Over the years I’ve carried out a lot of research about entrepreneurial business owners. The one thing that stands out above all others was the shared mindset that successful people have.
But what if you’re not quite there yet? Is it possible to create a winning mindset and help yourself achieve the same successes? Absolutely! Here are my 10 top tips to help you on your way:
1.Believe that anything is possible
I was lucky enough to have a grandmother who drummed into me from a very young age ‘there’s no such word as can’t’ and I fully subscribe to Henry Ford’s belief that ‘whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right’. It might take hard work but I truly believe anything is possible, and it’s the people who bounce back from the bad days and keep going who really achieve great things.
Right now, all around the world, there are people achieving things that nobody thought possible – from large-scale technological advances and medical breakthroughs to successful small businesses and personal milestones. The one thing they have in common is that they all believed they could – and with a simple mindset shift, you can join them.
2. Have a purpose
It’s amazing what you can achieve – and say no to – when you have a purpose.
Having absolute clarity about your purpose is a game changer. Once you know what you’re here for, it’s very easy to cut out everything that doesn’t align with your purpose. If you don’t know your purpose, you’re in danger of making vague decisions and getting side-tracked by others wasting your valuable time.
Once you have a clear purpose, everything just falls into place. With a laser focus on what you’re on this planet to do, you suddenly find planning your day becomes easier – you’re able to prioritise without doubting yourself and you start making smart decisions that align with your purpose.
3. Have a Vision
Having a crystal clear vision is all about where you see yourself in say 5 or 10 years’ time. And when I say ‘see’ I really mean ‘see’ – creating a picture in your mind and visualising exactly what you’ll be doing, whether that’s building a VA team so you can work 10 hours a week and spend more time with your kids or working nomadically around the world.
There are only two rules for your vision:
- It must excite you.
- Don’t just see it – feel it!
On a daily basis take time to remind yourself exactly how it will feel when you achieve it – close your eyes and visualise sitting on that beach, being there for your kids, or whatever your vision is. Really feel it. If you’re doing it right, it should bring up emotions. If it doesn’t, then maybe you don’t believe it can happen.
4. Grow a thick skin
It’s a sad fact but there will always be those who try to sabotage your business dreams – sometimes it will be friends and family and other times strangers. If you’re already having a wobble, it won’t take much for a few unsupportive comments to turn that into a major crisis of confidence in yourself.
Many don’t mean to have this impact of course… but whether it’s their misguided attempts to look out for you or their own limiting beliefs, the fact is that you do really need to grow a thick skin and start ignoring anyone who isn’t on board with your purpose and vision.
Keep your focus and rise above it!
5. Surround yourself with people who lift you up
Now’s the time to have an honest look around at your circle of friends and ask yourself one simple question – do they lift you up or drag you down? It might sound ruthless but you probably need a cull of all those who are holding you back with their own limiting beliefs.
And if it’s family or people you can’t avoid? Create a distance and decide to focus on those who can help you learn and thrive instead. Finding like-minded people is a real eye-opener – surrounding yourself with people who understand and can help you achieve your vision will spur you on to success!
6. Set goals and review them regularly
Now let’s talk about goals. These are not to be confused with your vision or purpose, although they should feed into both of these. Setting goals as a business owner possibly sounds a bit basic and obvious – but you’d be amazed how many people don’t set themselves any goals at all (if you’re someone who struggles with this, a coach or mentor who holds you accountable could be the answer!)
Having really clear goals that you set for the year and review monthly, quarterly and annually really underpins success. A study by Dr. Gail Matthews of the Dominican University of California found that you’re 42% more likely to achieve goals simply by writing them down!
7. Say No more
Once you have your purpose, vision and goals nailed, it suddenly becomes much easier to say no to anything and everything that doesn’t align with them. It might take practice if you’re not used to it but remember, your time is valuable and it’s not rude to say no – it’s your choice. It’s amazing how easy it is to say no if you do it with a smile!
And if you do slip up and say yes without thinking, you don’t have to go through with it! Make it your practice to review your diary each week for the coming week – this will pick up anything that you shouldn’t have said yes to, giving you time to cancel and focus on what you need to be doing.
8. Take time out
It can be hard to take time away from the day to day demands of your business but it really does pay dividends. Protecting a regular time slot, whether that’s weekly or every couple of weeks, and finding a happy place to relax can really help you think about where your business is going.
It might be going for a walk in nature or like me, finding somewhere overlooking water, you’ll find yourself refreshed and having your best ideas – whether that’s about growing your business, how you want the next year to go or plans for your next marketing campaign.
9. Read like mad
I’m a massive fan of reading, learning and growing and truly believe it can change your motivation and business trajectory. There are so many amazing books to read or listen to on Audible, and I’ve even created a members’ list in the My VA Business Hub which details all my favourite reads and those of my business coach too – ones that have really changed our lives.
I can definitely see the difference in my own businesses when I’m actively listening to Audible and when I’m not. When I’m listening to books on Audible regularly – I know I achieve more in my business because I’m more motivated and inspired. When I’m not able to listen as much there is dip both in my business growth and personal growth.
10. Let your creative side roll
If your initial response is to say you’re not creative, you’re wrong. We all have a creative side – don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! You may recognise yours as problem solving, imagination, a flair for writing, quick wit, enterprise, initiative, intuition, taking risks. Creativity comes in many different forms. Everyone has the capacity to be creative in their business. You just need to tap into it.
The average three year old can draw better than me, so I labelled myself as not creative in the slightest. Yet when I was deeply unhappy, trapped in a corporate role that I couldn’t afford to leave, against all odds I found a way. That’s creativity.
Another reason to remind you of the importance of having time out and creating headspace – it’s the perfect opportunity to let your creative juices flow.
So that’s my top ten tips to help you gain the entrepreneurial mindset I believe is the key to a successful VA business. If you’d like our support on your journey to creating a flexible VA business, check out our FAB-VA programme or get in touch to find out more.
Recent Comments