How to change your mindset (for business owners)

Let’s kick things off with some good news.

You’re not broken.

Your mindset isn’t beyond repair. It’s just out of tune, like a guitar that hasn’t seen the light of day since the ’90s. If you want to start hitting the right notes (and stop repeating the same old song), you need to tune up.

And the best part?

You don’t need a guru, a vision board, or a magic pill. You’ve already got what you need to recalibrate and set your course.

Here’s the truth: shifting your mindset isn’t a one-time fix. It’s a daily practice - small tweaks over time that keep you on track. And guess what?

You’ve got this.

Success isn’t reserved for the shiny, picture-perfect crowd. It’s for those of us who know how to handle the sharp turns and potholes along the way.

So, how do you actually change your mindset?

This isn’t rocket science, but it does take some guts. It starts with spotting the nonsense you’ve been telling yourself and flipping the script.

1. Spot the BS narrative you’ve been living by
   Let’s face it - some of the stories running around in your head are, well, a bit dodgy. Maybe you’ve convinced yourself you’ve peaked, or worse, that you’re stuck in a scarcity loop (“There’s never enough!”).

That’s like following a sat nav that’s leading you straight into a ditch. Time to update the software.

2. Question everything
   Next time that little voice in your head says, “I can’t do this,” throw it a curveball and ask, “Is that true?”

(Spoiler: it’s probably not.)

Most of the limitations you think are set in stone are pure fiction. Start asking better questions, like “Why the hell not?” and you’ll be surprised at what you find.

3. Reframe those negative thoughts
   Let’s get real - nobody’s asking you to fake a smile and act like everything’s hunky-dory.

That’s not what this is about.

Reframing is all about seeing the tough stuff for what it is - a challenge, not a roadblock. Next time you think, “I can’t do this,” try “This is tough, but I’ll figure it out.”

You’re training your brain to turn obstacles into stepping stones.

4. Start small, win big
   Here’s a secret - big changes start with small steps.

Don’t overhaul your entire mindset overnight - it’s a surefire way to burn out. Instead, pick one area - like how you deal with failure - and start there.

Rack up a few small wins, and soon you’ll be moving mountains.

What shapes your mindset?

Spoiler alert: your mindset wasn’t handed to you fully formed. It’s a mix of the stuff you’ve experienced, the people around you, and the beliefs you’ve been fed over the years.

The good news?

You’re not stuck with it. Just like you can swap out an old vinyl for a new one, you can upgrade your mindset.

Cultural and social influences
If you grew up hearing “money doesn’t grow on trees” or “failure is the enemy,” it’s no wonder you’ve dragged that into your business.

The world loves to hype up the ‘overnight success,’ but we both know that’s rubbish.

And hustle culture? Forget it. You don’t need to grind yourself into the ground to get ahead. Play smarter, not harder.

Feedback loops
Every success, every failure, every bit of feedback - it’s all fuel for your mindset. If someone told you, “Maybe you’re not cut out for this,” chances are you’ve carried that with you.

But if you heard, “That’s part of the process - what’s next?” then you’re already on the path to growth.

The media you consume
Here’s a reality check - your social media diet is feeding your mindset more than you think.

If you’re scrolling through “hustle harder” nonsense, you’ll start believing that’s the only way to succeed.

But here’s the real deal: success isn’t about who can grind the hardest. It’s about playing the long game, baby.

Choose wisely what you let into your head.

How do you cultivate a growth mindset?

So, you want to upgrade your mindset? Great.

Now let’s talk about how you actually make it happen. Changing your thoughts is only half the battle. The real magic comes from shaping your environment.

1. Be ruthless with your inputs
   What you consume matters. Fill your world with people who challenge you to think bigger, not those who keep you stuck. Unfollow the noise, whether it’s online or the voices around you.

Curate your environment like you’re throwing a party - invite the people who make it better, and ditch the ones who bring the vibe down.

2. Create daily practices
   Changing your mindset is a game of consistency.

Whether it’s journaling, meditating, or just taking five minutes to reflect - build habits that support your growth. It’s like going to the gym: one workout won’t make a difference, but stick with it, and you’ll start seeing results.

3. Upgrade your circle
   You’ve heard it before - you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

If your crew is stuck in negativity or constantly moaning about how hard life is, guess what? You’re going to pick that up.

Time to level up. Surround yourself with people who push you to be better and think bigger.

4. Act ‘as if’
   This isn’t “fake it till you make it.”

It’s be it till you become it. Want to shift your mindset? Start acting like you’ve already made the shift. Want to feel more confident? Start showing up like you already are.

When you act “as if,” the rest will follow.

The cost of not changing your mindset

Here’s where things get real.

If you don’t change your mindset, it’s going to cost you. And trust me, it’s not a small price to pay.

You’ll keep bumping into the same walls, running the same frustrating patterns, and wondering why you’re not getting ahead.

The reality is, it’s not that the opportunities aren’t there - it’s that you’re not ready to grab them.

But if you’re willing to make the shift?

Game on.

Your mindset is your compass. Recalibrate it, and you’ll find yourself on the path to real, sustainable success - the kind that doesn’t burn you out but actually makes you feel alive.