Entrepreneurship is less about coming up with the perfect idea and more about learning how to think in a way that isn’t normal. The most successful founders all have a unique way of thinking that can be learned on purpose. Here are ten great ways to improve your entrepreneurial mindset and greatly increase your chances of creating something that lasts.
First, learn to see failure as feedback instead of proof of your worth. Every rocket that crashed at SpaceX, every pitch that was turned down, and every feature that nobody used gave them data, not failure. When something goes wrong, ask yourself right away, “What did this teach me?” and “How can I change?” This way of looking at setbacks takes away the emotional sting and turns experience into an unfair advantage.
Second, be very interested in your customers. The best businesspeople talk less and listen more. Every week, make it a point to talk to at least a few customers or potential customers. Don’t try to sell or defend; instead, ask open-ended questions and take detailed notes. Real empathy and real breakthroughs in products come from understanding, not making assumptions.
Third, learn to make decisions even when you don’t have all the facts. In business, there are no guarantees, only chances. Learn to think in bets: weigh the risks (can you handle it?), figure out the rewards, and act when the odds are in your favor. Speed adds up; if you wait for perfect data, you will probably miss the chance.
Fourth, make it easier to take action. Planning too much and doing too much research may seem useful, but they rarely change anything. Make a simple rule: if you get excited about an idea, make yourself take the first real step within 72 hours. This could be buying the domain, sending the email, or posting the landing page. Momentum makes things clear that just thinking about them won’t.
Fifth, love being resourceful, not having a lot of resources. Most famous companies started with very little. Instead of waiting for more time, money, or people, ask yourself, “How can I get 80% of the result with only 20% of what I think I need?” When there are too many things, people tend to get lazy. When there are too few things, people tend to get creative.
Sixth, take full responsibility. When things go wrong—and they will—don’t blame the market, the team, the competition, or bad luck. First, look in the mirror and ask yourself, “What could I have done differently?” Taking full responsibility hurts at first, but it frees you over time because it puts you back in charge.
Seventh, really fall in love with the problem, not the first solution you come up with. Great entrepreneurs stay married to the problem they’re solving and are ready to break up with any idea that isn’t working. Instagram, Slack, YouTube, and many others became billion-dollar businesses only after their founders killed their original ideas and changed them to things that customers really wanted.
Eighth, learn to work from a place of plenty instead of a place of lack. A scarcity mindset sees few customers, money, and chances; an abundance mindset sees endless possibilities and works with others instead of against them. Practicing gratitude, being around other builders, and celebrating small wins all help to make this change stronger and help you make bolder choices.
Ninth, learn to be okay with being uncomfortable all the time. Cold calling, giving speeches, raising money, firing people who aren’t doing their jobs well, and sending out work that isn’t perfect are all things that don’t feel natural, but they are necessary. Every day, plan to do one thing that makes you feel bad. Over time, your ability to handle pain becomes your superpower.
Finally, mix a crazy long-term vision with fanatical short-term execution. Have a ten-year goal that seems impossible, but focus on the customer experience, the numbers, and the product details of today. Jeff Bezos dreamed of being the best at e-commerce while working at a folding table. The big dream inspires; the daily obsession gets things done.
Your mind isn’t set in stone; it’s the muscle that can be trained the most. Choose one of these ten habits and stick to it for the next 30 days. Small, steady changes in how you think can lead to amazing results. The world needs more people who think and act like they own things. Today is the day.
