Ashton Bishop forged an unconventional path to success. After earning business and law degrees from the University of Tasmania, he performed as a street entertainer, stand-up comedian, and circus artist. In 2008, he launched Step Change, his Australia-based business and marketing consultancy—the "Robin Hood of marketing." Its core mission: empowering growing small businesses with big-business strategies.
From a handful of founders, a laptop, and one credit card, Step Change has scaled to six offices, 40 team members, and prestigious national brand clients.
Related: 5 Tips for Running a Successful Business
Hearing from fellow members, Bishop joined the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) in 2014. Drawing from his experience, he offers these seven insights for entrepreneurs facing headwinds:
1. Reclaim your headspace first.
Until you identify your triggers and regain calm, you can't deliver your best.
2. Acknowledge your situation.
Conduct an objective review of your trajectory and realistic expectations.
3. Be strategic in your approach.
Maximize scarce resources—dollars, time, focus—for the highest impact.
4. Spot the patterns.
Does it mirror another industry, era, or scenario?
5. Look for the gap.
Who has overcome this before? What lessons can you apply?
6. Commit fully without attachment to outcomes.
Control lies in your inputs, not results. Focus there, detached from self-worth tied to success.
7. Ask who you need to become.
You're the constant in life's wins and setbacks. True impact stems from evolving who you are.
Related: 5 Lessons I Learned From Over 200 Successful Entrepreneurs
This article originally appeared in the July 2017 issue of SUCCESS magazine.
