You Are Your Client Or Customer
Treat yourself as you do your clients; with kindness and understanding. You know how hard it is to start and maintain a business. Regardless of your doubts, you're still doing it. Some people think that starting a business is this instantaneous "get rich" plan. As you know, it's not. Owning and running a business is hard. Damn hard. But it's also rewarding. Creating a successful business is an ongoing battle between what is and what could be. The victory is not won in a day. It's won in the daily grind; through blood, sweat, and tears. That's what makes an entrepreneur. That's what defines your business. You would never tell your client to give up, so why should it be any different with yourself?
The Battle Is Not Done
The victory is won in the success of failure. Yes you read that right. I'll say it again; the victory is won in the success of failure. Let's face it, things going well never made for a good story. But rising from the ashes and trying again, now that's a page turner. It's about going up against the resistance and coming out on top. Entrepreneurs are not born, they're made. The hours spent trying to understand confusing tax requirements, or submitting an invoice to a client. The frustrations with cash flow shortages despite every attempt to make your business profitable. The unforeseen business expense that comes like a thief in the night. And sometimes it can feel like you go from putting out one fire to the next. Successful entrepreneurs get used to warm handshakes and heartbreaks. A roller coaster of emotions. Running a business well is hard. But you know there's nothing that beats the challenge of having your own business. It's something incredibly thrilling and empowering to go against the status quo. To push the boundaries of what is possible. The beauty is you don't have to have it all figured out. Spoiler alert, no one does. You do however need the vision. Like a captain at sea, your boat is your business and your employees are your crew. They will help you move the ship, but you have to direct them where to go. Exploring uncharted waters requires a vision, something worth pursuing that goes beyond products and services.
Be Resilient & Find Success
Here's what success looks like; you refuse to let disappointments get to you, to not settle with the setbacks, and always be willing to learn. Commit to not giving up when you want to give in. Push further when you get push back (and if you're bold you will get push back). Be humble enough to recognize when you need help and ask for it. You don't have to suffer alone. There are people who want to help you if you just ask them. Remind yourself of the "why" behind your business. And commit to fulfilling that. Am I in it for myself or for others? That's what success looks like. Zig Ziglar once said "you can get everything you want, when you give others what they want". So if you are among the brave who have started your own business and find yourself struggling, embrace it. Own it. Make it a chapter in the book of your success. The greats came to be greats because of what they overcame. Pushing past the status quo and refusing to do what everyone else did. It's true not every entrepreneur is successful, but the successful are entrepreneurs. Only you can decide which you'll be.
