There is an abundance of talent and ability in the world of business, yet too many professionals are playing small and limiting their success. What really makes the difference is mindset. The way you think shapes what you do and the direction you take. So why are these talented and able people playing small? They start out in business with a big vision, immense determination and plenty of drive, but somewhere along the way their mindset changes and they become complacent. Of course, they continue to work in their business, but something has changed. They have lost sight of their dream and now settle for being like everyone else.
The problem with being one of many is …
- Competition is higher. This is the level that attracts most people. It offers a comfort zone, promising safety in numbers
- Potential is wasted and you become one of the ‘average’
- There is no innovation, no excitement and no need to be different
- You are price competitive, so the rewards for your hard work are less
- There is no need to be outstanding. You just have to be ‘good enough’, but you never find out how far you can go
Playing small is self-defeating!
In a globally competitive market, where competition is high, playing small is self-defeating. It increases complacency and drains your energy. Over time, you lose your passion for what you do and your business becomes mundane, rather than the exciting venture you began with such passion.
Now playing small is not the same as being small. The internet has given small business owners a global reach, with flexible ways of working. You can be a small business and still attract international clients, or benefit from a willing, flexible work force of highly skilled and talented people who provide the support you need.
The opportunities are endless, but it begins with having a clear vision of what you want. You don’t need to know exactly how you are going to get there … often the reason why so many business owners and professionals limit their ambitions. You just need to be fully committed to where you want to get to, know why it’s important to you and have a burning desire to succeed. That will change your mindset and approach!
Case study
Ali had a big vision for her business. It gave clarity and focus to the choices and decisions she needed to make for the business to grow. Even in times of challenge, she stayed true to her vision, both for the business she wanted to create and the successful businesswoman she was determined to become. It gave her the courage to step up, challenge herself and truly walk her talk. Since then, she has worked with some of the top business names in the UK and internationally and is seen as an expert in her field. She stayed small but set the bar high and her vision became reality.
“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
Nelson Mandela 1918-2013, President of South Africa, Revolutionary, and Philanthropist
Performance Tip
Look again at the vision you had for your business. If it doesn’t still scare and excite you, or you know that complacency has set in, you are playing small. It’s time to change your perspective and step up. Your mindset is limiting your success!
What next?
If this post has made you stop and view your business, career or any part of your life in a new light, I’d love to hear your feedback. You may also want to subscribe to future posts. All are designed to raise awareness and increase your success in business and in life.
With much love,
