Not everyone is meant to be an entrepreneur but everyone can start to think like one. Most of us think like entrepreneurs in many parts of life outside of work. Some may be efficient perfectionists in our backyard garden, while others might seek out only the most talented musicians for their new band. When it happens like this we call it passion.
In fact, thinking like an entrepreneur doesn’t take much thinking at all. There’s no big secret handshake, no school to attend, and no books to read. If you want to think like an entrepreneur it really all starts with an attitude.
We previously mentioned attitude as it relates to taking control of your surroundings; now let’s look at leading with that attitude. You might want to believe that your attitude is the second thing people judge you by at work, with your intelligence or productivity being first. I propose looking closely at the following before continuing on with that type of thinking.
However much we wish to believe that people should judge us based on performance alone we should consider the times in which we judge others by their attitude, at times without ever getting to know how intelligent, or helpful that person may be.
Even more important is the definition of attitude as way of thinking that affect one’s behavior. So to be intelligent and productive is, generally speaking, start with a good attitude.
What is a good attitude? What is an entrepreneurial attitude? Good question. When it comes to thinking like an entrepreneur there are many components of a “good attitude.” Let’s look at three of the most critical.
Self-confidence.
Many people have more than enough self-confidence to think like or even be a successful entrepreneur. There are many others who either lack self-confidence or lack it in certain aspects of their career. You must learn ways to build your self-confidence. This means finding your core beliefs so that making difficult decisions, even lonely decisions, can be done with more certainty.
General dissatisfaction with what’s out there.
Dislike long lines at the supermarket and believe you could do better? Don’t understand why paint stores can’t match colors using your cell phone? Figured out a better way to make lemon meringue pies? You’re not only possibly a major grump, you’re an entrepreneur! If you are always seeking ways to improve things and subsequently give yourself the authority to solve these problems, then you’re thinking like an entrepreneur.
Ability to deal with the unknown.
We all deal with uncertainty differently. Handling it in business is about not being afraid when it comes to risk; more specifically it’s about keeping cool when you are most afraid. Making decisions when the mind is stressed usually prevents good decision-making, unless that person is able to quell the stressors and focus as if nothing else mattered. This is not easy when the stakes get higher and more money is involved, but the better you handle stressful situations, the better you will do in business–and in your job. One way to do this is to know as much as you can, and then stay in the moment.
Thinking like an entrepreneur is as much about attitude as it is about thinking. The good news is that your attitude is something you control. If it’s not quite where you need it to be today, you can change it. Work at your attitude every day. Being positive is a core ingredient, but you must balance that with a practical mindset at times.
All of this is helpful beyond the business arena, but when you’re trying to get a new job or start your own business, this can be especially beneficial.
Jason Veduccio is the author of The New American Dreamer: How to Land That Ideal Job in a Nightmare Economy. Click to buy.
