One of the unexpected things for me with jumping into entrepreneurship has been the need for a healthy mindset and attitude. To be honest, I never gave my mindset and attitude much thought until a few years ago. I always saw this part of personal growth as superfluous and only for those who were a little far out there.
At the bookstore, I’d see the self-help books and be intrigued by them, but pass them by thinking they were too far out there for a good Christian like me. Sure, some of them are a little far out there for me, but many of them are not and are full of great information.
Your mindset and attitude are not superfluous and improving them does not mean you’ve gone off the deep end.
As I study other people who are the doing things I want to do, entrepreneurially and otherwise, it is very evident this area of personal growth is a big part of what made them successful.
I think Zig said it best:
“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.” – Zig Ziglar
Don’t make the same mistake I did and think your mindset and attitude aren’t important. Give them the critical attention and care needed to thrive as an entrepreneur.
– photo by digitalbob8
Great points Michael. I’m actually pretty careful what types of books on those subjects I choose – but I definitely do work on my attitude and mindset all the time. Actually from what I find, the Bible has quite a bit to say about both!
Ann, indeed the Bible does. I think of Proverbs 23:7 “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”
Hey, as far as I’m concerned alot of those books are based from principles in the Bible anyways…Scriptures such as “As a man thinketh….” or “Think on these things….” or “Let your attitude be the same as Christ Jesus….” sounds like a lot of “self help” books on attitude, positive thinking, and living a fuller life. I remember taking the Dale Carnegie course and one of the instructor’s aids mentioned to me she was able to cross reference most (she was still in progress of doing it at the time) of the teachings with a Bible scripture. Not saying that’s always that case for all books, but reading books that expand the meanings of scripture is not a bad thing! You’re in the deep end, but in a good way! Most are treading shallower waters.
Thanks for the input, Michael. Your comment makes me think of Norman Vincent Peale. He was a devout Christian and a minister and talked about how many of these principles are Biblical.
As a Christian, I find it interesting to read what other Christians have to say about some of these topics. I think of Andy Andrews, Zig Ziglar, Norman Vincent Peale, and Dan Miller to name a few.
It is easy to throw the baby away with the bath water. It is possible for a Christian to use discernment in applying wisdom from a non-Christian book.
Great way to put it, Tom, not to throw the baby out with the bath water. And yes, totally agree with your statement.
Thanks for the input!