There are two speed bumps on the road to business success: Self-Doubt and Uncertainty.
They are the crusher of dreams.
This pair will cause you to question:
Can I really live my dream life? Is it possible? Do I deserve it?
And when the road gets bumpy . . . Is the Universe trying to tell me it’s just not meant to be?
Is it worth it???
You are an entrepreneur because the j-o-b model doesn’t fit you. You want to live your life on your terms and have the freedom to choose who you work with, what you do and where you do it (cubicles give you claustrophobia!)
The likelihood of your success (or failure) depends on how you handle your speed bumps and whether you bottom out.
Two Speed Bumps on the Road to Success:
Self-Doubt
Self-doubt questions whether you are qualified to do your work. It asks why you think you’re special. Why you dare to want more, BE different, and choose not to work a job like everyone else.
It causes you to fall back into old patterns of thinking, beliefs that try to convince you that you’re being selfish, irresponsible or even foolish. Self doubt looks at what is merely apparent and tries to explain why your dreams can’t work for you.
Uncertainty
Uncertainty on the other hand is the fear of the unknown. It questions EVERYTHING! It’s always asking “What if?” What if I can’t find clients to fill my program? What if someone thinks I’m unqualified, too expensive, not worth it (you name it)? What if I can’t pay my bills? What if I fail? Or. . .What if I succeed?
Because you haven’t achieved what you desire before, there’s a LOT that you don’t know (like who you’ll have to become to be successful, how your life might change, or what will be expected of you) it can feel scary, like driving down the road without headlights. You can’t see what’s coming or where you’re going.
Paving a Clear Road to Success
Many of you have never operated a business before. Business models and marketing plans can feel a bit overwhelming and sales…well…let’s just say most of you feel uncomfortable selling.
In a world spouting statistics of low success rates for small businesses (it’s estimated that 56% fail in the first 5 years), it’s important to look at WHYyou’re in business in the first place (or why you want to start a business) to address these concerns.
Your Special WHY
So…WHY do you do it? Because you want to help people and you want to make a difference in the world.
The special WHY you’re in business is unique to you. It grows from your heart’s calling, some call this your purpose, I call it your inner magic. It’s the essence of you that calls to be expressed and shared with others (something only you can offer).
Your why is expressed in your Purpose (your gifts and talents), Mission(putting your purpose into action) and Vision (the impact you want to make).
Together they act as a compass for what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, where you’re going and the impact you want to create.
When you keep your WHY in mind, magic happens!
Suddenly you shift your focus from you and your fears (all that self-doubt and uncertainty) to your clients and the transformation you will bring them (the ways you will make their life better!)
Using your Purpose, Mission and Vision as road signs along your way, you’ll be sure to pave a clear path to success. And, if those pesky speed bumps do happen to pop up, your WHY will prevent you from bottoming out!
