There are few stories more inspiring than that of Sophia Amoruso, the founder of Nasty Gal. Amoruso started her company in 2006 as a small eBay store selling vintage clothing. With her unique eye for fashion and a refusal to be limited by her circumstances, Amoruso grew Nasty Gal into a multi-million dollar fashion retailer with a devoted customer base.

But Amoruso's success didn't come from following the traditional paths to success. In fact, she dropped out of college and had no formal business training. What she did have was an outlier mindset – a way of thinking that allowed her to see opportunities where others saw obstacles, and to take risks when others played it safe.

So, what exactly is the outlier mindset? At its core, it's a way of thinking that allows you to see the world differently, to challenge the status quo, and to embrace opportunities that others might overlook. It's a mindset that encourages you to think big, to take bold action, and to never let fear or doubt hold you back.

One of the key characteristics of the outlier mindset is a willingness to take risks. This doesn't mean being reckless or irresponsible, but rather, having the courage to pursue your dreams, even when there are no guarantees of success. Amoruso exemplified this by starting her own business with no formal training or experience, and by constantly trying new things and taking calculated risks to grow her company.

Another important aspect of the outlier mindset is the ability to think creatively. This means looking at problems and challenges from new angles, and coming up with innovative solutions. Amoruso's unique eye for fashion and her ability to spot trends allowed her to stand out in a crowded and competitive market.

But perhaps most importantly, the outlier mindset is about having a growth mindset. This means believing that you can always improve and learn, and being open to new ideas and ways of doing things. Amoruso was always looking for ways to grow and improve, and was never afraid to try new things or learn from her mistakes.

So, how can you cultivate an outlier mindset and apply it to your business? Here are a few tips:

1. Embrace change and uncertainty. The world is constantly changing, and the only way to keep up is to be open to new ideas and ways of doing things. Don't be afraid to try new things and embrace change, even when it's uncomfortable.
2. Take risks and embrace failure. Successful entrepreneurs are often willing to take risks that others aren't, and they understand that failure is just part of the process. Don't be afraid to take calculated risks and learn from your mistakes.
3. Think creatively and outside the box. Don't be afraid to challenge the status quo and come up with new and innovative solutions to problems.
4. Stay curious and open to learning. The world is constantly changing, and the only way to stay relevant is to always be learning and growing. Stay curious and open to new ideas and ways of doing things.
5. Believe in yourself and your vision. The outlier mindset is all about believing in yourself and your abilities, even when others don't. Have faith in your ideas and don't let fear or doubt hold you back.

By embracing the outlier mindset and applying it to your business, you can achieve unexpected levels of success and growth. Just look at Sophia Amoruso and the incredible success of Nasty Gal – it all started with a willingness to take risks, think creatively, and never give up on her dreams.

‍