17 Thoughts For the Successful Individual

According to T. Harv Eker, author of Secrets of the Millionaire Mind, there are 17 thought-provoking characteristics of the successful mindset, and 17 equally debilitating characteristics of the unsuccessful mind.

T. Harv Eker, a man who has struggled financially for twelve years himself, committed to applying each of these thoughts to his own life and reached millionaire status in just 2.5 years. He is adamant that taking this approach will help you reach financial freedom.

Let’s take apart his famous infographic and look at these powerful principles that outline his strategies and see what they’re really about. Here is my take on what Eker wants us to apply to our careers, and essentially our livelihood.

1. I create my life vs. Life happens to me
   Take responsibility for yourself and your actions. Not allowing yourself to be a victim of your circumstances is empowering. You are in control of your life and you are the one that makes things happen.

2. I play the money game to win vs. I don’t want to lose at the money game
   Have confidence in your strategies, your business, and your career. Don’t concentrate on the possibility of losing, but focus on what you need to do to gain success.

3. I am committed to being rich vs. I want to be rich
   When you think “I want to be rich” it is daydreaming. You can “want” something as much as you like, but if you’re committed, you’re creating feasible strategies to making money and staying financially free. When you’re committed, you won’t let challenges get the best of you and in this way wanting turns to action.

4. I like to think big vs. Thinking big disappoints
   While it is good to prioritize daily tasks and take one step at a time, it is crucial to look at the big picture. Always take a step back and keep your eye on the big scheme of things, knowing that whatever you may face is temporary. Envision the end goal and don’t lose sight of it.

5. Obstacles are just opportunities vs. I keep getting blocked every time
   This could possibly be the hardest element of a successful mindset to tackle. Obstacles inevitably come and often unexpectedly. The main key to getting over them is not just physically undertaking the challenge itself, but how you mentally respond to what happened as well. It can be discouraging but if you constantly force yourself to see each obstacle as a small roadblock on your path to success, you’ll see that its not as bad as it seems.

6. I admire rich and successful people vs. I resent the rich and successful
   Many rich and successful people did not start off that way. Use other people’s successes (and setbacks) to inspire you and apply their stories to your own. See if there is anything applicable that can invigorate your own journey.

7. I spent time with positive or successful people vs. My friends are usually negative or unsuccessful
   This is huge. Keep yourself around like-minded individuals – people with passionate dreams and who are goal driven. Use each other for help, whether it’s through mentoring, inspiration or support.

8. I am willing to promote myself vs.I don’t like selling or promoting
   Keep an open mind and be willing to take risks. It is key in growing yourself, your business, and responding to the constant changes in the world around you. Be willing to accommodate life changes and don’t ever think you are too big for something.

9. My problems are smaller than me vs. I feel weighed down by problems
   Always know that any problem that pops up has a solution. Do not let it define or destroy you as a person. Tackle the problem with a list of possible solutions and let the end result strengthen you. When its over, reflect upon it with wisdom and patience and see how it can be better next time.

10. I am capable of receiving compliments and feedback vs. I feel uncomfortable receiving compliments and feedback
    Remember that criticism is always meant to be constructive. It is simply impossible to improve yourself, your methods and your outlook, without receiving the feedback of others – whether its from your superiors, your peers, friends, and family or even your own children. Know that nobody is perfect and there is always room for improvement. When you apply the feedback you’ve been given, watch how you change and become better for yourself and those around you.

11. I get paid for results vs. I get paid for my time
    Yes your time is precious. But when you’re goal oriented and you’re financially competitive, results are gold. Make sure that each dollar going out is well spent or invested and that each dollar coming in was well earned.

12. Faced with a choice, I go with “BOTH” vs. It’s always “EITHER/OR”
    Keep your possibilities and your mind open. You don’t always have to say no to something that seems daunting and you don’t always have to choose one way to do or solve something. Sometimes there is more than one way to achieve what you want and its important to look at all the different angles.

13. I’m focused on boosting my net worth vs. I’m focused on boosting my working income
    When you decide that you want to grow yourself – that doesn’t just mean making more money. It means bettering yourself as an individual and becoming more valuable in your industry as well. Don’t set your goals low – know that you are worth everything and can reach unthinkable heights if you allow yourself.

14. I know how to manage money vs. I struggle with money management
    Be confident and prudent in how you manage your money. You may be brilliant at making it but can you handle the different ways its going in and out? Perhaps you need a bookkeeper to take care of this for you. Use your tools and resources effectively so that you can confidently say you’ve got your finances under control.

