Success in business is ultimately a matter of winning the business mental game. While we often focus on the competition and smart strategies, what happens in our heads is the most important. It’s also the hardest.
"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can."
Those are the words of the ‘The Little Engine That Could’. 
Now, if you think I have gone off the rails (pun intended), bear with me for a second.
Because,… that little engine from an old kids' book manages to pull a long train over a high mountain when its original engine breaks down. All the other big powerful engines are unable (unwilling) to step up to the task.
But the little engine has guts, determination, a can-do attitude, self-belief and a positive mindset.
"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can."
Despite the steep climb and the difficult terrain, the little engine succeeds in what looked like an impossible task. 
So why am I getting down to the level of pre-schoolers?
Because sometimes, in the middle of running our service business, evading burn-out and putting in impossible hours, we fail to see that… there is an alternative to breaking down or walking away.
IF ONLY… WE THINK WE CAN.
Because success in business is a mental game.
As much as we think it is about hard work, smart strategies and a bit of good luck (which are all important), what goes on in your head is the most important…
It’s also the hardest.
How To Win The Mental Game In Business?
This is a topic I’ve spent a lot of time on.
I’ve work extremely hard on improving my mindset in business, ditching unhelpful thought patterns and approaching challenges with the right attitude.
Getting a grip on what goes on inside your head requires awareness, persistence and focus; not easy when you’re also running around like the busy business owners that we are. But I dare say I’ve come a long way.
AND IF I CAN DO IT, SO CAN YOU.
So,… How to win the mental game in business?
Game on! 
Sandra’s Little Gems: Let Go Of Unnecessary Mind-Space And Time Takers. 
Here’s an analogy: prune back the old, tired, and broken to grow a lush, healthy garden.
Unless there is an acknowledgment that your current mindset in business may be hindering you, you’ll remain stuck in the old, tired, overgrown garden in your head.
For your business, pruning back means…
- Letting go of tasks you can hand over to your team.
- Cutting services and habits that no longer serve your goal.
- Ditching the manual “lawnmower” (or excel spreadsheet) and investing in new, efficient tools.
Because when simplify and streamline, you create space for innovation and growth.
But also, take a step back and assess your current mindset in business? Are you seeing obstacles, … or opportunities? If the former, it’s time for a mental garden clean-up.
"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can."
Sandra’s Little Gems: A Winning Mindset In Business Needs Flexibility And Open-Mindedness 
Beyond black and white, there is a spectrum of colours that make up our world. The answer is rarely plain right or outright wrong. Nuances matter.
But what happens if you show up with an open mind? If approach business decisions with flexibility instead of sticking with the old and the obvious or jumping to conclusions?
By opening yourself up to all possibilities, you can discover innovative solutions and pathways you might have missed.
How do you do that? 
Take the time to brainstorm solutions Promise yourself to be flexible in your thinking Expose yourself to different ideas. Talk to the new people, read diverse books and allow yourself to be challenged. Embrace change and be willing to adjust your plans
In a rapidly changing world, flexibility is the key to winning the business mental game and achieving success.
Sandra’s Little Gems: Embrace Experimentation 
After your mum gave you a firm ban on all levels of experimentation, I’m here to tell you the opposite.
In order to get unstuck, encouraging experimentation is a vital part of a winning mindset in business.
Obviously, I’m going to have to explain this one. 
How do you figure out if something works for your business?
The answer is: if you try it.
Instead of being paralysed by fear, we should view decisions as an experiment, a trial. (This is exactly how we approach scientific research, so why not apply the same wisdom to business?)
- If it works, great! You’ve solved a problem and can move on to the next thing.
- If it doesn’t, you’ve learned something valuable, gained insight, and can change tactics.
Embracing experimentation means failure is just another step towards success. I recommend new ideas with a small segment of your clients. If it works, you roll it out broadly. If it fails, no harm done.
When you embrace experimentation, you either win or you learn.
BOTH ARE PROGRESS.
Sandra’s Little Gems: Rewrite Your Inner Narrative To Win The Business Mental Game 
Remember the little engine?
It’s the perfect example of how our internal narrative shapes our reality. The stories we tell ourselves can either improve your mental game in business or hold us back.
For many women, self-doubt and self-criticism are all too familiar.
My solution is: IDENTIFY, QUESTION, REWRITE, VISUALISE.
Your journal is your tool for this.
- Identify Your Limiting Beliefs
Ask yourself what beliefs you hold that might be limiting you. These could be thoughts like "I can't handle any more clients," "I have to do everything myself," or "I'm not ready to scale." - Question Their Validity
Are these beliefs based on facts or assumptions based on past experience? Be brutally honest with yourself. - Rewrite Your Narrative
Replace the limiting beliefs with empowering ones that support your goals. For instance, replace "I can't handle any more clients" becomes "I can grow my team to manage more clients." Don’t worry about the HOW at this stage. If you want to have a winning mindset in business, you first have to rewrite your narrative, then you have to believe it's possible. - Visualise Your Success
Create a mental image of achieving your goals.- What does that moment look like?
- How does it feel?
If you can see it and feel it, it’s within your reach.
This positive reinforcement will help you shift your business inner game and build your confidence in creating your new reality.
Sandra’s Little Gems: Commit to Lifelong Learning 
After the little engine, we now also drag Curious George into the picture. 
Lifelong learning is crucial for improving your mental game in business.
Learning doesn’t need to be formal. The internet is a treasure trove, but opportunities exist beyond the net as well.
Surround yourself with inspiring people. (Join professional groups. Attend workshops and network with inspirational people.) Seek out mentors. Engage in informal educational activities like online courses, seminars, and reading books.
The more you learn, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
Sandra’s Little Gems: Leverage Your Support Systems 
We keep pulling wisdom from kids’ books.
Just like Curious George has "The Man With The Yellow Hat," nobody can do it alone.
Don’t be afraid to delegate (!!!!) and build a supportive team. This not only helps you scale but also ensures you don’t burn out.
Do You Want Some Help With That?
If you find this all quite overwhelming, you’re right.
Improving your mental game in business is not something that you can quickly resolve in 10 minutes with a cute blog (although it is a good start).
It takes self-reflection, rewriting old habits, focus, and resilience. Not something you do alone.
BUT (and here’s the good news),…
LET ME BE PART OF YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM!
If you’re ready to transform your business and mindset, I invite you to work with me. We’ll tackle your mindset and your business growth plans TOGETHER.
Take advantage of my 23 years in business and the tools that I have as a Certified Business Coach.
Head over to sandrajulian.co/coaching and book a Discovery Call.
We’ll discuss where you are now, where want to go, and how we can get you there.
Also, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review !
Talk to you again real soon. Until then, dream big, plan well, grow and scale your business YOUR way.
