Using a Growth Mindset to Plan Your Next Steps

So, sometimes I create content based on what I need to hear. This post is one of those times. It’s currently near the end of September. Which means that I’m thinking about the final quarter of the year and what steps I’m going to take to finish the year strong.

However, I’m also struggling a bit with mindset right now. I’ve let comparisonitis and limited beliefs get into my head. So, I need to get my head back in the right place.

If you’re having similar challenges, stick around. We’re going to talk about how adopting (or re-adopting) a growth mindset can help you plan your next steps effectively so that you can achieve your business goals.

Prefer to listen? Check out episode 19 of the Productive Entrepreneur podcast.

Understanding the Growth Mindset

So, what exactly is a growth mindset? Simply put, it’s the belief that your   abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn. It’s the opposite of a fixed mindset, where you believe your talents and skills are set in stone.

Now, I get it. As solopreneurs, we often fall into the trap of thinking we need to have all the answers right off the bat.

But here’s the thing: embracing a growth mindset means understanding that it’s okay not to know everything. Because every challenge, every setback, every moment of uncertainty is an opportunity to grow and become better at what you do.

The thing is, we all have setbacks. We struggle. Things are harder than we thought they’d be.

And it’s easy to think “maybe I’m not cut out for this entrepreneurial gig.”

But let me encourage you to reframe that thought. Instead of getting bogged down in that limited mindset, try looking at it as a chance to learn.

Debrief the experience, whether it’s a failed launch, or a mind-boggling tech issue.

Write down what you thought would happen, what actually happened, what you learned from the experience and most importantly, what you’ll do next time.

That’s the power of a growth mindset. When you start looking at everything as a learning experience, you turn “I can’t do this” into “I can’t do this yet.”

And let me tell you, adding that little word “yet” is a powerful shift.

Related Post: The Power of Mindset for Entrepreneurs

Assess Your Current Situation

Okay, now that we’ve got the growth mindset basics down, it’s time to take a good, hard look at where you’re at right now. This isn’t about judgment – it’s about clarity.

Because let’s face it, you can’t map out where you’re going if you don’t know where you’re starting from.

So, let’s talk SWOT. No, I’m not talking about calling in a tactical team (although sometimes it feels like we need one). SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. This is a tool we used during strategic planning sessions when I was in the corporate world.

Strengths. What are you killing it at? Maybe you’ve got a knack for creating awesome content or you’re a whiz at building relationships with clients. Whatever it is, own it! These are the foundations you’ll build on.

Weaknesses. I know, it’s not fun to think about what we’re not great at. But remember that growth mindset we just talked about? This is where it comes into play. Your weaknesses are just skills you haven’t mastered yet.

Opportunities. This is where things get exciting. What’s happening in your industry, your niche, that you could tap into? Are there new trends or technologies that align with your strengths? Get creative here!

Threats. What could potentially derail your progress? Maybe it’s a saturated market or changing algorithms. Identifying these now means you can plan ahead and turn potential threats into opportunities.

Take some time with this. And be honest with yourself. If you’re feeling stuck, you might reach out to a trusted friend or mentor for their perspective. Sometimes an outside view can shed light on things we might miss.

But don’t stop at SWOT. Reflect on your journey so far. What wins have you had? Make a note of those! And those setbacks? Remember, they’re not failures – they’re lessons. So, what did you learn from them? How can you use that knowledge moving forward?

Keep in mind, this assessment isn’t about beating yourself up. It’s about getting crystal clear on where you are so you can chart a course to where you want to be. It’s all part of the process.

Set SMART Goals

Okay, now that we’ve got a good picture of where we stand, it’s time to set our sights on where we’re heading. So, let’s do a quick refresher on SMART goals – the kind that’ll keep you focused, motivated, and on track.

What makes a goal SMART? Let’s break it down:

Specific: Vague goals get vague results. We want laser-focused objectives that leave no room for confusion. Instead of “I want to grow my business,” try “I want to increase my email list by 1,000 subscribers.” That’s specific.

Measurable: If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. How will you know when you’ve hit your target? Make sure your goal has a metric attached to it.

Achievable: Dream big but keep it real. Your goals should stretch you, but not break you. Be ambitious, but make sure it’s something you can actually accomplish with hard work and dedication.

Relevant: Does this goal align with your overall vision? Make sure each objective you set is moving you in the direction you want to go.

And finally, time-bound: Deadlines are motivating! Give yourself a realistic timeframe to achieve your goal. This creates urgency and it helps you prioritize.

Now, here’s where the kicker:  accountability. Setting SMART goals is great, but without accountability, it’s easy to let things slide.

So, here are a few tips to keep yourself on track:

1. Write it down: There’s power in putting pen to paper (and of course, I mean digital as well, it doesn’t have to be actual paper). Just write your goals somewhere you’ll see them daily.

2. Share your goals: Tell a friend, a mentor, or even your audience. Knowing others are aware of your goals can be a powerful motivator, because you don’t want to let them down.