15. I let my money work hard vs. I work hard for my money
    Every dollar you spent should be well thought out. Whether its the product you’re buying, investing, staffing, whatever it is and wherever it’s going – see that it helps you and your business and that it brings you that much closer to financial success and achievement.

16. I act even if I’m scared vs. I’m often so scared that I end up not trying
    Never let fear get the best of you. If you are scared to do something, do it anyways while scared. One of the bravest things you can do for yourself is acting in the face of fear and uncertainty, and each time you do, you grow in ways you never thought you could.

17. I am constantly learning and growing vs. I already know everything I need to know
    Remember that no matter what level you have reached in your success, you can never stop growing and improving. Be open to those around you who have something to teach you, even if it’s a five-year-old child. Just like everyone has something to offer, everyone has something to gain as well and some of that comes in the form of invaluable life lessons.

As humans beings, we are simply wired to want more. More power, more assets, more achievements. What we constantly lose sight of is our amazingly innate ability to manifest these dreams. It takes discipline and focus, but, equipped with the mindset of these strategic and engaging mental resources, you can achieve your next level of success and make an impact on yourself and the world.Whether you’re newly stablished, an aspiring small business, or an entrepreneur with a crazy idea that just might work, the variables and challenges involved can be overwhelming.

Generally speaking, you’ll have to consider what products or services to provide, which types of customer you want to work with, and how to earn enough money.

Below is a list of ten tips you’ll need to get your business off on the right foot.

#1: Create A List of Services

Don’t try to do everything. If you’re doing consulting, be specific about the type of consulting you want to do. For example, if you’re doing tax prep, don’t offer to do administrative services. Instead, offer CFO services. If you’re a bookkeeper, don’t offer to build a website, even if you know how.

#2: Find your Niche

In other words, what niche do you want to work in, and how will it differentiate you? Your jam can be anything from your ideal client’s industry, to the services you provide, to the software or apps you use.

#3: Determine your Business Structure

Depending on what type of business you have, you may need to set up an LLC, sole proprietorship or corporation. Check with us to determine the best structure for the type of business you run.

#4: Design Processes

Only 44 percent of small businesses survive after the first two years, according to the Small Business Administration. Those that do, have processes in place to ensure success. Think about what processes would help you – lead tracking, onboarding new clients, finances and weekly/monthly/quarterly processes, for example.

#5: Establish Revenue Streams

What 44 percent of surviving small businesses have in common, is a plan for their revenue stream. To develop these, look at your core services and determine what other things you may provide. For example, our core services are bookkeeping, taxes, and QuickBooks consulting for small to mid-sized businesses. Make sure your services are tied to each other, so that your target audience remains consistent.

#6: Get out there

“Remember Field of Dreams,” where Kevin Costner kept hearing a voice saying, “If you build it, they will come?” This is the mistake many small business owners make. They decide to open up shop, so they set up a website and expect to immediately have clients. To get clients, you have to work hard. Social media, in-person networking, online forums, asking for referrals … there are many ways to get new clients.

#7: Hire professionals

To run your own business, you need to know a lot, but not everything. It pays to invest in your business by identifying the gaps in your knowledge and getting help. Maybe, it’s a coach, a bookkeeper or a marketing person. Even if you have the skills, as you get busier, outsource administrative tasks so that you can focus on your core business.

#8: Be accountable

Get an accountability partner – join a roundtable, or find another small business owner. Meet regularly and share your plans. Get feedback on whether you have a good idea or you’re headed in a direction that may not help your business succeed. Find support and bounce ideas off each other.

#9: Review and Analyze

Are things working the way you expected? QuickBooks recently talked to a ProAdvisor who was shelling out a lot of money for SEO, Instagram marketing, and more, but they weren’t seeing any ROI. It was then suggested that the ProAdvisor cut some of those expenses and try something else. Sometimes there comes a point when changes need to be made.

#10: Adjust

Are your processes working? Do you have enough time to serve your clients? Are you seeing an ROI on your marketing efforts? You’ll want to make periodic adjustments, based on your activities and your goals for the business.

Above all, live up to your challenges. Being an entrepreneur or small business owner is your choice, so make it work. It can be done. You can survive, emerge and succeed, using the right resources.

Source:

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/blog/accountant-advice/10-tips-starting-new-business/