What I wish someone would have told me when I created my company

Entrepreneurship is often lauded as an exciting and lucrative field. From the outside looking in, it may seem like entrepreneurs have it all: the freedom to make their own schedules, the ability to pursue their passions, and the potential for financial success. However, the reality is that entrepreneurship can be challenging. In this blog post, we will explore some of the challenges entrepreneurs face and offer insights on overcoming them.

What nobody ever really tells you...

Nobody ever tells you that it's gonna be hard, that you'll have to work without looking at the clock, that you'll miss birthday celebrations, that you'll have to face your fears... Nobody can warn you enough how hard (sometimes) it will be...

But... we're here!

1. You are enough

Whenever you have doubts, second guessing yourself, your skills, and your value, remember that it's a marathon, not a sprint. You have a lifetime to perfect your skills; for now, you're enough, just as you are. Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of courage, hard work, and determination to turn your vision into a successful business. However, even the most successful entrepreneurs deal with doubts and insecurities, and that's okay. It's essential to acknowledge your vulnerability and seek support from your peers and loved ones when needed. Remember, your entrepreneurial value is not based on your successes or failures but on your perseverance and willingness to learn from your mistakes. So, keep pushing forward, stay true to your vision, and don't let your doubts hold you back. 

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2. We're not saving lives, it can wait

Unless you're a heart surgeon, you're not saving lives, only yours! when your client texts you at 11 pm, it can wait. When your team is lost and you're starving, it can wait. When you feel exhausted, it can wait. Getting caught up in the pressure of running a business is easy. However, self-care matters too. You may have heard that you can't pour from an empty cup, and that's true for entrepreneurs too. When you don't spend enough time taking care of yourself, anxiety and burnout can creep in. It's crucial to find ways to relax and recharge to avoid feeling overwhelmed. So, remind your busy entrepreneur friend to take a deep breath, step back, and prioritize some self-care. Even just a few moments of relaxation each day can have a major impact on their well-being. They'll thank you for it!

3. Prioritize yourself.

In any work relationship, you must think about your interests first. it's very very rare to find compassion and generosity in business, we're exchanging a service, we're not friends. (yet) It's common for entrepreneurs to pour all their energy into their business, often paying attention to their own self-care needs. I recently met a driven entrepreneur who shared his struggle with anxiety, largely due to his lack of prioritizing himself. He was always focused on success and growth, but forgot the importance of taking time for himself. After experiencing a panic attack, he realized it was time to make a change and prioritize his mental health. He learned that success doesn't have to come at the cost of your own well-being. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your business.

4. Working until 2am is not healthy

You can brag about working very late at night, but we all know deep down, it's not because you're a hard worker, it's because you're not organized enough. Being an entrepreneur is no easy feat, and it certainly requires immense dedication and hard work. Unfortunately, this often means sacrificing self-care and personal time. One entrepreneur I know works incredibly late into the night, often struggling with anxiety and pressure to grow their business sustainably. Despite recognizing the value of taking a break and engaging in self-care practices, they find it difficult to prioritize themselves when so much is on the line for their business. It's a common struggle, but one that should not be ignored. Finding a sustainable balance between work and personal life is crucial for long-term growth and success - both professionally and personally.

5. Don't compare yourself to others.

Remember the rabbit and the turtle? The rabbit bragging about his speed? Linkedin feels a bit like it; you see your friends raising money, having a great car when you know your bank account in negative. Success will come, don't compare your story to others. Being an entrepreneur can be tough. Sometimes, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparing your growth and success to others. You can start to feel like you're not doing well enough or that you're not as good as your competition. This lack of self-resilience can be damaging to your confidence and your ability to achieve your goals. But it's important to remember that everyone's journey is different and that comparison shouldn't dictate your happiness or your success. Rather than focusing on others, try to focus on your own growth and progress. You'll be surprised at what you can achieve when you believe in yourself.

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6. Celebrate small victories too!

You have to be your strongest cheerleader, your happiest supporter when you win a small battle, don't wait for others to do so; it's a relationship between you and you. Entrepreneurship is often likened to a rollercoaster ride, with its ups and downs, twists and turns. But amidst all that drama, one thing that entrepreneurs often forget to do is to celebrate their wins. And we're not just talking about big, milestone wins - even small ones deserve a moment of recognition. Celebrating your wins, no matter how small, is crucial for keeping up your motivation and confidence and for recognizing your growth and progress. So the next time you hit a mini-milestone, take a moment to pat yourself on the back and revel in the celebration. Your wins might be small, but they're still steps forward - and that in itself is reason enough to celebrate!

8. Trust your gut!

I KNOW IT'S BUSINESS, I KNOW IT'S RATIONAL, BUT YOUR GUT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER. You can fool your mind, but your body doesn't lie. It's your most reliable tool when you need to get an answer. When it comes to making business decisions, sometimes it can be difficult to know which way to turn. However, as an entrepreneur, it's important to trust your gut and follow your intuition. Your instincts can often lead you in the right direction, even when the logical choice may seem clear-cut. It takes confidence to trust your intuition, but doing so can yield great rewards. By listening to your inner voice, you'll be able to make decisions that align with your goals and values and ultimately lead to success. So next time you're faced with a tough decision, remember to trust your gut and embrace the power of intuition.

9. Enjoooooy

All of this is about having fun! Yes, I hear you, business is to make money, but we all know if you really wanted to make money, you wouldn't do this! Enjoy the process, laugh, celebrate, and be really proud of yourself! Being an entrepreneur is more than just about making money. It should be about enjoying the process of creating your company and product. After all, if you're not having fun, what's the point? You should take pleasure in every step of the journey, from brainstorming ideas to bringing those ideas to life. Celebrate each milestone, big or small, and revel in the satisfaction of seeing your vision come to fruition. If you approach entrepreneurship with a sense of enjoyment and celebration, your enthusiasm will be contagious and attract others to your cause. So, let's have some fun creating something new!

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In conclusion, entrepreneurship is a challenging yet rewarding journey. Entrepreneurs will face many obstacles along the way, but by focusing on creating a strong foundation for their businesses, networking with other entrepreneurs, managing finances, practicing self-care, and balancing risk and reward, they can overcome these obstacles and succeed. Remember, entrepreneurship is not always easy, but it can be immensely fulfilling and rewarding.

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