AFFIRMATIONS FOR ENTREPRENEURS
Affirmations are powerful statements that can inspire change and shape our perspectives. These words are meaningful expressions of emotional support or encouragement. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or even an athlete, affirmations can offer you a new perspective on how to face the challenges ahead.
To succeed in the world of business, you need determination, creativity, grit, and of course, a consistent work ethic. One thing many people overlook, however, is the need for inspiration. Working day in and day out, we often lose sight of what inspires us to build, create, and innovate. This challenge is especially true for entrepreneurs, who face unique obstacles almost every single day. Affirmations can motivate and keep us going.
Think back to your favorite sports movie. When the team is down, and the coach calls his final timeout, what does he do? Does he show them a movie? Sing a song? Run through a PowerPoint? To inspire their players in those final moments, a coach will give their team a speech—words of encouragement and affirmation. This is one of the first steps to help yoube fulfilled in your life and career.
Whether you’re just starting your own business, looking to scale up, or simply need a new perspective, affirmations can be the key to unlocking your hidden potential. Here, I include many of my own personal entrepreneurial affirmations that have inspired me throughout my life. I hope they light a fire within you, as well.
"You’ll never ‘find’ time for anything. If you want time, you must make it.” Charles Bruxton
If there’s one great equalizer in the world, it’s time. We all have twenty-four hours each day. How we choose to use this time, however, varies dramatically for each person. Every one of us, especially entrepreneurs, is limited by the amount of time we have. Spending time with the family, working on your business, and finding time for reflection can be difficult. It’s easy to simply throw up your hands and say, “I don’t have enough time.”
One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves, however, is time. Dedicate some time solely to your growth and personal development. Even if it’s only for a few minutes, twice a day, start small and give yourself the time and space to breathe, reflect, and take care of yourself.
“Infuse your life with action.” Bradley Whitford
What’s the difference between a habit and a pattern? A habit is something you’re consciously aware of, putting into practice to shape your life. A pattern on the other hand, is something we do, day in and day out, often totally unaware. Take the time to recognize the habits and patterns of your life. Which ones are helping you? Which are holding you back? Once you identify what you want, bring them to life with your actions.
“There’s a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when it’s convenient. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses—only results.” Ken Blanchard
We all have many interests in our lives, but how many commitments do you have? You might be interested in losing weight, but have you been going to the gym every day and maintaining a healthy, balanced diet? That’s commitment. And it’s brought to life through your actions.
“We need a great deal of courage to challenge our own beliefs.” Don Miguel Ruiz
Our beliefs and ideas drive us, but sometimes they can become so ingrained that we lose the ability to think differently. Staying open-minded is essential to seeing the bigger picture and leading to growth (whether in business or your personal life). It’s never easy questioning our own beliefs. At times, it can feel like you’re questioning your entire identity. Reflection, however, and understanding who we truly are, is often the first step toward growth.
“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” Booker T. Washington
We all have a past to overcome. No matter what you’ve done, there’s the good, the bad, and the in-between. Being able to face it all is a crucial step. Try to be open-minded about what you’ve gone through, your history, and look at it as an opportunity for growth. You’re right where you’re supposed to be. Don’t forget to look back and remember how far you’ve already come. You’ve made it this far. Success is a culmination of all your wins thus far.
“The only thing standing between you and your goal is the BS story you keep telling yourself as to why you can’t achieve it.” Jordan Belfort
Stories are powerful things. They can entertain us, teach us new things, help us explore new ideas. Perhaps most importantly, stories can inspire us. But they can also hold us back. Think about all the negative stories you tell yourself in your head every day. There’s nothing wrong with this (we all do it), but try to be aware of the stories you tell yourself. Who do you want to be? Where do you want your business to go? These are stories you need to cultivate.
“Whether you think you can or think you can’t—you’re right.” Henry Ford
In our daily lives, there are those things that drain and those that drive us. You only have so much energy every day. How you choose to spend that energy will shape your life. Think about the people, places, and things that drive you, filling you with positive momentum. Also, think about those that drain you, zapping you of all your positivity. List these things out and see how you can surround yourself with more positive energy. Start by cataloging your wins and losses, assessing your goals, and eliminating the drainers (while doubling down on the drivers).
“Accountability breeds response-ability.” Stephen Covey
Accountability is essential for success. Knowing what you’re responsible for, and following through, will help you develop positive and productive habits. It’s easy not to take accountability or responsibility (simply passing the buck), but how does that make us feel? Take ownership of your responsibilities, life, and commit to those things and people you cherish and watch your life change.
“If you set goals and go after them with all the determination you can muster, your gifts will take you places that will amaze you.” Les Brown
In sports psychology, it’s become popular to encourage athletes to visualize success. Whether it’s sinking a basket, catching the ball, or pulling off the perfect dive, visualizing success can help you “see” it before you accomplish it. The same goes for the goals in your life and career. If you don’t know where you’re going, how will you get there? Write out your goals, visualize them, measure them. From here, you can set out on the first steps to achieving the type of success you envision.
“Dream big dreams. Small dreams have no magic.” Dottie Boreyko
What do you want in your life? If money was no object, what would you want from life? Many of us may not even be able to identify our own dreams because we’re so wrapped up in everyday life struggles. Let’s pretend for a minute: what if life was about play? Where do you want to play? Who do you want to play with? What does this look like for you? Try to envision what you truly want from your life and go after it. Focus on showing up and being of service, and you will undoubtedly be on a path to increase financial freedom.
“Today is the oldest you’ve ever been and the youngest you’ll ever be again.” Eleanor Roosevelt
The moment is now. While it’s easy to get lost in our daily routines and let the time simply slip through our fingers, it’s essential to appreciate the present. Everything you have done has brought you to this very moment in time. Remember to enjoy it and make the most of it.
“Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.” Anne Frank
Change is never easy—but in the end, wow, is it worth it. Real growth and progress will always be a challenge, and that’s why, when you start to see it, this all becomes so rewarding. During your journey, don’t forget to stop and appreciate the beauty in your life. No matter where you are in your journey, there’s happiness there—you just need to learn how to see and appreciate it.
A FEW BONUS AFFIRMATIONS
“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”
Winston Churchill
“Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
Ian Maclaren
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
Walt Disney
“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”
Friedrich Nietzsche
“There are better starters than me, but I’m a strong finisher.”
Usain Bolt
“If you have no critics, you’ll likely have no success.”
Malcolm X
“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”
Leo Tolstoy
CONCLUSION - AFFIRMATIONS FOR ENTREPRENEURS
It’s remarkable studying the effect affirmations have on our happiness, wellbeing, motivation, and beliefs. Whether you’re an entrepreneur who needs to take your business to the next level, or you have the vision of overcoming your challenges by transforming into the best version of yourself, everyone can benefit from the practice of focusing daily affirmations to drive and inspire. The secret to lasting progress in life is a willingness to reframe life’s trouble as opportunities with consistency and long-term commitment.
There will be ups and downs, valleys and peaks, good days and bad. Sometimes, you may not want to push on. Though before you go, I’ll leave you with one last affirmation: “The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed.”
Remember: this is your life. The key to success lies in changing your habits, which lead to changes in your routine, which leads to personal transformation and growth.
When you step back and envision your future, what does it look like? What are you creating? While no one quoted in this list can define your life; hopefully, their words of wisdom can help you articulate your own values, your own hopes and help guide you on the path to long-lasting success.
