by Mary Cantando, Founder of The Woman’s Advantage, Guest Contributor

There are many differences between women who grow a huge business and those who settle for creating a “job” for themselves. If you want to move to the million-dollar level and beyond, you have to start thinking and behaving as though you were already there.

Here are five differences between women who grow million dollar + businesses and those who are content to stay small.

Five Mindsets to Grow a Multimillion-Dollar Business

1. Embrace being uncomfortable.

It is comfortable to avoid risk, but comfortable doesn’t mean happy. Really successful women have figured out that extraordinary things happen when they put themselves in uncomfortable situations. A little uncomfortable risk can result in an amazing business…and life.

2. Work to learn rather than to earn.

Although it may seem counterintuitive, really successful women know that working isn’t about the money, especially in the early years. It’s about developing the skills and traits to create a growing business. So rather than just billing hours when they start a business, these women focus on learning everything they can about their industry and about business in general, allowing them to jump to the next level in business.

3. Make logical rather than emotional decisions.

Making emotional decisions can drive your business into the ground. Whenever possible, leave emotions out of business and lean on logic.

4. Set big-time goals and don’t give up until you reach them.

Rather than setting safe, easy goals, set your sites on difficult but achievable goals. Always ask yourself if you could achieve 10% more. Don’t let yourself off easy.

5. Move ahead by leverage rather than just hard work.

Of course, hard work is necessary, but you’ve got to leverage your connections and capabilities, such as hiring key talent, outsourcing, borrowing at the right times, etc. Just working hard will not make it happen.