11 Proven Strategies to Develop a Winning Mindset for Entrepreneurs

As a high achieving entrepreneur, do you believe that you have the power over your mindset?

I certainly do, and it has been a game changer for me in both my personal and professional life.

Here's the thing: No matter your positive intentions and relentless drive for success, you're inevitably going to have those difficult days...

You know the ones I am talking about - you are going along, having a perfectly good day, and then something happens that completely blindsides you.

• The call from an upset client 
• The rejection of a project you believed in 
• The health setback 
• The argument with your spouse 
• The friend whose invitation you didn't receive 

And within seconds, thoughts ensue:

"You blew it." "You're never going to figure this out." "You've failed." "You are not enough."

These negative thoughts are a result of your natural brain activity or "mind chatter" which is going on constantly. Sometimes you are aware of it and most times you are not. In fact, according to neuroscience 95% of your thoughts are repetitive, and close to 80% of them tend to be negative in nature.

The good news is you do have more control than you think about these types of thoughts. In today's blog, you will learn how to gain control and Win Your Mindset.

A winning mindset doesn't happen naturally, at least at first. (I will talk about this more later in the blog). Just like success in your business comes with work, you have to nurture and build a winning mindset over time.

The following are 11 Ways to Win Your Mindset beginning today:

1. Set a Positive Tone for Your Day. When you wake up in the morning, take a few minutes to check in with yourself and decide what kind of day you want to have. Focus on a positive affirmation or mantra that resonates with you.

This can be something as simple as "I am capable and confident" or "Today is going to be a great day." Repeat this affirmation to yourself several times to help set a positive tone for your day.

It's essential to create a positive environment that fosters personal growth and well-being, and this starts with how you begin your day and the thoughts you choose to focus on.

2. Capture Your Thoughts. A powerful step to winning your mind is to recognize the thoughts you are thinking. Just the act of awareness - "that is a negative thought" dispels its energy.

Keep a thought journal where you can write down your thoughts and feelings throughout the day. This will help you identify patterns and gain insights into the types of thoughts that are dominating your mind.

By regularly reflecting on your thoughts, you can begin to understand how they shape your actions and emotions and learn how to shift them in a more positive direction.

3. Identify the Emotions. Closely tied to your negative thought is an emotion. What is it? Is it sadness, anger, shame?

Take the time to acknowledge and understand the emotions behind your thoughts. This will help you develop a deeper understanding of your thought patterns and improve your ability to manage them more effectively.

Recognizing the emotions that accompany your thoughts is a crucial step in gaining control of your mindset, as it enables you to address the root causes of negativity and take proactive steps to create a more positive inner world.

4. Own it. To have a winning mindset it is important to tell yourself the truth about your thoughts. Your thoughts are a signal to pay attention to. Perhaps you have been ignoring an important truth. If so, take responsibility for yourself. Own your success and your failures, and understand these are part of your growth.

By accepting and embracing your thoughts, you can start to develop a more positive mindset and a stronger sense of self-worth.

Remember, personal growth and self-improvement stem from taking ownership of both your achievements and your setbacks and learning from them. Embrace the journey and recognize that each challenge is an opportunity to grow and become a better version of yourself.

5. Refute the Inner Critic. Watch for the lies of the inner critic. There will be a pattern to these thoughts of judgement and shame. Tell this critic they have no place in your mind or your heart.

Create a list of positive affirmations and truths that you can use to counter the negative messages from your inner critic. Review the list regularly and use it to build your self-esteem and confidence.

By actively addressing and challenging your inner critic, you can diminish its power over you and start to cultivate a more supportive and encouraging inner voice. Remind yourself of your strengths, accomplishments, and unique qualities to bolster your self-confidence and reinforce a positive mindset.

6. Mindful breathing. When you are under pressure often your breathing will be shallow and constricted. Take a few moments for some mindful breathing. If this is new to you, start with a simple practice of box breathing:

• Breathe in deeply through the nose to a count of four seconds. 
• Hold your breath at the top for four seconds. 
• Exhale slowly through the mouth for a count of four seconds. 
• Hold your breath for a count of four seconds. 

Repeat this process several times, focusing on the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body. Mindful breathing can help to calm your mind, reduce stress, and restore your sense of balance and control.

7. Reframe Your Thoughts.  When faced with a challenging situation it is easy to get bogged down by negative thoughts and emotions. However, you can reframe these thoughts by consciously choosing to focus on the positives instead.

Reframing is a powerful cognitive tool that helps you change your perspective on a given situation, allowing you to see it from a different, more optimistic angle.

For example, if you are dealing with a difficult project at work, instead of focusing on how overwhelming it is, focus on the opportunities for growth and learning it presents.

8. Increase Positive Input. Another effective strategy to develop a winning mindset is to consistently expose yourself to positive inputs.

Start by evaluating what you fill your mind with each day. This includes the books you read, the podcasts you listen to, the news you consume, and even your social media feeds. What you feed your mind with can either bring you up or down. Is there something you need to remove? 

Be intentional about selecting content that nourishes your mind and spirit and promotes growth-oriented thinking. Remember, what you feed grows; what you starve diminishes. Feed your mind with positivity and watch how it changes your mindset and overall outlook.

9. Surround Yourself with Positivity. The people and environments you choose to be around can have significant impact on your mindset. Surround yourself with positive, supportive, and uplifting individuals who inspire and encourage you to be your best self.

Seek out environments that promote positivity, creativity, and personal growth. By intentionally choosing to engage with positive influences, you can cultivate a more resilient and winning mindset.

10. Take a Time Out. Your mind is constantly thinking with over 60,000 thoughts and hour. When you're caught up in the busyness and stress of day-to-day life it can be difficult to find the time and space to slow down and recharge.

Decide to take occasional time outs for five to ten minutes, where you take a break from activity and give your mind a rest. Disconnect from external distractions and focus on calming and centering yourself. Then you will go back to your tasks fresh.

11. Practice Gratitude. One of the best ways to have a winning mindset is by cultivating a grateful attitude. When you focus on the things you are grateful for it can help shift your mindset from negative to positive.

Set aside time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for, both big and small. Write them down in a gratitude journal or simply spend a few moments in quiet reflection. This practice helps you to focus on the good in your life, fosters a sense of contentment, and can lead to increased happiness and well-being.

Remember, developing a winning mindset is not an overnight process; much like achieving success in your business, it requires consistent effort, dedication, and a commitment to growth.

By practicing these strategies you will gradually change your thinking patterns and rewire your mind. Over time, these practices will become second nature. Instead of a negative reaction to a situation, you will watch yourself respond in an open and optimistic way.

My friend, the power to create a fulfilling and successful life as an entrepreneur lies within your own thoughts and beliefs. Embrace the process, and with determination and persistence, you will unlock your full potential and transform not only your mindset but also your life.