Opening your mind to new possibilities

The Importance of an Open Mind for Entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs, the journey to success is more than just hard work, determination, and innovative ideas. I know, we all like to brag about only working half time…12 hours a day.

One of the most essential elements to success is maintaining an open mind—an openness that allows you to consider new perspectives, embrace change, and adapt to unexpected challenges. This mindset is crucial in today’s ever-evolving business landscape, where opportunities often come disguised as challenges or require a shift in thinking to recognize.

Thinking Beyond Our Own Understanding

Our natural inclination is to rely on what we know, what has worked in the past, and what feels comfortable. This is our subconscious way of thinking to protect us as we process information faster based on what we know.

However, this limited way of thinking can become a barrier to growth and innovation as we just keep doing what we’ve already done. If you want different, better, and more results you must rely on new thinking.

To break free from these constraints, it’s essential to think beyond our own understanding and be open to possibilities that may not align with our current way of thinking.

This principle encourages entrepreneurs to step out of their comfort zones, try new strategies, and recognize that sometimes, what seems like a setback may actually be an opportunity for growth and improvement.

Scenario: A Plumber’s Path to Success

Over the years I have had to hire a few plumbers. Because of this I have had some very different experiences.

One of the more common experiences I have had was the plumber that shows up, diagnoses the problem, then takes off for a few hours to go get the parts needed. I know I am not alone in disliking this experience. I get the bill at the end and feel like I paid for 2 hours of work that wasn’t done. But yet, that’s how “all the plumber” do the work.

Then one day this plumber came. I needed one fast, and while he charged more per hour than others, he was the guy that could come so I hired him.

The experience was far superior than many before. Not only was he polite, considerate, and took great care in cleaning up after himself (which none ever did before) he had a van full of parts. He never had to run out to get the parts needed and got the job done in a fraction of time of all the others.

In my discussion with him, he identified his flawed thinking as an employee before becoming an entrepreneur. He understood that the vast majority of customers hated their experience with plumbers, so he changed it.

Over time, his business began to thrive. He charged top dollar for his work and received excellent reviews. As a business owner who wants great success, you cannot settle for “how it’s always been done.” You have to break the mold and think outside the box.

Exercise: Shifting Your Thinking to Be Open to New Ideas

Here’s a practical exercise to help you develop a mindset that is open to new opportunities and innovations:

1. Self-Reflection:
   • Identify an area in your business or personal life where you feel stuck or uncertain.
   • Reflect on why you might hesitate to try something new in this area. Are there fears, past experiences, or beliefs that are holding you back?
2. Seek New Perspectives:
   • Research and explore new ideas or strategies that could address the area where you feel stuck. Read industry reports, attend seminars, or talk to people who have successfully navigated similar challenges.
3. Take Small, Measurable Steps:
   • Choose one small, manageable step to try something new. It could be implementing a new marketing strategy, adding a new service, or even starting a pilot project that you’ve been considering but hesitant to pursue.
4. Reflect and Adjust:
   • After taking this step, take some time to reflect on what you learned. Did it open up new opportunities or insights? Adjust your approach based on what you’ve learned and continue to move forward with an open mind.
5. Continue the Practice:
   • Make this exercise a regular part of your business strategy. Continually seek out new perspectives and be willing to make adjustments as needed.

By practicing this exercise, you can gradually train yourself to think beyond your current understanding and be open to new opportunities and ideas that can lead to growth and success.

Conclusion

Being an entrepreneur requires more than just business skills; it requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to explore uncharted territories. By adopting a mindset that embraces new perspectives and remains open to new possibilities, you can navigate the uncertainties of entrepreneurship with confidence. Open your mind, trust the process, and watch how your business can transform and thrive in unexpected ways.