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Hi Reader, Kodak once dominated photography. In the 1970s, they even invented the digital camera. But they didn’t pursue it. Why? They were confident film would always be king. That's complacency. They scoffed at new innovations, taking their success for granted. Contrast that with James Dyson. He built over 5,000 prototypes before perfecting the bagless vacuum. That’s persistence. With every failure, he stayed curious. Or Sara Blakely. She hacked a pair of pantyhose into a Spanx prototype and started testing. That's scrappiness. She moved quickly, refining it, putting a version out there. We've all likely caught ourselves in both mindsets. I know I have. But, I’m way more effective at driving results when I stay hungry, curious, and ready to adapt. The energy and mindset you bring to building your business matters. It translates into your behavior – your choices. Are things working well right now? Great – enjoy the wins, take time to recharge. But don’t let comfort turn into complacency. Stay hungry. Stay curious. Keep moving. Until next time, Michael
Michael Schefman | 321 Liftoff Copyright © 2024 by 321 Liftoff LLC |
Starting a business is exciting and ambiguous – and that’s the fun. It’s a time of possibility, experimentation, imagination, and showing the world what you can do. But, it can also feel slow, frustrating, and full of traps and distractions, leaving potential entrepreneurs to question their self-worth and to wonder why they started in the first place. As a small business coach, I’ll help you cultivate an entrepreneur’s mindset, so you can start and grow your businesses with confidence and step boldly into the role of business owner. Subscribe to get access to weekly tips, small business interviews, and more.
Hi Reader, Running a business means facing daily frustrations: plans fall through, projects drag on, results don’t come fast enough. It’s easy to focus only on what’s missing or not working. I’ve been there plenty of times. I know it sounds cliché, but gratitude offers a different lens on things. It doesn’t erase the challenges, but it helps me reframe them. Gratitude allows me to pause and notice what's working, helping me remember the foundation I'm already standing on. That shift can turn...
Hi Reader, Over the last few years, I’ve experienced periods of extreme productivity as well as my share of creative slumps. Looking back, I’ve noticed clear patterns for when I’m at my best – my most innovative, which is leading me to structure my routines and habits differently. When I read (a lot), I get more ideas and I ask better questions. My brain sparks with wonder and imagination, fueling new insights and experiments. When I focus on what’s within my control – including my response...
Hi Reader, There’s always a gap between where you are and where you want to be. Sometimes it feels like a chasm: How could I possibly get there?! I feel this all the time. I’ve got a long-term vision for where I want my business and career to go. And even on a smaller scale, I have a vision for how I want to show up in the next coaching session or meeting. But when I spend too much energy thinking about the end goal, I get stuck. The distance feels overwhelming and I tend to be overly...