Having cognitive flexibility is easier said than done. When you’re under a lot of stress, struggling to find balance, or feeling anxious from the challenges of entrepreneurship, you’re susceptible to having a scarcity mindset and depressive tendencies. However, you can learn to change those negative thoughts and develop a more flexible mentality.
As a solopreneur, you’ll need the flexibility to keep up with the constant change and increasing complexity of the business world. With its ability to cultivate adaptability, creativity, and innovation, flexible thinking is a vital skill that will help you reach your desired goals.
But how do you incorporate this skill into your business? Here are five ways to practice flexible thinking and excel in your entrepreneurial career.
1. Think positively
Being a solopreneur can be twice as challenging as being in a team. To be able to reach one’s goal, flexible thinking is a must. Thus, it is crucial to learn how to think positively in the process of building your business.
A positive mindset involves adapting certain behaviors, such as practicing gratitude and positive self-talk or spending time with positive people.
Being thankful for what you have has been shown to reduce stress, improve self-esteem, and foster resilience in the face of challenges. And being around positive people eliminates your self-doubt and increases your chances of reaching your goals.
2. Develop some skills
Embrace changes that will come your way and develop some skills that will help you reach your goals. Running a business requires innovations and flexibility to stay relevant and not be left behind, especially with the current pace of technological advances that are disrupting all industries.
You should have a flexible mindset by learning new things as your progress. For example, if you own a coffee shop, learn how to make new flavors for your coffee. You may also enroll in a baking and pastries class and include them on your menu.
3. Practice emotional intelligence
As solopreneurs strive to achieve their goals, practicing emotional intelligence is fundamental to business growth. You should bear your emotions calmly in situations that are not under your control. Your mind should be flexible to manage your feelings, reactions, and emotions, as this sometimes hinders your decision-making or ability to address an issue.
When you’re about to burst into tears or express your frustrations, take deep breaths to relax your mind. Close your eyes, inhale and exhale for 3-5 minutes until you feel calmer.
4. Boost creativity
Like innovation, creativity is essential in keeping up with the market’s pace of change. Solopreneurs should allow themselves to do something that will boost their creativity, which is necessary for developing new strategies to stay ahead of the competition. Taking a break and exercising are both excellent ways to boost your creativity.
Explore more about the line of business you are currently in, innovate and try your new ideas. Think of something that would make your business a success.
Read more: 9 Hobbies That Will Boost Your Solopreneur Creativity
5. Focus on your values
Running a business can be very demanding. Sometimes the external pressure, more than anything else, stresses you out. You lose patience and want quick results and fast progress. In this case, you need to have flexible thinking.
Deviate your thoughts to focusing on your values as a person. Think of why you are doing this business in the first place. Remind yourself of the values you believe in, such as perseverance, tenacity, and passion that will help you overcome adversities and eventually help grow your business.
Conclusion
There are a lot of uncertainties in running a business, so much more in being a solopreneur. Some things you can manage, while others are just out of your control. Having mental flexibility will help you understand and accept that your business success will not always go the way you want it to.
Times are changing, and they are changing fast. There will always be setbacks and hurdles in your entrepreneurial journey, and if you’re not flexible enough, you’ll be left behind. But if you keep an open mind, remain positive, and foster your innovativeness, you’re more likely to reach your goals and be successful. On top of that, practicing the five tips listed above will help you be among the best solopreneurs in the business.
