What Environment Are You Growing Your Business In?
One of my favorite influencers is James Clear. He studies entrepreneurs, athletes, and others who are successful at what they do. James then shares his findings with his audience in articles about behavioral psychology.
So what James writes, I read.
His recent article, Motivation is Overvalued. Environment Often Matters More., had my head spinning half through it. James shared with us his perspective on Jared Diamond’s book, Guns, Germs, and Steel. The basis of his article is that success, or the lack of, isn’t always about motivation. The environment in which you create for yourself plays a role in your journey.
What’s influencing your business decisions? Who’s inspiring your professional development?
“If you want to maximize your odds of success, then you need to operate in an environment that accelerates your results rather than hinders them.”
We want to win as an entrepreneur and have a profitable business. To do this, then it’s important that we create a surrounding that will enable us to be victorious. Position yourself to be with people who share similar business principles and goals. Learn from those who have accomplished something you aim to do. Create a habitat where necessary resources are accessible.
Here are some ways that can help you create this environment and sustain it.
1. Co-Working
There are co-working spaces popping up in many cities. It allows entrepreneurs from different industries, who chose not to have a traditional office space, to enjoy the company of others in the same work environment. An advantage of a co-working space is the opportunity to network with talented people. It can help in elevating your game.
One way I enjoy co-working is to meet up with a friend, or business associate, at a coffee shop then commit to working for three hours without stopping. It helps you hold each other accountable for being productive.
2. Get an Accountability Partner
“Remember, you are the author of your story and carpenter of your environment.”
Speaking of being accountable, an accountability partner is a great way to ensure you are staying focus, moving forward, and producing. Partner with someone who is just as driven as you are in growing their business and educating themselves on relevant topics. The challenge is to actually hold each other accountable in sticking to a schedule that will yield the results you desire. Otherwise, the purpose of the partnership is lost and mediocre at best.
Some people work better and excel quicker when they’re reminded of what it is they can achieve, or have to lose.
3. Join a Mastermind Group
When coordinated and facilitated properly, a mastermind group could help propel you forward. When great minds get together with the energy created by such a group accelerates the process. Remember, you are the author of your story and carpenter of your environment. Make sure the group in which you join, or form, is diverse in industry, committed, and serious about producing results.
Mastermind groups are a great way to extend your network and learn about other industries.
4. Create a Digital Environment
Create a digital environment filled with resources that will inspire you and teach you how to win. Subscribe to blogs or newsletters of your favorite influencers. Read articles relevant to your interests and apply what you learn. Don’t get lost in all the noise that’s created in the digital world. Find a few resources that publishes rich content that you can curate for your personal and professional use. One of my favorite applications to do this is Flipboard.
We can’t control the geographical influences of our environment. But we do have the ability to control what it is we do in it. Create a strong mental environment that will help you make good business decisions. Create a reliable professional environment that can be a resource for collaboration and business growth.
What are some of your habits to foster an environment that will result in growth for your business?
