In light of these interesting times, many are considering their best path forward. Some are anxious to return to their current profession, others are considering alternative careers with new companies and still others are pondering entrepreneurship. For those considering embarking on the journey that is entrepreneurship, this article is for you.
Entrepreneurship is a journey, not a destination.
For most, it’s more of a calling that chose them, rather then something one seeks out. It’s the natural path for one that is possessed with a restless and rebellious spirit. It is a journey filled with excitement, apprehension, loss and reward. Alfred Adler said it best when he stated, “I am grateful for the idea that has used me”… an accurate description of entrepreneurship at its finest.
For those considering embarking upon this unusual and often romanticized journey, I’d like to offer a few thoughts:
1. Risk is the job description.
Be it signing personal guarantees for business loans, lease space, capital equipment or product inventory, entrepreneurs risk everything for the opportunity to manifest their vision.
2. Failure is your friend.
Failure is an unfortunate consequence of life. Anytime one attempts something new, failure is a real possibility. This is never more true than it is for those pursuing a direction in which they are the ones burdened and blessed with creating the path. However, with each failure, and there are certain to be many, comes both great understanding and increased opportunity to do better, as one will now gaze upon the forthcoming horizon with clearer eyes. In this way, failure is your friend, albeit it may not feel that way at the time. The most successful entrepreneurs recognize the opportunities for growth failure brings and thus have a very different perspective on the subject than the vast majority.
3. Become comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Should you take the leap, know there will be many moments of uncomfortable times ahead. Be it unexpected occurrences, unforeseen expenses, economic downturns or even exponential growth without the required support staff to manage it, being uncomfortable is something one must learn to be ok with.
4. Know you are now charged with providing for many families.
Entrepreneurship is a privilege and as with all privileges, comes the added weight of responsibility. There is no such thing as a one man army. In order to achieve your directives, you must forge an army of talented individuals, that through their talents and your leadership, will triumph upon the battleground of business. It is your responsibility to ensure their efforts and sacrifices are well rewarded so they may provide for their families well and consistently. This means at times, especially in the beginning, that you will have to take from your family’s needs to provide for theirs. Like it or not, their futures are now your responsibility to ensure.
5. It’s a marathon in perseverance, not a sprint.
Many times along your journey you will face insurmountable odds and absolutely want to quit. This is natural to feel, but you must never, ever, ever succumb. When you feel this feeling of doubt, of mental and physical fatigue set in, remember, success is just on the horizon, as it lies on the other side of fear.
Do you have what it takes?
For those of you brave enough, determined enough and in truth stubborn enough to pursue this path, a wealth of reward awaits. Be it in the form of personal growth, the satisfaction of seeing one’s dreams realized, pride in knowing you have provided a path for others to provide for their loved ones, the pleasure found in being of service to your community, as well as the opportunity to provide a higher standard of living for your family, all will potentially be within your grasp.
With every great opportunity, comes great risk; risk of failure, but also risk of greatness. Are you ready and willing to take the steps required to attain your greatness, or will you let the fear of failure derail your path? You and you alone have the power and ability to manifest your visions, to breathe life into your aspirations and to take the first steps along a new journey. It is my great hope, should the sounds of the entrepreneurial drum stir your soul, that you will find the courage within yourself to throw caution to the wind and passionately pursue your dreams.
My challenge to you? Take a deep breathe and a large leap toward building your best tomorrow!
About the author.
Robert Mitchell is an award winning serial entrepreneur, executive coach, strategy consultant and the founder of ExecHero, SafeHarbour and Safe Harbour Wellness. When he isn’t leading his organizations, he is passionately coaching other entrepreneurs on how to position their business and personal lives for massive success. Rob enjoys spending time with his family, working out, martial arts, writing, traveling and acting. If you are ready to begin your journey towards your optimal self, email the ExecHero Team at: CS@ExecHero.com .
"Challenge the ordinary, seek the extraordinary and live unapologetically outside of the box."