mindset

Do you have dreams of a lifestyle you’d love to attain? Or a business you’ve always wanted to start? Do you know what’s holding you back? For many, it’s a matter of mindset. And it could be what’s keeping you from chasing your dreams as it has for many others. It’s important to know if this is the case for you, because when you make necessary positive mindset shifts, it can make all the difference in achieving what you want.

Does your limiting mindset hold you back?

You may have forgotten how to dream big the way you did as a kid. As we age, we often grow into the mindset that we have to work hard to get anywhere. We start to believe we can’t take chances – or chase dreams – because we have to be responsible. Sometimes we develop this mindset because, as kids, we hear our parents or other adults continuously say negative comments.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

In a nutshell, mindset refers to “the established set of attitudes held by someone.” Because we’re all different and come from different backgrounds, we all have differing mindsets. And our attitudes can vary depending on the situation. For example, if one person is a risk-taker in one part of their life, they may not necessarily embrace the same risk in another part of their life. Ultimately, one’s mindset plays a huge role in whether they follow their dreams or not.

Here are 3 ways mindset can limit your ability to dream big and sabotage your desire to chase those dreams:

1. Lack of Self-Confidence

“I’m not good enough or don’t have good enough skills to do this.”

We all know that little devil on your shoulder that tells you to give up because there’s someone better than you, or you’re not good enough. The reality is, no one is perfect. And no matter what business you want to start, there will be competition. But when you think about it, it’s a sign that there’s money to be made in that market and that’s a good sign. How you deal with it makes the difference. If you want to win customers, you just have to figure out how to stand out above the rest.

A mindset shift can make all the difference in achieving what you want.

Many successful business owners have had to find the confidence to overcome a negative mindset to go after their dreams. Take Walt Disney, for instance. Did you know he was fired from his first animation job at the Kansas City Star newspaper because they said he lacked imagination? But he didn’t let that stop him. Now the Walt Disney Company assets are worth over 98 billion dollars. So much for lack of imagination!

Need a boost of self-confidence? Read Girl, Stop Apologizing (Audible Exclusive Edition): A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals by Rachel Hollis. In her book, she challenges “women everywhere to stop talking themselves out of their dreams, identifiy the excuses to let go of, the behaviors to adopt, and the skills to acquire on the path to growth, confidence, and believing in yourself.”

2. Age

“I’m too old for this. Maybe if I were younger I would try.”

If you think you’re too old to try something, then you likely won’t do it. But age is just a number, and for the most part, your attitude is a significant factor in whether or not you can achieve something.

“You’re never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis

Of course, if there are physical limitations and risks associated with doing an activity, then err on the side of caution. But when possible, don’t let your age set your limits. If you think you’re too old to go after your dream and start a business, then think again. A positive mindset that your age won’t hold you back will help you get closer to your dreams.

If you need some inspiration, look up the stories of Josefina Monasterio and Ernestine Shepherd. Both of these women won hundreds of trophies as bodybuilders, and they started their training at ages 58 and 59, respectively. As grandmothers, they have physiques many would envy. These women didn’t let a negative mindset get in the way of reaching their goals.

3. Fear of Failure

“I’m afraid to try because I don’t want to fail or I don’t want others seeing me fail.”

This is a big one and most of us have experienced it at one ore more times in our lives. But failure and success are two inevitable results in life and two opposite ends of a spectrum. If you hold back because you’re afraid to fail, you’ll never know if your idea was a good one or not. And you may find yourself asking the “What would have happened if…?” question for the rest of your life.

Consider what Thomas Edison, one of the preeminent inventors of our time, said.

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas Edison

If Edison let a fear of failure hold him back, we probably wouldn’t have the lightbulb, phonograph, or motion picture cameras today. When you overcome thoughts of giving up or not being good enough, that mindset shift could be the catalyst that leads you to discover what you’re truly capable of.

Shift your mindset to achieve your dreams

My point is, you are your own worst enemy. If your limiting mindset is holding you back from starting a new business and achieving the lifestyle you want, there are ways to change those negative mindsets into positive ones.

Take some to think through these three ways mindset can be holding you back in your business. Then tell me, are they holding you back? What other limiting mindsets do you find challenging? What do you want to accomplish if you can overcome those mindsets?

Let me know in the comments or send me an email at lynn@lynnneville.com. I personally answer all my emails and I’d love to hear from you.

Looking for more ways to grow your business? Check out Top Tools to Grow Your Business