Don’t Limit Yourself

Image from Unsplash by Jose Aragones

We’ve noticed, while working around the world, that entrepreneurs sometimes limit themselves. They say things like:

• It’s never been done this way

• I’d never reach that goal

• No one would buy this

We’ve also seen coaches and mentors staining the future for entrepreneurs with their rear-view mirror experience.

Here’s the Thing: You want to learn from the past, not limit the future becauseof the past.

When you have an opportunity to learn and a new way of doing something — even if it's been tried before — bear in mind that the market, your attitude or staff, or the needs/wants of your customers may have changed.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t be careful or aware that this could lead you into a dead zone. I am saying:

Don’t let the past stain the future

Let the past empower and enlighten the future. Learning from it so you know what to expect, how to handle a yes as well as a no, and how to deal with the ups and downs can empower you.

If you are a coach or business mentor/advisor, this can empower you to let the other person be what they will be.

One of the methodologies we have used in training is not to say yes or no, but to let the person explore what they have in mind by asking them how they would do it and what makes them think it would or would not work.

BEFORE YOU GO

We see our blogs as opportunities for dialogue. Please share your thoughts as comments.

1. What tools have you used to ensure you don’t create limits for your opportunities?

2. What tools have you used to open doors to create new opportunities?

3. What other insights do you have regarding moving forward?

_____

Faris Alami is Founder and CEO of International Strategic Management, Inc. (ISM). He works internationally, presenting Exploring Entrepreneurship Workshops and other entrepreneurial ecosystem — related ventures.