Admiration and Accolades
It’s been almost a year since I left my full time corporate gig and took the exhilarating leap into full time entrepreneurship. It’s been one hell of a ride so far, filled with lots of ups and downs. It’s like being on the world’s longest, highest and fastest roller coaster, it’s a ride that NEVER ends but I honestly wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s exciting, frustrating and challenging all at once.
I remember all of the admiration and accolades I received from people when I told people what I was going to do or tell them now what I do for a living; it was overwhelming at times. All the “I’m so proud of you for doing this” or “I wish I had the guts to do that” or “You are so brave for going out on your own, I could never do that”. These are all wonderful words to hear from the people around you but they fade quickly into the background and you’re left with just your thoughts and ideas, making plans on how to take your business to the next level. I find myself often wondering: “what in the actual fuck have I just done?” And as those thoughts creep in I start thinking about what I do for a living; I get paid to do something I love! I am my own boss! I make my own hours and not to mention the freedom it affords me and those negative thoughts slowly begin to creep back out again.
It can sometimes be a looooong and lonely journey, this highway called entrepreneurship. It feels like what I imagine a junkie may feel like when they take that first hit. The highs are just incredible, like you are soaring and the sky’s the limit but the lows (which a lot of people DONT TALK ABOUT) are really low sometimes. Constantly struggling with your thoughts and insecurities and worries of how the fuck am I going to do this??
Well believe me if you don’t push through these lows and there will be many of them, it will swallow you AND your business right up like neither of you existed! The key is to keep on going and think outside the box. Try NOT to let those negative thoughts creep inside your head and take over your mind. You MUST try to remain positive at all times!
How do you do that, you may ask?? Well, you can start by surrounding yourself with the right people. People who will be there to help pick you up and offer encouragement when you are experiencing these lows. A supportive team of family, friends and mentors will be an integral part and key to your success. Don’t listen to the haters and the negative noise that may surround you from time to time, it will only drag you down.
Entrepreneurship is NOT for the faint of heart or the easily discouraged. If this is something you want, you MUST persevere and keep on keepin’ on. Don’t give up or give into those feelings of fear, don’t let them take over your mind.
Remember your “WHY” and keep going!!