The 1 Major Difference Between Failed and Successful Entrepreneurs所有这一切都归结到一个心态。你有它吗?

ByTom Popomaronis

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Klaus Vedfelt | Getty Images

Okay, maybe there's more than one thing. But there's onereallyimportantthing. Hint: It's not a piece of software, a management style or a willingness to innovate.

It's a mindset.

I'm talking about the mindset of, "Can I?" versus, "How can?" When you ask, "Can I [accomplish something]," you deserve a pat on the back. You'rescanning the horizon for possibilities, which is more than can be said for a lot of people. But pats on the back won't help you validate an idea, attract (and retain) top-tier talent that are drawn to your vision or effectively scale a company.

All you need to do is make one teeny, tiny change, and you might just find yourself face to face with a whole new world of opportunity.

Ask, "Howcan I?"

When we ask "Can I?" our only real frame of reference is the past. Whatever it is, have you done it before? If not, then how do you convince yourself you can now? The question intrinsically limits you to a binary set of answers. At best, it's 50/50 whether you'll decide that "you can."

When we ask, "Howcan I?" instead, we're exploring without predetermined boundaries. For example....

This to-do list is really long:Can I complete it?

This problem hasn't been solved yet:How can I solve it?

Related:How to Create a Growth Mindset as an Entrepreneur

See the Difference?

This is also where the commonly quoted advice to "fall in love with the problem, not the solution" comes from. If you really care about a problem, niche or opportunity, you'll be comfortable spending time with it -- as much time as you need to figure outhowyou're going to make the most of it.

Bottom line, asking whether youcan本质上是有所成就自我nd largely unnecessary. If you're asking the question, you probably already know deep down that you can. By comparison, askinghowyou can accomplish something presents you with a path to action, and will yield a plan for actually accomplishing it. In practice, it's the difference between a fixed and growth mindset, and the importance of the latter truly can't be overstated,especially for entrepreneurs.

Tom Popomaronis

Executive Vice President of Innovation at Massive Alliance

Tom Popomaronis is executive vice president of innovation at Massive Alliance, a global agency that provides executive-reputation management and leadership-branding services.

Editor's Pick

Related Topics

Business Ideas

These Retirees Just Wanted Their Cats to Drink More Water. Now Their Remote Side Hustle Makes $80,000 a Year.

This couple wanted to make and sell something from the comfort of their home. Now they're offering up their playbook for others.

Business News

'Please Fix This': Elon Musk Frantically Emails Employees During Livestream Glitch

Musk attempted to livestream his visit to the U.S.-Mexico border.

勒adership

A Guide to Effective Crisis Leadership — Key Steps to Lead Your Team Through Turbulent Times

The essential strategies and skills required to be a successful crisis leader and guide your organization through difficult times.

Business News

Costco Isn't Facing Devastating Surges in Theft Like Target and Walmart — and the Reason Is Very Simple

The retailer's CFO revealed its strategy during a fourth-quarter-earnings call.

Data & Recovery

Get Up to Date on CISSP Security and Risk Management

Protecting your business is crucial, but you don't need to hire a full-scale IT and cybersecurity team to do it.

Personal Finance

5 Entrepreneurial Mindset Principles That Empower Financial Literacy

Adopting the right mindset is key to financial literacy. Follow these five guiding principles to enhance your understanding of wealth creation and growth.