Last year, I had an incredible opportunity to talk about Soul Care and Mindset for Entrepreneurs at the AMSE Conference. One of my favorite topics to speak about is Soul Care for Entrepreneurs and how to conquer our daily giants. One critical mindset shift I found most helpful is embracing challenges. This article isn’t about hugging your gain; instead, look at it as wrapping your arm around the neck of whatever giant in your business you are avoiding until it doesn’t exist anymore. Adopting a growth mindset requires us to view each challenge as an opportunity to raise the bar for our competitors and secure a lane in the market that makes us shine bright. Don't run; embrace ways to expand your knowledge and break barriers. The sky is the limit once we adopt the mindset of conquering every intimidating giant by equipping ourselves to thrive.
Another Key that unlocks a growth mindset is to learn, learn, and know! Cultivate a love for learning and sharpening your expertise. Give yourself space to do this in your daily schedule. I remember reading an email from AMSE Agency CEO Moni Jefferson that gave us the success planning of her day, including a time block for growth. I mentioned securing your lane in the marketplace; the best way that I have found to do this is to become excellent at doing YOU! A hot topic in the market today is "overcoming imposter syndrome." The key to overcoming imposter syndrome is to sharpen your talent and gifts. Each of us has a brain that stores special skills particular to a unique design. All we have to do is get back to the basics. Once we begin studying how to sharpen our talents and gifts, we acquire new skills and knowledge that open our minds to new perspectives. Nobody can do you better than you!
The third key for embracing a growth mindset is allowing yourself to fail brilliantly by persisting through obstacles and setbacks. It didn't work, so what?! View this as a temporary obstacle and not a limitation. I can guarantee that half of the people you think saw your mistake didn't catch it. As military spouses, we are resilient and persevere through our challenges. The hope and tenacity within us keep us determined to grow from each experience.
The final key to unlocking growth and potential for personal and professional development is embracing feedback and criticism. Disclaimer: Entrepreneurs need to heal before they ask for another dollar from anyone else. Find a great therapist, coach, or counselor, and work out your heart stuff first. When we treat others with care and excellence, doors previously closed to us begin to unlock because we didn't handle people with genuine care and excellence. I recently connected with an incredible pediatric dentist who came to me as a referral from the parents of some of her patients. After my daughter's dentist appointment, within 24 hrs. I received an email requesting feedback about the customer service during my appointment. When I opened the link, I was connected to her Google reviews. Talk about confidence! This Dr. was willing to risk the integrity of her business with someone she didn't know because she knew she secured her lane of genuine care and excellence for her business. We can view feedback and criticism as a pathway to growth and a way to accelerate our progress and success as Military Spouse Entrepreneurs.
Jaiya Clarke
Jaiya Clarke is an author, speaker, and joy strategist. She impacts and transforms women's lives globally through her best-selling book, The Keys to Unlocking Your Joy! Jaiya has an MBA in Organizational Psychology and Development. She has written multiple lifestyle resources to enhance soul care, personal growth, and spiritual maturity. Jaiya is passionate about building communities that nurture the spiritual wholeness of women. She regularly shares impactful community discussions about identity, soul care, boldness, and freedom.