Why the “Even Better If” Mindset is a Must-Have for Entrepreneurs
In today’s fast-moving world of entrepreneurship, how you think matters just as much as what you do. And amongst the most underrated tools in your mental toolbox is the “Even Better If” mindset, a simple yet powerful approach to leadership, growth, and innovation.
Whether you’re just launching your business or scaling a growing team, adopting this entrepreneurial mindset can lead to smarter decisions and sustainable success.
What Is the “Even Better If” Mindset?
I was introduced to the Even Better If mindset by a good friend of mine, Esther Stanhope. Esther, known as “The Impact Guru,” is a brilliant TEDx speaker, award-winning author, and expert at helping people shine in the spotlight. My friendship with Esther began several years ago, when I instructed her as my public speaking coach, and I was delighted to have her host my MSO Event last December.
At its core, the "Even Better If" (EBI) mindset is about constructive optimism. You acknowledge what’s working, while also asking how to take it to the next level. Instead of getting stuck in perfectionism, you create a feedback loop rooted in continuous improvement.
It’s as simple as asking:
“What worked, and what would make it even better if...?”
Why Entrepreneurs Need This Mindset
The journey of business ownership is full of pivots, pressure, and problem-solving. Founders with a growth mindset for business know they can't afford to stand still, or dwell on mistakes, and that’s where EBI thinking helps.
It reframes every moment, from investor pitches to team debriefs, as a stepping stone, with the next step you take an improvement on the last.
How to Apply the “Even Better If” Mindset in Business
Build a Feedback-Driven Team Culture: In my book, 10 Steps to Success in Business, I have dedicated one of the steps to seeking feedback, in which I encourage my leaders to look at positive and negative feedback and use it as a tool for practicing the Art of Kaizen – continuous improvement. In a group setting, traditional feedback can feel personal, however using EBI language makes it collaborative. Instead of:
“This event could’ve been better.”
Try:
“This event was great. It’d be even better if we … next time.”
This creates a safe space to speak and provide feedback, while still encouraging high standards, an essential part of effective leadership strategies.
Enhance Customer Experience: Customers might be happy, but loyalty comes from ongoing improvement, and ongoing improvement helps you stand out against your competitors.
“Our tenants love that we’re open till 6pm. It’d be even better if we were open weekends too to conduct viewings.”
This mindset ensures your product or service evolves with your audience, a key to entrepreneurial success.
Level Up Your Leadership: The best business owners are constantly refining their own habits. The EBI method isn’t just for your team, it’s for your own self-leadership, too:
“I handled the client pitch well. It’d be even better if I listened more to their needs so I could adapt my services to suit.”
This keeps you in reflective leadership mode without falling into harsh self-criticism.
Final Thoughts
Make Your Business “Even Better”
If you want to grow as a founder, mentor your team effectively, and build a business that moves forward instead of standing still or falling behind, adopt the EBI mindset.
Remember, it starts with a simple question:
“What did we do well? And what would make it even better if...?”
That small shift could lead to your biggest breakthroughs.
Ready to Build a Stronger Entrepreneurial Mindset?
Want help applying the EBI approach to your team, leadership, or strategy?
Need to lead your business with more confidence and impact?
Book your free mentorship call today and gain practical guidance from an experienced mentor and entrepreneur to help you lead and scale your business, so that you can succeed with confidence.
