ALL CONTENT AND PHOTOS WRITTEN AND SUBMITTED BY NIALA RAMKALLAWAN
2020 is here at last. Let’s cheers to all things new, a New Year, new investments, new opportunities, new choices, new lessons, new friends, new networks, new strategies and new innovations. How about a new YOU?
It’s not surprising that Trinidad and Tobago is a land of wealth and opportunity. To date, our greatest and most valuable resource is our people, the human capital which propels change, growth and development, this includes you and I.
In my previous post, I mentioned upgrading yourself from a basic Version 1.0 to an advanced Version 2.0. Today, I want to provide a guide on how to actually achieve this upgrade and develop a winning mindset.
The Big Question: Where do I start?
Read, Look and Listen
Essentially, you need to attune your sensory perception or use your senses to be more aware of your surroundings, the reaction of individuals, the outcome of your choices, your response to a situation, anything and everything. By doing this, observing and becoming more attentive, you are better equipped to analyse, think critically and implement proactive measures as opposed to reactive ones.
With this in mind, I CHALLENGE you to engage in our Self-Reflection activity.
Each day set aside 10 minutes (preferably an hour or 2 before bed). With writing material on hand, note 2 positive and 2 negative things that happened to you and in your business throughout your day and make recommendations, improvements or brainstorm solutions on how the scenario could be handled differently, your reaction could have been better or your strategy needed adjusting.
I favour this exercise as I find it thought-provoking and eye-opening. The purpose of this activity is to make you aware and assist you with the 3C’s of Life (choices, chances and changes), with an aim of becoming a better YOU for your family, business, customers and most importantly yourself.
Did you know studies reveal that routine can kill an entrepreneur’s productivity? By upgrading to a Version 2.0 for 2020, we aim to improve our quality of entrepreneurial life and standard of living.
I want to highlight the word ‘improve’ which describes the “act of enhancing or making better in terms of quality, value or usefulness. This can be by making ideas, objects or processes more desirable by adding or removing components” (The Business Dictionary).
This will require you to ‘hack’ into your present mindset, make the necessary alterations based on the 3C’s of Life, upgrade your thinking and allow yourself to become a whole new ENTREPRENEUR.
Valuable tips for an entrepreneur upgrade:
- Set Goals for yourself – to make goals easier to accomplish, set weekly and monthly targets. Follow through with your goals and you will find that achievements can be very rewarding.
- Pursue opportunities to learn, train and refresh your skillset – either in reality, virtually or online.
- Self-care is critical - eat nutritious and balanced meals, get adequate rest, drink more water, meditate, exercise, unplug 30 minutes before bed (from electronics to control an overactive mind), and when you can enjoy a change in the scenery.
- Track your progress - keep a diary, journal or download an App to assist in planning, scheduling and organising your day, appointments and self-care.
- Step outside that comfort zone - grow your mind by challenging the status quo, taking risks, asking questions, making different choices and decisions, seeking answers, and designing solutions.
- Work on your personality – it’s important that you have good manners, offer a helping hand, keep promises, honour commitments, ask open questions and genuinely listen to feedback.
- Be mindful of your attitude and behaviour – forgive (admit when you are wrong, apologise and let go. It’s also good to be the bigger person as peace of mind is equally important.); Accept responsibility and be accountable for your decisions and actions; Stay positive, motivated, driven, resilient, innovative, respectful, cooperative, add in emotional intelligence and lead with purpose.
- Recognise opportunities for growth and change – Expand your thinking through reading, watching and listening to motivational, inspirational, and entrepreneur success tips and stories. Keep abreast of the latest market trends, economic climate and movements within your industry.
Finally, embrace the entrepreneurial journey. Don’t be too hard on yourself while undergoing these changes as you will be required to move away from routine, adopt certain qualities and mannerisms, streamline your thinking, rework your psyche and adapt your present lifestyle.
Remember:
“Being an entrepreneur isn’t just a job title, and it isn’t just about starting a company. It’s a state of mind. It’s about seeing connections others can’t, seizing opportunities others won’t and forging new directions that others haven’t.” – Tony Burch, Fashion Designer
Sources:
https://me.me/i/every-next-level-of-your-life-will-demand-a-different-16708986
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/improve.html
https://www.myhomeatdfw.com/become-the-ceo-of-your-own-business
http://www.centerpointesc.com/series/2014/construction.html
About Niala
I am a Freelance MSE & Social Media Advisor, the Owner/Founder of Gia’s Creative Studio and YBTT Mentor/Advisor providing ‘Insights from a Creative Entrepreneur’ on transformational leadership, strategy, forging a legacy, motivation and success.
Niala Ramkallawan, MBA, BSc.
You can find me on:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/niala-r-71b12742/
YBTT - https://ybcaribbean.skysthelimit.org/volunteer-profile/15317
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/giascreativestudio/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/giascreativestudio.868/
