This is the first post in a series of seven where we will explore how to Develop Your Entrepreneurial Mindset.
Anyone can be an Entrepreneur, but being a successful one requires a shift in your entrepreneurial mindset. You will have to let go of the old ways of thinking and doing things.
You will have to push boundaries that you may not have thought of before, and definitely, you will have to get over the idea that when you work, you are always going to collect a paycheck.
Entrepreneurs only get paid when they accept opportunities, involve themselves in innovation, and create value for their audience.
That might seem overwhelming right now, especially if you’re used to going to work Monday through Friday, completing tasks handed down by management, and doing what you are told to do.
This is how to collect a steady paycheck at the end of the week while working for someone else. But, if you want to be your boss and be the owner of your own time and tasks, you will have to learn to think and act in a new way to develop your entrepreneurial mindset.
Related: 3 Causes of Fixed Mindset
Determine Who You Are Now & Who You Want to Be
It all starts with being honest with yourself about who you are now. A great way to get to know yourself better is to take a personality test.
There are a ton out there; here’s a free one, 16 Personalities; it will help you get to know yourself better. Being completely honest is the key to taking these tests and getting helpful answers.
There is no right or wrong answer. But the answers will give you a clear picture of who you are and where you can improve.
What Are Your Values?
You can determine your values by your actions when confronted with a problem or decision you have to overcome or make. These are the times that your core values show.
Look back on your past choices and determine what your core values are.
If you have made mistakes and gone against your core values, identify those times and determine how you can make a different choice next time you are in a similar situation.
What Are Your Skills?
Even if you’re not currently an entrepreneur, you already have skills you can use as an entrepreneur. First, make a list of what you do today.
Then, focus on the deliverables you provide your employer without much help from others. These are the skills that you have that should be the basis of your entrepreneurial venture.
What Are Your Strengths?
You’ve heard the idea that you need to leverage your strengths, but how do you even know what they are?
Using one of the self-assessments mentioned above, you can determine your strengths. When you know them, try to be honest so that your results appear realistic.
Then, take off your rose-colored glasses so that you can determine your real strengths.
Try asking five of your closest friends to tell you the truth about your strengths, and then if more than three say the same thing, add it to your list.
What Are Your Weaknesses?
While you can improve upon your weaknesses, you should first leverage your strengths, but it’s important to know your weaknesses and accept them.
It’s still more important to appreciate your efforts and to understand that the past is a good indicator of how you’ll act in the future.
If you know, for example, that you’re always five minutes late, accept it; instead, focus on something positive. That doesn’t mean you don’t work on this habit, but don’t focus on it instead of your strengths.
Only when you know who you are, the good and the bad, will you be able to truly know yourself enough to be brutally honest about your strengths and weaknesses.
It’s important because you cannot move forward if you aren’t honest. You don’t have to tell others. Tell yourself. It can help to know the top traits of a successful entrepreneur.