Maintaining A Successful Business Mindset
Over the last 5 years, our business training team has worked with thousands of entrepreneurs throughout the world as they strive to make huge breakthroughs in their business.
One of the areas that has had the most impact on the entrepreneurs we have worked with, one-on-one, is how they Think. Their mindset…
We’ve witnessed some incredible successes directly related to a Successful Business Mindset–we’re talking about some really big breakthroughs for these entrepreneurs. There is a distinct correlation between business success and the ability of an entrepreneur to maintain a positive mindset about their business.
Right now, our Northstar Thinktank marketing team is working steadily on a new resource to help you develop a Successful Business Mindset.
As part of our preparation, I wondered if you would be willing to contribute by answering one simple question for me?
We really want to make sure we get this just right, and your insight will help us do that.
Here’s the question: What is your biggest challenge when it comes to your business mindset?
Check out these great posts for more information about this topic:
Positive Mindset for Successful Life
Tags: Business, Business Mindset, entrepreneur
August 30th, 2007 at 6:53 pm
Maintaining my focus on what’s important each day so that I accomplish my goals
August 31st, 2007 at 12:32 am
Staying focused is my biggest challenge. When you’re self-employed and work alone, it is often hard to stay focused. Family issues, financial problems, among other things always seem to intrude on keeping a positive, successful mindset.
August 31st, 2007 at 12:34 am
I strongly believe that remaining positive is the key. I refuse to allow negative thoughts to linger
August 31st, 2007 at 12:35 am
I believe the greatest mindset is love. If you don’t have it, your true self cannot shine in any area
August 31st, 2007 at 12:43 am
Maintain a sense of urgency. One of the biggest setbacks in any position is loosing the “get it done” mindset. It’s easy to put off tasks or decisions, ending up with a huge backlog of things to do. By maintaining a “Get it Done” attitude, many things can be taken care of right off the bat. I can stress how much of a difference this makes in a day.
August 31st, 2007 at 12:44 am
Overcoming failures…big or small and not taking them personally.
August 31st, 2007 at 12:46 am
My biggest challenge is keeping a positive successful mindset when things are not gong well, or as expected.
August 31st, 2007 at 12:48 am
Keeping a very high positive attitude, and most all a preseverant nature towards work.
August 31st, 2007 at 12:50 am
Because of the many choices out there, it’s easy to take the mindset of keeping all our options open. While this may be advantageous in some areas, it’s not beneficial to someone who simply just tries too see if a particular event or action will succeed. Success is not for the shrinking violet, the timid, or the hesitant. It’s for those who after careful evaluations, take bold action and commits to a mindset of not quitting until success has been achieved. In a sense, committing to something isn’t keeping your choices open, but rather making a prepared and determined choice to win and accomplish what you’ve set out to do.
August 31st, 2007 at 12:51 am
Biggest challenge: Focus, focus, focus! Insight: Uphold Utmost Unity (Connectivity) in Relationships to Support Successful Business.
August 31st, 2007 at 8:59 am
To set the business, one has to see the market and the possibility of external market extention.
August 31st, 2007 at 9:00 am
My biggest challenges have been staying focused and getting ideas out of my head and into action. Another challenge has been procrastination due to the above.
August 31st, 2007 at 9:01 am
Keeping on track & positive. Not letting personal negative speak and outsiders derail me.
August 31st, 2007 at 9:03 am
Keeping a positive attitude- keeping my insight going forward rather that getting stuck in the quagmire of decision making.
August 31st, 2007 at 9:04 am
I would think that for myself the biggest challenge would be to learn to easily recognize the chaff before I have used up all of the wheat without benefiting from my lesson. There seems to be a glut of misinformation online these days. How does the inexperienced marketer know who to listen to before they run out of money?
August 31st, 2007 at 9:04 am
Focus: Know what you want, Know what to do, Do what you know.