3. Break it down: Large goals can be overwhelming, so break them into smaller, manageable tasks.

4. Regular check-ins: Schedule weekly or monthly reviews to assess your progress and make adjustments as needed.

5. Celebrate milestones: Don’t wait until you’ve reached the final goal to celebrate. Acknowledge your progress along the way! We’re going to talk more about celebrating in a few minutes.

Setting SMART goals isn’t about restricting yourself – it’s about giving yourself a clear path forward. It’s about turning those big, exciting dreams into actionable steps that you can tackle one by one.

So, take some time now to craft your SMART goals. What do you want to achieve in the next 30 days? 90 days? By the end of the year? Get specific, get measurable, and get excited! Because with SMART goals and a growth mindset, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.

Create an Action Plan

Alright, we’ve set SMART goals. Now it’s time to map out how we’re going to achieve them. This is where the rubber meets the road – I’m talking about creating an action plan.

Think of your action plan as your roadmap. It’s not just about knowing where you want to go; it’s about plotting out every twist and turn along the way.

So, how do we create an action plan that actually works?

1. Break down your goals into manageable tasks:

Big goals can feel overwhelming, right? That’s why we’re going to slice and dice them into bite-sized pieces. For each goal, list out every single step you need to take to make it happen.

For example, if your goal is to launch a new product, your tasks might include:

• Research market demand
• Create product outline
• Plan marketing strategy
• Set up sales page
• Create email sequence

And each one of those is probably going to have multiple sub-tasks. So, include them in your action plan, as well.

2. Prioritize your tasks:

Not all tasks are created equal. Some will have a bigger impact on your progress, while others might be more urgent. Use a prioritization matrix to sort your tasks:

• Important and Urgent: Do these ASAP
• Important but Not Urgent: Schedule these
• Urgent but Not Important: Delegate if possible
• Neither Urgent nor Important: Consider eliminating these altogether

3. Assign deadlines:

Remember the ‘T’ in SMART goals? It stands for time-bound. Give each task a deadline. This creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay on track. Be realistic, but don’t give yourself too much wiggle room – a little pressure can be motivating!

4. Utilize tools:

Don’t try to manage all this in your head. Use tools to keep yourself organized and on track. Asana is my favorite project management software, so that’s what I mostly use to stay organized. I also often use Google sheets to track various components of a project. Sometimes I just need to see things in a spreadsheet.

5. Build in accountability:

Share your action plan with someone – a business buddy, a coach, or even your audience. Knowing someone else is aware of your plans can be a powerful motivator.

Now, here’s a pro tip: Don’t just create your action plan and file it away. Keep it visible. I have a spreadsheet where I map out my quarterly goals and key actions. It’s one of the first things I open when I sit down at my desk in the morning, and I refer to it all day. It’s a constant reminder of what I’m working towards and what needs to be done next.

One of the things I always say is that your action plan isn’t set in stone. As you progress, you might need to adjust and refine. That’s totally okay!  In fact, it’s a sign of that growth mindset we talked about earlier.

Be flexible, be willing to learn, and be ready to pivot when necessary.

Creating an action plan might seem like extra work, but trust me, it’s a habit you really want to develop. It takes those big, exciting goals and turns them into a step-by-step process that you can tackle one day at a time. It’s about making consistent progress, staying focused, and building momentum.

Cultivate Resilience and Adaptability

OK, we’ve set SMART goals, we’ve made action plans, now it’s time to talk about resilience and adaptability.

In the world of online entrepreneurship, change is the only constant.

Algorithms shift, trends come and go, and unexpected challenges pop up when you least expect them.

That’s why cultivating resilience and adaptability is essential.

So, how do we build those skills? And make no mistake, they are skills. Which means you can develop them.

1. Embrace challenges as opportunities:

This is where that growth mindset comes into play. When you hit a roadblock, instead of thinking “Why is this happening to me?”, shift your perspective to “What can I learn from this?”. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to become better at what you do.

2. Reframe failure:

Let’s just banish the word “failure” from our vocabulary and replace it with “feedback.” When something doesn’t go as planned, it’s not a reflection of you or your abilities. It’s simply information that you can use to adjust your approach.

3. Practice problem-solving:

When you’re faced with a challenge, break it down into smaller, manageable parts. Ask yourself: What’s within my control? What resources do I have? What’s one small step I can take right now? This approach helps prevent overwhelm and keeps you moving forward.

4. Build your support network:

Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Join mastermind groups. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs. Maybe find a mentor.

Having a support system can provide perspective, encouragement, and sometimes the kick in the pants we need to keep going.

5. Develop a growth routine:

Make learning and personal development a regular part of your schedule. Read books, listen to podcasts, take courses. The more you expand your knowledge and skills, the more adaptable you become.

6. Practice self-care:

Resilience isn’t just about pushing through – it’s also about knowing when to rest and recharge. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Have you ever that saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup?” That’s what that means.

