The 5Ms Movement: Mindset
If your business feels like a rollercoaster, it might not be your strategy - it might be your mindset. Before you blame the economy, your team, or your tech stack, ask yourself: are you leading with the kind of mindset that builds momentum, or burns it?
From the Wrestling Mat to the Boardroom
Back in high school, I was a wrestler. I had the honor of helping coach the younger kids in our youth program. One day, a quiet, unassuming man named Matt Fallon entered the gym. Meek in stature and dressed like an average guy, he asked if he could help with the team. For days, he just watched, offering no credentials or advice. Just observation.
Then one weekend during a youth tournament, a massive, muscle-bound assistant coach from another team stepped onto the mat during a break and challenged anyone in the gym to wrestle. Nobody moved. Nobody wanted to face the Goliath looking power lifter. And then, after several taunts into the crowd, Matt stepped up. In jeans and glasses with his wiry frame. We all held our breath. He accepted the challenge.
He casually walked to his truck, grabbed his gear, and within seconds of stepping onto the mat, he took that powerlifter down and pinned him. Twice, because the big man wanted a second go.
That moment changed the way I thought about strength - and mindset. Matt didn’t need to posture or boast. He was confident, capable, and humble. And he carried a mindset that spoke louder than any muscle ever could. “Power deceived is power achieved,” I deduced from that moment. If someone underestimates your ability, that’s your edge and your mindset capitalizes.
That lesson followed me into law enforcement, and eventually into entrepreneurship.
The Invisible Skill Set That Changes Everything
When I transitioned into the SWAT team leader and again to CPA firm owner, I quickly realized that mindset (not tools or tactics) was what kept the team together under pressure. In the field, chaos is expected. But the mindset we brought to the mission was what made the difference between success and tragedy.
In business, the chaos looks different, but it’s just as real. Fires to put out. Doubt creeping in. Unexpected curveballs. And each of these moments demands leadership. Not reaction. Not panic. Leadership. And that starts with mindset.
The entrepreneurial mindset isn’t just about thinking big - it’s about thinking differently. It means:
Seeing challenges as opportunities, not roadblocks
Being relentlessly curious and coachable
Staying calm in chaos while inspiring others to stay the course
Valuing your team’s contribution and modeling belief in their abilities and potential
Anchoring yourself in purpose, even when the outcome is still unfolding
You can have the best strategy in the world, but if your mindset is off, execution will fail. You’ll second-guess yourself, stall on decisions, and burn out from over-functioning. I’ve been there. And I’ve also seen the transformation that happens when leaders embrace growth, grit, and grace in how they lead.
Mindset Is a Daily Practice
Here’s what changed everything for me: I started treating my mindset like a muscle. Something I had to train. Just like I trained for SWAT or studied financial strategy, I had to do the internal work. I had to show up as the leader I wanted to be, not just when it was easy, but when it was uncomfortable.
Leadership is about clarity. And you can't bring clarity to your team if you’re walking in fog yourself.
Self-Check: The Mindset Scorecard
Where do you land today? Score yourself from 1 (weak) to 5 (strong) in each area:
I believe in my vision even when results aren’t immediate
I stay calm and resourceful under pressure
I consistently and conscientiously learn and adapt from setbacks
I model confidence and belief for my team
I lead myself before I lead others
Total your score. If you’re under 15, it might be time for a mindset reset. And don’t worry, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being committed.
Mindset Is Contagious
Your mindset is more than personal - it’s cultural. Your team catches whatever you carry. If you’re frazzled, so are they. If you show up grounded and focused, even when things get tough, they’ll mirror that energy.
That’s why mindset is the first of the 5Ms. Because without the right internal foundation, every external system you build will eventually crack.
When I embraced the idea that leadership is a daily mindset practice, not just a job description, I became a better problem-solver, mentor, and visionary. I stopped letting my circumstances dictate my confidence and started letting my values drive my decisions.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or under-equipped, remember: You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need the right mindset to go find them. So let me ask you: Are you running on chaos and reactions, or are you running on the 5Ms?
If you’re tired of reacting and ready to lead with clarity, the 5Ms will change everything. Start your journey with us today:https://go.csbizcon.com/sign-up building your plan today. Your future success depends on it.