August 31st, 2007 at 9:08 am
My biggest challenge has been getting stuck on the little things, while letting the big things slip by. The way I have overcome this is to recognize when I am spending to much time on one item that is not reaping any progress, product, etc. That is my cue that I am missing the big picture. Am I going to really spend several hours on a $35 profit when the $1,000,000 One is standing by, or worse yet being passed by? I need to keep my eyes straight forward and above water!
August 31st, 2007 at 10:16 am
My biggest challenge is self confidence in my ability to create and maintain a successful business.
August 31st, 2007 at 10:18 am
My biggest challenge would be my limited beliefs. I believe deep down inside that I’m scared to succeed so subconsciously I sabatoge everything that I try to do to succeed.
August 31st, 2007 at 10:18 am
Fatigue from long hours at my day job makes it really tough to concentrate in the evening or at night.
August 31st, 2007 at 10:22 am
Others we depend who lack of the “proper mind-set.”
August 31st, 2007 at 10:23 am
Focusing on my inner vision soley and not what’s “out there” long enough until it is a reality
August 31st, 2007 at 10:28 am
Getting my team to consistently do the things that need to be done in order to move towards our goals.
August 31st, 2007 at 10:35 am
my biggest challenge is developing the belief and confidence that I can do it. our society teaches us how to be employees and how to think like an employee, work hard all your life and wait for the gold watch at the end of the road. overcoming this mentality is the one biggest challenge I face and giving up the security of my job for the freedom I am seeking
August 31st, 2007 at 10:42 am
The subconscious negative programs that scream forward when ever I stretch to new levels of excellence This happens even though I have working diligently with many techniques and technologies to reprogram and release the emotional charges around these old limiting painful thoughts and programmed beliefs! I have been dedicated to getting beyond these things for at least 20 years and more .
August 31st, 2007 at 10:42 am
In the face of less-than-stellar business results, it would be tempting to become negative. I have too much self-respect to allow myself to have anything but a positive mindset… in business and in life.
August 31st, 2007 at 10:49 am
The biggest challenge is to keep the motivation momentum up. Generally,despite the success mindset, translating it into ACTION is very, very tough.
August 31st, 2007 at 10:55 am
Personal blocks. The fear to fail… or succeed. Inner demons are the culprits for my personal and entrepreneurial challenges.
August 31st, 2007 at 10:56 am
Keeping focused on my goals, despite every day problems and setbacks
August 31st, 2007 at 10:56 am
Have a listening heart.
September 1st, 2007 at 1:26 pm
Biggest Challenges: where to start, over thinking the ‘how’, and lack of consistent action. I wish I knew hot to start a plan, then take small daily steps to accomplish that clear plan. There is a plethora of entrepreneurial information out there, we need to know where to begin (from scratch.) Reading isn’t enough - we need to take tangible steps. (entrepreneurial mindset is a brilliant start).
September 1st, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Not being able to get started, because of being turned down by prospects.
September 1st, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Focus: I have many ideas, and I have a difficult time choosing where to put my time and energy. All seem equally worthy.
September 1st, 2007 at 1:30 pm
How do I know if I should continue to just be persistent with the business that I started, or if it’s time to let it die and move on?
September 1st, 2007 at 1:34 pm
Raising revenue for implementing a great business idea is the biggest challenge I have come up against.
September 1st, 2007 at 1:35 pm
To remain focused, upbeat, and joyous in the face of any circumstance that appears in direct opposition to my goals, dreams, and mission of my company.
September 1st, 2007 at 1:43 pm
Planning goals, setting my benchmarks. Sometimes its difficult to see where I’m headed, so by planning and setting long term goals and short term benchmarks I can stay on track, then when the news tells me my profession is doing lousy I can ignore the doomsday attitude.
September 1st, 2007 at 1:48 pm
Doubt, fear, frustration and worry that you will not succeed!
September 1st, 2007 at 1:49 pm
Remembering that failure is only a result. If it’s working, keep doing it. If it’s not working then learn from it and take a different course of action until it works.
September 1st, 2007 at 1:52 pm
Proper management.
