Hi Reader, I recently re-listened to an episode of How I Built This with Guy Raz from last year. In this episode, Guy sits down with organizational psychologist, Adam Grant. This quote from Adam struck a chord: "The [entrepreneurs] who managed to have repeat success and bounce back—and forward—from failure are the ones who invest their egos in their future growth as opposed to their present comfort." It’s easy to protect your ego by retreating when you experience setbacks. But real growth requires embracing the lessons they bring. Are you pushing yourself or playing it safe? For example, imagine launching a new product or service. Even with careful planning, there’s a chance it won’t land as expected. Instead of framing this setback as failure, view it as a stepping stone. If you mentally prepare for challenges, you’ll be ready to analyze what went wrong, make adjustments, and move forward stronger. Lean in during those tough moments. 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, We’ve all seen the flashy promises: “Follow these five steps and watch your business skyrocket!” or “My secret formula will make you rich overnight!” Here’s the truth: sustainable success isn’t built on shortcuts. It’s built on staying alert, making smart decisions, and doing the work. That doesn’t mean opportunities aren’t out there – they are! But the key is to approach them with discernment – the ability to judge well and distinguish between what’s worth pursuing and what isn’t....
Hi Reader, Michael Porter – the godfather of business strategy said: “the essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.” He’s saying that you need to do a few things really well and outsource the rest. You don’t want to overextend yourself. You need to stay focused. But, it’s deeper than that. He’s also talking about building a strategic, competitive advantage over other players in your field. What are those things that you’re known for – that only you can do? For example, if you make great...
Hi Reader, Your values aren’t just words – they’re the foundation for meaningful decisions in your life and business. When you let your values guide you, you create alignment between what you do and what matters most to you. For example, one of my values is "Play" and I use it to remind myself to meet obstacles with a smile, to choose to have fun solving a new puzzle (work problem), to frame setbacks as new opportunities to learn and stretch my skills. I’ve found that when my actions align...