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Entrepreneurial mindset: what is it & how to think like an entrepreneur

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What is an entrepreneurial mindset?

The importance of having an entrepreneurial mindset, think like an entrepreneur: 5 characteristics of an entrepreneurial mindset, how to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, the benefits of an entrepreneurial mindset in the workplace, examples of an entrepreneurial mindset and thinking in the real world, anyone can embrace the entrepreneurial mindset.

What separates an entrepreneur from you or me? Hint: it's has to do with their mindset. 

From the outside looking in, it’s easy to think there’s something different about them. Perhaps even special. But that’s often because we only hear about entrepreneurs in the context of business owners and tech startup CEOS. 

But let me tell you a secret: even the most successful entrepreneurs are human beings. They eat, sleep, and make mistakes like the rest of us.

The difference is they cultivated a set of skills conducive to creative thinking, growth, and adaptability. In this way, entrepreneurship is a mindset more than anything else — and you can learn it, too. You don’t even have to own a business! The entrepreneurial mindset is valuable whether you're a Fortune 500 leader or an intern at a local NGO.

Do you have what it takes? I bet you do. 

Let’s dive in.

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5. The people you don’t hear about

Rowling, Mandela, Jobs, and Edison embody the entrepreneurial mindset and exemplify how it can change the world.

But let’s not forget that some people don’t make the same headlines but impact their communities. Think of the boss that inspires her team, the volunteer who started a fundraiser to help sick kids, or the family who runs your favorite restaurant.

These people aren’t waiting for something to happen. They’re doing the work to address a need while achieving their own goals, dreams, and aspirations.

You don’t have to run a business to be an entrepreneur. The entrepreneurial mindset is about taking ownership of your work and using your abilities to tackle challenges and make an impact.

As an aspiring entrepreneur, you can start today. Examine your workflow and ask, “How can I do this better?” Listen to your colleagues. What do they complain about, and how could their problem be solved? Or, if you’re feeling bold, make a plan for that online business of your dreams. 

If you don’t know where to start, BetterUp is here. Designed to help individuals realize their potential, BetterUp is dedicated to healthy human transformation through career development and building social connections. We aren’t going to sugarcoat it: focusing on and improving yourself and your skills is hard work, but we’re here to encourage you. 

Partner with a BetterUp coach to see how you can embrace aspects of the entrepreneur approach in your own life.

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Maggie Wooll, MBA

Maggie Wooll is a researcher, author, and speaker focused on the evolving future of work. Formerly the lead researcher at the Deloitte Center for the Edge, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Princeton University and an MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Maggie is passionate about creating better work and greater opportunities for all.

What is an entrepreneur? Understanding the different types and examples of entrepreneurship

Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit 10 characteristics to lean into, want to find your inner entrepreneur 13 tips to get started, the 12 best entrepreneurial skills, 10 characteristics for becoming a successful entrepreneur, an entrepreneur's greatest asset is wellness. here are 5 ways to protect yours., what business acumen is and 9 ways to develop it, what is job crafting, why does it matter, and how can you do it, had a bad day here’s what to do when you mess up at work, how to do what you love and love what you do, what i didn’t know before working with a coach: the power of intentionality, can dreams help you solve problems 6 ways to try, so you want to be your own boss here's how to do it right, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

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How you can benefit from an entrepreneurial mindset

It’s easy to admire the characteristics and success of entrepreneurs. And the good news is that what makes them great can make you great too. Use National Self-Improvement Month to your advantage, and learn how to think like an entrepreneur with Scott Livengood, assistant professor in Arizona State University’s W.P Carey School of Business.

When we imagine an entrepreneur, we often think of a visionary with savvy business smarts destined to be a big success. On the contrary, what sets successful entrepreneurs apart isn’t just their business plan. Oftentimes, it’s the characteristics of the entrepreneur themselves. Research shows that successful entrepreneurs have a unique way of approaching problems. This is the entrepreneurial mindset . This mindset shapes how successful entrepreneurs act and view the world around them. It’s also essential to their creativity and success.

The entrepreneurial mindset

The entrepreneurial mindset includes a variety of admirable traits including the ability to take initiative, adapt to change, find creative solutions and be comfortable with risk. People who have adopted this mindset see challenges as opportunities. They view failure as a chance to learn and let vision, not perfectionism, drive their actions. “With this mindset, learners are able to recognize potentially profitable opportunities, generate creative solutions to important problems, assess and minimize risk, gather critical resources, and present solutions to interested stakeholders,” said Scott Livengood, instructor of ASU Continuing and Professional Education entrepreneurship courses and assistant professor in the W.P. Carey School of Business. This way of thinking helps successful entrepreneurs make smart decisions and innovate in the face of challenges. “These learners are also able to analyze the challenges and opportunities with creating new ventures and can act to increase the likelihood of success in their own entrepreneurial endeavors,” Livengood said.

The benefits

The benefits of this mindset extend well beyond entrepreneurship. The ability to learn from failure, think creatively and identify opportunities can foster success in all parts of your life, even if you never plan to start your own business. “To me, the entrepreneurial process and entrepreneurial mindset do not just need to be confined to business situations in general, and new ventures specifically,” Livengood said. This entrepreneurial way of thinking can help you start a side hustle , lead innovative ventures at your current job and be a better problem solver in your personal life. Just as important, the entrepreneurial mindset can make you more adaptable to the rapid changes in today’s job market. “Those who are able to identify problems or opportunities and then work to generate creative solutions to those issues can also improve situations in their personal lives,” Livengood said. “This can benefit the lives of those around them as well.”

Changing your mindset

To develop an entrepreneurial mindset, you’ll probably need to change some of your current thought processes. Start by identifying which parts of your current mindset need to improve. Then come up with a plan to make those changes. This may involve changing your habits or developing the self-awareness to catch yourself when you fall back into your old mindset. For example, if you want to be more innovative, make time each day for creative exercises and reading. Or if you want to be more resilient, reframe your mindset to view each mistake as a chance to learn. Another key part of the entrepreneurial mindset is to never stop learning. So, try taking entrepreneurship classes to further boost your entrepreneurial thinking. “For our entrepreneurship courses, we are focused on providing learners with a fundamental understanding of the entrepreneurial process and on cultivating the entrepreneurial mindset,” Livengood said. By creating a vision and acting upon it, you’re already one step closer to thinking like an entrepreneur.

