals or work with teams effectively. Look carefully at the kind of business you want to create and the impact you want it to have, then determine what structure fits that vision. What kind of people will it need? Which skills will be the most valuable?

    It’s helpful to look at enterprises similar to yours to determine how they are built and take inspiration where it’s of value. Being a good leader is about understanding what works for your unique needs so that everyone can achieve together.

    Related: Futurist Ray Kurzweil Has an Amazing Track Record For Accurate Predictions. By 2030, He Believes Humans Will Eradicate Disease and Achieve Immortality.

    Here’s the secret: The real question isn’t which type of entrepreneur you are, but what kind you could be. By fine-tuning leadership abilities, you can hone both the skillset and mindset to reach new levels, and so ensure that your business is running smoothly and ready for what comes next — with clear-cut goals and good people supporting it all.

    [ad_2]

    Mark O'Donnell

    Source link

  • Why a Marine’s Mindset Can Help You Skyrocket Your Company’s Success | Entrepreneur

    Why a Marine’s Mindset Can Help You Skyrocket Your Company’s Success | Entrepreneur

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Maybe you’ve never considered how the philosophy behind military boot camps could bring tremendous success to your business — but you should. Marines must survive a brutal test to prove they can hold their own, and many of the lessons they learn can easily be applied to an entrepreneurial setting. Leadership, discipline, perseverance and loyalty are all qualities of a great Marine — and entrepreneur. The mindset of a Marine is not all that different from the mindset of a great entrepreneur — a realization I came to in the backseat of an Uber where I met Frank, my Uber driver — and former Marine.

    He took me on a 45-minute drive to the Miami airport, so we had plenty of time to talk. “I’m retired military,” he said. “Marines.” In what little I know about the military, I know the Marines are some of the toughest. Aside from making me feel slightly safer on the ride, I was curious. “Is boot camp as hard as they make it seem in the movies?” I asked. “Worse,” he replied. “But it’s getting easier. I’m glad I’m retired.” That piqued my curiosity, and I wanted to know more, so I asked him to explain.

    He told me that he had served three tours in combat and saw the strongest men break down. His fellow Marines were together, supporting, encouraging and having each other’s backs. The reality is that their lives depended on the ability and strength of the guy next to them in the trenches.

    We’ve seen how boot camps are portrayed in the movies — An Office and a Gentleman with Richard Gere, Full Metal Jacket, or G.I. Jane come to mind but movies often play into the cliche storyline — how the recruit must dig deep and overcome their past or physical and mental hardships to spite their training officer and prove they can do it. They all win in the end. Of course, they do. It’s Hollywood!

    But in real life, there’s a lot more to it than that. The mental stamina Marines must have to endure and withstand pain, fatigue, stress and hardship is unmatched — something all entrepreneurs could benefit to learn from when dealing with the day-to-day stressors of the job.

    Related: Five Ways To Develop Your Mental Toughness For Startup Success

    When you approach an investor, for example, they evaluate you and your business based on their due diligence – examining every corner of you, your business, and what you claim to deliver. They’re judging your ability and strength in business. Your ability to do what’s needed to get the return you’re promising.

    When you seek a partnership with another person or entity, they, too, want to make sure they’re willing to ‘marry’ you. They want to make sure you will support and encourage each other and have each other’s back — let alone make sure you can deliver what you promise.

    When you want a promotion, your boss or superior must ensure you’re worthy of the investment – financially, physically and emotionally. They need to make sure you’re tough.

    See the pattern here? What distinguishes great entrepreneurs from the rest is their ability to navigate the job with the following traits — traits that are integral to Marines:

    Resilient
    Strong
    Able
    Supportive
    Encouraging
    Reliable, and so on.

    The question is, how does one develop these traits? We certainly aren’t born with them. Just as Marines must endure boot camp, entrepreneurs must also endure the perils of the job. For military personnel and entrepreneurs, it comes from adversity. It comes from rejection, unfairness and failure — over and over and over again.

    You’ll lose out if you look at rejection as the ultimate failure, a hindrance, or something personal to you. If you look at rejection as the end of the line, you’ll never achieve the heights you may have been born to reach. Just ask the likes of Oprah Winfrey, J.K Rowling, and Steven Spielberg. They’ve all experienced their fair share of adversity and failure, but ultimately, they can attribute these experiences to their success.

    If you instead look at failure as a stepping stone for future success, you won’t be held back from realizing your greatest potential. As the saying goes, adversity is one of life’s greatest teachers, but what if the ride wasn’t as tough?

    Related: 4 Mental Tactics to Increase Your Odds of Staying Alive, According to This Green Beret

    Well, according to my Marine-tuned-Uber driver, being a Marine today is not as tough as it used to be. “Why is it getting easier, and why does that worry you so much?” I asked. Maybe he was a little biased, but I still wanted to know his take.

    “What’s happening now is that the military has to change its process because of societal pressures, and that means people can’t be yelled at in the same way or pushed to the point of breaking.”

    I thought about business as he continued, “If the toughest guys who went through the toughest, most grueling boot camp can reach a breaking point in combat, what happens to the person treated more gently in boot camp? To the person who isn’t pushed to the point of unfair or unacceptable language and directive?”

    He continued to reveal how he would certainly not feel safe on a battlefield with people who didn’t survive the worst of boot camps – the unfair, the abusive, the crushing. There is no sense of fair in battle, and people are out to win at any cost. In that situation, he wanted the strongest, toughest, most resilient person next to him in combat. It isn’t about gender, sexual preferences, religious beliefs or other societal or personal choices. It’s about who can withstand the brutality of a boot camp — one in which the instructors are not yelling for pleasure but to ensure you’re tough enough to survive the battle.

    While we’re fortunate not to face life-or-death decisions in a conference room, we are encountering a similar sense of evaluation and judgment. Are we worthy of the decision-maker’s funding, partnership, or promotion if we have yet to be deep into rejection and failure? Can we handle the stress and pressure of high-stakes decisions that involve a lot of money or thousands of employees?

    No matter how much you fear or loathe rejection and failure, it nonetheless gives you the skills and the gift of being worthy of every decision-maker’s choice.

    Failure is inevitable.
    Failure breeds resilience.
    Failure offers a great learning experience if you examine it.
    Failure can lead to unexpected innovation.
    Failure builds character.
    Failure is a sign of progress (and it’s usually not personal).

    If you think of a pebble in the middle of a free-flowing river, you’ll know that it may cause a ripple in the water, but it doesn’t stop it. It just forces the water to take a slightly different path downstream.

    Think of rejection and failure as pebbles in the journey of your success. And with that mindset, you’ll open your arms to rejection, failure and unfair decisions because you know it will toughen you up for business battles.

    [ad_2]

    Lauren Hirsch Williams

    Source link

  • 10 Tips for Building a Successful Entrepreneurial Mindset | Entrepreneur

    10 Tips for Building a Successful Entrepreneurial Mindset | Entrepreneur

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Are you an entrepreneur who is struggling with self-doubt? Do you sometimes feel like you’re not cut out to be an entrepreneur and that you’re not going to succeed? Well, let me tell you something — every successful entrepreneur has faced self-doubt at one point or another. But what sets them apart is their capability to overcome it and persevere.

    I will share some techniques and strategies for building a successful entrepreneurial mindset in this article. These are the same key strategies I’ve used to build my successful business, and I’m confident that they will work for you too.

