Recently, I’ve been reflecting on the timeless lessons my grandfather taught me. In honor of my Grandpa, I’m sharing 3 overlooked principles for sustainable growth mindset.
His wisdom has shaped my life and business in so many ways— including inspiration for the name Mulberry & Main Virtual Solutions.
These principles continue to guide me as an Operations & Data Specialist, helping small business owners make data-backed decisions to create more momentum, money, and memories with those they love most.
3 Overlooked principles for sustainable growth mindset
1. Share your gifts – Using your strengths is your best sustainable strategy
As a missionary who literally moved across the world to serve others he showed me that life is about sharing your unique gifts with the world and creating a community that allows others to do the same.
You may call it different things; your gift, your zone of genius, your purpose.
Either way, we have to recognize others do not have the same special combinations of skills, experiences, and passions which means people are anxiously waiting to tap into what you have to offer.
I often see clients bursting with ideas and passion but they feel stuck, bogged down by the minutiae of operations, doubting their next steps.
Even worse, they’re making decisions based on their fears and not facts.
That’s where I come in. Applying my expertise and unique frameworks, I channel my numbers-loving, analysis focused brain to simplify the chaos, giving them the clarity to focus on what they love most.
This transformation isn’t just about focusing on a single strength; it’s about unlocking your potential to learn, expand your expertise, and find innovative new ways to provide value to your clients and communities.
As we free up your time and resources, you can inspire, teach, and uplift others, magnifying your influence far beyond what you ever imagined.
When you thrive, your clients thrive, creating a ripple effect of positive impact.
2. Eat Dessert First – Bring the Joy into Sustainable Growth
My grandpa had a sneaky habit of eating dessert first—a slice of pie and coffee is a good choice no matter the time of day!
It wasn’t just about indulging in sweets; it was a heartfelt reminder to savor the little moments and celebrate the small wins.
Juggling countless tasks, rarely pausing to appreciate our accomplishments is par for the course for most small business owners. Grandpa would encourage us to take a step back and relish the journey, not just in words but in actions.
By celebrating our achievements, no matter how small, we make success and gratitude a habit. It is not something that occurs once after you reach your destination but something we do along the way which makes the journey infinitely more enjoyable.
In the hustle of building a business, it’s easy to forget the joy that fuels our efforts.
But when we take time to enjoy the process, we not only enhance our own well-being but also set an inspiring example for others.
Grandpa understood success is rarely exciting, it is making a million small mundane actions consistently enough to yield results.
By helping my clients set realistic goals and using dashboards to help them stay on track, celebrating the small wins is a regular occurrence.
This makes finding joy in the everyday moments critical for sustainability.
These “dessert first” bursts of happiness keep us motivated, creative, filled with passion and ready to conquer new challenges, ultimately making the entrepreneurial journey as fulfilling as the destination.
3. Make Reflection part of the Sustainable Growth
As a carpenter, my grandpa was known for his thoughtful and strategic approach—quality & longevity was more important than speed. His life was a testament to the power of reflection and intentionality.
Although taking action is important, my Grandpa would remind us that:
Sometimes, slowing down is the key to speeding up!
By taking time to reflect and be intentional, we uncover breakthrough ideas and develop sustainable strategies.
I want to be clear, this is NOT the same as procrastination—it’s quite the opposite.
While procrastination keeps us from making the first move, reflection encourages us to visualize our first move and how that will shape the next one, and the one after that, and so on. Establishing a cohesive and crystal clear path that allows us to take bold steps forward.
One of my favorite ways to help clients is through Capacity Planning—helping them find more time and profit hidden in their calendars. The trick is learning to fill up their newly trimmed schedule.
Keeping “whitespace” in our schedules to take time to reflect isn’t an indulgence; it’s a crucial part of our success.
According to an Entrpreneur.com the top two vital skills for any business owner are self-reflection and self awareness.
In those quiet moments, the best plans are born. It’s about finding that balance between action and reflection to move forward with clarity and purpose.
Grandpa would agree that thoughtful planning is not just about efficiency but about creating a business that grows sustainably and meaningfully. This balance allows us to navigate challenges with confidence and grace, ensuring long-term success.
In summary
My grandpa’s wisdom reminds me every day to balance hard work with joy, prioritize people, and move with intention.
By focusing on data-backed decisions and strategic planning, together we create sustainable growth that aligns with your vision and lifestyle.
After all, Vision Boards were meant to be lived out, not just looked at!
Let’s build businesses that not only thrive but also let us savor life’s sweetest moments.
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