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An entrepreneurial mindset: what is it and how can you build it.

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A regular C student is the perfect example of a person with an entrepreneurial mindset. How so? Believe it or not, I mean it in a good way. Most C students are great at crisis management. They need to manage to keep up with the studying process enough to pass the tests. They are less likely to be disappointed with getting a lower grade, but they bother just enough to pass the tests. 

If you project this pattern of behavior on an adult, you’ll notice a striking similarity with many entrepreneurs. An entrepreneur has to be bold enough to face a crisis and, in a way, ready to lose everything. 

I guess that’s why a person who was an average student, who dropped out of college or decided not to graduate, has become almost a cliche of successful entrepreneurs .

Does Formal Education Matter Nowadays?

To become an entrepreneur, a person needs to know how business and economics work. They need to have relevant skills to start a company and implement their ideas. If a C student manages to get enrolled in a college, they might find some gaps to fill, but not everything in the classroom will correlate directly to entrepreneurship. If a college dropout manages to start a business, there’s a good chance they already have a lot of the knowledge they need. 

Maybe the grades don’t matter that much, but knowledge does. Even if a person is bold and good at crisis management, they still need hard skills and theoretical knowledge — otherwise, a business enthusiast will simply become an entrepreneur who doesn’t make a profit.

Untutored Talent Versus Diligent Work

An entrepreneurial skill set isn’t something you are born with or inherit. I don’t think anyone gets “the appropriate mindset” by default. People can hone the traits that make them better business people, and hard skills are something you can develop. Of course, temperament and personality are innate to a certain extent. However, psychological studies show that these aspects of human identity are still affected by environment and upbringing . 

I think people start developing the skills for business leadership early in their education. Personally, I don’t demand for my son to be an A student. Instead, I prefer him to learn how to get messages across to peers and adults, verbalize ideas, work with his wishes, develop time management skills, etc. Rather than specific content, I often prefer to explain to him the importance of doing his homework as a way to help him learn how to set priorities and get the essentials of time management.

Developing The Entrepreneurial Mindset

You can find many articles and posts on social media where authors share their tips on how to become a better business person.

Yet, reading these recommendations, I found that I cannot relate to much of the advice that frequently pops up. So, here is another list of to-dos based on my own experience that I hope can be more helpful.

• Read every day. Read the news, financial reports and analytics. At some point, you have to be discerning about what you read. If you have the choice between a fictional book and another market report, the latter should be a priority. Meanwhile, learn to highlight the essentials and skip the information that isn’t relevant. Make sure you don’t get lost in data.

• Analyze issues from different perspectives. If you don't do this, you risk missing something important and making an emotional decision instead of a rational one. Making time specifically for thinking is useful.

• Stay curious and learn new things. I don't think there's a limit to what a person can or should learn. In fact, we cannot afford to stop learning as the world is constantly changing. So whether it is intentional (advanced career training) or occasional (a new device you’ve just bought), make sure to stay curious.

• Don’t be afraid to face your fears. It goes both for personal and work-related ones. One day a person is afraid to ask a stranger about something and tomorrow they might be missing a business opportunity because of a hesitation to talk. 

• Learn to be persuasive. From an elevator pitch to long-lasting and complicated negotiations, there will be many opportunities to use this skill to your benefit. Reading up on how to be persuasive can help, but it's only through practice that you can truly perfect this skill. 

• Redefine a failure. I believe it’s better to look back and regret the things you did rather than the things you didn’t do. Not trying at all can be a more genuine disappointment.

As mentioned earlier, there are some popular ideas on how to level up one’s entrepreneurial mindset that I question. Here are a couple of the major culprits and why I push against them as viable methods to business success. 

• Set challenging goals. I have previously written on how executives perceive challenges, and I still believe that this concept is often misinterpreted. Wouldn’t realistic and attainable goals work better? And do we even use “challenging” correctly in this context?

• Always stay busy. Some experts advise staying preoccupied with either planning or implementing. No third option is available. I believe a person should get enough rest, go on vacation even , and switch off. Constantly investing all of your energy into your business might come with some negative side effects.

Bottom Line

One last trait often quoted as a part of an entrepreneurial mindset is creativity. Many define creativity in business as an ability to find new solutions to old problems. I think we need to redefine this term. Let’s add a pinch of fantasy and specificity to the concept. I recommend you start looking for new issues that don’t have any solutions right now. That’s what will make a person a truly creative entrepreneur. Those who focus on something beaten into the ground are attempting to manifest short-term stability rather than vision.

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The Entrepreneurial Mindset: What It Is & How to Develop One for Yourself

What is an entrepreneurial mindset here's how young professionals and future business owners can develop an entrepreneur mindset, powerful growth skills, and a knack for change..

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In 2020, there were  31.7 million small businesses  in the United States, making up 99% of all businesses. 

Starting a small business takes plenty of hard work and determination. It’s rewarding, certainly, but it also comes with its fair share of difficulties. Owning a business is not for the faint of heart. 

If you’re wanting to be an entrepreneur, you must develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Most of the challenges you face can be overcome with the right mental attitude.

How do you get this entrepreneurial mindset? 

Below you’ll find a guide on what the right entrepreneur mindset is and how you can achieve your own, just like all the successful entrepreneurs you’ve studied. Keep reading below!

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What is an Entrepreneur?

Most obviously, an entrepreneur is someone who takes the leap and pursues creating a new business or enterprise. Being an entrepreneur means owning your own business, but there’s so much more to it than that, of course. 

Entrepreneurs are crucial parts of the national and local economies. They’re fearless leaders and brilliant innovators. They’re hardworking individuals with goals in mind. 

You can see entrepreneurs leading with positivity and confidence. They’re quick to solve problems, and they aren’t afraid to take a few risks. 

Even with the trial and error of some successful and failed business ideas, they remain calm and collected. They continue until they reach success. 

