By Dr Wilfred Isak April
LAST week I introduced you to the selling of an entrepreneurial idea, but one thing is certain that the only constant in business is change.
But then how do you plan if the environment within which you operate changes constantly? I have to remind you that strategy and planning are primary functions in any business. Think about the events that have the most impact on your personal life, and you will realize that disruptions are constant, the Internet era, the USA terrorism bombing by Al-Qaeda on 11 September 2001, or 9/11 as it is famously called, the Arab Spring of 2012, all changed lives and nations.
Even as a small enterprise in Namibia you have to be contend with competitors that appear overnight. Many of these dramatic changes came as if out of the blue. As an entrepreneur you need to change your thinking and adapt to these changes. If you feel you are being prevented from reaching your entrepreneurial success as a result of these changes and perhaps circumstances, you really need to work on the way you think and perceive the world. There is a great possibility that your thoughts around those circumstances might actually be stopping you from reaching your fullest potential. The power of your own thoughts can create a reality for you. If you think about the circumstances that you find yourself in right now – you can still influence them by the way you think. Life is indeed a rollercoaster ride where we sometimes feel good and bad about situations we are unable to control, but you will never succeed until you can gain control of those thoughts and feelings, trust me on that one. As an entrepreneur whatever you think about on a daily basis, be it becoming a millionaire or worries about business failure, no matter how briefly – a seed is planted in your subconscious. This gives you the power to choose either positive or negative thoughts, which creates a reaction. “Your life is the way it is now, because of you.”
Don’t get discouraged yet, because right now you can still change your thinking to create a better life for yourself. Namibians, I want you to believe in yourself, because I do believe that each one of us has the unlimited power to change our thinking. Yes, I know it is not easy, it requires practice and strong discipline, but radical change does require radical discipline. Let me leave you with a few pointers to change the way you think. Firstly self-talk forms a very important part of mind power, because it impacts your self-image. If you get up in the morning tell yourself that you are or will be a successful entrepreneur eventually your subconscious will start to believe that.
Secondly, start questioning your belief systems around money. Namibians at times base their happiness on how much money they have. I think money and happiness sometimes have nothing to do with each other, as it will be challenging to reach entrepreneurial success if you depend on money to be happy. Thirdly, repetitive thoughts and words around your goals is another area to look at, as it can also determine success. Any question you ask your mind will automatically be answered. As a test, ask yourself right now, what is it that you aim to achieve over the next exciting twelve months of your life? Answer that question with positive thoughts and you will start to believe it. Many people are not achieving the entrepreneurial success they are capable of because their own thoughts are holding them back. Over the next week I challenge you to take every experience you encounter and create positive thoughts around it. This will develop that resistance within you to meet every challenge without fear. As an entrepreneur you are also a leader and you need to develop resourcefulness, for unexpected changes, which may come your way. You all can certainly develop resourcefulness, by practicing life principles that you remain true to, no matter the circumstances.
*Dr. Wilfred Isak April is a Unam graduate and holds a PhD degree in Entrepreneurship (New Zealand). He lectures in Leadership, Organizational Behaviour and Entrepreneurship at the University of Namibia.