“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t- you’re right.” The full quote includes the word “whether” initially, and Henry Ford is the man who said it. Here is a man who literally changed the world and it all started with his ability to think differently. There is no question that he had other skills, such as intelligence and work ethic, but it all started with his ability to believe that he could. Entrepreneurs are all motivated differently, some through positive reinforcement or, in my case, by people telling me I can’t do something. Regardless of what inspires you, it starts with belief in yourself, and here are three ways you can build that belief.

Go All In

This phrase has become popularized by the Texas Hold Em craze. When a player makes a stand and says, “I’m all in.” Sometimes they have the best hand, but often it’s a tactic used to bluff the other players at the table. The point is that they are putting it all out there and will either significantly improve their stack or go home, but there is no looking back. When it comes to running your business, are you going all-in? Dreams don’t always come true, but it’s virtually guaranteed not to happen if you don’t give it everything you have as an entrepreneur.

Watch Your Thoughts

I have a saying about people that you surround yourself with. “They either lift you up, or they bring you down.” That saying applies to you and your mindset as well. Are you lifting yourself up with positive reinforcing thoughts of tearing yourself down with negative speak? We all do both, but I want you to be aware of what you are thinking. Recognize when your inner dialogue is being a jerk and replace it with empowering thoughts. As an entrepreneur, you will be faced with adversity; it’s a guarantee, so make sure that you are not feeding the negativity but rather combating it with positive, uplifting thoughts.

Seek Inspiration

There are people out there that have achieved great success and can lend support as a guide or mentor. A considerable part of my job is seeing the unlocked potential in another human being and helping light that inner spark. Make it a daily habit to read inspirational quotes, listen to a podcast, or watch motivating documentaries. There are so many resources available, but you need to make a concerted effort to find them. Be open to talking with other entrepreneurs that have already had success. There is enough business for everyone, so be open to having those entrepreneurs as mentors, coaches, and accountability buddies. When you feed your brain these positive experiences daily, you can’t help but be inspired.

“However ordinary each of us may seem, we are in some way special, and can do things that are extraordinary, perhaps until then.. even thought impossible”. Sir Roger Bannister said that, and he was the first man ever to break the 4-minute mile. The feat was unthinkable in 1954 until Bannister, a 25-year-old medical student from London, accomplished it. Since then, over 1,400 runners have eclipsed that mark and are now the standard for professional middle-distance runners. Roger Bannister believed he could do it and proved everyone wrong. As an entrepreneur, remember, “Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right.” I know you can; let’s Go, Win!

I hope you find these three tips to be helpful. Do you think they will help you build a belief in yourself? Start a discussion in the comments below!