Once successful, you may then see entrepreneurs as leaders of large teams. They might even be walking around with heavier wallets and more travel miles. 

Related Read : An Entrepreneur’s Glossary: 33+ Entrepreneurship Vocabulary Terms Defined

So, What is an Entrepreneurial Mindset?

Before you can build an entrepreneurial mindset, you must know what it is. There’s only one problem. You create what it is. 

There’s no perfect entrepreneur guide with a step-by-step process on how to achieve a calculated mindset. It depends on your personality, what your business is, how you uniquely fit into the market, etc.

An entrepreneurial mindset is a mindset that drives innovation, creativity, hard work, goal-setting, a fearless attitude, and calculated risks. Entrepreneurs see the world as a place with endless opportunities, and these opportunities are opportunities they create for themselves. 

This mindset doesn’t simply figure it can brush up a resume to get a job to work under someone else. It goes out and creates a successful job for itself. 

To be a successful entrepreneur, you need a solid foundation. The entrepreneurial mindset is your foundation. 

Related Read : How to Create an Elevator Pitch in 5 Easy Steps (With Tips & Advice)

How Do I Develop an Entrepreneurial Mindset?

There are countless ways you can start creating an entrepreneurial mindset today. It’s best to start practicing better habits now, and don’t be afraid to journal down response thoughts to this article. 

Becoming an entrepreneur doesn’t require waking up at 4 am and only taking cold showers as some guides might tell you, but following healthy habits does take discipline.

1. Invest in a Coach

No one is too good for a coach. Everyone can use the guidance. Find a business coach, co-founder, or a growth mentor, and invest in yourself by spending on them. 

A good coach is a priceless resource offering knowledge, experience, and perspective, and they will care about your entrepreneurial goals and business mission. They’ll create tailored plans that foster success, help improve your thought processes, streamline your sales objectives, and show you how to better manage your time . 

Ask your coach any burning questions you have about starting and running a business. Make sure to keep an open mind, and take a few risks with your coach. They’ll push you out of your comfort zone as they help you shape your entrepreneurship mindset. 

Related Read : Incubator vs Accelerator: Which One Is Right for Your Startup?

2. Keep Learning

Never stop yourself from learning more about the economy, finance, and other successful business owners. There’s an abundance of information to check out, and it pays to stay up to date with the latest facts and figures.

Hop online to check out these  awesome books for business owners , and spend some time browsing your local library. If you find an author you enjoy, see if they have any social media platforms you can follow.

If you’re an audible learner, start listening to podcasts that encourage a greater entrepreneurial mindset. You can even try self-improvement podcasts that help you create an overall better attitude towards life. 

Do your best to meet business owners in your own community. Chat with them about their business and how they overcame some big challenges. 

3. Make Small, Effective Changes

When learning how to become an entrepreneur, some of the greatest things you can do have nothing at all to do with being an entrepreneur or running a business.

Make small and effective changes to your daily routine that encourage you to become an improved version of yourself. This improved version of yourself will approach your personal life and business with a better mindset optimized with entrepreneur characteristics. 

Small changes can include attending a few workout classes each week or spending 30 minutes per day journaling in silence. You can also cook at home more, invest in a hobby, or work on communication with your partner . 

Related Read : 9 Characteristics & Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

4. Change Your Attitude Towards Failure

One of the most important entrepreneurial characteristics to have is fearlessness. Don’t fear failure. In fact, make failure a welcomed guest at the table. 

Failure can show us how to improve as an entrepreneur. It invites new and better ideas into our life. It closes doors so bigger and better ones can open. Consider any failed enterprise or idea an opportunity to grow.

Don’t let failure and self-doubt scare you away from taking your first step. If you need some extra help in overcoming your fear, consider investing in a regular therapist. Sometimes our fear of failure comes from childhood experiences we haven’t properly addressed. 

5. Set Attainable Goals

People who run marathons don’t just wake up and decide they want to run their city’s big marathon in a couple of days. Their mentality is to lock down the date months in advance and set small training goals. 

Write down your big goals, and always be specific when listing them. Once you document them,  set smaller goals to help you reach the big ones . 

For example, let’s say your goal is to officially own a small bakery by the end of next February. Your smaller goals might be incorporating a company, hiring a business coach, creating a list of products you want to sell, and finding the right space to rent. 

Hang up all of your goals in a visible spot. Take a moment each morning to read these goals to yourself. Then, take steps each and every day to make progress toward these goals of yours.

Related Read : 25 Inspiring Quotes and Business Tips from Successful Female Entrepreneurs

6. Shift Into a Mindset of Abundance

While you may not be a millionaire now, start feeling and acting like you’re a millionaire. Many people view money, success, and abundance as negative things. They may think rich people are greedy or that they aren’t worthy of financial abundance. 

All of these  moments of overthinking  and self-limiting beliefs are holding you back from reaching your dreams. It’s stopping you from taking the first step. 

Don’t be afraid of money. In fact, you may even want to speak verbal affirmations to remind yourself of how much you love money, how money loves you, and how money can help those around you. Also, don’t be afraid to donate money. Openly giving will create the energy of openly receiving. 

7. Create Moments of Pause

Most people think entrepreneurs are constantly moving forward at 100 mph. But, if you way go too fast too much of the time, you’ll miss hidden moments of discovery. 

Take moments to step back and evaluate the work you’ve been doing. Have you been making the right steps towards meeting your goals? Are you prioritizing correctly as you move through the week? Is there a value or purpose to every effort in your plan?

Finding moments to sit back and breathe will keep you from losing your marbles. These quiet moments allow for reflection and growth. Get into the habit of journaling during quiet moments, and reflect on what you wrote each day. 

Related Read : 50+ Best Entrepreneur Quotes & Sayings to Inspire, Motivate & Encourage

8. Trust Your Gut

When you’re in charge, you have to trust your gut. You may not always make the best choice, but you’ll learn to know how to fix the problem. 

Keep yourself from slipping into autopilot mode or letting others dictate each move you make. It’s great to seek guidance from others, but do what’s best for you and your business. 

