How do entrepreneurs sabotage themselves? Find the first 5 reasons in Part I.
6. They are secretive about what they’re doing
Everyone has an obligation to their teachers, mentors, the planet – to everyone that has given us our training and mastery. If we’re given a gift, it’s our obligation to share it. When we’re stuck in old-paradigm patterns of thinking of scarcity of ideas, or the notion that someone will steal our idea, then we are closed into a box, not allowing for further opportunities or insights to pour in. In this day and age, is there really such a thing as a ‘rare and unique’ idea, or rather, is it the personality, love and conviction of the entrepreneur who has brought this idea to life? For example, many of us could have come up for the idea for Facebook, but it was Mark Zuckerberg’s continuous efforts, idea and conviction that keeps it alive.
7. They act like the Little Sister
Angela shared an idea that being an entrepreneur means to take on the ‘big sister’ or ‘big brother’ role in a client relationship. You want to be emulated and sought after, not to coddle or convince potential clients of your value proposition. When we give into our clients demands, we almost begin becoming like a ‘little sister’, with the client leading the way. This is unhealthy and disempowering, and is one of the main reasons why many entrepreneurs fail.
However, when one is being mentored or coached, then playing the ‘little sister’ role is appropriate. The key is to know when to play the right role.
8. They are addicted to do things the long or hard way
This is one that I see all the time in the corporate world, or with certain entrepreneurs. This comes from a masculine energy of struggling and working hard; which I have found to be personally dis-harmonizing. In those modes of working hard, mindlessly, I have found myself lacking in energy, intuition and creativity.
Angela pointed out that the richest people in the world work the least in the world and tend to lead a very easy life. Now, I personally don’t feel that an ‘easy life’ is one that involves minimal work; it’s just that the effort is more free-flowing from our state of being. For instance, I would love to do yoga, meditation, performing sacred rites, coaching and working on a cause I care about – all day long – this would not feel like ‘the daily grind’, including the efforts that go along with maintaining such a lifestyle (business strategy, marketing, planning, communicating, etc.). I always look for short-cuts, and take plenty of rest and ‘me time’. I believe that if we were close to nature, we wouldn’t be doing ‘too much work’, the way animals live, so naturally, yet, abundantly.
Angela gave the analogy of 3 car lanes:
a) The slow lane – this is the most chaotic and dangerous, and yet, where most people tend to be. It’s one where people are getting in and out of exits.
b) The middle lane – this is where people are not paying attention – almost like they’re sleepwalking, as they are cushioned by the people around them, and the structure that’s been provided.
c) The fast lane – this is where people are alert, plus there aren’t not too many people around – less exits. Surround yourself with people who are succeeding and living in the fast lane – they tend to be abundant, and drama-free.
9. Business is about competition – or that you have to compete to succeed
This comes from the feeling of being separate – from oneself, others, and the universe at large.
We can shift this by reminding ourselves that we are part of the whole; and everything we do affects the industry as a whole.
10. They can be super-optimistic
Ever meet someone who thinks that everything’s going well, even if someone is embezzling their bank account? They are seeped in the thinking that as long as they are optimistic, things will turn out OK, even with the current actions that they are taking.
This can actually be be an avoidance tactic, and to not address important issues at hand in a conscious manner.
How do we shift to a more conscious form of optimism? Find out how you can take an action to lock down the belief – show that you are doing things right, and find actions that line up with what we are positive about.
11. Having a mis-guided view about being likable
What does it take to be liked? Angela shared a set of characteristics that make one shine – and involves mirroring positive qualities in other people that you like, such as having a nurturing personality, being appreciative and grateful.
On the flip side, many people, especially women, believe that once you’re rich, people won’t like you. Having a poverty mentality, assumes a victimhood state. Surround yourself with people who make things happen, and are compelling – they tend to also be successful.
12. They don’t trust many things, and are extremely skeptical of everything
This is a failure mindset. How do we shift this? Find reasons to trust people instead of judging them. Ask what can they do to help us?
13. Lack of interest in marketing and sales
You have to start getting interest in sales and marketing. If you believe that the product is going to sell itself, then you’re going to spiral down the anonymity hole. Either you can develop the skills yourself, or, if it truly doesn’t inspire you, follow the fast-track and hire someone to do the marketing.
14.Pretentiousness
This thinking pattern pertains to the belief that you know better without trying or testing it. Angela gave an example of someone who didn’t like opt-in boxes prominently displayed on her website – this could pose an obstacle for someone who did want to get updates from the site, wouldn’t you agree?
She says: Become like a sponge. Always be testing new ideas and concepts out. For example, if you’re the person who doesn’t believe in opt-in boxes, put one on your site, and see if you like the outcome than before!
15. Being wishy-washy or non-decisive
These people never come to a decision. They disguise it as needing more information, time or guidance. I personally find myself in this thinking pattern quite a bit – looking for new ways to get more training or certifications. This can be a trap!
How do we shift this pattern? Take action and make mistakes; after all, mistakes are road to success.