    Related: 11 Mindset Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

    1. The power of positive thinking

    The first step in building a successful entrepreneurial mindset is to adopt a positive attitude. It’s all about the power of positive thinking — if you believe you can achieve something, you’re more likely to do it.

    When faced with a challenge, instead of thinking, “I can’t do this,” try reframing your thoughts to “What can I do to make this happen?” Instead of your weaknesses, focus on your strengths and what you can bring.

    2. Embrace failure

    One of the biggest fears for entrepreneurs is failure. But the truth is that failure is an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey. Every entrepreneur has failed at some point or another — it’s how you react to failure that matters.

    Instead of dwelling on your failures, use them as learning experiences. Take the time to reflect on what went wrong, and use those lessons to improve and do things differently next time. As Thomas Edison once said, “I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

    3. Surround yourself with positive people

    Your mindset is heavily influenced by the people you surround yourself with. Surrounding yourself with negative people who constantly bring you down will not help you build a successful entrepreneurial mindset.

    Instead, surround yourself with positive, like-minded individuals who inspire you to improve. Join entrepreneurial groups, and attend networking events to meet other entrepreneurs on a similar journey.

    4. Stay motivated with goal-setting

    Setting goals is an amazing way to stay motivated and focused on what you want to achieve. Start by setting long-term goals — where do you want to be in 5, 10 or even 20 years? Break those long-term goals down into smaller, achievable milestones, and set deadlines for when you want to achieve them.

    Don’t forget to celebrate your achievements along the way. This will help keep you motivated and focused on your end goals.

    5. Take action and be resilient

    One of the key differences between successful and unsuccessful entrepreneurs is taking action. Successful entrepreneurs don’t wait for opportunities to come — they create them.

    But taking action isn’t always easy. It requires a lot of hard work and resilience. You’re going to face obstacles, setbacks and failures along the way. But it’s very important to keep pushing forward and not give up in the face of adversity.

    Related: 5 Easy Ways You Can Turn Self-Doubt Into Success

    6. Embrace risk with a calculated approach

    Entrepreneurship is inherently risky. You’re building something from scratch, and there’s no guarantee it will work out. But successful entrepreneurs don’t shy away from risk — they embrace it with a calculated approach.

    Before taking any risks, it’s important to research and weigh the pros and cons. Identify potential risks, and plan for how you’re going to mitigate them. This will surely help you make more informed decisions and increase your chances of success.

    7. Adopt a growth mindset

    To build a successful entrepreneurial mindset, you need to adopt a growth mindset. This means believing that you can grow and improve rather than thinking that your abilities are set in stone.

    With a growth mindset, you’re more likely to take risks, embrace failure and be resilient in the face of challenges. You’ll also be more open to feedback and continuously learning and improving yourself and your business.

    8. The importance of self-care

    Entrepreneurship can be incredibly demanding, both physically and mentally. It’s important to take care of yourself if you want to build a successful business. This means getting good enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

    Don’t ever forget to take time for yourself and do things you enjoy. Burnout is a real risk for entrepreneurs; regular breaks can help prevent it.

    9. Overcoming imposter syndrome

    Imposter syndrome is a common feeling among entrepreneurs. It’s the feeling that you don’t deserve success and will be exposed as a fraud. But the truth is that most successful entrepreneurs have felt this way at some point in their journey.

    One way to overcome imposter syndrome is to focus on your achievements and the value you bring to your business. Take the time to acknowledge your successes and the efforts you’ve put in to get there.

    It’s very helpful to remember that everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on building your skills and knowledge.

    10. Building a support system

    As an entrepreneur, you’re going to face challenges and setbacks. Having a support system can make a huge difference in your ability to overcome those challenges.

    Whether it’s a mentor, a coach or a group of like-minded entrepreneurs, having people to turn to for advice and support can be incredibly helpful. Don’t be scared to reach out to others and ask for help when needed.

    Related: 5 Critical Questions You Must Ask Yourself to Master an Entrepreneurial Mindset

    Building a successful entrepreneurial mindset requires a lot of hard work, dedication and resilience. But by adopting a positive attitude, embracing failure, surrounding yourself with positive people, setting goals, taking action, embracing risk with a calculated approach, adopting a growth mindset, practicing self-care, overcoming imposter syndrome and building a support system, you’ll be very well on your way to building a business empire.

    Remember, every successful entrepreneur has faced self-doubt at one point or another. But it’s how you overcome that self-doubt that sets you apart from the rest. So, keep pushing forward, stay motivated, and never give up on your entrepreneurial dreams. You’ve got this!

    [ad_2]

    Chris Kille

    Source link

  • How to Build Resilience by Learning the Art of the Reframe | Entrepreneur

    How to Build Resilience by Learning the Art of the Reframe | Entrepreneur

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    There is one life-changing question at the center of reframing successfully.

    Rapid change is an unavoidable variable in the equation of life. We often try to avoid change or even stop it, which typically ends up being more disruptive than the change itself. Just like with any equation, you cannot “solve for X” by ignoring it or removing it. That variable “X” is a paramount part of the equation, necessary to being able to find the solution.

    Related: Reframe Negative Thinking to Ease Your Path to Success

    How growth happens

    Growth always begins with a decision to either change or accept change that is happening around us. At a time when many of us are in a state of anxiety about what the future holds, it’s important to understand how people and even organizations can “learn how to learn” by seeing situations as they are and asking one very important question. Much like the equation of life allegory above, the potential always exists in the ability to see the equation in its true form and open your mind to solutions.

    Learning to reframe

    When it comes to building resilience on an individual or organizational level, we’ve got to learn how to reframe. Reframing is a specific skill set of the mind where you are capable of taking a situation, seeing it realistically and then framing the situation with a simple, life-changing question: What is the creative opportunity now?

    Reframing doesn’t mean that what happened yesterday isn’t important or relevant, but that no matter what happened yesterday, there is a creative opportunity we can seize.

    To be able to seize it, we have to create space to see it.

    This simple reframe, in the form of a question, allows us to take stock of the situation that currently exists — to really see it and to find meaning in it. My grandmother used to preach something similar when I was a child by always reminding me to, “Find the little gems.” What she meant by that, and what I teach with reframing, is that there is always growth and opportunity, but we often need to be reminded to look for those.

    By human nature alone, we are predicting and protecting — at least we think we are. Our brain sees change and triggers fear, uncertainty and anxiety, yet it’s almost always unfounded. The better option is to use the question I shared above, which is the same question my wife has poured into me for 20 years and the same question I have watched change so many lives and corporate cultures.

    Seek growth and opportunity over running from change and succumbing to fear.

    Related: Flip the Switch on Fear-Based Thinking

    Organizational application

    If you’re looking to build more resilience into your corporate culture, ask this question and let your teams sit with it. Give them something to chew on, and give them buy-in and space to lean into this new mindset of reframing and resilience.

    Simultaneously, what you will see happen with this pivot is that your teams will begin to seek better outcomes, regardless of the situation. You are now giving them permission to be critical thinkers and strategic problem solvers — all the while validating their perception of each situation and their ability to find opportunity.

    Overjoyed vs. overlooked

    There are so many moments we miss in life because we are not looking at the full picture or a clear version of that picture. Perception truly does alter reality, and so there are moments we might perceive as negative and then we miss out on experiencing that moment as a pivot point or moment of growth.