If something doesn’t feel right, ask yourself why it doesn’t feel right. Don’t go through with a deal until you feel like it’s the right risk to take. Reject anything your gut adamantly warns you against, and focus on actions and situations which have a solid opportunity for value.

9. Have Fun

An entrepreneurial mindset isn’t all about sweat, tears, and an aching back. Have fun, and enjoy your success. Even if you aren’t where you want to be, celebrate where you are.

Don’t stop yourself from planning a vacation or enjoying a fancy meal. Buy yourself that new power suit, and host a dinner party for your friends. Life isn’t meant to be approached with a bland attitude. 

Plus, taking the time to have fun and be grateful for all that’s around you will only strengthen your mindset of abundance. It’s a skill to be able to recognize all the moments of richness in each day. 

Related Read : 3 Reasons Why Every Entrepreneur Should Pitch Ideas on Goodwall

Building the Right Entrepreneurial Mindset

Any successful business owner understands the importance of having a strong entrepreneurial mindset. Half the battles you face are matters of mindset!

Be an entrepreneur that’s always learning and setting goals. Don’t let your life become too serious, and look failure in the face. At the end of the day, go with your gut. And, if you’re lucky enough, your entrepreneurial mindset will quickly lead you down a path of improvement, critical thinking, and success.

Are you wanting more guides on entrepreneurship, self-improvement, and careers? Check out the rest of the Goodwall Blog to reach your full potential! And, if you have any questions, feedback, or other ideas for how to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, let us know below in the comments.

Related Read : How to Get Startup Funding: Best Ways to Get Money for Startups & Ideas

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The Entrepreneurial Mindset: What Is It And How Do You Develop It?

When you think about the movers and shakers of the world, those who’ve scaled the highest peaks of success, they all have something in common.

They all embody a certain quality – the entrepreneurial mindset. But what exactly does that mean?

The entrepreneurial mindset is more than just starting businesses or inventing breakthrough products. It’s about seeing opportunities where others see obstacles, embracing challenges, and not being afraid to fail.

Having an entrepreneurial mindset can benefit anyone, whether you’re running your own venture, spearheading a project at work, or simply navigating the complexities of everyday life.

Why? Because it’s a potent tool that can drive innovation, foster resilience, and ultimately lead to success in various aspects of life.

In this article, we’ll demystify the entrepreneurial mindset – what it is, why it’s critical for success, and most importantly, how you can cultivate it. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer understanding of this powerful mindset and will be armed with actionable tips to help you kick-start your journey to entrepreneurial thinking.

What Is An Entrepreneurial Mindset And Why Is It Important?

An entrepreneurial mindset is an approach to thinking that involves particular behaviors, attitudes, and values which drive entrepreneurial actions. It’s characterized by aspects such as being open-minded, embracing critical thinking, and demonstrating resilience during challenging times . Such a mindset emphasizes long-term planning, flexibility, and persistently overcoming the hurdles that inevitably arise when running a business.

The entrepreneurial mindset is a way of thinking that embraces ambiguity, seizes opportunities, and doesn’t shy away from challenges. It’s not strictly about business entrepreneurship. Rather, it’s a mindset that can be applied to various areas of life, including personal growth, career development, and problem-solving.

Richard Branson has an entrepreneurial mindset

“You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing and falling over.” – Richard Branson

People with an entrepreneurial mindset see the world differently. They are not intimidated by barriers or roadblocks. Instead, they see these as opportunities to create something new, improve existing systems, or find effective solutions. They are not deterred by failures. Instead, they view them as learning experiences that can pave the way for future success.

Individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset trust their capabilities and their power to influence outcomes. They’re decisive, ready to accept responsibility, and always open to enhancing their skills. They learn from their mistakes and continuously put their ideas into action. Furthermore, their curiosity and creativity make them lifelong learners. Their positive mental attitude, effective communication, intrinsic motivation, and tenacity, combined with their capacity to learn from failures, distinguishes them from others.

So why do you need to have an entrepreneurial mindset? Simply put, this mindset will get you further professionally and personally, as it sets you up with the right attitude and skills to grow and succeed throughout your life.

What Are The Characteristics Of An Entrepreneurial Mindset?

The entrepreneurial mindset isn’t just about launching start-ups or pioneering new industries. This mindset is characterized by a distinct set of qualities that can transform the way you approach various aspects of life. Foremost among these is the ability to recognize and seize opportunities, a trait often linked with innovation and creativity. This means spotting potential where others might see impossibility. Those with an entrepreneurial mindset are often forward-thinkers, constantly envisioning what could be rather than being limited by what currently is. They’re the type to shake up the status quo and introduce new concepts or fresh perspectives.

In addition to their creative prowess, individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset aren’t afraid of taking calculated risks. They understand that venturing into the unknown is often a prerequisite for achieving unprecedented success. While risk-taking may lead to failure at times, those with an entrepreneurial mindset are resilient and view these instances as learning opportunities, not setbacks. They’re quick to bounce back, adapt, and move forward, embracing the mantra of “fail fast, learn faster.” This resilience, coupled with a healthy dose of determination and passion, empowers them to keep pushing ahead, even when the odds are stacked against them.

How To Develop An Entrepreneurial Mindset

With the right approach and commitment, anyone can cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset. Let’s dive into a nine-step strategy that can help you unleash your inner entrepreneur. Each step focuses on key attributes of the entrepreneurial mindset, equipping you with the tools and insights needed to spark creativity, overcome challenges, and turn your aspirations into reality.

1. Embrace Challenges

The first step in developing an entrepreneurial mindset is learning to embrace challenges. Challenges, after all, are opportunities in disguise. When confronted with a problem, entrepreneurs don’t shy away. Instead, they dive in headfirst, treating each obstacle as a chance to learn, grow, and innovate. They ask probing questions, consider multiple perspectives, and remain solution-oriented. Embracing challenges fosters resilience, a critical characteristic for any entrepreneur.

To cultivate this trait, start by reframing how you perceive difficulties. Instead of viewing them as insurmountable barriers, regard them as puzzles waiting to be solved. Adopt a growth mindset , understanding that each challenge is a stepping stone towards improvement and mastery. Remember, each problem you tackle is a chance to learn something new and to enhance your problem-solving skills.

