In this post, I’m talking about something most people overlook when starting or growing a business: mindset.

We’re often bombarded with strategies, blueprints, and step-by-step guides that promise us success if we just follow the formula. Don’t get me wrong — having a solid strategy is important. But here’s the kicker: even the best strategy won’t work if your mindset isn’t in the right place.

Think about it. How many times have you second-guessed yourself when trying something new? Or put off launching an idea because you felt you weren’t “ready”? That’s not a lack of strategy. That’s your mindset holding you back.

Why Mindset is the Real MVP

Your mindset is the lens through which you view your business, your challenges, and even your potential.

A growth mindset — the belief that you can learn, adapt, and improve — is what separates the entrepreneurs who thrive from the ones who give up when things get hard.

Let me put it this way: a strategy tells you what to do, but your mindset determines whether you’ll actually do it.

For example, let’s say your strategy is to grow your business through social media. Great! You know you need to post consistently, engage with your audience, and maybe even try video content. But if your mindset is full of self-doubt (“I’m too awkward on camera”) or fear of judgment (“What if no one likes my posts?”), you’re not going to execute that strategy effectively.

The Domino Effect of a Growth Mindset

When you approach your business with a growth mindset, you start to see challenges as opportunities to learn rather than roadblocks. Did that launch flop? Instead of calling it a failure, you can analyze what went wrong and try again with new insights. Growth-minded entrepreneurs don’t give up; they pivot.

A strong mindset also helps you:

• Stay resilient during tough times. Entrepreneurship isn’t easy, and there will be moments when quitting feels like the only option. Your mindset can keep you grounded and focused.
• Take calculated risks. Playing it safe might feel comfortable, but it’s not where growth happens. A growth mindset encourages you to step out of your comfort zone.
• Embrace learning. Every mistake, every hiccup, every “no” you hear is a chance to grow and improve.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset

Okay, so mindset matters. But how do you actually cultivate a growth mindset? Here are a few tips that have worked for me and countless other entrepreneurs:

1. Reframe negative thoughts. When you catch yourself thinking, “I can’t do this,” challenge that thought. Replace it with, “I’m learning how to do this.” Words matter more than you think.
2. Celebrate progress, not just results. Did you post your first reel even though you were nervous? That’s a win! Celebrate it. These small victories build confidence.
3. Surround yourself with positivity. Connect with people who inspire and support you. Limit time with those who doubt or criticize your dreams. Energy is contagious — make sure you’re catching the good kind.
4. Embrace failure as part of the process. No one gets it right the first time, and that’s okay. Failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s a stepping stone.
5. Invest in personal development. Read books, listen to podcasts, take courses — anything that fuels your mind and keeps you inspired.

My Personal Mindset Shift

I’ll be honest. When I started my journey, I thought strategy was everything. I spent hours creating the “perfect” plan. But I still wasn’t moving the needle. Why? Because I was scared to show up. I was afraid of failing, of being judged, of not being good enough. My strategies didn’t matter because I wasn’t executing them.

Everything changed when I worked on my mindset. I started taking imperfect action. I allowed myself to be a beginner. I leaned into the discomfort of growth. And guess what? That’s when the magic happened. Strategies that once felt impossible started to work because I was finally willing to put them into action.

If you take one thing away from this, let it be this: Your mindset is your greatest business asset. You can learn strategies, hire coaches, or buy the best tools, but if you don’t believe in yourself and your ability to grow, none of it will matter.

So, the next time you’re stuck, don’t just ask, “What’s the best strategy?” Ask yourself, “What’s holding me back from taking action?” Chances are, the answer lies in your mindset.

What mindset shifts have made the biggest difference in your journey? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!