It may seem like all successful entrepreneurs have their life planned out. They know what steps to take in order to accomplish their goals. They know what *not to do* in order to prevent failure. To us, their life seems perfect, but here’s the thing: They’re people too, just like us, who make mistakes, however, they have something most of us probably don’t: a flexible mindset.
What is it Like Having a Flexible Mindset?
The dictionary meaning of the word flexible is “the capability to bend easily without breaking”. Therefore, someone who has a flexible mind has the ability to overcome challenges, embrace change and like water “find the path of least resistance”.
The problem with most entrepreneurs today is that they DO have a plan BUT they do not know how to respond to change when something unplanned happens. They don’t have the ability to react effectively to an unforeseen situation. Want to train your brain to think flexibly? Here are seven reasons why you should do so:
#1. You Won’t Fear Change
Whether you like it or not, we are all going to experience change (lots of change) many times in our lives. After all, life is unpredictable and no matter how hard you try to “control situations” there are times when things won’t go your way.
What will you do when things don’t go as expected? Do you quit, struggle, or blame someone for your mishaps?
Flexibility is crucial in the ever-changing business environment. If one marketing strategy fails, you have to be ready to try another. Business leaders have to adopt a flexible mindset, in order to cater the changing needs of their customers.
If you have a flexible mindset, then there won’t be a need to fear change. You know you have the power to manipulate a horrible situation and use it to your advantage. There’s no room for regret or disappointment. You can be as bold as you want. As Tony Robbins says “stay committed to your decisions but flexible in your approach”
#2. You Always Have Options
Let’s be real: In business, there are lots of necessary risks. Entrepreneurs have to risk time, money, and little success – in order to bring out the BIG success and max out every opportunity.
Here’s the thing: People don’t often think of all the options when they’re presented with a problem. They give up prematurely without thinking of the outcome. They spend all their time planning how to avoid failures, and not a single moment finding solutions when the problem hits. The result: they make their success a gamble. They end up wasting lots of money, time, and energy.
Entrepreneurs with a flexible mindset are able to think of all the available options! They don’t have just Plan A and B, they have C through Z. They always think of creative ways on how to save their business/strategy.
#3. You Can Treat Everyone Fairly
Entrepreneurs with a flexible mindset are able to see the world in the eyes of people around him, especially the ones important to his business (partners and employees).
They have this unique ability to perceive emotions and feelings. Contrary to a fixed mindset that’s shallow and insecure – those with flexible mindsets are able to treat everyone fairly even in difficult circumstances. They are able to identify, attract, and retain employees that show promise in helping the business.
#4. You can Overcome any Problem without Giving Up
Having mental flexibility means every obstacle is viewed as an opportunity for learning. This gives you a confident and calm demeanor when solving problems. And the more focused you are, the higher chance of problems getting solved.
Many business owners fail because they run away from their problems, they don’t find ways, and they don’t make the effort to face it in a different angle. People with a flexible mindset know how to persist despite several failures. They challenge themselves to continue and keep learning. That’s why they become immovable, unbreakable, and ultimately successful.
5. You Can Wear Many Hats
A flexible mindset will allow you to easily adjust to different roles and responsibilities in your business, especially when you’re just starting out. Working in a rigid, rule-specific environment doesn’t only breed fear, it also discourages teamwork and creativity. If you work in a larger company with 20-50 members, this atitude will earn your employee’s respect. When you’re flexible about your job role, you’ll be able to help your employees from the lowest to the highest rank in the office.
#6. You Can Accomplish More
They say routines and habits are the key to a meaningful and successful day. I say no, the key to accomplishing more is through flexibility! You can have routines and habits, but if you aren’t flexible with your time when something unexpected happens – then all your efforts can go down the drain.
To get the most out of your day, incorporate flexibility alongside your routine and habits. It may be hard at first, especially if you’re used to your usual 9-5 work hours. However, there are many advantages to being flexible when it comes to your daily schedule. One of these is the opportunity to be able to attend important family events that you would otherwise miss. As an enterpreneur, you have more control over your time and you can better understand when you’ll accomplish more.
#7. You Always Have a Safety Net
Being flexible means always having a plan when the worst comes. You’re confident that even when you fail there’s always something positive you can do to lift your situation. Was your website hacked? No problem. You have a backup of your WordPress website. Top-employee resigns? No worries. You have a skilled freelancer ready to take over.
Conclusion
Flexibility is not only seen in our physique, it’s also present in our way of thinking. If your goal is to become a successful entrepreneur, you should start adopting a flexible mindset. Entrepreneurs who possess flexibility in work, time, and mental capacity are in advantage to those who have the contrary fixed mindset.