2. Foster Creativity And Innovation

Entrepreneurship thrives on creativity and innovation. These two elements are the fuel that drives new ideas, opens up fresh markets, and creates value in unexpected places. Entrepreneurs aren’t content with the status quo; they’re always seeking new and better ways of doing things. They ask “why not?” when others say “it can’t be done.”

To bolster your creativity, try to expose yourself to different experiences, cultures, and perspectives. Broaden your knowledge base, learn about different industries, and explore various fields of interest. The more diverse your inputs, the richer your ideas will be. Cultivate an open mind, be curious, and never stop questioning. Encourage brainstorming sessions, keep a journal of your ideas, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

3. Set Clear, Achievable Goals

Entrepreneurs know where they want to go and set clear, achievable goals to get there. Goal setting is crucial as it provides direction, serves as motivation, and offers a benchmark for measuring progress. Entrepreneurs don’t just set lofty, long-term goals; they also break them down into smaller, manageable steps, creating a roadmap that guides them towards their ultimate objectives.

To incorporate this into your own entrepreneurial mindset, start by defining your long-term goals. Be specific, make them measurable, and ensure they’re attainable, relevant, and time-bound. This is often referred to as SMART goal setting . Once you have your long-term goals in place, break them down into smaller, achievable steps. Regularly review and adjust your goals as necessary, and celebrate each milestone you achieve along the way.

4. Learn To Collaborate

Entrepreneurs understand the power of collaboration. They know that success is rarely achieved in isolation and recognize the value of diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences. They aren’t afraid to seek help, delegate tasks , or work in teams. They are adept at building networks, forging partnerships, and inspiring others towards a shared vision.

To develop this skill, seek out opportunities to work in teams, both in your personal and professional life. Practice active listening and effective communication, understand the strengths and weaknesses of your team members, and learn how to delegate effectively. Collaboration isn’t just about achieving your goals; it’s also about building relationships, learning from others, and creating a culture of mutual respect and trust.

5. Develop Financial Acumen

Entrepreneurs understand the importance of financial literacy. They grasp the basics of finance, such as cash flow management, financial forecasting, and budgeting. They recognize the importance of making informed financial decisions and are comfortable assessing the financial viability of a venture.

To develop financial acumen, start with the basics. Educate yourself about financial concepts and tools. There are plenty of resources available online, from blogs to tutorials to free courses, that can help you boost your financial literacy. Learn to create and manage budgets, understand financial statements, and familiarize yourself with key financial indicators. This will help develop your entrepreneurial mindset by providing you with an important perspective on finance.

6. Commit To Life-Long Learning

The entrepreneurial mindset thrives on continuous learning. Entrepreneurs understand that the world is constantly evolving and that staying ahead requires perpetual learning and adaptation. They are open-minded, curious, and always ready to acquire new knowledge or skills. They read, attend seminars, listen to podcasts, and learn from their experiences.

To nurture this trait, adopt a learner’s mindset. Be open to new ideas, seek out new learning opportunities, and embrace the fact that there’s always something more to learn. Reading is an excellent way to learn, so cultivate the habit of regular reading. Listen to podcasts, attend webinars, and don’t shy away from learning opportunities, even if they’re outside your comfort zone.

7. Embrace Failure As A Learning Opportunity

Entrepreneurs don’t fear failure; they embrace it as an opportunity to learn and grow . They understand the value of failure, knowing it is an inevitable part of the journey to success and that each failure brings valuable lessons. They learn from their mistakes, pivot quickly, and use these lessons to improve their strategies.

To cultivate the entrepreneurial mindset, you need to change how you perceive failure . Start by reframing failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. When you make a mistake, don’t dwell on the negative. Instead, analyze what went wrong, determine what you can do differently next time, and apply these lessons moving forward. Remember, every successful entrepreneur has experienced failure at some point. What sets them apart is how they handle and learn from these failures.

8. Cultivate Emotional Intelligence

Successful entrepreneurs possess high emotional intelligence. They’re self-aware, able to manage their emotions, understand and empathize with the emotions of others, and are adept at navigating social networks. They use these skills to build strong relationships, make informed decisions, and lead effectively.

Building emotional intelligence starts with self-awareness. Take time to understand your emotions, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and recognize how your actions impact others. Practice empathy by putting yourself in others’ shoes, and work on improving your social skills, such as communication and conflict resolution . Emotional intelligence is a critical leadership skill that can greatly enhance your ability to inspire, motivate, and connect with others.

9. Practice Self-Reflection

Entrepreneurs understand the importance of self-reflection. Regularly taking time to reflect on their actions, decisions, and experiences allows them to gain insights, learn from their mistakes, and continuously improve. Self-reflection fosters self-awareness, promotes personal growth, and is a key tool for developing an entrepreneurial mindset.

To incorporate self-reflection into your routine, set aside regular time for introspection. This could be daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on what works best for you. During this time, consider what you’ve learned, what you could have done differently, and how you can apply these lessons in the future. This practice can help you stay focused on your goals, recognize opportunities for improvement, and ensure that you’re continuously learning and growing.

What Are The Benefits of Having an Entrepreneurial Mindset?

Having an entrepreneurial mindset comes with a host of benefits that extend beyond just the business realm. It encourages creativity, resilience, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. People with an entrepreneurial mindset are often better equipped to navigate uncertainty, embrace change, and turn challenges into opportunities. This way of thinking can enhance personal growth, improve career prospects, and contribute to a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. While it’s often associated with starting a business, the entrepreneurial mindset can be advantageous in various life areas, helping you lead a more productive, successful, and rewarding life. 

How Can An Entrepreneurial Mindset Benefit Businesses And Industries?

The benefits of having an entrepreneurial mindset extend beyond the individual. Such a mindset can significantly motivate teams , fuel business initiatives, and even influence entire industries. By constantly seeking innovative solutions and fearlessly exploring new ideas, individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset can drive growth and evolution within their field. These individuals, equipped with their unique perspective and tenacity, can effectively navigate challenges and seize opportunities in ways that others may not see. This ability to push boundaries and venture into the unknown can give their businesses a competitive advantage.

