“Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them, a desire, a dream, a vision.” -Muhammad Ali

When we think of champions, we imagine fighters, heroes, and people that we can only aspire to emulate. Yet, the champions in our world are people just like us. People who wake up in the morning, work hard throughout the day, and still, at the end of the night wonder if they have done enough, wonder if perhaps there might not be more for them to do - more for them to be. 

Aspirations are the first step to success. If you want to be big, you have to dream big, and then work to make those dreams become a reality. But, big aspirations mean very little if you are not willing to fight for them. Champions focus on the things that they are wholly passionate about and continuously fight obstacles like insecurities and self-doubts to achieve their objectives.   

There is no secret formula to being a champion besides finding what you want to do, knowing it with your entire being, and pursuing it with all you have so that you can crush any glimmer of doubt and shine despite your fears.

An entrepreneur’s mindset can be the deciding factor for so many things. Believing in yourself and your ability to succeed, places you one step ahead of everyone else, but struggling with crippling self-doubt and hesitation can only weaken your prospects. Muhammad Ali, aka The People’s Champion, was one such example of how champions are made from everyday people who continue to proclaim that they are the greatest, despite the obstacles they have to overcome. 

The People’s Champion

Born Cassis Clay on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, Ali’s life was not without its own set of challenges. His family lived in a heavily segregated area which meant that Ali often faced institutionalized racism and discrimination. Yet, despite adversity, he still proclaimed, “I am the greatest!”. Muhammad Ali steadfastly fought for his beliefs while becoming one of the most famous boxers of all time. His achievements were an inspiration to many because he did it despite the opposition he faced. When people said that brown skin was ugly, he proudly boasted, “I’m so pretty.” He knew his value and shook up the world with his gifts and talents while giving others the courage to do it on their terms too.

Your Mindset Is Your Most Powerful Asset in Business

Your mindset, or the way you think about your life, is a key determinant of your behavior. People who have a growth mindset believe that they have control of their life, believe their efforts matter, look for ways to develop new skills, and view failure as a learning experience rather than a reflection of inadequacy. They are resilient in the face of obstacles and are willing to adapt to their circumstances to achieve the things that they want. On the other hand, a fixed mindset causes people to focus on fear and failure despite their potential for success.

In the business arena, the same is true. Having a positive, growth mindset enables entrepreneurs to have a winning perspective, and the drive to do what must be done. Whether implementing a new form of technology, taking a business risk, making a necessary but substantial investment, reaching out to a new network, or simply trying to do something innovative for your customers - a positive mindset will be your biggest asset.

Confidence and Courage Come From Taking Action

Some of you may be thinking, ‘Jasmin, that sounds great, but I don’t have the courage now.’ But, if you were on your deathbed, reflecting on your life, would you regret not taking the chance to fulfill your dream by starting or developing your business? If your answer is yes, then you know what you need to do.

Nobody ever really has all of the answers and, your life circumstances will probably never be “perfect enough” that you feel ready. Successful business people don’t wait until they feel ready; they make themselves ready by taking one brave step, each day. With each step, they gain clarity and the confidence they need to continue working towards their goals. If you feel like you lack the confidence to start your business, the answer is not to give up, but rather, take the time to gain some knowledge, hire a coach, and/or invest in an online program. Whatever you do, take action, take that first step towards being the entrepreneur that you want to be.

Muhammad Ali went on to finish his quote by saying, “ A champion has to have last minute stamina. They have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.” Your WILL must be stronger. If you want to be a successful entrepreneur, you must be stronger than any obstacles you might face. It’s less about having all of the answers and more about believing you can succeed as you figure out the answers. 

My goal is to help women, like myself, create the mindset they need to pursue their entrepreneurial goals and dreams. I was burnt out, depressed, and full of fear, but I changed my mindset and have since entered into my queendom. Other women, featured on my Breakthrough to Excellence Podcast, have done the same and broken through the obstacles, creating their own legacies. Nina Obier, a clarity coach, recently featured on my podcast, gave some great tips for finding clarity and changing your mindset.

If you are an emerging female entrepreneur or business owner looking to create the mindset needed to reclaim your personal power and pursue your entrepreneurial dreams, it is possible.

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