Jonathan

Confident action starts with clear principles. As entrepreneurs, we are routinely faced with decisions that carry real consequences, but rarely obvious answers. When all possible avenues have clear costs and unpredictable outcomes, how do you navigate the unknown?

Craig felt conflicted. He had experienced considerable success, but worried he wasn’t saving enough for retirement. He had recently moved across the country but, to the amusement of his friends, decided not to sell the house he raised his family in, and chose two mortgages over his dream neighborhood. He felt anxious, financially overextended, and even embarrassed that he hadn’t saved as much as his peers and colleagues. I helped Craig realize he was having trouble making financial decisions because he didn’t know who he was.

Fuzzy targets are hard to hit. In business and life, we must bring our definition of success into focus if we ever hope to realize it. If you’re like most entrepreneurs, understanding why you need a clear vision is the easy part. But actually crafting one is a much different story.

We know that behavior drives results. But what drives behavior? The answer is our mindset. Our mindset shapes how we view ourselves, the people around us, and our place in the world. Mindsets have many dimensions. This master class is focused on one with extraordinary and often overlooked potential: The Outward Mindset.

If you’re an entrepreneur, you routinely face decisions that carry real consequences, but rarely obvious answers. Dilemmas about where to invest your time, how to adapt, and which gut feeling to listen to can drain you of a full day’s energy before lunch. I get it.

Twenty years ago, I attended the Birthing of Giants educational conference with 60 other interesting entrepreneurs. Two days into the 5-day conference, which was otherwise life changing and transformative, the agenda item I had been semi-dreading arrived–the open bar.

When you find yourself repeatedly wrestling with the same challenge, it’s usually a good sign that you’re overlooking the real problem. It’s not that the answer is right under your nose. It’s hidden between your ears.