You've taken the leap from employee to employer, and now you're the boss (even if it's just boss of you). Amidst the excitement and overwhelming changes, you might find yourself thinking, "Oh shit, now what?"
Don't panic. Remember, you're not starting from scratch. Your career and experience are your superpowers! However, as you navigate this new world of entrepreneurship, bringing your mindset along for the ride is crucial. The skills and attitudes that made you a great employee or practitioner may need adjustments to help you thrive in this next act.
Embrace Your Unique Value
Trust that your distinct combination of talents and passions has value in the market. Don't fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others or trying to fit a mold. Embrace your authenticity and let it shine through in your work.
Own Your Success
No one is setting up your day, metrics, revenue, or strategy. So you've got to set yourself up with a plan. What do you need to feel good and energized? What activities do you need to be doing right now to acquire clients and make money? What are the long-term plays?
Create a plan with specific actions—30-minute walks, contacting five new people, posting 3x per week on a specific platform, etc. This is how you stay on track and accountable.
Don't Hide in the Learning
Sales, marketing, and negotiating are crucial skills for success. But while books, courses, and workshops can provide valuable knowledge, true mastery comes from being in the reps. Be quick to implement what you learn.
Know that you'll make mistakes along the way, and that's okay. Each misstep is an opportunity to learn, refine your approach, and become better. Don't let the fear of messing up keep you from taking action.
Treat Everything as an Experiment
You can't fail an experiment; you can only disprove a hypothesis. When that happens, what do you do? Rack up the data and move on to the next one. Continuously seek new experiences to expand your capabilities.
Prioritize Self-Care and Balance
Make a conscious effort to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Set clear boundaries, establish a sustainable routine, and carve out time for rest, relaxation, and the activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Remember, if your health fails, none of this other stuff matters.
Build a Strong Support Network
Do not go at this alone! Surround yourself with a robust support system of mentors, peers, and professionals who understand the unique challenges of self-employment or entrepreneurship.
Actively seek opportunities to connect, collaborate, and learn from others in your field. Don't hesitate to ask for help or guidance when needed – even the most successful entrepreneurs rely on their networks.
Cultivate Resilience
As an entrepreneur, you'll face your fair share of setbacks, rejections, and unexpected challenges. It's essential to feel the feels. But you must decide right now, today, that you have what it takes to succeed. If you don't, you're going to crack under the pressure.
Develop adaptability and resilience, viewing obstacles as temporary and surmountable.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
It's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of perfection. However, waiting for everything to be flawless can lead to paralysis and missed opportunities. Embrace the concept of "done is better than perfect" and focus on making consistent progress. Celebrate your small wins, and remember that every step forward counts.
For the Biggest Mindset Shift: Validate Yourself Daily
A lack of confidence is a killer. Find a way to validate yourself every day—internally—so it's not tied to other people's ideas, opinions, desires, or STORIES.
By adopting these mindset shifts, you'll be well-equipped to make the most of your career reinvention. Remember, success is not just about what you do but how you think. Cultivate a mindset of ownership, growth, resilience, and self-belief, and you'll be unstoppable in your encore act.
You know how I know? I messed up most of this when I was getting my start. The thing that made all the pieces fit for me was hiring coaches.
If you're considering coaching for yourself, let's chat. I'm not here to tell you what to do or what you want to hear. My role is to provide a supportive, judgment-free environment for you to grow and thrive so you don't have to navigate this journey alone.
Set up a call, and let's explore how we can work together to help you succeed in your entrepreneurial endeavors. This isn't a sales pitch—it's an opportunity to connect and see if we're a good fit.
Take the first step toward your success story today. Whether we work together or not, I'm here to support you every step of the way.