September 1st, 2007 at 1:59 pm
Turning the negative thoughts into positive thoughts and actions; feeling the best you can all the time. Plus, remembering to have fun at what your are doing.
September 1st, 2007 at 2:01 pm
I have trouble getting rid of the negative self talk.
September 1st, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Getting my ideas to production and market.
September 1st, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Dealing with/juggling day-to-day hassles, stress of working both a corporate employee position, AND part-time entrepreneurship activities
September 1st, 2007 at 2:15 pm
Spending time, at least quarterly, in looking beyond the daily tasks to the bigger picture in order to reconnect with the vision, rededicate myself to the mission, and redefine the goals to stay on track for success.
September 1st, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Allowing yourself to be available to your clients when they need you.
September 1st, 2007 at 2:25 pm
The biggest challenge to maintaining a successful business mindset is keeping focused on the vision while living through the dailiness of life.
September 1st, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Holding my vision while remaining free of fearful thought patterns.
September 1st, 2007 at 2:29 pm
Maintaining a positive mindset when no funding is available and doors keep getting closed.
September 1st, 2007 at 2:30 pm
One of the biggest challenges for an entrepreneur is to stay focused on their passion without being consumed by the details
September 1st, 2007 at 2:32 pm
The search for alternatives and the use of innovation, with creativity is essential for maintaining a successful business mindset. The biggest challenge for any new business person is the finding of new clients, this can make or break any enterprise.
September 1st, 2007 at 2:34 pm
I tend to let negative things that happen to me get me down and I find myself thinking that maybe I’m just not cut out to be successful. Maybe that’s just for other people, not me. Then it’s like taking 1 step forward and 2 steps back.
September 1st, 2007 at 2:35 pm
My biggest challenge is believing that I deserve to reach the top.
September 1st, 2007 at 2:37 pm
Follow thru , follow thru , follow thru! Ideas always come, it’s the follow thru that pays off.
September 1st, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Remaining focused on day to day details.
September 1st, 2007 at 2:40 pm
Allowing my brain to tell my mind that things are good. There is business out there, good, profitable business that will lead to success for my company.
September 1st, 2007 at 2:42 pm
My insight is positive confession that my business is successful. I keep looking at all situations around my business in a positive way. That all things work for best
September 1st, 2007 at 2:43 pm
The best insight is to constantly take note of the remarkable occurrences that collectively help substantiate your dreams & turn them into reality.
September 1st, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Being a teacher to potential clients about how my services can improve their lives. I am always looking to find ways to improve my customers’ lives and in doing so, the money follows.
September 1st, 2007 at 3:25 pm
Out of anything, the biggest challenge is keeping the crabby people at bay. The naysayer that are closest to us; our family, friends, and associates, who quietly attempt to sabotage our successes because of their OWN insecurities. Since they are so close to us, we have a tendency to listen to them a bit more closely than the average naysayer on the street. And, sometimes, it’s so sublime we don’t even recognize it as challenge to our mindset.
September 1st, 2007 at 3:27 pm
I have so many ideas I would like to see come to fruition either for myself or others and I seem to become stuck in finding the right team, not to mention trouble finding the money to help me leverage the success of my ideas. I feel stuck and I am scared because my ideas have been used and abused in the past, everyone has taken the goodies and I have been left financially wanting. I have not found the right people who respect my place and strengths. I have watched others benefit from my ideas and I have left myself with nothing.
September 1st, 2007 at 3:28 pm
I feel business mindset is something where everyday we have to tune into changes and take risks , I mean decisions to move forward in spite of rejections or negativity with a vision to create new things and also look for only successful business ventures and their habits
September 1st, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Developing Focus: It is easy to maintain your current focus. However, to achieve different results, better results, and ultimately grow yourself and your business you need have the courage to expand what ever boundaries you have put in place to realize new realms of possibility. Once you have done that you need to then FOCUS on that new expanded reality that you have created and manifest it in your actions.
September 2nd, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Motivation.