7. Recognize small wins:

When we have our sights set on big goals, it’s easy to overlook the small victories. But acknowledging these wins builds confidence and momentum.

Did you send that pitch email you’ve been nervous about? Yay!

Did you figure out a tech issue that’s been bugging you? That’s worth recognizing! (I clap for myself when I solve tech issues.)

Building resilience and adaptability is like building a muscle. It takes practice, and yes, sometimes it’s uncomfortable. But the more you flex these skills, the stronger they become.

So, the next time you face a setback, I want you to pause, take a deep breath, and ask yourself: “How can I use this to become better?”. Because with the right mindset, every challenge is just a stepping stone.

Track Progress & Celebrate Wins

Okay, before we wrap up, let’s talk about something that’s often overlooked but absolutely crucial to your success: tracking your progress.

1. Regularly review your action plan:

Remember that action plan we created? It’s not a set-it-and-forget-it kind of deal. Make it a habit to review your plan regularly. I recommend doing a quick daily check-in and a more in-depth weekly review. This helps you stay on track and allows you to make adjustments as needed.

2. Use a progress tracker:

Whether it’s a spreadsheet, a bullet journal, or a dedicated app, find a system that works for you to track your progress. Visually seeing how far you’ve come can be incredibly motivating.

3. Keep a win journal:

At the end of each day or week, write down your wins. And I mean all of them, big and small. I do this as part of my morning journal practice. I write down “what went well” the day before. This practice helps shift your focus to progress rather than perfection.

4. Set milestones:

Break your big goals into milestones. These serve as checkpoints along the way and give you more opportunities to celebrate your progress.

5. Celebrate wins:

Now, let’s talk about the fun part – celebrating your wins! I can’t stress enough how important this is. Celebrations, no matter how small, release dopamine in our brains, which increases our motivation and productivity. Plus, it just feels good!

So here are some ways you can celebrate your wins:

• Treat yourself to something you enjoy (a nice meal, a massage, that book you’ve been eyeing)
• Take a day off to relax and recharge
• Share your success with your support network
• Turn on some music and dance it out
• Write a gratitude journal entry reflecting on your achievement

Celebration isn’t just about the outcome – it’s about acknowledging the effort, the learning, and the growth that happened along the way.

Let me share a quick personal story here. One of the things I tend to do is always keep my eye on the next big thing. I’m so focused on reaching that next big goal or finishing that next big project, that I often overlook the progress I’m making day to day. I’ll achieve something significant, like launching a new course, and instead of celebrating, I immediately move on to the next goal.

But here’s the thing – that approach has left me feeling unsatisfied and burned out.

So, for the last few years, I’ve made it a point to track my progress and celebrate my wins. I also started a gratitude log where I make note of something every day that I’m grateful for.

Those things help me feel more motivated and energized.

Every week, usually on Sundays, I have weekly ritual where I review the past week and plan the upcoming week.

During the review portion, I acknowledge my wins (big and small) and plan a little celebration. Sometimes it’s as simple as treating myself to my favorite coffee or taking an afternoon off to read a book by the pool. Other times, for bigger achievements, I might plan a weekend getaway or buy myself something I’ve been wanting for my business.

The key is to make celebration a habit. Don’t wait for the “big” wins to acknowledge your progress. Every step forward is worth recognizing.

Take Action to Plan Your Next Steps

Alright, we’ve covered a lot of ground today. We’ve talked about embracing a growth mindset, setting SMART goals, creating action plans, building resilience, and the importance of tracking progress and celebrating wins.

Now, it’s time for you to take action.

Here’s what I want you to do:

1. Assess where you are: Take some time to reflect on your current situation. What’s working well? Where do you see opportunities for growth?
2. Set your SMART goals: Based on your assessment, set 1-3 SMART goals for the next 90 days. Remember, make them Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
3. Create your action plan: Break down your goals into manageable tasks. Prioritize them and assign deadlines.
4. Establish your tracking system: Decide how you’ll monitor your progress. Will you use a digital tool, a physical planner, or a combination of both?
5. Plan your celebrations: Decide in advance how you’ll celebrate your wins, both big and small. Having something to look forward to can be a powerful motivator.
6. Take the first step: Look at your action plan and identify one thing you can do today to move towards your goals.

Then do it. Remember the mantra – progress over perfection.

Embracing a growth mindset and planning your next steps isn’t a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process of learning, adjusting, and growing.

There will be challenges along the way, but with the strategies we’ve discussed today, you can face them head-on and come out stronger on the other side.

And if you really want to do some intentional work on your mindset, I have a 12-week challenge called Mindset Reset. Each week focuses on a different technique from changing the way you talk to yourself in the morning to practicing gratitude, and more. It’s only available inside my membership, the Organized Business Toolbox.

You have everything it takes to achieve your dreams. It’s time to embrace that growth mindset, set those SMART goals, and take action.

Related Posts:

• 7 Tips for Planning Your Day
• How to Create Your 90-Day Action Plan
• Boost Your Productivity With a Project Plan

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