Publications
Partners
Taking control of your mind is one of the toughest challenges an entrepreneur can face and something you will probably need to work on for your whole life. It’s normal to have thoughts of doubt, go through moments of anxiety and experience periods of struggle, but it’s crucial to your success to start proactively controlling your thoughts instead of letting them run wild.
Your thoughts determine your attitude and the way you approach situations, as well as how open you are to discovering solutions.
It’s crucial you stop certain negative thoughts if you want to truly excel.
Here are seven horrible thoughts you need to be aware of and which will hinder your success if you don’t learn to control them.
1Resisting what ‘is’
Today is a result of the decisions and actions (or the lack thereof) that you’ve taken to get to this moment. It’s neither good nor bad, but it simply “is”. When you resist accepting what is, frustration and bitterness will seep into your mind.
Look at the many incredible stories of individuals who have overcome their circumstances by accepting in the moment what their reality is, while proactively taking actions that could improve or change what might be their reality tomorrow.
If you’re feeling resistance to “what is” right now in your life, try adopting a practice of mindfulness or meditation. There are apps that will help you train your brain to be at peace with what’s happening now, while helping you to simultaneously open your mind to the possibility of what might be tomorrow.
2Passing the buck
Continually making excuses for where you’re at by blaming circumstances is a path to nowhere. Successful entrepreneurs know that blaming their staff or co-founders, the economy or any other external circumstance is a mark of irresponsibility.
You are at the helm of your business and your life, and only you can decide how to move forward. Don’t blame others for what’s happening today, because by doing so you subconsciously affirm that you are in some way not accountable for your life.
Practise taking responsibility for the good or bad things that happen with your business, and start constructively asking yourself how you can do things differently. There’s always something you can do to take accountability for what’s happening and there’s always a way you can take action to correct the things that keep going wrong.
3Playing the victim
Much like passing the blame on to others, the victim role is perhaps the most deadly to success. Victim thoughts include statements such as “I wanted to start my business, but the economy was bad”, or “I tried to launch my business, but we didn’t have the start-up capital”.
An entrepreneur goes for what he or she wants, regardless of the economy, funding, resources or any other excuse. If you’re feeling as though circumstances are picking on you, look for ways to turn those thoughts around immediately.
4Comparing
Thinking the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence will get you nowhere. Making comparisons between your achievements or failures and the success of others is dangerous thinking.
One practice you can try if you’re prone to comparative thoughts is to think of life in terms of a series of films playing at a theatre. Each theatre is showing a unique film with its own plot and pace. When you compare your life to others, it’s like you’re walking into two films that started at different times and wondering why one is just beginning and the other is already at its “happily ever after” ending. One film isn’t necessarily better than the other. They’re just different stories and you’re seeing them at different points in time.
Stop comparing and be happy with letting your film unfold in its own time.
5Worrying what others think
Great entrepreneurs don’t pay attention to what others say or think about them. This isn’t an excuse to be a jerk, but it is permission to not pay attention to what the rest of the world is doing or saying.
If you care what others think of your ambitions or pay attention to the world’s opinion of you, then you could be tempted to listen to others who might discourage you. Don’t put much stock into what other people are saying about you and your business.
6Absolutism
On the flip side of worrying too much about what others think is the equally destructive thought pattern that says: “It’s my way, or nothing.” While entrepreneurs must be leaders – and you certainly have to take command of your business – if your ideas are the only valid ones, then you’ll probably miss out on innovations.
Being flexible in your thought patterns can open you up to improvements and possibilities that can make your business better. It’s not that everyone’s ideas will be followed, but if you create an environment where the only welcome thought at the table is your own, then you’ve created a dictatorship.
Be open to new ideas at all times.
7Procrastinating
If you keep putting things off today and pretend that you will do them tomorrow, you aren’t going to get very far. Keep thoughts of procrastination at bay by reminding yourself that tomorrow isn’t a guarantee.
Entrepreneurs operate with a sense of urgency, and that’s important for driving your business towards success.
Tomorrow may bring a whole new set of challenges you’ll need to address, so avoid putting something off today. Be in an action-oriented mind-set to move steadily towards success. – Entrepreneur.com