September 2nd, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Finding enough money to take care of the day to day expenses in my private life and then try and find the money to get my business up and going properly.
September 2nd, 2007 at 12:16 pm
Keeping focused and the fear of failure - very easy to stay in comfort zone and not stretch to be all you can be.
September 2nd, 2007 at 12:17 pm
Put your efforts where they will give the best return and keep focused on the REAL reason you’re in business - to give your family (and you) the best you can.
September 2nd, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Making decision on anything is very important. sometimes people find it difficult to do so, at the end, the opportunity may pass and it will be too late.
September 2nd, 2007 at 12:20 pm
To often we tend to know what to do, but we just don’t do it. We spend to much time thinking out ways to not do it!
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:31 pm
The unwavering confidence to put past experiences of business not coming through behind and staying certain that with the newly developed mindset I can and will do it.
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:31 pm
Keeping focus on just one product or idea and following through to see it actually happen and produce revenue.
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:32 pm
Making the jump from thinker to doer. Taking the leap. Don’t think –DO. Action.
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Challenges will come when you are on your path and they will come thick and fast. You do something that should be great and you fall flat on your face. You keep taking action and yet everything seems to be against you. It’s like you have to prove just how much you want it. It makes you want to give up but you always have to keep in mind that the point at which you most want to give up is exactly the point where you have to push on because you are only a moment away from success. It’s the paradox of getting what you want when you least expect to achieve it.
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:37 pm
Staying the course when success is not in hand yet i.e. when obstacles come in between. Keeping the mind focus on positive and the subconscious has been programmed for so many years on ‘negative’ issues which keep resurfacing if we don’t guard our thoughts well.
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:39 pm
The biggest insight I have learned over the past few months is how to change your thoughts. How to live in the moment, and be happy there, is so important. Not to see knock backs as failures but to see them as a growing process, and i have done this with the help of Northstar Thinktank. Thank you.
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:40 pm
Balance in other areas of life.
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:43 pm
Being a mom with three kids 14,12 & 8, working from home I get very often specially in holidays distracted from having a business mindset. As a network marketer also I have to have my mind set on a) retail and b) recruit. the retail site is no problem at all , as I love to be there for my customers, but to juggle both without dropping one of the two balls is more than challenging for me. When I start focusing more on the recruiting, I lose the retail momentum and vice versa. A successful business mindset would be able to do both. I feel that this is my biggest challenge.
September 2nd, 2007 at 5:01 pm
Apparently, the most instrumental factor which could be defined as the biggest / largest challenge in regard to maintaining a successful business mind set is a “Focused Vision”
September 2nd, 2007 at 5:02 pm
One thing I have found about being in business for oneself is that it can be a lonely road. Especially if you are surrounded by those who are working for others your mindset is totally different. I have discovered that surrounding myself with positive and motivated people is the key to maintaining my own business mindset. Whether they are training for a marathon or also fellow entrepreneurs that drive and enthusiasm is catchy (as well as the understanding of those moments when the successful mindset falters). That community of success is what feeds and nourishes the mind and also takes away some of that loneliness of being out there doing it!
September 2nd, 2007 at 5:08 pm
Trying to ensure that you are not overtaken by “the small things” that take your eyes off the important ones.
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:30 am
Having faith in your ability.
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:31 am
“How to start a genuine business” whether success or loose it doesn’t matter to me… but “how, where, and when are my biggest challenge
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:33 am
The biggest challenge in maintaining a successful business mindset is concentrating on the goal, to concentrate on the goal and to be successful in the business.
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:34 am
When responsibilities & needs take energy and I need to regroup & re-energize, it seems like too much time goes by. Good thing we get a do-over every day!
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:35 am
Take it as it comes (or doesn’t come). Go out and get it. If its not there, create it.
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:36 am
If you are honest to your task and committments, success will soon follow.
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:39 am
If you tell yourself you CANNOT, then even if you have the skills to do something, you will not be able to do it
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:40 am
Making sure that everything I am doing takes me closer to my goals.
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:41 am
Motivation and the time constraints.
