Before starting a business, it’s normal to invest a lot of time on the previous stages: ideation, market analysis, product design… First comes an idea, then a prototype and, then, days go by developing and improving it and looking for investors and clients. And this hectic routine usually makes us forget about the most fundamental aspect of all: mentality.
The circumstances that surround the starting of a venture are usually very varied and they change a lot. The different challenges and solutions come one after the other, just like it happens with the emotions and thoughts around an entrepreneur’s head. That’s why it’s so important to be able to detect and analyse them. Some can help us and push us out of a stalemate, but others can get on our way and boycott our success.
6 Thoughts that Must Be Avoided and How to Transform Them
If you’re going to start a business, or if you are already doing it, you must have surely come across any of these thoughts at some point. Pay attention, because this is what you must do when they come up:
- ““This isn’t ready””: In order to start a business, you must let go of perfectionism. The need to have everything “perfect” will stop you from giving it your best. When launching a business, everything starts going better when we start daring. The MVP philosophy (Minimum Viable Product) is recommended for the early stages. It can be summed up into doing it, correcting it and doing it again. We will arrive at the ideal product by launching it and later analysing it faster than hoping to have the perfect formula on top of our desk.
- “I want everyone to like it”: You can’t adapt your idea to the trends or to your interlocutors. Being too much of a chameleon makes your idea look less natural and to lose strength. Define your buyers and focus on offering them the best product.
- “I already know this”: No matter how much information or experience you have, never be too sure of anything or reject other people’s vision. Keeping a beginner attitude is what will lead you to new opportunities.
- “I don’t know a thing”: The imposter syndrome is a constant alert that we feel when we’re in over our heads, when we are not in control or when we face a situation without previous knowledge. If you fall into it, you lose your confidence and it becomes impossible for you to take a leap of faith. You know many things, believe in yourself.
- “This isn’t moving forwards”: Beware of impatience. Many companies close soon after they open precisely because the idea is not moving forwards or not going how we had expected. We must persevere, fight defeatism and high expectations.
-
Rely on the Environment
You may think that this is a fight between you and your mind, but keep in mind that there’s no need to fight alone. The environment determines a big part of what you do. Like the wind, it can be with or against you, and we must try to harness its power. Even if you think that your business is only numbers, regardless of the work, having support from your family, couple and friends is a big plus and it will help make the wind blow towards your destination. Don’t close yourself. Look for people in the same situation, inside and outside the sector, even in the competition. Complete the basic kit with books, continuous training and personal growth and make the environment a part of your team.
Regardless of the stage you’re in, starting a business will stir emotions in you, both good and bad. Knowing how to detect them and deal with them will help your project become a success.
Article written in collaboration with: Iván Caloto, CEO Escuela Valydo.