    Choosing to see something as an opportunity allows you to grasp the full picture rather than just one small angle through a blurry lens. When your teams learn to reframe, you will see them begin to flourish in times of change. They are looking for positive outcomes, habitually, rather than waiting around or leaning into negative emotional responses.

    This is the beginning of a wonderful path for your organization if you commit to the simple act of creating space and asking this simple question. By instilling reframing as a skill set amongst your teams, you are empowering them to lean into change, to use it, to find the value in the change and to use that value to accelerate forward.

    Related: 8 Ways Successful People Master Resilience

    Missing 7 out of 10

    When an elite athlete speaks on reframing, it perks my ears because I know their mindset is a determining factor in how well they show up to perform each day. So, when Derek Jeter was asked about missing 7 out of 10 hits, his response was pretty epic. Jeter said, “I am due for a hit and if I can get a hit just 3 out of 10 times, I will be in the Hall of Fame.”

    Not only was he thinking of the future rather than the here and now, but he was also reframing toward the positive and looking at the full equation — not just one variable.

    “What is the creative opportunity now?” is the simplest, most powerful question to find meaning in the moment while creating a path to the future.

    [ad_2]

    Adam Markel

    Source link

  • The Mindset You Must Develop for Long-term Success | Entrepreneur

    The Mindset You Must Develop for Long-term Success | Entrepreneur

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Long-term success requires a specific mindset that supports you in taking the actions necessary to accomplish the goals you set for yourself. The truth is, it’s not enough to believe that you can do something. Being capable is one part of the equation. The other part is your commitment to the goal and the action steps to get there.

    If you’re not fully committed to the process of achieving your goals, you either won’t reach them or it will take far longer than necessary (this is stated in studies over and over again). The challenge is that some people confuse being involved with being committed, and there’s a big difference between how these two words play out in life.

    As a former Marine, the level and application of commitment are extreme, but they deliver extreme results. The level of commitment to the task will outweigh almost any other factor: size, strength and experience. This works the same in the business world. If two people get in a ring for combat, I’d bet on the one who is the most committed to victory. The most committed party, in my experience, will prevail 99% of the time.

    I learned this in my time as a Marine because the system intentionally washes out “involvement mentality” — that part of you that leaves room for failure. Once you go through basic training, it’s gone. In its place is “commitment mentality,” which says you work until the goal is accomplished. This is a powerful mental switch.

    This is why former military officers are overrepresented as CEOs of Fortune 500 companies (and why those companies regularly have higher rates of performance). Sustainable success is about mastering your mindset and holding yourself accountable — releasing involvement and learning how to activate your commitment mentality.

    Related: If You Want Great Results, You Need to Be Committed

    Getting committed instead of involved

    Commitment is the fixity of purpose binding oneself intellectually and emotionally to a given task. That is the secret to success in any endeavor because it’s a critical whole mental, emotional and physical devotion to the objective.

    The reason this is so effective is because you’re not simply setting your mind to something and moving forward. Your mind is only one part of you. To be committed, you need to enroll your emotions so that your body can carry out the necessary steps even when it’s challenging. Without the emotional component (or worse, with a negative emotional state attached), you will resist, procrastinate and struggle to follow through in a timely manner.

    When you’re involved in something, instead of committed, you’re taking the actions and being involved in the project or task — but you’re not emotionally invested. Think about that meeting that you don’t really want to go to, but feel you have to. You might accidentally show up five minutes late or involuntarily stop listening halfway through, and it’s because this meeting is not a whole-state priority.

    Your ability to achieve with the utmost integrity, discipline and optimization is dependent on your commitment, not your involvement.

    Related: How a Personal Commitment Helps Your Business Grow

    Commitment makes you a better, more reliable leader

    People instinctively follow leaders who make them feel safe and come across as stable. The way commitment shows up in your actions — being fully present, knocking out tasks, optimizing the process, etc. — gives people the subconscious signal that you are a leader. True commitment also increases self-trust, confidence and satisfaction, making it easier to get more done.

    This is part of how you lead from the front — or leading yourself first. It’s in leading from the front with authenticity, kindness and a relentless commitment to the goals of our partners, our clients, our team and self that has created the most significant achievements of my career.

    When you’re in business, especially a service-based business, it’s not about just your goals anymore. You have to consider the goals of your clients, partners and team and be just as committed to those goals as you are to your own. That means being emotionally connected to the outcomes you provide.

    The deeper your commitment, the more you think and act differently.

    Related: Why Mindset Mastery Is Vital to Your Success

    Evaluating on the front end

    When you are committed, whether that be in business or your personal life, it means that you do what you say you’re going to do. You move heaven and earth to honor your commitments. When you become a person that habitually does what you say you’re going to do, it causes you to evaluate much more deeply and carefully in advance so that you don’t commit to the wrong things.

    And let’s be clear, people who aren’t committed aren’t necessarily bad people. It’s more of an indication of future performance than anything else. People miss or ignore commitments all the time, and doing so doesn’t necessarily speak to the person’s quality of character. But what it does represent is someone’s ability to depend on your word. In business, your word needs to be impeccable in order to lead powerfully and create the highest rate of success possible.

    When you learn to evaluate a task, project or situation appropriately before getting into it, then you have an easier time making commitments that you keep. Before making a commitment, you learn to see the possible holes, pitfalls and challenges that can crop up and account for them in your estimations. That is an entirely different mindset orientation to simply being involved and trying your best.

    Consider these questions before making a commitment to properly assess the situation:

    • Where are you?

    • Where are you headed?

    • What are the necessary actions that need to occur to accomplish the mission?

    • What are the possible incidentals that you could encounter?

    • Are there any hidden costs associated with those potential issues?

    Once you teach yourself how to think this way, your ability to be fully committed, honor those commitments and become a strong leader creates the foundation for long-term success.

    [ad_2]

    Jarrett Preston

    Source link

  • How to Build a Business Growth Mindset in Adolescents | Entrepreneur

    How to Build a Business Growth Mindset in Adolescents | Entrepreneur

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    As parents and educators, we all want our adolescents to succeed. We want them to grow into confident, capable and resilient adults who can overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset and skill set in adolescents is highly important, even if they don’t have aspirations to become business owners or entrepreneurs. Here are some ways you can encourage adolescent growth:

    1. Develop a growth mindset

    Developing a growth mindset is critical to adolescent growth and success. Adolescents who believe their abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication tend to perform better than those who believe their abilities are fixed. Encouraging a growth mindset requires a shift from focusing on innate abilities to valuing effort and resilience. Praising effort over innate ability can help reinforce this shift in mindset.

    For example, when a teenager tries to learn a new skill or complete a challenging task, it’s essential to acknowledge and praise their hard work. When faced with setbacks or failure, it’s important to teach adolescents that these experiences are opportunities to learn and grow. Emphasizing the importance of persistence and resilience can help adolescents develop the skills and mindset needed to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Encouraging a growth mindset in adolescents can help them develop confidence in their ability to learn and grow, setting them on a path to long-term success.

    Related: How to Raise Entrepreneurial Minded Kids

    2. Encourage independence

    Adolescents need opportunities to make decisions and take responsibility for their actions, which helps them build confidence and decision-making skills. As a parent or guardian, it’s essential to encourage your teenager to take on tasks and projects that challenge them and allow them to make decisions on their own. Providing them with age-appropriate responsibilities, such as managing their schedule, completing household chores or organizing a community service project, can help them develop the skills needed to be self-sufficient and independent.