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:43 am
You need to change the way we think and stop limiting yourself. The way you think creates the real person inside of you.
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:45 am
1) Get it clear what you want. Discover what is it that you really want to live abundantly and happy. Confess it to yourself first then to the world. 2) Make a plan. 3) Set the priorities 4) Keep on track NO MATTER WHAT with a POSITIVE AND HAPPY ATTITUDE!!!
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:46 am
Insight, believe in yourself, think big.
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:47 am
recognizing a foul mood I might have at the start of the day and staying away from the office until it changes
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:48 am
In order to become better, I have to be willing to give up being who I am now. A person’s identity is their most treasured object, and giving it up is very difficult.
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:49 am
Prideful business people who stay arrested in mere thinking, and refuse to become aware.
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:50 am
staying focused; believing that I can achieve more turnover every year
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:51 am
Maintaining a positive attitude during lean times.
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:52 am
Keeping going when the going gets tough!
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:53 am
How does one find the right opportunity? Business is exciting when there is an opportunity but how odes one find the right one -
September 4th, 2007 at 10:52 am
Thank you for posting all these comments for us to read. It is encouraging just to see that others have the same problems. Now all we need are the solutions! Thanks for this site.
Marilyn
September 4th, 2007 at 11:06 am
Marilyn, I’m glad you find these comments encouraging…we thought so, too. And yes, now it’s about finding the right solutions! Sit tight, in the near future we’ll be presenting a few things that I think will provide some important solutions for you. Thanks for participating!
Best to you,
Jeff
September 4th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
I am so impressed by this site and get so much great information and you never seem to be pushing anything which is also refreshing. I would like to know about your coaching programs and when they are being offered. Thanks. Roxanne
September 5th, 2007 at 12:43 am
For me, what a break through I had just this morning. I just finished reading your newsletter “Don’t put up with jerks!!!” Thank you so much for these newsletters. Must close now, I have some jerks to get rid of…
September 5th, 2007 at 12:44 am
Self sabotage, and building self belief. The closer we get, there is a part of us that tries to keep us where we are.
September 5th, 2007 at 4:44 am
FOCUS! is the number one priority no matter WHAT your age, sex or education.
When I left school I was truly focused and reaped the rewards.
It meant going AGAINST the flow though. Something that MOST don’t feel comfortable with.
This is my tale;
http://vinylrecordseller.com/focus.html
Good luck,
Pete.
September 5th, 2007 at 9:43 am
The answer to your question on staying Focused is really quite simple, Have a Purpose.
Michael Gerber in his famous book The E Myth says it this way: “Most entrepreneurs are technicians with entrepreneurial seizures.” In other words, they understand the work of the business but they don’t know how to run a business that does this work.
So they focus on “doing” the work, putting out fires and chasing new opportunities – shiny new objects that catch their attention - instead of building systems and processes that make a business successful.
Thus, they become opportunist instead of strategists. Two of the best ways to become focused is to first make sure you understand your purpose for doing anything and second, develop the discipline necessary to stick to it, even when you don’t feel like it. Defining and committing to a purpose will drive you like a laser beam and discipline will help you cut through the distractions.
My wife and I have just finished writing our book called “The Procrastinator’s Guide to Marketing” (Entrepreneur Press, November 2007)…Our purpose for the book is to help businesses take on the dreaded four letter word PLAN and develop a fully operational marketing plan that will keep their daily activities focused and on task.. If you want to stay focused have a plan, know your purpose, and become disciplined.
David A. Scarborough
http://www.strategicmarketingadvisors.com
September 5th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
the key is vision
September 6th, 2007 at 3:35 am
Biggest challenge: Creating a clear mindset then sticking to it and allowing flexibility, and input from others . I have an idea . A couple of people are interested , we collect information , looks great . Things spin out out of control , It seems we are missing some format . like this ?? Get an idea to solve a problem , or help people. Clarify the idea , find help , advertise , and go . But we are missing some [ skill talent , understanding ] Thanks for the help Jeff
September 6th, 2007 at 3:36 am
My biggest challenge, I think, is not letting other people and other things interfere with what I have planned to do.
