Cultivating a can-do mindset significantly increases your chances of thriving and succeeding. However, it is important to recognise you won’t always feel confident in your abilities. Even the most successful leaders experience moments of doubt, especially during uncertain times or setbacks. What sets them apart is their ability to detach, leverage their experience, and continue moving forward. 

The growth mindset theory suggests that those who believe their abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort, learning, and persistence are more likely to embrace challenges, persevere in the face of failure, and seek feedback for self-improvement. These behaviours are associated with higher levels of success. 

How can you develop and nurture a growth mindset, particularly during uncertain times?  

Here are 8 strategies to help any business owner thrive. Many experts recommended these strategies during the 2020 pandemic. Although some time has passed since then, these strategies remain relevant for any situation, and they have been known to foster or support the development of a growth mindset. 

• Embrace self-compassion 

It’s easy to fall into the trap of self-criticism when things don’t go according to plan. But here’s a secret: many things don’t go according to plan!  

Recognise that you are doing your best under challenging circumstances. You can’t continuously operate at 100%. But you’re not a robot. Even robots and machines need downtime for maintenance and calibration. It is unrealistic to expect yourself to perform at your peak when you’re tired, unwell, or dealing with personal issues. 

If you can only give 50% on a particular day but give it your all—that’s perfectly fine. Giving your full effort, even if it is only 50% of your usual capacity, is still giving it your all. 

Sometimes, the best course of action is to take a pause. It’s important to distinguish between pausing and quitting. Practising self-compassion involves giving yourself time to rest and recuperate before tackling significant challenges. Pausing also serves as an effective strategy to quiet down the noise within you and concentrate on what lies ahead. 

• Reflect on your purpose 

In times of uncertainty, reconnecting with your core purpose or why you did this can serve as a powerful anchor. Ask yourself these questions: Why did you start your business? Why did you choose to lead your team? Is it to make a difference in this world? To solve problems? To inspire others? Or just to make money?  

By aligning your actions with your values and purpose, you may find motivation even when circumstances are less than ideal. Take this opportunity to journal or discuss your reflections with a trusted colleague or mentor. Let your why guide your decisions and actions. 

• Reframe the situation 

Uncertainty often brings feelings of loss or fear of the unknown. By reframing these situations, you can view them as opportunities for growth. Instead of dwelling on what’s going wrong, consider the lessons you can learn from the experience. 

Focus on what you can change rather than what is out of your control. This is the essence of the growth mindset. It acknowledges that while you cannot undo the past, you can change today to make the future different. Although you cannot control everything, there are actions you can take. You can pause, learn, and pivot. Reframing the situation helps you realise you have more control than you think.   

• Challenge negative thoughts 

It is natural for negative thoughts to arise during tough times, but it is important not to dwell on them. This does not mean ignoring the challenges and realities of the situation. Acknowledge that things may be tough, but challenge those negative thoughts by focusing on solutions and opportunities.  

• Seek a sense of achievement. 

Setting and achieving goals can provide stability in times of uncertainty. While it seems counterintuitive to set goals when conditions are rapidly changing, many businesses that thrived during the pandemic and economic crises found success by focusing on what they could control and taking things one step at a time. The key is focus. Focus on your goals.  

Even amidst uncertainty, you can still set ambitious goals. The crucial step is breaking them down into manageable tasks. Here’s a previous video on how to manage tasks more effectively. 

• Embrace your humanity 

Leaders often feel pressure to appear flawless, but embracing your humanity can be a powerful leadership asset. This aligns with the growth mindset, where mistakes are seen a valuable learning opportunities and are integral in fostering a learning culture. During uncertain times, your team looks to you for guidance. Embracing your humanity provides a model for the growth mindset and learning. 

If you want to learn more, here’s a video on how to become a better leader by nurturing a learning culture and a growth mindset. 

• Seek outside support 

You can’t do everything on your own, and trying to do so can lead to stress and anxiety. It’s important not to keep everything bottled up. Consider joining peer groups or professional networks where members face similar challenges. Knowing that you are not alone in facing challenges can be empowering, and you can learn from others’ experiences. 

Consider upskilling, enhancing your leadership skills, or working with a business coach. Investing in yourself is a powerful strategy during uncertainty. Professional development or coaching equips us with the necessary skills to manage uncertainty and achieve your goals. 

• Look after yourself 

As the most important asset of your business, it is crucial to take care of yourself. This is not a matter of ego. It is a practical necessity. When machines break down, operations may pause for maintenance or replacement. But what happens if you break down? 

Many successful entrepreneurs recognise the importance of maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual health. It is unrealistic to expect to work yourself into the ground and still be perform at 100%. If you’re seeking suggestions on self-care, here are more suggestions to help you manage stress and anxiety. 

Incorporating these strategies into your routine can help you navigate the uncertainties of leading your team with greater resilience and confidence. By choosing to adapt your mindset, you’re not just coping with uncertainty—you’re positioning yourself to thrive in it.