    While it may be tempting to micromanage or take over tasks to ensure they are done correctly, resisting this urge and giving adolescents the space they need to learn and grow is essential. This will help them develop a sense of ownership and responsibility, which can lead to increased motivation and achievement. Encouraging independence in adolescents can be a delicate balance between offering guidance and support while also giving them the space to make their own decisions and learn from their mistakes.

    3. Provide mentorship

    Mentorship and guidance from adults/professionals with experience in areas your adolescent is interested in can be one of the fastest ways for them to learn. Encourage them to seek out mentors in their field of interest, and provide them with access to resources and opportunities that can help them grow and develop. Help them find local networking events, and attend with them. Take an interest in what they’re doing, and share their excitement for their passions.

    Related: 8 Entrepreneurial Skills Your Kids Need to Succeed in Life and Work (Infographic)

    4. Resilience is key

    Life is full of ups and downs, and adolescents need to learn how to bounce back from setbacks and challenges. Encourage them to focus on their strengths and accomplishments rather than dwelling on their mistakes or shortcomings. Help them develop a growth mindset, where they view challenges and failures as opportunities to learn and grow rather than as a reflection of their abilities. Praising their effort and hard work, rather than their innate abilities, can also help foster a growth mindset.

    It’s important to note that building resilience is an ongoing process that takes time and effort. Adolescents may struggle with setbacks and challenges, but with your guidance and support, they can learn to cope and bounce back stronger than ever. Encourage them to be patient with themselves and to focus on their progress rather than perfection. If your teen is struggling with confidence, there is nothing wrong with enrolling them in an individual teen therapy program to gain expert help. By teaching coping strategies and promoting a positive mindset, you can help your teenager develop resilience and thrive in all areas of their life.

    5. Encourage entrepreneurship

    Entrepreneurship is an excellent way to foster adolescent growth and success. Encourage adolescents to explore their entrepreneurial interests by providing access to resources and opportunities such as business plan competitions, internships and mentorship programs. Instill creativity, and harness the four pillars for raising an entrepreneurial child.

    Related: 3 Ways to Raise Your Kids to Think — and Solve Problems — Like an Entrepreneur

    6. Teach financial literacy

    Financial literacy is critical to life and personal success. Teach adolescents how to manage their finances, including budgeting, saving and investing. This can help them make informed financial decisions in the future.

    Encouraging adolescent growth and success requires a multifaceted approach considering personal and professional development. By fostering a growth mindset, encouraging independence, promoting creativity, providing mentorship, promoting resilience, encouraging entrepreneurship and teaching financial literacy, we can help adolescents reach their full potential and achieve success in life.

    [ad_2]

    Ryan Blivas

    Source link

  • Perfectionism Could Be Holding You Back: How to Change | Entrepreneur

    Perfectionism Could Be Holding You Back: How to Change | Entrepreneur

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    I’m embarrassed to admit this, but it took me five years to build my company website. What was really bad is that my company builds websites for our clients. The cobbler’s children have no shoes, so it’s said.

    For the longest time, all I had was a single landing page with a contact form. It served its purpose, but I knew it had to be better. Actually, I knew that it had to be perfect because it represented my line of business.

    My obsession with having the “perfect” website had me frozen and was holding me back from even making one step toward progress. I was stuck in a holding pattern, but looking back, I should have just started.

    How many entrepreneurs fall victim to this over and over again? And how do we overcome it — perfectionism — when it’s such a blocker to growth and creativity?

    Related: How to Overcome Perfectionism to Succeed in Business

    Nothing kills productivity more than perfectionism

    I don’t have the scientific study to support this, but my theory is that entrepreneurs are disproportionately Type A personalities. We have a fascination with doing things differently but doing things our way — the “right” way, in our minds.

    This leads us to want to perfect everything in our business. We need to research, plan, optimize and execute the perfect marketing funnel. We need to mind-map, strategize and articulate the perfect content marketing framework. We need the perfect offer for the right audience at the right price point… and on and on it goes.

    This obsession with perfection often prevents us from taking any action at all. That’s why it takes us years to get our website built, to launch that course we’ve been talking about, to record that first podcast episode, to test our first product launch or to create a company vision and core values.

    Fortunately, there’s a better way to be. A more productive, flexible mindset. But it means letting go of perfectionism and embracing progress.

    Related: 4 Ways to Send Your Perfectionism Packing

    “Good, better, great” are the steps of progress

    When I finally got around to creating my website, it was only good, not great. But over time, I made improvements. And then it became better. And finally, it became great. I tweaked it until it was what I envisioned from the beginning.

    The reality is that, right now, you don’t truly know what it will take to achieve perfection. Your offer might change, your audience might change or your mind might change. The “steps” are fluid. And if you are hyper-focused on how to do it “right” the very first time, you will never get there.

    The mindset shift is to envision what single step you can do now — and then take it. Strive for good, adjust until it’s better and tweak until it’s great. Roll with the changes of your offer, brand, audience and interests. This leads to a more adaptable and dynamic business rather than a rigid, “perfect” one. It’s the incremental steps that you take that lead you to your goal.

    Related: Figuring Out What Success Really Means to You

    Success is learning as you build, building as you grow

    “Perfect” is really just a moment or concept, frozen in time. It is not a creation that emerges out of change, learning and creativity. You learn more about yourself as you build your business, so let your business model reflect that growth later.

    I am a very different person than I was five years ago. If I had tried to build the “perfect” website then, I’d likely have gone through six rebrands since. I am happy I gave myself a foundation of a “good” website that allowed me to change and adapt over time.

    Similarly, your approach to business may change. It takes a while to develop a strong and steadfast brand. Success is only achieved by learning about your business, market and audience as you grow — and allowing that degree of flexibility. Perfectionism will only keep you stagnant or worse, fearful, of growth.

    You don’t need to have everything perfect. Good, better, great is far better than striving for perfectionism and having that block you from taking any action at all. So, what are you holding off on doing until it’s perfect?

    [ad_2]

    Jason Hennessey

    Source link

  • 5 Critical Questions You Must Answer to Master an Entrepreneurial Mindset | Entrepreneur

    5 Critical Questions You Must Answer to Master an Entrepreneurial Mindset | Entrepreneur

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Successful entrepreneurs are a special breed. They are maestros. They are innovators. And they are tenacious. The best of these business leaders understand how to drive sales, lead their teams and orchestrate growth. Perhaps not surprisingly, many entrepreneurs share common traits that position them well for both business and personal success. These qualities relate to having the right mindset, skillset and activity — topics often discussed in TAB board meetings. Out of the three, mindset is square one for business acceleration but ironically is also what usually keeps us from achieving our goals.

    An entrepreneur’s strong and positive mindset really is one of the biggest drivers of business success. But what does a strong mindset really mean? The obvious answer includes drive, attitude and maybe even a good dose of stubbornness. But a truly winning mindset requires something more.

    It demands self-reflection.

    To assess your own mindset — both as a business owner and in your personal life — ask yourself these five key questions:

    1. How committed am I?

    Commitment is the act of binding yourself in mind and spirit to a goal or course of action. But let’s be clear, having a goal is not the same as being committed to accomplishing it. A goal is something that you want to achieve, while commitment is the inner drive that will get you there.

