Living the E Life
Let's continue unpacking the 10 E Mindsets. These mindsets give us a framework to move through the inevitable challenges and experiences that come with being an entrepreneur. We've found each mindset to be incredibly helpful, though you might focus on different ones at different times to help you create a fulfilling and sustainable entrepreneurial journey.
Here's mindset #9:
You define your own success.
When you hear the phrase "successful entrepreneur," what comes to mind?
For many, there is a financial aspect to success. There may also be a certain clientele you assume that person works with, a place they live, what their house or car looks like, how much time they spend working, how many followers they have, or how well-known they are.
In reality, as a mental performance entrepreneur, there is not one "right" way to be successful. There isn't a specific definition or one mountain top that all "successful" entrepreneurs reach. Instead, there are many different mountains, a variety of summits and viewpoints, and an unlimited amount of trails to get there.
One of the greatest benefits of being an entrepreneur is that you get to define what success means to you. It may include any of those things we initially listed, or it may mean something more fitting for you, such as:
financial freedom (whether that's living lavishly or moderately)
flexibility in your work hours and locations
traveling or taking extended breaks
giving back through informal mentorship, pro bono work, or unpaid leadership positions
working from anywhere in the world
innovating and doing things your own way
making a positive impact with clients
becoming the go-to expert in a certain area
Before you put in the work to be "successful," pause and reflect on what all you want to be true once you reach your mountain top. Consider your values, your strengths and weaknesses, your lifestyle, your personality, and your current needs. All of these will impact what mountain you choose to climb and what trail you take to get there.
Success also evolves over time. How you define success when your business is more of a side hustle will likely be different than when it is your full-time gig. Similarly, success may be very different when you are single, partnered, have young kids, have older kids, or have an empty nest.
As an entrepreneur, your business is inherently intertwined with your life. You always have the freedom and ability to change your definition of success when your current definition no longer fits. Make the change. Climb a different mountain. Switch to a different trail. Adjust your pace. This is your business, your life, and your success.
Key Takeaway: Success is relative and it evolves over time. Understanding who you are and where you want to go ensures you are climbing the right mountain - for you.
Psst: if you need help defining success for you or building the business to get you there, the Establish course can do just that!
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