Success is a Mindset
I’m often asked questions like, “How do you get so much done in a day?” or “How did you become successful?”
Truth be told, I inherited a couple of good traits that might be working well together. My maternal grandfather was a dreamer. He was one of those guys who dreamed up crazy big dreams, but never saw them through. He was a writer, a storyteller, and had an incredible imagination. My paternal grandfather was a determined, hardworking man. He was stubborn in the best way possible. He would never let anything or anyone get in his way.
My Dad said to me once, “You’re a dreamer like your Granddaddy and determined like your Pappy, one way or another you’ll be successful.”
Some people believe you’re either born with it or you’re not. I don’t believe that. Of course, your genetics may determine your personality type or a proclivity toward certain things, but not all people who are considered successful are alike, nor do they have the same approaches. I genuinely believe it’s all a mindset.
Have you ever heard of a growth mindset vs. a fixed mindset?
A growth mindset is one that believes I can learn to do anything I want, is inspired by the success of others, believes my effort and attitude determine my abilities, and failure is an opportunity to grow.
A fixed mindset is one that believes I’m either good at it or I’m not, is crippled by the success of others, believes my abilities are unchanging, my potential is predetermined so what’s the point of challenging myself, and failure simply proves my limited abilities.
The truth is I have always wholeheartedly believed I would be successful. I always believed I would own my own business. I always believed I would work for myself. I always believed I would be able to take my kids to school and pick them up. I wasn’t naive to the work I would have to put in, but I ALWAYS knew I would do it. I think by waking up every single day with this positive outlook and truly believing I was going to do it, that was 90 percent of the battle right there.
I truly believe the main reason people fail is because they can’t get out of their own way. I’m very honest with myself about what I can accomplish and what I can’t. I’m the first one to ask for help. If I don’t know the answer, I ask. I’m a professional delegator. I also recognize if something isn’t working I have to put forth the effort to change it; I can’t just wish for a different result. I have to be diligent in actually making changes. I also believe the only limitations we have are the ones we create in our heads. If you’re a Bloomer (someone who has purchased The Business Behind the Blooms), then you’ve heard me say on more than one occasion that I don’t really take no for an answer. If someone says no to me, it doesn’t mean I can’t do it, it just means I can’t do it with them.
I also think it’s important to point out that success means something different to each person. It’s important to figure out what it means for you, then live it out your own way.
There is a lot more, of course, that goes into building something successful, but it all starts with your mind.