    Commitment is also notoriously difficult to gauge. Setting goals and working toward them are standard visions for most entrepreneurs, but what is your threshold for overcoming hiccups, roadblocks and dealbreakers along the way?

    A key component of commitment is smart planning. Don’t just envision success, strategize how you are going to overcome all those inevitable obstacles along the way.

    Related: The Power of Your Own Personal Vision

    2. Do I believe in what I am doing?

    Many entrepreneurs launch their businesses based on some combination of personal expertise and market viability. But more and more, business leaders are being driven by their passion. Perhaps that passion is related to adding important products or services to the marketplace. It might manifest itself as contributing to the public good. Or maybe a business owner is energized by innovation and futurism.

    The specific catalyst for launching your business is far less relevant than your innate belief in the importance of what you are doing. By infusing meaning and purpose beyond financial objectives into your business and mission, you substantially enhance your entrepreneurial mindset.

    Related: Business Owners, Put On Your Own Oxygen Mask First

    3. Do I believe in myself?

    Self-confidence is such a central part of the winning mindset of an entrepreneur. Believing in one’s own ability to create, run and grow a business takes a lot of chutzpah. But it is important not to confuse boldness with fearlessness – and a good dose of fear is actually good. An entrepreneur’s ability to transform personal fear into positive action empowers them to be better business leaders. Self-trust enables you to take calculated risks, allows you to learn from your failures, and allows you to leverage your talents to achieve your goals. If you struggle with self-doubt and have ambitions for entrepreneurship, now is probably a good time to work on improving your confidence. It starts with recognizing your strengths, valuing your talents and trusting your capabilities to make smart decisions.

    4. Do I see setbacks as failures or opportunities to learn?

    While never an easy pill to swallow, entrepreneurs do actually learn more from their failures than from their successes. Henry Ford’s first automobile manufacturing business went bankrupt prior to his launching of the Ford Motor Company. Walt Disney’s first cartoon was a flop. And perhaps most infamously, Steve Jobs was fired from Apple. Of course, he was subsequently rehired and went on to mastermind Apple’s meteoric rise to become the largest public company in the history of the world.

    The point is that setbacks, even at the grandest scale, are often the sparks that set innovation and self-resolve into motion. Failure coupled with inquisitiveness can serve as a masterclass for entrepreneurs on what worked, what didn’t work and what is the best path forward.

    Related: Dealing Well With Setbacks Is Just as Important as Taking Advantage of Opportunities

    5. Do I have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset?

    Having the right mindset is essential to becoming the business leader you want to be. A fixed mindset is a limiting belief system that presumes talent, intelligence and the right path forward are rigid and unforgiving. This mentality can be debilitating for entrepreneurs and the success of their organizations. Think of all those times you have heard a business owner say, “It is just how we have always done it here.” Where are they now?

    Related: Why a Growth Mindset is Essential to Success and How to Shift Your Mindset

    On the other hand, business owners with a growth mindset are open to innovation, change and overcoming challenges. They believe talent can be developed through experience and training. Entrepreneurs with a growth mindset tend to be lifelong learners. They are innovators in their own sectors and throughout their industry at large. A growth mindset is indeed almost a prerequisite for success.

    Take some time to reflect on these important mindset-related questions and how they apply to you. By the very nature of delving into the topic and doing a little self-discovery, you almost certainly qualify as having a growth mindset and are that much closer to becoming the business owner you want to be.

    [ad_2]

    Jason Zickerman

    Source link

  • ‘Loud Layoffs’ Hurt Your Health — Shift Your Mindset Like This | Entrepreneur

    ‘Loud Layoffs’ Hurt Your Health — Shift Your Mindset Like This | Entrepreneur

    [ad_1]

    Don’t let your biggest fears become your new reality.

    [ad_2]

    Amanda Breen

    Source link

  • Free Webinar | February 23: How Black Entrepreneurs Can Achieve Success With a Profit-First Mentality

    Free Webinar | February 23: How Black Entrepreneurs Can Achieve Success With a Profit-First Mentality

    [ad_1]

    The road to becoming a successful entrepreneur is a lot less bumpy when someone who has been down that path is guiding you. In this webinar, two-time Emmy Award winner Mario Armstrong will elaborate on the profit-first mentality that led him to become the successful entrepreneur he is today.

    Register now to learn about topics including:

    • Learning The Pomodoro Technique for productivity
    • Accelerating trust from customers
    • Practicing mindset resilience
    • Avoiding the dream-killers in your life
    • And more!

    About the Speaker:

    Mario Armstrong is a two time Emmy Award Winner, Entrepreneur, Public Speaker, TV and Podcast Host. He teaches Creators & Entrepreneurs how to build their brand, monetize their passions and build profitable businesses. He’s the Creator and Host of the Emmy Award Winning Never Settle Show filmed at Nasdaq studios in Times Square. Mario is an NBC TODAY Show Contributor and appears regularly on NPR, Inside Edition & more. He is a public speaker with Daymond John’s Shark Group’s Speaking Division. His new podcast “Parents Making Profits” is available on the HubSpot Podcast Network. Mario’s latest venture is the Never Settle Academy, which provides creators and entrepreneurs the blueprint to closing sales and getting paid brand sponsorships.

    [ad_2]

    Entrepreneur Staff

    Source link

  • How to Make 2023 Your Best and Boldest Year Yet

    How to Make 2023 Your Best and Boldest Year Yet

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Want to be bolder in 2023? Start by clarifying your purpose. Before you take any action, spend some time reflecting on your values and what is most important to you. Visualize where you want to be in 12 months and the kind of life you want to live. Once these goals are clearer, work to create an action plan and write it down.

    Think bold and big, and get creative when it comes to planning out how to reach your goals. Consider new strategies, resources or people who can help propel you forward. Take some thoughtful risks, and set yourself up for success by making use of all the resources available to you.

    One of the best ways to create your best year yet is by being bold and daring. This means taking risks, speaking up and going after what you want. When you take a risk, it can be scary, but it could also lead to amazing opportunities. Being willing to step out of your comfort zone can open up many doors that would have otherwise remained closed.

    When you take a chance on a bold move, make sure you are aligning yourself with your purpose. Know your “why,” and stay focused on what matters most to you. If a particular opportunity or venture doesn’t align with your core values, it might be worth passing up, even if it could potentially lead to success. That success won’t mean much if it doesn’t align with your purpose.

    Related: 5 Ways Business Owners Can Slay Fear and Be Bold

    10 tips to help you have the best and boldest year yet

    By being bold and staying true to your purpose, you will be taking steps toward creating your best year yet. You’ll find yourself open to new experiences and possibilities that wouldn’t have been available without the courage to take a chance. Here are 10 tips to help you have the boldest and best year yet!

    1. Take a chance on something that makes you a little nervous, start small. Break out of your comfort zone.

    2. Speak up, share your ideas, and ask questions without fear of judgment or rejection.

    3. Reevaluate what you want to take into 2023 and what you want to leave behind in 2022. Make a list.

    4. Make a list of goals and the “why” for each. Get as specific as possible.

    5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. It’s okay to not have all the answers!

    6. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem.

    7. Take time for yourself, and practice self-care as often as possible.

    8. Trust your gut instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, ask yourself why. Are you letting fear talk you out of trying something new?

    9. Stay connected with people who support your growth and dreams, even when times get tough.

    10. Focus on what is important, and prioritize what matters the most in order to create the life you want for yourself in 2023!

