Entrepreneurs have a passion and a mission that can provide a service helping others in great and creative ways. But if you're just starting out, your vision and "big picture" can sometimes get muddled with the thousands of things that have to get done. We've all been there at some point or another. Whether you have a big team to support you or no team at all just yet, there is a lot we can learn from some of the most successful entrepreneurs and the habits (what they do) to stay the course, keeping their focus clear…ultimately realizing their dream.
With that said I wanted to give you some psychology hacks i have learned to utilize over the last few years and hopefully they will help you as well.
"Action may not always bring happiness,
but there is no happiness without action." —William James
1. Cut Down The Decisions
Big ideas are always a part of an entrepreneur's life and sometimes the enthusiasm from your inspired idea gets watered down because your brain can get overrun by the multiple decisions that have to be made—the minutia of intricacies to shift from inspired idea to actually materializing it. Your brain doesn't like putting too much effort in having to decide so many things! What ends up happening is that you settle for less or you end up going for what's easier and comfortable. Please… STOP RIGHT THERE! Big ideas can't be supported with mediocre action. (Read that last sentence again, please).
Taking the easy way
Taking the easy way can potentially shift you away from your BIG IDEA and actually create a much more challenging road ahead…even a discouraging road that eventually leaves you, the entrepreneur, to give up altogether.
Stick with me here, because cutting down on decisions can be a BIG HELP to you, your precious brain and your BIG IDEA.
Take note of this example…
During the highlight of his career, did you ever notice Steve Jobs wear the exact same thing every day? That’s right, jeans and a basic black turtleneck. Or how about Mark Zuckerberg…aside from Facebook, he’s known for wearing jeans and a hoodie. They both saved time by eliminating the burden of daily choices via their apparel. This alone has been documented and found to be a common trait and mindset of the successful entrepreneur.
This action may seem unusual and perhaps overly simplistic…perhaps not even connected to the ultimate goal you're trying to achieve. But it works. So, instead of having to make choices every day about various things in your life (stealing time and energy away from your focus), make more of your daily decisions and tasks streamline. Where else can you eliminate the burden of decision making?
The more things you can do on autopilot every single day the more you destress your brain so that it can stay wired for the BIG IDEA…and the bigger action, energy, and focus it requires from you. So, ask yourself, "What other things can I do to save time, de-stressing my brain, so that I can invest more time in other more important actions?"
2. Delayed Gratification Is Good For You and Your Business
The fact that we can instantly have answers at the click of a button does NOT equate to how quickly everything else in life comes along, too. Yes…instant downloads, instant access, instant connection…all can happen and it's all very good and supportive of today's online entrepreneurs, however, the idea of instant success is far too often connected with entrepreneurs losing touch with the BIG IDEA and who eventually end up chasing the money instead.
Don't chase the money
Chasing the money may not be how the inexperienced entrepreneur started, but because they've may have made decisions based on ease and comfort along the way, then those (mediocre) actions also result in other challenges which create bigger obstacles pulling them away from the BIG IDEA. Their focus becomes blurred—their brain stressed… Please go back to point number 1, Cut Down The Decisions.
The more you can cut down the decisions, the more you are clear about making the right call for the long-term success of your big idea…your business. While there may always be things you can have and achieve NOW…it's more important to be clear on what you want MOST and for the long term.
"The ability to discipline yourself to delay gratification in the short term in order to enjoy greater rewards in the long term, is the indispensable prerequisite for success." —Brian Tracy
3. Invest Wisely
Be willing to do what so few others are willing to do and you already will make huge leaps toward success.
Invest in you, your time and your health. Eat healthy, stay hydrated, sleep well, exercise, meditate…all of these healthy habits enhance your brain function which help your focus and your ability to make bigger decisions with less brain stress and less brain fog.
Remember this…staying busy is not evidence of using your time wisely.
Invest in a management system, a course, or a coach that helps you stay on top of your game for the benefit and success of your business. I invest nearly $20K a year or more in coaches, courses, and programs that have helped me structure my business in all ways. The smartest person in the room is the one who realizes they are not the smartest person in the room and who actively looks for guidance from the professionals who have the experience they need.
You can't possibly fill every niche of your business. Nobody can. And, if you expect to, then expect to struggle more, too. Yes, investing can hurt a little now, but later you also get to reap the rewards of it (go back to point #2, delayed gratification is good for you and your business). Investing in your business in the areas you need support now will make the difference between a good business and a great business later.
“We are the creative force of our life, and through our own decisions rather than our conditions, if we carefully learn to do certain things,
we can accomplish those goals.” ~Steven Covey
Changing your mindset with these 3 simple ideas can help you master your day so that you can invest your valuable time for the good of your business and your future.
Mastering your day is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself as an entrepreneur: amplifying your focus, improving your action plan, ultimately gaining you the results you want.
The bottom line is this…no matter what plans, dreams, goals you have…if you can’t lead yourself in doing them, there is no way you’ll be able to lead others to you.
I hope you enjoyed these Psychology hacks, let us know what you think by leaving a comment below: