When building a business, keep in mind that many things can hold you back. It’s easy to get caught up in the little things and forget about your dreams. However, if you want to take your business to the next level, it’s crucial to adopt a growth mindset and focus on continual personal development rather than dwelling on what you can’t do yet.

The most important aspect of having a growth mindset is to look for new ways to grow. It is not about finding the next big thing or bright shiny object; it’s about recognizing that we grow every single day, even when we tackle small tasks.

The Difference Between Limiting Beliefs and a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is when you believe that people – YOU – can get better, can learn more, can change into a better version of yourself. A limiting belief is exactly the opposite, believing that one’s capabilities are static and that this is all life has to offer. The difference between these two is fundamental to how an individual approaches challenging situations.

A limiting belief is something that you believe to be true. It may be a negative thought that prevents you from reaching your full potential. Most often these are lessons learned from our past, often in early childhood. 

A growth mindset is a positive way of thinking about your abilities and potential. It is accepting and embracing that things can change and not just staying in one place forever.

How to Break Limiting Beliefs and Improve Your Growth Mindset

Breaking limiting beliefs and embracing a growth mindset is essential to foster positive achievement. While it may sound difficult or impossible, with consistent work, you can reprogram your brain to believe in yourself and your capabilities of running your business.

1. Start With What You Know

Starting with what you know is a tried-and-true method for developing a growth mindset. It allows people to make progress and build on the knowledge they already possess. Remind yourself of your expertise and your years of experience. Even if your experience is limited, you know more than the average person about starting a business, so be proud of that accomplishment! 

2. Work Toward Goals

A growth mindset is essential for success in any field and allows you to dream big and actually BELIEVE that your dreams can come true. When you create goals, you set a roadmap for your progress, getting from Step A to Step B and so forth. Acknowledge every single goal as a win, no matter how small. Also write down what you learn from every experience, whether good or bad. There are lessons to be learned every day. 

3. Permit Yourself to Fail

Whether it’s at work or in relationships, you need to be able to accept your mistakes and move on. If you don’t take any risks and permit yourself to fail, you will never have the opportunity to grow and improve. The first step is acknowledging that you’re not perfect. You need to accept your flaws and not beat yourself up for them.

4. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is a practice that can help us feel better, be happier, and even live longer. It is a way to cultivate positive thoughts and feelings that can lead to a growth mindset. Practicing gratitude can make you more productive and gives you the ability to focus on your goals and think about what matters most in life instead of dwelling on the negative aspects of things.

5. Challenge Yourself

To make the most out of your career and business, you need to believe that you can improve and grow as a person. A growth mindset is not about being perfect or flawless — it’s about learning from your mistakes and finding ways to learn more. 

Limiting beliefs can prevent you from achieving your dreams. It is crucial to break them to make way for a growth mindset by learning new skills, taking risks, and following your dreams.