    Your mindset is core to your success. A growth mindset connects to your goals and achievement in several ways. A positive mindset encourages you to be bold, helps you identify learning opportunities and encourages resilience when setbacks arise. With a focus on mindset, you will persevere even in the face of obstacles.

    Related: Being BOLD: The Framework for Nurturing Your Growth Mindset

    More strategies for your best year yet

    Here are some other strategies to help make 2023 your best year yet combined with the tips above:

    • Make time for meaningful conversations with people who understand and support your goals.

    • Celebrate small wins throughout the year, rather than just focusing on the end goal.

    • Take a break from technology to prevent burnout, being intentionally present.

    • Practice mindfulness or meditation to stay grounded, or read a book.

    • Invest in yourself by taking classes or investing in resources to help you reach your goals.

    • Make sure to have fun while reaching your goals — it should be enjoyable!

    • Set clear boundaries, and make sure you stick to them. Try to establish a new habit.

    • Create an environment that supports growth, such as having a supportive network of people who will challenge you and hold you accountable for staying on track.

    • Reflect regularly on what is working and what needs improvement, and be kind to yourself.

    • Keep a positive outlook, and remember that failure is part of the process. For every negative thought you have, think of four positive thoughts. Use the 1:4 ratio.

    Wishing you a successful 2023 filled with courage, boldness, growth and alignment with your purpose! Enjoy the journey, and make it your best year yet. Best of luck!

    [ad_2]

    Leigh Burgess

    Source link

  • 5 Ways to Prepare and Thrive In the New Economy

    5 Ways to Prepare and Thrive In the New Economy

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Experts have been predicting a new economy for a few years now, and astute observers and analysts can already see that it is here. While several catalysts drive the acceleration, exponential technologies, the global debt bubble, changing demographics and the recent pandemic are a select few.

    Even those that are most change-resistant amongst us agree that the world will look very different by the time this decade ends. However, many folks are still in denial, succumbing to denial-led obsolescence. Several paradoxical changes in the new economy conflict with old-school thinking and need diametrically opposite approaches. The foundations for the new economy are built on the paradox, which makes it hard for old economy folks to transition out — unfortunately, many will not make it.

    Related: Shift Your Mindset and Actions to Embrace Change

    The shifting landscape

    The term “new economy mindset” refers to a way of thinking and approach to business focused on innovation, adaptability and modern technology to drive growth and success. This mindset often involves a willingness to take risks, embrace change, think outside the box to stay ahead of the competition and remain relevant in today’s rapidly changing economic landscape.

    “The pace of change has never been this fast, yet it will never be this slow again.” – Justin Trudeau

    Related: Why You Need to Think Outside the Box

    Old economy: baggage patterns

    I have seen a few different patterns of baggage which hamper progress and block the transition or success in the new economy.

    1. Resisting truth

    Understand yourself, watch your reactions and analyze if you resist every new technological change like artificial intelligence, metaverse, cryptocurrencies, autonomous driving, etc. Missing out on the first wave of success in the new world makes people upset, and you either play victim or adversary — neither is helpful in your transition into the new world. But if you take positive action, understand the opportunity and dimension the risks, you set the foundation for growth.

    It is also important to remind yourself that these shifts are fundamental whether you like them or not. If these changes cannot be bent to your thought process, you change your thinking and adapt or get left behind. People who have built nothing and have opinions about sticking to the old economy are already obsolete and often subject to ridicule.

    2. Living in the past

    Many of us have had very successful careers in the past decade or two; this success hinged on skills, background and ability to do things in a certain way. However, as the turf changes around us and the new realities of the new economy unfold, many people hold on to security from the past to masquerade their insecurity. While nostalgia is a great feeling, it blinds people to the progress around them.

    “Progress is impossible without change; and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” — George Bernard Shaw

    3. Sense of entitlement

    Holding some title in an old economy enterprise neither makes you current, relevant or sought after. There is a high probability that your skills have not developed outside the realms of your responsibility. Spending many years in large archaic companies disconnects people from ground realities and turns them into administrators.

    To succeed in the new economy, one must get hands-on, play with the dirt, make mistakes, look stupid and even be mocked. The definitions of scale have changed; complexity is now defined as doing more with less headcount and more innovative technologies. If your company’s T-shirt gives you a sense of handling a complex job or a sense of entitlement, it might be time for some introspection.

    Related: Is That Your Title or Your Entitlement?

    New economy: skills and attributes

    There are multiple skills required to succeed and thrive in a new economy. When playbooks from the past don’t apply, one needs to upgrade their mindset. A mosaic of skills and attributes must be imbibed and cultivated.

    1. Navigate uncertainty and ambiguity

    We are no longer in a linear era and do not have a well-charted course to follow as a professional or a business. Unpredictability, lack of clarity and disruption are rampant, creating the need to navigate uncharted territory.

    The new economy, by definition, is volatile, disruptive and fast-changing. People used to predictability and practices which worked in the last decade must adapt to survive.

    2. Be a connector

    Mastering relationships and building networks are the currency of the new economy. Social capital must be built, acquired, and grown to drive effectiveness. True connectors understand this well and have ingrained this into their operating model inside and outside their company, i.e., they are a mini ecosystem in themselves. Being a connector creates opportunities and a sense of community and provides a platform to thrive in today’s fast-paced, breakneck-speed world where it’s easy to lose the human touch.

    3. Develop a personal brand

    Many people network or even get visible when they want something. In the new economy, your brand must be managed daily as the volume and velocity of opportunities not even on your radar move fast without you. If your brand is strong, visible and recognizable, then it attracts opportunities, and you drive your goals. If this is not something you do, it might be time for a mindset change and attitude upgrade.

    Many old economy companies cripple the personal brand narrative by throwing obsolete reasons like self-promotion or lacking humility. These cultures cripple ecosystem enrichment and limit innovation, and it eventually reflects on their financials.

    Related: 8 Reasons a Powerful Personal Brand Will Make You Successful

    4. Abandon comfort zones

    The days of lifelong employment or even milking your skillset for a decade are long gone. Jobs, companies and industries all get disrupted and replaced. Sometimes your skills, as relevant as they may seem, become obsolete within a company or industry without even coming to your notice. One should constantly be learning (and unlearning) and adapting to market shifts.

    A personal brand and your network help stay on the cutting edge. Be firm on principles but flexible on methods — it can help individuals and organizations avoid becoming rigid and inflexible, making it difficult for them to adapt to changing circumstances and stay competitive.

    “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” — Wayne Dyer

    5. Let go of your experience

    There is never a guarantee that experience gained in one organization will make you successful in another — there are too many variables like structure, culture and incentives which influence behaviors.

    Many playbooks, practices, mindsets and beliefs from the past have taken a toll on companies and industries themselves. Expertise is valuable, and experience is baggage in the new economy. People with mindsets rooted in past success and proven and established strategies must look at things afresh and analyze where they stand.

    Often, old economy beliefs may be characterized by a lack of innovation, a reluctance to embrace new technologies, and a focus on short-term gains rather than long-term success. Unlearning is as important as learning to make the transition.

    Concluding thoughts

    Overall, the key to overcoming these barriers is recognizing the need for change, investing in resources, and embracing new ways of thinking and working. Individuals and organizations can adopt a new economy mindset and thrive in today’s rapidly changing economic landscape.