Real-World Examples of Entrepreneurial Mindset

It’s one thing to talk about the entrepreneurial mindset, but it’s another to see it in action. Let’s take a closer look at some real-world examples of entrepreneurs who embody this mindset, transforming not only their own lives but also the industries they’ve stepped into.

Sara Blakely — Spanx

Sara Blakely , the founder of Spanx, exemplifies the entrepreneurial mindset. With just $5,000 and an idea to revolutionize women’s undergarments, Blakely took on the hosiery industry. Undeterred by her lack of experience in the fashion industry, she embraced the challenge and turned a simple idea into a billion-dollar business. She showcased resilience in the face of early rejections, creative problem-solving in product design, and an unwavering belief in her idea. Today, she stands as an epitome of entrepreneurial success, inspiring countless others to follow their passion and trust in their ideas.

Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, and Nathan Blecharczyk — Airbnb

The founders of Airbnb, Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, and Nathan Blecharczyk , demonstrated a clear entrepreneurial mindset when they transformed the way we travel. Faced with the challenge of not being able to pay their rent, they saw an opportunity in offering travelers a more personal and affordable lodging experience. Despite early skepticism and regulatory hurdles, they persisted with their innovative concept, continuously learning and iterating their platform. Their ability to embrace challenges, be creative, and stick to their vision ultimately led to Airbnb becoming a global phenomenon.

Oprah Winfrey — Media Empire

Oprah Winfrey’s journey from a talk-show host to the owner of a media empire is a compelling illustration of an entrepreneurial mindset at work. She overcame numerous personal and professional challenges, consistently learning, growing, and innovating along the way. She capitalized on opportunities, like creating her television network, OWN, and constantly sought ways to expand her influence. She embraced her unique voice and perspective, building a brand that resonates with millions worldwide. Her story is a powerful example of resilience, vision, and the impact one can make with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Richard Branson — Virgin Group

Richard Branson , the founder of Virgin Group, is a serial entrepreneur known for his audacious ventures and unorthodox approach. From starting a youth-culture magazine at the age of 16 to launching a record company, airline, and space tourism company, Branson’s career embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship. He’s known for his risk-taking, creativity, and persistence, repeatedly venturing into industries where he has no experience and shaking up the status quo. Branson’s adventurous spirit and his ceaseless drive to innovate make him a quintessential example of the entrepreneurial mindset.

Unleash Your Potential With The Entrepreneurial Mindset

Throughout this article, we’ve explored the entrepreneurial mindset, its importance, and how to cultivate it. We’ve learned that this mindset is not just for business owners but can benefit anyone in their personal and professional life. It’s about seeing opportunities where others see obstacles, embracing challenges, and not being afraid to fail. It’s a mindset that fosters resilience, drives innovation, and ultimately leads to success.

Key Insights To Fuel Your Entrepreneurial Journey

  • Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
  • Foster creativity and innovation to drive new ideas and solutions.
  • Set clear, achievable goals to guide your journey and measure your progress.
  • Collaborate effectively to leverage diverse skills and perspectives.
  • Develop financial acumen to make informed decisions and assess viability.
  • Commit to life-long learning to stay ahead in an evolving world.
  • Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and pivot quickly.
  • Cultivate emotional intelligence to build strong relationships and lead effectively.
  • Practice self-reflection to gain insights and continuously improve.

Remember, the entrepreneurial mindset is not an inherent trait; it’s a skill that can be developed and honed. Start today, and don’t be afraid to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. With the right mindset, you can transform challenges into opportunities, innovate, and achieve your goals. So, embrace the entrepreneurial mindset and unlock your full potential.

Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Potential With Persona

Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey requires not just a vision but also the right support system to bring that vision to life. As an entrepreneur, it’s crucial to partner with a team that amplifies your efforts and magnifies your impact. Persona stands at the forefront of this mission, offering unparalleled talent services tailored to your needs.

Our service is not just easy, personalized, and affordable, but is anchored in a rigorous vetting process that ensures reliability, capability, and exceptional proficiency. By hiring only the top 0.1% of applicants, we guarantee that our talent is not just smart and reliable but is also adept at handling large and complex projects with ease.

Partnering with Persona allows you to delegate critical yet time-consuming tasks, freeing you to focus on strategic decisions and growth opportunities. Imagine the value of redirecting 32 hours a week towards your core entrepreneurial activities.

Don’t let the intricacies of day-to-day operations dampen your entrepreneurial spirit. Let Persona’s elite talent team elevate your business efficiency to new heights. To discover how we can amplify your entrepreneurial journey and help you stay focused on what truly matters, reach out to us today .

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Understanding the Entrepreneurial Mindset

By Executive Director, Dan Cohen

(Note: This is a blog, and not an academic paper. If this topic interests you, please read Cognitive mechanisms in entrepreneurship: Why and when entrepreneurs think differently than other people , by Robert A. Baron. This post draws heavily on that paper, particularly the downsides of entrepreneurial mindset section)

Entrepreneurship is a hot topic and stories about Sarah Blakely, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, Tory Burch, Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos abound. People want to know more about the people who have changed the world through their inventions, innovativeness, drive, belief and passion. Much is said about their possession of an entrepreneurial mindset—almost to the point of inferring that it is something one is born with and which cannot be attained by mere mortals. In addition, it is typically framed as a purely positive thing, such as ‘she’s so entrepreneurial’ or ‘he sees opportunity where others see only risk.’ While there are many admirable and positive facets that encompass an entrepreneurial mindset, there are also some drawbacks and negative attributes that are in the makeup of an entrepreneurial mindset. This blog post is designed to tease out the entrepreneurial mindset—examining first what it is and then probing into both pros and cons of this way of thinking.

