The Mindset Shifts That Helped Me Achieve My Goals

Summary

In this insightful reflection on career changes and entrepreneurship, the speaker emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between what you 'can't' do and what you 'won't' do. They share personal lessons on embracing discomfort and uncertainty, learning that these feelings are natural in times of risk and growth. Rather than waiting for perfect conditions, the key to progress is moving forward despite fears. By accepting risk and discomfort as part of the journey, one can make bold decisions and achieve success in both career transitions and entrepreneurial ventures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Embrace the distinction between 'can't' and 'won't'—understanding this shift opens up new possibilities for career and life changes.
• 😀 Career changes often feel impossible, but realizing you can make difficult decisions is empowering.
• 😀 It's not about what you can't do, but about determining whether you're willing to take the necessary steps, even if uncomfortable.
• 😀 Confronting discomfort is part of entrepreneurship—learn to be okay with uncertainty and move forward anyway.
• 😀 Taking risks, like switching careers or buying a business, involves managing nervousness and uncertainty, not avoiding them.
• 😀 The goal isn't to eliminate anxiety or uncertainty, but to develop the ability to act despite feeling uncertain or nervous.
• 😀 Even when facing challenges, taking action and moving forward is more important than waiting for ideal conditions.
• 😀 We often tell ourselves we 'can't' do things, but what we're really saying is we 'won't' because we aren't willing to face discomfort.
• 😀 Risk is a natural part of entrepreneurship; it's about knowing your comfort level and being willing to move forward with calculated risks.
• 😀 Overcoming feelings of discomfort is essential for growth—especially when pursuing big goals, like buying real estate or starting a business.

Q & A

What is the key lesson the speaker learned about career changes?

The speaker learned the important distinction between 'something I can't do' and 'something I won't do.' Understanding that many perceived limitations are often choices, rather than absolute impossibilities, helped her take risks and make significant career changes.

How did the speaker feel when first considering leaving teaching?

The speaker felt it was impossible to leave teaching. She thought no one would hire her for anything else, and she struggled with the emotional and financial commitment to her career in education.

What role did the speaker's husband play in her career decision?

The speaker's husband challenged her assumptions, encouraging her to question whether her perceived limitations were truly unchangeable. His questions, like 'why can't you?' helped her realize that many of her fears were based on self-imposed restrictions.

How did the speaker approach the decision to leave teaching?

The speaker realized that while leaving teaching after five years wasn’t impossible, it was a decision she had to make based on her own desires and values. Ultimately, she chose to finish out the school year rather than leave early, but acknowledged she didn't have to continue teaching forever.

What is the significance of distinguishing between what you can't do and what you won't do?

This distinction opens up new possibilities by helping you identify whether something is truly outside your ability or if it’s just something you're unwilling to do, often due to discomfort or fear.

Can you provide an example where the speaker highlights this principle?

An example from the transcript is when the speaker considers moving back in with her mom to cut costs for a business venture. She initially believes she can't do it, but later realizes it’s simply uncomfortable and not something she's willing to do.

How does the speaker view discomfort in the context of entrepreneurship?

The speaker views discomfort as a natural part of entrepreneurship, not something to avoid. She believes that growth and progress often come from pushing through discomfort and uncertainty, rather than waiting for everything to feel comfortable and certain.

What did the speaker learn about handling uncertainty in her business ventures?

The speaker learned that uncertainty is an inevitable part of entrepreneurship. Rather than seeking to eliminate it, she has embraced the discomfort of uncertainty and views it as a necessary component of taking risks and making progress.

How does the speaker describe her approach to making major decisions, like buying and selling businesses or real estate?

The speaker acknowledges that she often feels nervous or anxious during big decisions. She emphasizes that these feelings are normal and not something to be eliminated, but rather accepted as part of the process of taking calculated risks.

What advice does the speaker give regarding risk and uncertainty in business?

The speaker advises that, while it’s important to think carefully and be strategic, waiting until you feel 100% certain is likely to prevent action. Accepting and moving forward despite uncertainty is key to making progress and achieving goals.