Have you ever found yourself pointing fingers, making excuses, or simply wishing a problem would disappear? We all have. It’s called the “Below the Line” mindset, and it’s a common trap we fall into – not just in business, but also in our personal lives. But what if there was a better way? A way to turn challenges into opportunities, build stronger relationships, and achieve greater success? 

That’s where the OARBED mindset comes in. It’s a simple yet powerful framework that can transform the way you approach problems and interact with others. OARBED stands for Ownership, Accountability, Responsibility, Blame, Excuses & Denial. The key is to operate “Above the Line” (OAR), embracing ownership, accountability, and responsibility, rather than falling into the “Below the Line” (BED) behaviours of blame, excuses, and denial. 

The OARBED Mindset in Business 

In the business world, the OARBED mindset can be a game-changer. Let’s say your business is facing a setback, like a missed deadline or a budget overrun. A below-the-line response might involve blaming your team or suppliers, making excuses about unforeseen circumstances, or denying the severity of the problem. 

But an above-the-line response is completely different. It involves acknowledging your role in the situation, taking responsibility for what went wrong, and actively seeking solutions. This approach not only helps you resolve the immediate problem but also fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within your business. 

The OARBED Mindset at Home 

The OARBED mindset isn’t just for the office; it’s equally powerful at home, especially when raising children. Imagine your child comes home with a poor grade on a test. A below-the-line response might involve blaming the teacher, making excuses for your child’s lack of effort, or denying the issue altogether. 

An above-the-line response, on the other hand, would focus on understanding the root of the problem, helping your child take responsibility for their learning, and working together to develop a plan for improvement. This approach teaches your child valuable life skills like problem-solving, resilience, and accountability. 

The Benefits of Living Above the Line 

Whether you’re a business owner, a parent, or both, embracing the OARBED mindset can have a profound impact on your life. By choosing to operate above the line, you’ll: 

• Become a better problem solver: You’ll focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. 

• Boost your productivity: You’ll eliminate procrastination and take action. 

• Build stronger relationships: You’ll foster trust and collaboration by taking responsibility for your actions. 

• Experience personal growth: You’ll develop resilience, confidence, and a greater sense of control over your life. 

Remember, no one is perfect, and we all slip below the line sometimes. The key is to recognise when it’s happening and consciously choose to shift back above the line. By practising the OARBED mindset, you can unlock your full potential, achieve your goals, and create a more positive and fulfilling life for yourself and those around you. 

Ready to Dive Deeper? 

If you’re intrigued by the OARBED mindset and want to learn more about how to apply it in your business and personal life, listen to my podcast episode Above the Line, Below the Line: The Mindset Shift That Will Transform Your Business, where I’ll explore this powerful tool in greater detail. You’ll discover practical strategies for shifting your thinking, real-life examples of the OARBED mindset in action, and expert tips for cultivating a more positive and productive outlook. 

I also use this powerful tool in my course Pathways to Profit where I help you understand your business better and allow your business to grow to its full potential without the stress and anxiety. You can find that course over on my website Jenrichardon.co or reach out to me if you want to know more about how you can use this powerful mindset to make a shift in your business.