Early on in my professional journey, I received a piece of advice that changed everything: Treat your professional life as if you were a business owner. Now, before you dismiss that as “hokey,” I want you to really lean in and consider why this mindset is a total game-changer. Adopting this perspective won’t just change how you work; it will change how you live.
Ownership Over “The Man”
If you show up to work thinking you’re just “working for the man” or “putting in time at a job,” you’ve already lost your edge. You’re far less likely to take ownership or put in the effort necessary to grow.
But when you view your life as the business, your attitude shifts. Suddenly, your employer isn’t just a boss. They are your most important client. When you view them through that lens, you focus on providing massive value to keep that “customer” happy.
The Power of the Pivot
Entrepreneurs know that even when you do everything right, things change. Budgets get cut and markets shift. If you view yourself as a business owner, you don’t take these changes personally. Instead, you stay prepared. You give 110% to your current client, but you’re always refining your skills so you’re ready to attract the next great opportunity when the time comes.
Thinking Beyond the Paycheck
A great business owner doesn’t just think about today’s revenue; they think about the health of the company. When you run “You, Inc.,” you prepare for the ebbs and flows:
* You live on a budget.
* You maintain an emergency fund.
* You invest in your future.
By doing these things, you separate yourself from the crowd. You stop being a victim of circumstance and start being the captain of your own ship.
Integrity When No One is Watching
The “business owner mindset” frees you from the trap of only doing what you feel you’re “paid for.” If you’re just trading hours for dollars, you’ll always feel shortchanged. But if you’re building a brand, you realize that people are always watching. Are you the person who goes above and beyond, or the one who cuts corners? A business owner knows their reputation is their most valuable asset. They take leadership and teamwork seriously because those are the tools that build empires, whether you work for yourself or someone else.
Your Life, Your Story
Approaching your career as an entrepreneur gives you a sense of agency that “employees” often don’t have. You realize you aren’t just a character in someone else’s story. You are the author.
You have the ability to live with the intentionality necessary to see your biggest goals and dreams come to fruition.
It’s your life, LIVE BIG!
Josh Hinds