In the entrepreneurial world, a bad mindset can be enough to destroy an otherwise great business.
Your mental state can make or break your day; start out stressed, flustered, and irritated, and it's unlikely that the rest of your day will be productive. On the other hand, if you start out excited, energetic, and optimistic, you'll probably cruise through the day and get a lot done. These mindsets also apply on a broader scale--meaning the type of chronic mindsets you carry could make or break your entire business.
It's hard to tell when a mindset has settled in, and even harder to get rid of it when it has. Fortunately, there are some obvious warning signs that one of these poisonous mindsets is affecting your entrepreneurial abilities:
1.Not believing in your idea. Obviously, if you don't believe in your idea, you'll have a hard time nurturing it to success. Even worse, your team members will likely pick up on your attitude, and your whole company could begin to lose faith.
2.Viewing problems or flaws as unacceptable. A lot of entrepreneurs are perfectionists, and striving for excellence is a good thing, but you have to understand that problems and flaws are okay--they're a part of the process. Otherwise, you'll freak out and address problems inefficiently (or lower team morale).
3.Seeing team members as expendable. It's true that your business can probably survive without the exact individuals you currently have on staff. However, it's important that you treat your entire team with respect, trust, and a welcoming attitude. Encourage loyalty by prioritizing and valuing your team members.
4.Believing your idea can't (or shouldn't) change. Your idea is your baby, and it's easy to hold onto it in its original form for as long as possible. However, most startups only survive by forcing change--don't be afraid to grow.
5.Thinking success is inevitable. If you have a great idea, you might think that success is only a matter of time--but be wary of this attitude. Success is never inevitable. It demands hard work and preservation of focus.
Fix these mindsets if you notice them setting in; even though they may seem innocuous, they can have a significant effect on your business and bottom line.
Bio:
Jose Vasquez is a serial entrepreneur and tech enthusiast dedicated to helping startup technology companies get the direction and momentum they need to succeed. As the founder of Build. Brand. Blast., Jose has established a collective resource for tech entrepreneurs to consult when brainstorming, creating, launching, or expanding a new business. Jose is also the founder and CEO of Quez Media Marketing, a marketing firm that combines technology and creativity to help new and growing companies get the results they need.
This blogger graduated from Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses program. Goldman Sachs is a partner of the What Is Working: Small Businesses section.