    [ad_2]

    Nitin Kumar

    Source link

  • Why High-Performance Culture Is Critical to Business Success in 2023

    Why High-Performance Culture Is Critical to Business Success in 2023

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    With 2023 business planning underway, business leaders are setting priorities for the next year and beyond. For some, the focus may emphasize productivity or roll back certain benefits like flexible working schedules.

    A high-performance culture improves productivity, bringing higher profits and happier employees, improving talent retention and continuing a growth cycle. A cornerstone of 2023 growth should be building or maintaining a high-performance culture for all businesses. Refraining or forgetting about culture in 2023 is a mistake, as it plays a critical role in company performance.

    Related: How to Create a Work Culture That Can Survive Anything

    Understanding the importance of high-performance culture

    A high-performance culture allows an organization to succeed and grow. This type of structure is good for business and for each employee. Not every high-performance culture will look the same, yet every organization with a high-performance culture values workers and holds their trust in return.

    Employees may come to work partly for a paycheck, yet evidence suggests they crave meaning from work and are more productive when they get it. Like everyone, workers want to feel a sense of purpose and mission in their daily lives and enjoying the same at work is only natural.

    The best cultures embed their mission throughout the employee experience, honoring and furthering these values daily. These cultures also offer their employees interesting and engaging projects which drive their sense of belonging to the organization. A recent survey by McKinsey showed workers across all levels of income believed having an interesting job was as important as earning a solid income.

    Related: How to Develop a Company Vision and Values That Employees Buy Into

    Workers feel fulfilled by purpose-driven work. Unfortunately, many employers ignore culture in favor of focusing on profits. Workers need clarification and connection in these types of work environments. In a survey from Gallup, only four in 10 employees strongly agreed they knew what their company stands for and what differentiates their company from competitors. Even for organizations that articulate their values often, management could be viewed poorly if employees do not see the connection between the values and the organization’s actions.

    When leaders grow nervous about their businesses’ future, it can feel tempting to ignore culture at the expense of profit. In fact, culture becomes even more important in times of economic uncertainties. In these moments, employees will look to management to set the tone. Without a culture fostering engagement and collaboration, workers could lose productivity to stress and conflict.

    Related: Why Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs Focus on the Bigger Picture

    How to build a high-performance culture

    To build a high-performance culture, first, understand how your culture functions. Employees usually understand culture best simply by judging their own level of satisfaction. Their daily experiences are typically defined by coworkers and frontline managers more than company management. Leaders who do not work with frontline managers daily will likely need to speak with employees to understand their experiences.

    Signs of an underperforming culture could include low employee retention, low productivity and frequent workplace conflicts. Not every employee will be satisfied, even in the highest-performing cultures, but consistently unhappy employees reflect serious problems. Direct, private conversations between employees and HR can offer insight. If employees seem reluctant to speak candidly, much-needed feedback via surveys can provide ways to track improvement.

    After gathering information about employee experiences, HR may wish to prepare a report assessing culture as it stands. Strong cultures should clearly understand which policies contribute to the culture and how to continue them. Doing so will help preserve civilization in the face of future business difficulties or leadership changes.

    On the other hand, struggling cultures need to identify the most negative factors of their culture to begin changing. High-performance cultures feature strong leaders, actively engaged employees, ongoing workforce development, strong communication and adaptability. If employees are disengaged, find out whether imbalanced workloads, micromanaging, lack of flexibility or absence of trust could contribute.

    During this process, employees also feel their input is genuinely welcomed, which it should be. Psychologically, employees accustomed to a toxic culture may fear expressing their true thoughts, mainly if their frontline managers previously engaged in verbal abuse or insults. Build this trust by taking accountability to admit that culture has not met the mark and protect employees who voice their concerns from retaliation.

    Each leadership level, from the C-suite to frontline managers, plays an integral role in rebuilding a company’s culture. The positive vision set forth at the top needs to be actionable. Once the vision has more tangible attributes, through structure and processes, each level of leadership can provide the necessary training and easily communicate these goals on how they translate into the fabric of the company.

    A high-performance culture is often viewed as optional. That cannot be further from the truth. A high-performance culture is the backbone of an organization, providing a strong framework for business growth. Moving into 2023, culture should be central to every successful business strategy.

    [ad_2]

    Steve Arizpe

    Source link

  • How a Positive Mindset Will Transform Your Life

    How a Positive Mindset Will Transform Your Life

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Do you ever think to yourself, “My situation has always been the same — I’m stuck, and I just need to play the cards I’m dealt with”? If you have done this, you are dragging yourself down with a fixed mindset. Alternatively, a growth mindset means that you prosper despite challenges and obstacles because you see them as catalysts for change and don’t see failure as a way to describe yourself.

    Events or actions that don’t work out as intended or desired are learning experiences, ways to grow in every facet of your life and a way to further develop your abilities. Your intelligence, talents and, most importantly, wisdom require setbacks to stimulate fundamental transformation and growth.

    We’re all familiar with the saying, “No pain, no gain.” However, Arnold Schwarzenegger took that comparison to a new level when he likened the pain of training with the feelings that arise from sex. What if we look at life’s pain and difficulties as training to help us improve, with all outcomes as positive? We’d embrace the pain as today’s challenge and remember the feeling we have when they are surmounted. We wouldn’t be discouraged or give up when faced with problems; we would expect obstacles and challenges as normal.

    Why not give up? Because anything is possible with the right mindset, determination and action. Earlier in his career, Arnold struggled with getting work because of his thick accent. His voice was replaced with a voiceover in one of his first movies, “Hercules in New York“! He could have been discouraged and given up on his acting career. Instead, he took voice coaching lessons and got better, became famous and successful and extended that success to almost every aspect of his life.

    Related: Want To Succeed? Turn Your Fixed Mindset into a Growth Mindset

    Sometimes when people are unhappy with their situation in life, they believe changing their location will improve things. Perhaps they say, “If I lived here and not there, everything would be ok.” However, they often find that their original problems, difficulties and challenges have moved with them after relocating. If they have a fixed mindset before relocating and have one after, they may be happy for a short while, but soon the reality of the struggles in their mind will return. Regardless of circumstance, a growth mindset trumps all.

    Have you ever been stuck alone in an isolated location for a long time? I know someone who grew significant skill sets, lost 70 pounds, reclaimed good health and built two startups while dealing with a location challenge; they were alone for almost a year during the Covid-19 pandemic. For them, the “pain” of solitude was ultimately a gift, and they used it wisely.

    The key to real change is commonly elusive: changing your mindset, being happy with everything you already have and being grateful to wake up to another day. Sound simple? Often it is not. When several challenges arise, it is human nature to feel overwhelmed. After a while, we can feel like boxers in a boxing match, taking one blow after another, especially if we get caught up in the negativity and sensationalism that is often pervasive in the news. It can have us thinking the next blow is around the corner.

    Related: 5 Ways To Maintain A Positive Mindset (No Matter What Challenge You’re Facing)

    Instead, we need to fight these thoughts and emotions daily and assume and wish that the next thing that will happen to us will be positive. Being surprised and delighted when something nice happens, and treating it like something undeserved, will completely change our life. When internalized, chased daily and pursued during critical periods of meditation and reflection, such positive thinking will change outcomes for us. It is essential to make time for ourselves for this kind of reset.