September 6th, 2007 at 3:37 am
Insight: Whatever business that you’re in - be it trading stocks or pumping gas - you’ve got to KEEP ON TOP OF IT.
September 6th, 2007 at 3:38 am
Bubbling over with so much enthusiasm that I talk about progress and plans with naysayers, who proceed to give warnings of caution, stories of failures, etc. These come from some people I’m very surprised at, and some people who don’t surprise me. I try to use more discretion with whom I talk to, but need a better tool for just letting those comments float on by me without triggering any old fears of my own.
September 6th, 2007 at 3:39 am
Lifting others out of the gutter.
September 6th, 2007 at 3:40 am
Staying focused Too much info around and products to buy
September 6th, 2007 at 9:07 am
The problem is lack of trust and generally the cruelty and wickedness amongst men and women of all walks of life. There is a lot of dishonesty that creates huge fear in the business environment
September 6th, 2007 at 9:08 am
The biggest challenge is remaining positive in the face of what seems like imminent failure. Sometimes I’m almost to scared to make another move.
September 6th, 2007 at 9:09 am
My biggest challange has been listening to others when they say it can’t be done. Comments like “you can only get there if you work hard”. I believe that I need to work smarter, not harder.
September 6th, 2007 at 9:10 am
I find rejection shattering, although I know in business it is inevitable. One rejection tends to make me withdraw into myself and then it takes me some time to get back to where I was before the rejection.
September 6th, 2007 at 9:15 am
Keeping the vision in front — not being distracted by the day to day stuff that would drag me down, cause me to lose faith, keep me from moving forward.
September 6th, 2007 at 9:16 am
Biggest challenge is hearing people say it can’t be done. Ignoring this negative sayer and doing it any way.
September 6th, 2007 at 9:44 am
Having the patience in seeing the end vision come to fruition
September 6th, 2007 at 11:38 pm
keep your goal in sight always!
September 6th, 2007 at 11:39 pm
Believing in me and not letting other people tell me that what I am doing is wrong
September 6th, 2007 at 11:39 pm
Surround yourself with likeminded positive people
September 6th, 2007 at 11:40 pm
Doubt. Doubt that there will be a constant flow/interest in the product I intend to offer
September 6th, 2007 at 11:41 pm
My biggest challenge is getting people to hear what I say and make a committment. It’s difficult to get a message across and have people say, yes, I’m with you, sign me up! It takes another person telling them the same thing and only then they come back and jump onboard with me. This is most of the time not every time.
September 6th, 2007 at 11:43 pm
Mine is getting started. I have researched internet marketing thoroughly and know what I want to do as a business online, but the technical side of getting started has caused me to put off getting started for over a year now. It is the fear of that. I don’t have to have a perfect website, but want to make good choices about web hosting,autoresponders,domain names, etc. so I can focus on what I do best-promoting,writing,customer service,etc.
September 6th, 2007 at 11:47 pm
My continuing challenge is not to out think myself!
September 6th, 2007 at 11:48 pm
To be creative and predictive at the same time within the time allotted.
September 6th, 2007 at 11:51 pm
My biggest challenge to date has been gathering information and sorting out the good from the bad, ie, the stuff that works, and then actually putting what I`ve learned into practise in a disciplined and structured way.
September 6th, 2007 at 11:53 pm
Making a quality decision to maintain focus on the priority of spending time on the business–time to finance, time to learn, and most of all time to take action and do it.
January 4th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
What is your biggest challenge when it comes to your business mindset?
I do not have any big challenge, I enjoy what I am doing it is playing for me and I can do for hours on hours as long as I stay aligned with my mini-day power schedule its my passion, I am dancing with the Universe and playing as a child.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
[...] Making a clear goal and personally committing to it is good. Making a clear goal, personally committing to it…and sharing it with others takes it to a whole new level. [...]