First, let us start with a definition of the entrepreneurial mindset: “ Entrepreneurial mindset refers to a specific state of mind which orientates human conduct towards entrepreneurial activities and outcomes. Individuals with entrepreneurial mindsets are often drawn to opportunities, innovation and new value creation. Characteristics include the ability to take calculated risks and accept the realities of change and uncertainty” ( http://on.ft.com/2CHFjSF ). Central to this mindset is the pursuit and exploitation of opportunities (Shane & Venkatraman, 1997). Entrepreneurs spot opportunities that are there for all to see yet most do not see and then, even more rare, they pursue them and take action. How many times have you said, “I had that idea first’ or ‘I thought of that five years ago’ only to see someone else stake a claim to it. Entrepreneurs are willing to take the financial and psychic risks necessary to pursue an opportunity and are okay with the fact that a successful outcome is far from guaranteed. They pursue opportunities because they see something (technically called pattern recognition) that others miss. It is said that successful entrepreneurs live five years in the future —they share a vision for what is to come and are not tethered to how it is or used to be. They believe they will add value to the world and simply want to see it through to fruition. If they are wrong, they can live with it. What they cannot live with is NOT pursuing it. They often feel like they ‘have to do it.’

The positive attributes of an entrepreneurial mindset include spotting and exploiting opportunities regardless of resource constraints, mitigating financial and psychic risk, and taking action , which are all good things. There are some downsides, though, to an entrepreneurial mindset which are known as cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, self-serving bias, the planning fallacy, and escalation of commitment.

  • Entrepreneurs believe in their ideas wholeheartedly and this belief and passion is necessary while undertaking the immense challenge of getting an idea successfully to market. The downside, though, is that they often have blinders on when it comes to any type of negative feedback related to their idea . They hear what they want to hear from prospective customers or investors. This is called confirmation bias (Baron 1998). If a customer were to say, “I wouldn’t buy that in a million years” an entrepreneur with confirmation bias concludes that they want it but the timing is not right! Simply put, entrepreneurs hear what they want to hear . If it is something positive about their idea or startup, it is confirmation of their beliefs. If it is something negative about their idea or startup, they can be dismissive.
  • While all humans have the self-serving bias (Baron 1998), entrepreneurs are particularly prone to it. Self-serving bias is simply—if something positive happens it is attributed to your action or doing. If something negative happens in the mind of the entrepreneur, it is due to some external factor beyond the control of the entrepreneur or the fault of someone else entirely. This can cause friction in a startup when entrepreneurs claim all successes and blame failures on others. Like the famous John F. Kennedy saying, “victory has a thousand fathers and defeat is an orphan.” Effective entrepreneurs share victory and defeat with team members and partners.
  • Entrepreneurs can fall prey to the planning fallacy (Baron 1998). Entrepreneurs are optimists by nature and often believe they can accomplish much more in a shorter time-period than they actually can. They are future oriented, given the nature of entrepreneurship, and lacking current experiences, make plans about the future that have very little basis. They ‘make it up as they go along.’ It can be difficult to work with entrepreneurs if you expect cohesion to a plan due to the planning fallacy. Effective entrepreneurs learn to course correct if they go off track with poor planning. They also communicate changes to plans well with team members and customers.
  • Entrepreneurs typically have very strong identities tied to being entrepreneurs . It is hard to separate the venture from the venturer! This is one reason why entrepreneurs are known to have such grit and persistence. They do not quit because they quite literally would be quitting on themselves. This makes them susceptible to escalation of commitment (Baron 1998). Entrepreneurs who find themselves in a failing venture often think they can save it by working harder or investing more money (or enticing others to do it). This occurs because it is hard to admit failure; it is hard to give up on a dream, the loss of ‘face’ or image that occurs when admitting a mistake (Baron 1998). Entrepreneurs are often overly optimistic and believe things will get better despite evidence to the contrary. As a result, entrepreneurs often ‘throw good money after bad.’ The lean startup movement has helped this issue because entrepreneurs are learning to value evidence and validation that only comes from a market. Still this is a cognitive bias that plagues entrepreneurs. Successful entrepreneurs know when to ‘shoot the dog early’ and call it quits when market validation does not materialize.

In conclusion, there are many positive attributes to developing an entrepreneurial mindset. While in the process of developing this mindset, please also be aware of cognitive biases that can negatively affect entrepreneurs, their team members, and their families. Maximizing the positive aspects of an entrepreneurial mindset (spotting and exploiting valuable opportunities without regard to resource constraints) while controlling the negative aspects (cognitive biases such as confirmation bias, self-serving bias, planning fallacy and escalation of commitment), will help nascent entrepreneurs cultivate an effective mindset that can truly be a personal competitive advantage.

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3 traits of an entrepreneurial mindset

Meredith Somers

Nov 23, 2022

Entrepreneurship sparks innovation, drives employment, fuels economies, and offers solutions to a range of environmental and societal challenges. But before those sparks and drivers ignite, an entrepreneurial mindset must be in place as a catalyst.

An entrepreneurial mindset helps leaders create value by “recognizing and acting on opportunities, making decisions with limited information, and remaining adaptable and resilient in conditions that are uncertain and complex,” said Rowena Barrett , pro vice-chancellor for entrepreneurship at the Queensland University of Technology.

In a  webinar presented by MIT Sloan Global Programs and the  QUT Business School , Barrett and Bill Aulet, managing director of the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship, shared three traits that define an entrepreneurial mindset, no matter the environment.

“Entrepreneurship is much, much bigger than just startups,” Aulet said. “Entrepreneurs need to exist throughout our society not just in venture-backed startups. They need to exist in government, they need to exist in big corporations, they need to exist in non-profits, [and] they need to exist in academic institutions. We need entrepreneurs everywhere.”

Solutions-oriented

An entrepreneurial mindset is resilient, resourceful, and solutions-oriented — even when the conditions say otherwise. People with these mindsets are lifelong knowledge-seekers who are curious and creative, and they are critical thinkers, Barrett said.

“They're self-directed, action-oriented, highly-engaged,” Barrett said. “They have optimistic interpretations of adverse events ” and see problems as potential opportunities.

“They're about looking to others, and the value you can create for others by solving problems for others, and they surround themselves with an intentional community of positive influence and critical guidance,” Barrett said.

Entrepreneurial mindsets understand that pursuing and following through on something can lead to unforeseen opportunities .

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An entrepreneurial mindset embraces change, Aulet said, though that’s not always taught in management school.