    For example, if we change our minds to be in a growth mindset before the day starts, as needed during the day, and at night before bed, we’ll live a far better life. This takes energy and focus but is more than worth it. Living, talking and breathing positivity “out” will draw positivity into your life, attracting beneficial opportunities and outcomes often dismissed as impossible. Our thoughts become actions, our actions become impacts, and others will notice and be positively impacted. A kind word or thought that is genuine and can naturally emerge from this energy will also open new doors for us. The constant process of fighting to be positive can make radical differences in “what happens” to us. Instead, we are driving change instead of it driving us, and for the better.

    Very often, people think that money will solve all their problems. However, having a lot of money will only last so long if they have the wrong mindset. For example, many professional athletes — often highly paid — are bankrupt five years after retiring.

    Without the right mindset — for example, to focus on being an investor and not a consumer — you will always have problems with money. A growth mindset will direct your thoughts and actions to “how can I grow my money, invest, learn from mistakes, and get better at it?” Conversely, a fixed mindset may lead to an unwillingness to exercise deferred gratification, that “while we have it, we’ll spend it.”

    Related: 4 Ways to Maintain a Positive Attitude Even When You’re Stressed

    A growth mindset will allow the purchase of luxuries later, with profits from investment rather than salary. Given that a growth mindset and an investor mindset are tightly coupled, it further demonstrates Mark Cuban’s advice, “live like a college student.” Such an approach can lead to lasting success.

    Great thoughts lead to real action, and positive action will eventually lead to positive results. Staying positive relentlessly and remaining in a growth mindset is the key to lasting success. Such a perspective will help us clear out thoughts of feeling like a victim, and instead, we will see all the obstacles we overcome as another chance at victory, and thus we will become the victor.

    [ad_2]

    Armand Peri

    Source link

  • 7 Signs You’re Ready to Transition from Employee to Entrepreneur

    7 Signs You’re Ready to Transition from Employee to Entrepreneur

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    I recently had a call with one of my best friends who moved to London to work for a big, multinational public company. She’s talented, successful and hardworking.

    Yet, she called me full of tears, anxiety and anger. “They are restructuring the company; they are cutting positions. My role is about to die.”

    I suggested that she apply for the same role in other ventures, companies that could offer multiple benefits, from remote working to stock options. I explained that with her talent, potential and ideas, she could even be self-employed through freelancing for various clients with contracts. She could chase her version of success and happiness. And she could probably end up with more money and even more freedom.

    “You don’t get it.” She said. “I don’t want to be nobody. I want to work for the top companies in the world.”

    Perhaps I don’t get it. But I also don’t get why talented, hardworking individuals like her want to throw their full potential into hierarchy and politics for prestige. Why do they let their companies fill them with stress, ruin their day, restrict their career options and define their value?

    Related: 7 Signs It’s Time to Transition From Employee to Entrepreneur

    Don’t get me wrong; there are plenty of great people acknowledging their worth and consciously choosing to advocate the employee’s mentality. They are okay with that.

    But if you’re fed up with the corporate world, feeling like it’s limiting your options in life, and wondering when is the right time to leverage your skillset and make a transition, it’s probably now.

    Here are seven signs you no longer have an employee mentality.

    1. You’re in love with the idea of working wherever and whenever you want

    Flexible work hours and location independence started becoming the norm after the pandemic in 2020. You proved to your employer that location doesn’t affect productivity and that a strict 9 to 5 workday could burn you out instead.

    And while many companies allow work-from-home days and a flexible working schedule, you still have to report your location and total work hours.

    However, with an entrepreneurial mindset, complete location and time flexibility is your dream; you know the only way to achieve that is to fully own your freedom by creating your income stream instead of expecting a salary.

    Related: Remote Work Is Here to Stay: Are You Ready for the New Way of Life?

    2. When in meetings, you’re daydreaming instead of participating.

    The average employer spends at least 3 hours weekly in meetings, with 30% reporting that they spend over 5 hours weekly.

    And instead of actively participating in that meeting, you’re contemplating how to avoid the next one so you can work on something instead. You know you could be spending your time in a more fruitful way than attending company meetings, but there’s nothing you can do about it.

    Someone more senior requested your presence; you have to be there. So there you are, visualizing how you can escape this misspend of your hours, wasting time while time is money.

    Related: Your Time Is Money, So Stop Wasting It

    3. You absolutely despise titles and hierarchy.

    When having an employee mentality, you get so caught up in titles. You fool yourself with pride, showing off on Linkedin, gossiping about others’ abilities, and jealously spreading your best wishes to the colleagues who claimed the C-titles first.

    When you are a business owner, you laugh at job titles. You want people to work with you, not for you. You also know that a title cannot determine your worth. Anybody can go on Linkedin and claim that they are the CEO or an executive member of a 5-people company.

    What does that even mean?

    Fancy titles in corporate jobs almost always equal less freedom, less time to work on your relationships with others and less time to spend with your kids before they become adults.

    C-titles while climbing the corporate ladder also mean less time to invest in your self-care planning, wellness, and personal skills and less time to enjoy life.

    4. You’re testing multiple side hustles after or before work.

    With an employee mindset, you look at the clock at quarter to six and know it’s time to shut down your laptop and get on with your day.

    And while maintaining a work-life balance is crucial, as a business owner, you are continuously testing concepts and trying side hustles to build multiple income streams whenever you can. You don’t depend on one client, idea or salary, but you’re willing to test, take risks, fail and start over.

    Related: 4 Creative Side Hustles That Fight Inflation and Earn Extra Cash

    5) You’re not afraid of building relationships from outreach.

    As an employee, you are terrified of cold pitches. You are not fond of being rejected or ignored because that usually happens. You don’t attempt to reach out to others unless you’re selling something; in that case, you face outreach as a transaction, not a relationship.

    However, as an entrepreneur, you know that expanding your systems by connecting, advising, or simply interacting with others is one of the most vital steps in building a personal or professional brand.

    You don’t underestimate the power of community and networking; you aim to create daily connections with one or two new people in your industry. In one year, you are astonished by your reach and the ways your network proved helpful.

    6. You know that building passive income and making money online is 100% possible.

    When having an employee mentality, you don’t care about investing or building a passive income online. Even if you care, it strikes you as too-good-to-be-true, and you don’t bother putting effort into creating a diversified portfolio.

    On the contrary, when you have entrepreneurial tendencies, you get excited about passive income ideas and turn your world upside down to build an online income.

    Creator’s economy is not a too-good-to-be-true scenario nor a get-rick-quickly scheme. It’s an available reality with no barriers to entry, and as a business owner, you like that challenge. You know that spending an x amount of time creating the tiniest passive income stream can yield 10x results in the near future.

    They know they must find what they enjoy creating and work on it daily.

    7) You’re constantly enriching your knowledge and skillset to increase value.

    You are exchanging your skills and experience with payable work hours as an employee. However, as an entrepreneur, you offer your skillset, idea or business as a service that solves problems and delivers value.

    You don’t charge by the word, hour, or month. You charge according to the advantages and utility of your solutions. You answer questions and deliver results. And because your expertise is directly related to the value and results you deliver, you’re working daily towards improving and enriching it.

    Final thoughts

    Perhaps you’re not 100% ready to escape the rat race. However, if any of the above signs hit true, you know it’s time to start owning your career and follow a path you can fully control.

    [ad_2]

    Maria Dimitropoulou

    Source link