Something that seems to be a recurring challenge in discussions with small business owners is their self-drive and being assertive in pursuit of success. It means eliminating and countering the “poor me” and “I can’t” mindsets. That said, it is not an easy task for some as one thing is inevitable, we will encounter challenges and experience failures in the pursuit of success for our small businesses. Everyone small business owner should ask themselves one question:
Do I have the will to BEGIN to win?
Most people don't give the idea of winning much thought. However, when you ask them if they have the will to win, they'll likely say "Yes, of course I do!" What self-respecting, well-adjusted person doesn't have the will to win and want to accomplish a lot in their lifetime? So why aren't more of us abundantly successful as small business owners?
Society has become too comfortable with leaving its future to chance. We know people have the will to win. We also know they don’t have the will to begin to win because they do little else. Take the example of people hoping for a false future by buying lottery tickets. A strong sign of this somber truth is witnessed every time you pass the trashcans by the information kiosks in shopping malls. Sadly, these trashcans are full of thousands of spent lottery ticket stubs; left there by their disappointed purchasers. By participating in a game of chance, people hoped their life would instantly improve via good luck.
In fact, the good life always belongs to those who dream, dare, and devote themselves to a plan of action supported by a serious investment of the most valuable resources - their time and money. That is, or should be the mission statement for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
Most people exhibit some measure of the will to win, but mostly, it is just lip service. The first step to winning is to stop talking about it and do something to begin to win. Talk is cheap. This is true because it is much easier to talk than to do.
"Success is easy, trouble is, so is sitting back and doing nothing." Jim Rohn
We're very good at lamenting over the business deal that almost was or the proverbial one that got away. We console our failures with “could have been” storytelling. Well, its time for some tough love: The tomorrow that the lottery games promise never comes. We need to treat today as our only day of opportunity. The difference between the will to win and the will to begin to win is so subtle, we often miss it.
The will to begin is progressive thinking compared to simply wanting to be a winner. Learning how to positively influence subconscious self-talk will change your story telling to progress reports of what could and what is happening in your small business. The word begin suggests that you must do something. Doing something now is always better than waiting for later. Most of us understand that our accomplishments are achieved when sincere desire partners with focused activity. Sincerity alone, as noble as it is, will not accomplish goals. We have to follow up our good intentions with the right actions. This winning combination will always lead us to the prosperous future for our small business.
"Why do I keep doing or saying the same old dumb things over and over?" Tony Robins
In most people, the subconscious mind is dominated with negative questions which keep people in a state of disbelief. Our brains are designed to answer every query - so based on the negatively framed question of this example - the brain will search its memory to find information in support of the question. Here's the good news. You can rephrase the question. "How can I stop doing or saying these dumb things?"
With this kind of question, our subconscious mind provides us a creative strategy for achieving our desire to do and be better. Some other important questions that small business owners should be asking themselves:
- How can I create the will to begin to win?
- What must I do to begin?
- What proof can I offer in the name of personal accountability?
One important concept is that without faith, nothing is possible: Faith in yourself; in your reason for being; in your dreams and desires, and finally belief in your business. Therefore, with faith, all things are possible.
“The key is not the will to win... everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important.” Bobby Knight
Every small business owner can and should be a winner. Just by reading this article, you're already more mindful of what it takes to win. You have faith that your future is already better because you’ve received and acknowledged this. This will generate new ideas for your business which will lead to different decisions. We all should invest our time in asking better questions like:
- Why not me?
- What could I do to change things?
- How can I make it happen?
- How can I smarten up next time?
These small changes in the order of words of your questions will deliver dramatic improvements in your small business life. Will you begin to win today? Consider the will to begin to win as your attitude's right of passage to actually win. When someone asks "Do you have the will to win?" you can answer "Yes, in fact I'm preparing for it!" Having the will to win and being prepared to win in your small business is one way of Keeping Life Current.
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