Master Your Mindset, Master Your Life

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Charles Barnard, Founder of Success Institutes, located in Portland, ME, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business is mindset coaching. I focus on teenagers and their families, specializing in high school student-athletes who want to compete in college.

Tell us about yourself

For nearly 30 years, I have worked primarily with middle school students in public schools who have struggled in school. I created programs to essentially help them shift their mindset associated with school and learning. During these years, I also coached athletes; essentially, my business began then, even though I never formally ran a business. I would simply work with athletes who sought what I had to offer. I started organizing all I did into online training programs in December 2019.

When Covid hit, I began to realize that the mental health of students and student-athletes, and their families were not being addressed as it should. Then when my wife was suddenly diagnosed with cancer in April of 2022 and passed away in July of 2022, my focus became more on the importance of mental health and dealing with stress. The fact that there were signs of physical health problems related to stress with my wife that were missed motivates me every day to help train athletes and their families in mental health - mindset - training.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a start-up, I don't have a biggest accomplishment yet.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

I am good at coaching and teaching, but trying to run a business, you have so many more hats to wear and things to learn that it is very challenging.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

You need to manage your emotions well because fear and other negative emotions can cripple what you do. Most entrepreneurs understand that but don't really understand the processes for taking care of it. There is a great deal of knowledge on the subject available, but little help in actually assisting in the development of the habits necessary. The other thing is to look for and persist in trying to make connections so you can partner up with people who have expertise in the business aspect of what you do so you can be free to do what you do best.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.growthmimindsettrainingacademy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/growthmindsettrainingacademy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barnard.chuck/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/successinstitu6
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-barnard-6304b154/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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