Advice for Entrepreneurs
The road for entrepreneurs is really hard and the mental journey can be grueling. It can be paved with disappointments, self-doubts and rejections. Additionally the lack of sleep and money tend to reinforce the crazy path we have chosen. Only the strong survive. So here are a few tips to keep you going….
Surround yourself with encouragement
Be intentional with your thoughts (#ithrive31 #coreprinciple1). As an entrepreneur, this is really important principle to keep yourself going through the ups and downs…and usually, as an entrepreneur, there are a lot of self-doubts.
Surround yourself with encouraging people (not just your mom). Find those supportive people who will build you up, keep your spirits high and encourage you to keep pushing through the obstacles. These are your cheerleaders –find them, embrace them and spend time with them.
Proactively seek positive information and experiences. Look for those opportunities that will energize you, motivate you and inspire you to keep going. This is especially important when you feel stuck or are going through a rut.
Be intentional with your calendar. Listen to inspirational TED talks, attend an entrepreneur-networking event, or a seek a professional mentor. Put actions on your calendar that keep you going toward your dream. Side benefit: You may even get some important tips along the way.
Success starts from what you put in your head. Be intentional.
That small voice? LISTEN to it
I call it God. You know what I am talking about. It’s the little voice in your head that is on 24X7 – the one that says “this is your path, this is what you are suppose to be doing, even if it is really hard….don’t give up on your dream!”
Pay attention to it and follow. You will know that voice because it arrives before your feet hit the floor, stays with you though the day and is vividly present as you are trying to get to sleep. It keeps the wheels spinning. New inspiration and clarity comes from this voice and reinforces that you are on the right path.
Be strong to not shut it out by your own rationalization, mind clutter or the nay-sayers. And speaking of nay-sayers…..
Shut out the critics
They are everywhere – assessing, judging, critiquing, withholding support and usually sitting in the cheap seats. Sometimes anonymously, sometimes subtly – sometimes through whispers and other times they can be pretty much in your face. Oftentimes those closest to us can appear the most critical.
Just remember — This is YOUR time, YOUR journey. And guess what? You get to do it YOUR way. Stay committed to what works for you, on your timeline and the way that works best to accomplish your goals. If looking for inspiration – look no further than Theodore Roosevelt, who says:
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
Be proud of yourself – you are in the arena! There is nothing more admirable than the entrepreneur who is taking a shot – regardless of the outcome. Shut out the critics whose motives are suspect and who sits from afar. They are outside your arena.
Pay attention to the scenery
The entrepreneur’s journey is rarely straight. But that is indeed the beauty of it. Adventure and learning await! Entrepreneurs are driven. Yet while you are speeding down the road toward success, don’t forget to stop and smell the roses. The scenery along the way is filled with new people, places and experiences. Don’t lose sight of how awesome this is!
Pay attention to the roadsigns. As with every good adventure, there will likely be a few detours, s-curves, u-turns or STOP (“go back!!!”). These can be frustrating but also incredibly important. Take note. Don’t let the windiness of the road detour the course but remember to take it all in along the way.
P.S. — Never forget how important the “Rest Areas” can be!
Never. Give. Up.
You have an inner spirit that started you on this path. You had the confidence in yourself to step out. Maybe it was the need for a challenge. Maybe it was a dream to pursue. Maybe it was an inherent inquisitive spirit. Whatever was calling you, you took the step. That may have been the easy part or perhaps, the incredibly hard part but one thing is for certain — Being an entrepreneur takes courage!
This is a venture not for the faint at heart so brace yourself. It. Takes. Work! There may be days that you think “I can’t do this anymore”. There will be moments of self-doubts. There are sacrifices to be made.
When that happens – Dig deep. Reflect upon the moment when you first stepped out. Rekindle that passion. Find your inner confidence and don’t give up. You may need to slow down, take a pause, or redirect but if the fire is in you, don’t let it be extinguished. You got this.
There is strength in being an entrepreneur and we don’t give up. The soul of the enterprenuer’s spirit burns strong. So buckle up my friend and journey on because it’s going to be an amazing ride!
