Mindset Matters

In the film Ordinary Angels, Hilary Swank plays Sharon, an alcoholic who searches for purpose in her life. She finds that purpose in a stranger's family. Michelle Schmitt (Emily Mitchell) is a young girl with liver disease. Her mother (Amy Acker) recently passed away from the same disease. Now, Michelle's family is drowning in medical debt, and she is dying. Sharon sees a newspaper article about the Schmitt family, and she just feels drawn to help them.

A theme highlighted throughout the film is that of perseverance. Sharon believes wholeheartedly that she can help, and she finds a way to make it happen. Ed Schmitt (Alan Ritchson), Michelle's father, is struggling with grief and depression. He has a fixed mindset and cannot see how the situation could possibly be fixed. Yet, Sharon proves him wrong every time. Even after things look hopeless and Michelle will not make it to the hospital in time for a liver transplant, Sharon refuses to give up. She changes her strategy and tries again.

Snowstorms shut down the airports? Sharon finds a pilot and a helicopter that is willing to take off. Roads closed? She and her friends map out a route that could still get Ed and Michelle to the plane. A place for the helicopter to land to pick up Michelle? Sharon got the community involved in clearing snow from the parking lot of a local church. Every time a wrench would get thrown into her plans, Sharon just pivoted and created a new one. Because of this attitude, Sharon convinced the hospital to forgive the medical debt, and she saved Michelle's life.

Ordinary Angels is based on a true story. I am just in awe of Sharon Steves and her extraordinary talent in "not taking 'no' for an answer." When facing that much adversity, I don't know if I could keep going. That mindset is what I aspire to have, and you should too!

Maybe a marketing strategy or content campaign flopped. Maybe your subscriber count isn't picking up like you thought it would. Maybe you had an unsatisfied client/customer that left you feeling like you failed. None of these things are rare in the marketing and writing spheres. None of these things should stop you from finding success.

No matter what wrench gets thrown into your plans and your life, you can always pivot and then continue to move forward. If one strategy didn't work, one product didn't sell, etc. there is still a path that leads to your goals and dreams. That path may feel very convoluted, and it may seem like you keep hitting dead ends, but there is always a way. Go back to the drawing board and brainstorm a new plan. Work until you find what works. Do not allow yourself to believe it is impossible. Do not doubt that you will make it happen. Your mindset is one of the most important parts of creating and growing a business. Make sure it's set to growth and learning!