“That doesn't mean we need entrepreneurs and no management,” Aulet said. “We need ambidextrous leaders. We need managers who are entrepreneurial and can shift to be managers when need be, and be entrepreneurs [when need be].”

When change happens, an entrepreneurial mindset keeps an eye on the mission, he said.

Anti-fragile

Despite the prefix, anti-fragile is a positive condition and quality of an entrepreneurial mindset, Aulet said.

Anti-fragility has four parts:

  • Heart — The confidence to say when change occurs that it’s not something to survive, but rather “this is what we were built for,” Aulet said.  
  • Head — The understanding that when change happens, it’s time to act and have a plan of what you’re going to do.  
  • Hand — “It’s not enough to know what to do when we go into battle,” Aulet said. “We have to be able to do it.” It’s converting the head’s knowledge into the capability to get things done.  
  • Home — Building a community that can help you get resources, particularly those beyond your control. Know what to do, have the ability to do it, Aulet said, “then you have to be able to marshal the resources very quickly to do it.”

Anti-fragility and entrepreneurial mindsets must be built in at all levels of an organization, Aulet said.

“This is a mindset, skillset and way of operating that’s going to be needed universally for the challenges we have, not just in the startups across the world,” he said. “If we're going to address climate change, if we're going to address health care, if we're going to address education, we cannot just have startups doing that. We have to have large organizations that have infrastructure, balance sheets, other assets and global presence to be able to address these major challenges.”

Read next: 3 ways companies can continue to innovate amid global upheaval

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We all have a mindset, yet often we are not consciously aware of it or the profound effect it has on our lives. Our mindset is the underlying mechanism that can expose opportunities and ignite our ambition, engaging our faculties in ways that enable us to flourish and thrive. Yet, our mindset can also blind us to opportunities and hinder our ability to learn and grow, keeping us tethered to familiar, yet unproductive patterns of thought and action.

So, what is an entrepreneurial mindset.

A mindset is a cognitive belief system consisting of interrelated beliefs, assumptions, and knowledge that we use to process information, inform our decisions, and guide our behavior.

An entrepreneurial mindset is a specific set of beliefs, knowledge, and thought processes that drive entrepreneurial behavior. Those with an entrepreneurial mindset tend to:

  • believe in their ability to succeed and influence their own outcomes, empowering them to take ownership of their lives;
  • have compelling goals that keep them future-focused and intrinsically motivated, driving them to be self-directed, action-oriented, and highly engaged ;
  • have an optimistic interpretation of adverse events and see problems as potential opportunities, becoming highly resilient, resourceful, and solution-oriented even within highly uncertain, resource-constrained environments;
  • be lifelong knowledge seekers with a focus on micro-experiments as learning opportunities to test ideas, cultivating curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking ;
  • display a high level of reliability, understanding that following through on simple solutions can lead to unforeseen opportunities;
  • have a humanistic outlook, being other-focused and understanding that one creates value by looking to solve problems for others; and
  • surround themselves with an intentional community of positive influence and critical guidance

It’s important to note that successful entrepreneurs are often touted as exceptional individuals; a rare breed who seem to have been born with unique hereditary traits. But, the entrepreneurial mindset is most often acquired implicitly without conscious effort or awareness, which may explain why it often appears to be a dispositional trait, even though it is not.

An entrepreneurial mindset can be developed and enhanced through entrepreneurial experiences. And to cultivate the entrepreneurial mindset, we must create entrepreneurial learning experiences within our classrooms, organizations, and communities.

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  1. Entrepreneurial Mindset: What is It & How to Think Like an ...

    The entrepreneurial mindset is about taking ownership of your work and using your abilities to tackle challenges and make an impact. As an aspiring entrepreneur, you can start today. Examine your workflow and ask, “How can I do this better?”

  2. How you can benefit from an entrepreneurial mindset

    Research shows that successful entrepreneurs have a unique way of approaching problems. This is the entrepreneurial mindset. This mindset shapes how successful entrepreneurs act and view the world around them. It’s also essential to their creativity and success.

  3. What Is An Entrepreneurial Mindset – And Why Does It Matter ...

    In a nutshell, the entrepreneurial mindset is a combination of motives, traits, skills, and attitudes. The entrepreneurial mindset determines both entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial success.

  4. An Entrepreneurial Mindset: What Is It And How Can ... - Forbes

    To become an entrepreneur, a person needs to know how business and economics work. They need to have relevant skills to start a company and implement their ideas.

  5. The Entrepreneurial Mindset: What It Is & How to Develop One ...

    An entrepreneurial mindset is a mindset that drives innovation, creativity, hard work, goal-setting, a fearless attitude, and calculated risks. Entrepreneurs see the world as a place with endless opportunities, and these opportunities are opportunities they create for themselves.

  6. The Entrepreneurial Mindset: What Is It And How Do You ...

    An entrepreneurial mindset is an approach to thinking that involves particular behaviors, attitudes, and values which drive entrepreneurial actions. It’s characterized by aspects such as being open-minded, embracing critical thinking, and demonstrating resilience during challenging times.

  7. Understanding the Entrepreneurial Mindset - Center for ...

    The positive attributes of an entrepreneurial mindset include spotting and exploiting opportunities regardless of resource constraints, mitigating financial and psychic risk, and taking action, which are all good things.

  8. Entrepreneurial Mindset: How to Think Like an Entrepreneur - HTE

    In this article, I’ve distilled the entrepreneurial mindset into five characteristics – and shared some effective ways to nourish and hone these qualities in yourself. Originally published in 2017, this post was updated and republished on April 18th, 2024.

  9. 3 traits of an entrepreneurial mindset - MIT Sloan

    An entrepreneurial mindset is resilient, resourceful, and solutions-oriented — even when the conditions say otherwise. People with these mindsets are lifelong knowledge-seekers who are curious and creative, and they are critical thinkers, Barrett said.

  10. Entrepreneurial Mindset - An Entrepreneurial Learning Project

    An entrepreneurial mindset is a specific set of beliefs, knowledge, and thought processes that drive entrepreneurial behavior. Those with an entrepreneurial mindset tend to: believe in their ability to succeed and influence their own outcomes, empowering them to take ownership of their lives;