Five tips on becoming more growth-focused
Topsie comments, “Even if you feel a little stuck, it’s definitely possible to develop a growth mindset. It just takes some time and commitment to switch to a more positive way of thinking.
“Remember, it’s never too late to adopt new habits, and implementing a few simple strategies can help small business owners work towards a more growth-focused perspective.”
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Celebrate progress
“Start celebrating your progress, not just your final outcomes. Make sure to recognise the value of hard work and perseverance, even if progress seems slow. Honouring the small wins will retrain your brain to believe that growth itself is the goal.”
Hugh from Capital on Tap adds, “This might be your 100th order, the fact that you’re finally turning a profit, or maybe you’ve been able to expand your team.”
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Seek challenges outside your comfort zone
Topsie continues, “Getting outside your comfort zone on a regular basis is a huge part of adopting a growth mindset. Growth comes from stretching your abilities, and, regardless of the outcome, it’s worth developing that risk-taking muscle.”
Hugh says, “What you class as a risk will be different for every owner and every business, but things like launching a new product, expanding into a fresh market, or looking for new investment are all things that might feel a bit daunting, but could lead to some real growth for your business.”
“What you class as a risk will be different for every owner and every business. For instance, exploring new financing options to fund growth can feel daunting! For example, applying for a business credit card can provide extra capital and flexibility to invest in things like launching a new product line or expanding into new markets. Taking calculated risks with access to funding can help cultivate a growth mindset.”
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Reframe failures as learning opportunities
On embracing failure, Topsie says, “You’re bound to come up against challenges as a small business owner. But, every time you reach a setback, think about what you can take away from it or what you can learn from it for next time. Finding opportunities to learn and improve in every situation is key for continuous development.”
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Surround yourself with growth-minded people
“It’s harder to break out of a fixed mindset if you’re surrounded by others who are also a little stuck. Build a community of people around you who will cheer you on and challenge you to grow. This kind of support and encouragement will help you stay on track, even if things get a little tough.
Hugh also suggests, ”Look for mentors or colleagues who can provide you with constructive feedback. These outside perspectives can help you to refine your strategies, improve your skills, and keep you working towards success.”
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Be kind to yourself
“No matter what you come up against, make sure to be kind to yourself. Even if you mess up or don’t quite achieve the outcome you were after, show yourself some compassion. Remember that there’s always something to learn from, and the ability to cheer yourself on in failure is a sign of growth.”
Hugh adds one final thought, “Success in business starts with the right mindset, but you also need to set yourself up with the right tools. Automating some of your processes can be a great way to free up some time to focus on yourself (and your business).”