I attended a group biz plan pitch and had an “aha” moment about the importance of having a solid mental game.
I watched 5 groups pitch business plans ideas. They were innovative. Well researched. HUGGEEE focus on creating a positive impact. And what caught me off guard was that they were teenagers who were presenting!!
But the real takeaway from the pitch was when a few entrepreneurs shared feedback – tough, “you need to change this quick ” feedback – and some girls really were open to making full large scale changes without a ton of resistance.
You can have the best idea but not be able to handle adversity – i.e. tough questions from judges or hearing no from potential buyers. Or you can have a so-so business idea but have the heart, courage and determination to do the work – i.e. answer a tough question with honestly by saying “I need to research that”. It’s so much more about picking yourself up when you deal with the adversity, asking good questions to figure out what is working and what isn’t, and pivoting and adjusting until it works.
Yes, you need to be educated on business plans, models, lean startup and a whole host of other entrepreneurship topics.
But the thing that is the hardest to “educate” – is your heart. How willing are you to take risks? And how well do you bounce back from “mistakes”?
I’ve encountered that “bounceback” in my own business and easily think of stories of my entrepreneurial friends who’ve done the same.
And of course, any successful entrepreneur you read about has a dozen stories to share.
So how do you do it? How do you handle ” yet another” prospect telling you “no” ? How do you handle launching a new product or service line and getting ho-hum results? How do you deal with the endless list of “lessons” that come with operating a business?
There are numerous ways you can address your mental game. Books. Mentors. Coaches.
I’ll share one that has had powerful impacts on my business.
Start your AM positively.
Before you check email, put your feet on the floor or deal with anything, start your day with something positive.
And no coffee doesn’t count!
Find a routine that allows you to focus your mind in a positive place to start your day. It’s more than just “thinking positive”. It’s about setting the intention for how YOU want to approach everything that comes your way during the day.
I start with three things:
- Prayer
- Meditation
- 10 things I am grateful for – usually I can’t get pass 5 because I start really thinking about how grateful I really am…even when things are rough
I’ve found my days are not only more productive but I’ve save myself countless hours from asking “Why did that happen?” or ” Ohhhhh she did me wrong”. Instead, I stay focused on the positive and things somehow seem to work themselves out.
So I encourage you to find a method that works for yourself. Be willing to commit at least one week to doing it. It will cost you nothing. And there is so much that your business could gain.
Share with me your thoughts, strategies and suggestions for others below.
