7 Traits to Cultivate on your Business Journey
Running a business requires a different mind-set and awareness of self as each day brings something new and often the only constant is change. As a business owner you must remain open, flexible and aware. Each day seek to:
1) Remain Curious
There is always something to learn and discover about yourself, your business, business trends or the business environment. Remaining curious will allow you to see advantages, disadvantages, business opportunities, business threats and connections in seemingly unrelated things that could impact the trajectory of your business. Ask yourself the question ‘why’?, why not’ ? or ‘how could this work’ ? on a daily basis. A curious mind-set will help you to ‘see’ and ‘discover’ things that others will not.
2) Keep Your Energy Levels Up
In business, a major resource and part of the recipe for success is your energy. There will be daily challenges and unexpected situations to deal with. Maintain or improve your energy levels through self-care including meditation, exercise and a healthy diet. While running a business may take a lot of time, don’t neglect your family and friends. Their love and support will energise you to push forward with your business.
3) Learn from your Failures
On your business journey, you will fail. Learn from the things that did not go right but don’t beat yourself up about it. This is a journey of growth and failure only means that you are stepping out, trying new things and taking risks. Fail forward, take the lesson and move on.
4) Be on a Journey of Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is a great asset in business. Know your strengths and your weaknesses. What energises you? What depletes you? Seek to improve your strengths and put in place measures to minimise your weaknesses. Do more of what energises you and less of what depletes you. Becoming more self-aware will help you to make better decisions for your business.
5) Remain Positive and Grateful
On this journey, a positive attitude will help to fuel you. Remaining positive does not mean ignoring the challenges or expecting things that go wrong to resolve on their own. It means accepting and acknowledging that things may be falling apart or that you may be having a bad day but making a decision to work through it bit by bit with a positive outlook and an attitude of gratitude. A positive attitude and gratitude go a long way in helping to make unpleasant tasks easier, in encouraging and motivating those around you and are just powerful attributes which enhance your general health and well-being.
6) Live Receptive
In business, many times, business owners may not show any signs of vulnerability or may not seek help until it is too late. There are people and other businesses that can and will offer their support and expertise in various ways. Don’t let pride prevent you from accepting it. No one knows everything and no one can do everything on their own. If you are the only person working on and in your business this becomes even more important. Seek out and accept opportunities for general assistance, partnerships and collaborations.
7) Remember why you started your business
Running a business is not for everyone but it was the best choice for you. Every day, reflect on why you started your business. As your business grows and matures, the ‘Why’ may change but whatever the “Why” is, use it to propel you. Running a business is a journey, not a destination. It is full of twists and turns and many businesses don’t know what is around the corner. Your ‘why’ will help you to navigate the uncertainties and will make the wins more meaningful.
As a business owner, you are the best ambassador for your business. Your journey of self-discovery and growth matters for the success of your business.
By Shellecia Brooks-Johnson
