Often, the only person standing in the way of what we want… is us. Yes, there are always circumstances and people out of our control, and unexpected roadblocks that come up.

But more often than not, it’s our “stuff.”

What’s the solution? For business owners, getting mentoring and support is a huge part of it. However, I also believe that there are three shifts that entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs need to make in order to get out of their own way.

I’ve come to learn that your mindset plays an enormous role in your success, and it’s the primary reason why some people are highly successful while others are not.

These shifts have had a profound effect on my life, and I’d like to share them with you.

Essential Shift #1: Understand that it’s practical magic.

Success is really two parts: the practical and the “magical.” You need the marketing, the website, the sales… but you also need the “magical” side–the mindset piece.

I’m sure we’ve all heard it before: what you think about, you bring about, right?

The marketing is crucial but it’s not the only thing dictating your success. If you’re continuously living in a negative place inside, your marketing won’t work, you won’t take action on the marketing, or it won’t be ENOUGH to get you where you want to go. (This is where self-sabotage happens.)

Your thoughts, beliefs, feelings and actions all need to be in sync. For example, you might say: “I want to make a million dollars this year.” But if deep down are you thinking things like “I don’t have what it takes.” “It’s too much work.” “My list is too small.” Then the result is going to be that you’re not even going to try.

Your thoughts, beliefs and feelings guide the actions that you take and it can show up in our businesses as procrastination, laziness, and self-created obstacles.

BUT—we need to remember that our dreams really do exist for a reason. The ideas and creative passions you have are not an accident. And your purpose here is to create and be of service.

So, it’s time to quit indulging your “gremlin thoughts” and step out boldly.

Essential Shift #2: Quit indulging your gremlin fears.

In the past, many of us (myself included) have probably allowed fear to stop us from taking action. Fear leads us to make excuses, which leads to self-sabotage.

But although our fears FEEL real, they don’t actually exist! Why? Because there’s only now, and in the now, you’re ok. Successful people have lots of reasons to procrastinate and be fearful too. The difference is they feel the fear and act in SPITE of it.

Someone once said to me “If you aren’t feeling at least a tiny bit afraid, you’re not playing big enough.” It’s staying in that comfort zone and staying mediocre vs. stepping up. To overcome this, learn to move through the fear and stretch your comfort zone. What you want is just on the other side! It’s about getting comfortable being uncomfortable, and then getting into action.

Face your fear by taking the very next step. (Sir Richard Branson says: “Success in life never comes from inaction.”)

Essential Shift #3: Own your expertise (and your worth)

We often think we’re not enough, and this is all about self-image.

“I’m not smart enough” “I don’t know enough,” “I don’t have enough testimonials,” etcetera.

But YOU are an expert. Thinking otherwise is an insidious fear that keeps us stalled. (You don’t need anyone else’s permission to dub yourself the expert!)

Another way to start owning your worth and upgrading your self-image is to start living your life assuming you can be, do or have anything you want. No one else decides how far you can go—but you. Stop self-selecting yourself out of the game and play full out, because none of us is here forever.

The big question is what are you going to do with your time here?

If all else fails, think of it this way: People need you. Don’t cheat them.