Business

Entrepreneurs’ Mindset: 10 Ways How It’s Different From An Employees’ Mindset

The mindset of entrepreneurs is a bit different from the rest of the people or particularly employees.

But first I want to say, that we are not signifying here that one is better than the other. No, it is not about that.

It’s about how as an entrepreneur my mindset has changed. How I perceive situations now. How do I deal with those situations now?

Earlier I only used to read about this stuff but now I know why all of that is actually true.

Once you are on the path of entrepreneurship, your view on certain things changes. Your priorities change.

People who are or were on this path would relate to this article. And people who want to be on this path would understand how the mindset of entrepreneurs evolves with time.

Although I’m still in the initial stages even now, I have learned so much about how entrepreneurs think and how naturally it comes to you when you are on this journey.

Related: 6 Must Required People Skills For Every Entrepreneur

What is an entrepreneurial mindset?

brown dried leaves on sand

An entrepreneurial mindset is a set of beliefs, thought processes, and ways of viewing the world that drive entrepreneurial behavior. Typically, entrepreneurs firmly believe it’s possible to improve their life situation and live life on their own terms. They also believe in their ability to learn, grow, adapt, and succeed.

Basically, entrepreneurs choose the way they want to live their life. They are choosing a harder path not just because it is more lucrative in the future but because it lets them live on their own terms.

The definition of New Rich isn’t about how much money is there in their bank accounts. It’s about how much freedom they have, financially and otherwise.

Success is no longer measured in terms of money. A person who has a few hundred dollars in their bank account might be more successful than a billionaire.

That person might be happier, healthier, and living their life freely. But it’s vice versa. You can be a billionaire and have all of this too.

This is what entrepreneurship is about. Living a life that you want to live. Let’s see how to develop a mindset like those powerful entrepreneurs.

Recommended: Founder of Nykaa- Inspiring The Women Entrepreneurs Of India

10 Characteristics of the mindset of entrepreneurs

1. Responsibility

This is one of the most essential traits that all successful entrepreneurs have.

They take responsibility for their actions no matter whether their plan failed or succeeded. They never blame anyone or anything for any situation.

2. Independence

Entrepreneurs never follow the crowd. They walk alone. It does get difficult sometimes but they look at the bigger picture.

They create their own path which is pretty hard when everyone around you is taking the easy route. But you know what you are going for.

Being able to work with ten and zero people, that’s what an entrepreneur mindset is about.

Might like: How to become a successful entrepreneur and not a failure?

3. Positive thinking

This is not something all entrepreneurs have but they eventually understand they absolutely need to have this in order to go through this entrepreneurial journey.

You have to believe in yourself.

Entrepreneurs know that they can turn around a situation and if not, at least deal with it in the best way possible.

Having a positive mindset doesn’t mean you are not going to have breakdowns every now and then. No. It means you will learn how to not let them come in your way. And how to deal with them.

4. Being Present

Skills like these aren’t required only by entrepreneurs but by almost everyone.

Being present in the moment helps us to get our work done efficiently and effectively.

You have no control over something that has already happened i.e. the past. Neither do you have control over something that will happen in the future.

Now is the time over which you have the greatest control. Your actions in the present will determine how bright your future will be.

5. Goal oriented

The most successful entrepreneurs have a vision aka a goal. They are constantly working towards their goals, with every action that they take.

The purpose of them having a business is so that they can see that vision or goal coming to life.

So, when creating an entrepreneurial mindset, set SMART goals – goals that are:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Attainable
  • Relevant
  • Time-sensitive

Read: How To Know You Have A Successful Business: 7 TellTale Signs

6. Not afraid to fail

An entrepreneurial mindset is pretty much about being able to take risks. They are not afraid to fail.

Each “failure” is simply a stepping stone to learn from, helping to move you closer to success. As the famous inventor Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Failing at something means you have figured out what cannot work for you so that now you can focus on other things with more chances to work.

In a way, it actually is a win. A win that now, you can move on from something that could bring you down.

7. Growth-oriented

green plant in clear glass cup
Photo by micheile henderson

Entrepreneurs are always learning. They don’t just leave things they don’t know. Instead, they try and work towards learning them.

Even the shows and movies they would be watching revolve around this.

It obviously doesn’t mean you have to think about your business 24/7. But yes, instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media, you can put it to good use sometimes.

Stanford University psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck studied failure and said, “For 20 years, my research has shown that the view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life.”

The entrepreneurial mindset is about constant growth. They are never fixed like this is permanent and can never be changed. They are always trying to evolve their habits. They are always trying to change a situation into a better one by learning and growing.

Here are some of the books that every entrepreneur must read at least once.

8. Self-awareness

As an entrepreneur, it is very important to be aware of yourself.

Entrepreneurs know what are their strengths and weaknesses. And since they are aware of these, they are able to perform and delegate tasks in a better and more efficient way.

9. Time is money

The time is money mindset is common in all entrepreneurs.

Good time management allows you to work smarter than harder so that you get more amount of work done in much less time aka smart work.

Remember you have to WORK HARD and ACT SMART. You have to learn to prioritize, speaking from personal experience.

I used to waste so much time on things that weren’t that important. But this need to achieve perfection all the time, you’ll have to say goodbye to this. All the entrepreneurs learn this the hard way but they definitely do.

10. Adaptable

Most businesses fail because they couldn’t or weren’t willing to adapt to the changing situations.

Entrepreneurs know the importance of being adaptable and they know it’s impossible to achieve their goals if they are not ready to pivot.

They know everything doesn’t go according to the plan but we can adapt ourselves to achieve our goals with lesser problems.

Conclusion

This is just a glimpse of the mindset of the entrepreneurs. Throughout your journey, you will experience hundreds of other things that shape the mindset of entrepreneurs. But remember, it’s a journey, and more importantly, it is your journey. So enjoy every second of it.

Good luck!