Why Being an Entrepreneur Blows

byHannahED

201 followers

8 years ago

You made the decision to follow your dreams. Go you!

NOTE: Take this with a pinch of salt, some of this is satirical ;)

You are following all the invaluable advice from experts in your industry, from personal and professional development gurus and you're putting in 200% to make these dreams happen.

So you should be an inspiration to others, a real leader in the quest for personal and professional equilibrium.

But you're not feeling like that because....let's face it. It blows. Here's why:

Your social life has fallen into near disrepair:

Friends cannot comprehend why you are spending 7 days a week working and studying 18hr+ days on something that has not yet made you a millionaire - 'what's the point?!' they're thinking. They miss you and don't see why you can't make more time for them.

Your family want you to get a real job:

Without the immediate benefits of a regular, guaranteed income they are often expressing their concerns about why you can't just conform and get a 'real job' to put their minds at ease.

Your love life is not a priority anymore:

Those butterflies and romantic meals are off the cards - your mind is too focused on your professional goals and you don't have time for soppy nonsense.

You don't know if your ideas will work:

You are working your butt off for success - but there's always the possibility that the risk you've taken won't pay off.

You're exhausted:

It's inevitable. You are running your brain to it's limits almost every day, not to mention your laptop.

So it's true. It really does blow. But these factors are essential for startup entrepreneurs, these difficulties are mere hurdles on your journey to success. They only serve to be tackled as a complement to your undying belief system that you will succeed.

Here are some tips on how I overcame these day-to-day struggles in the same order as above:

Surround yourself with positive people who believe in you:

Some friends will think you are crazy and that's ok, that's their problem, not yours. The ones that have faith will always be there no matter how long you spend apart and give you the due space to achieve your goals, they will be the ones celebrating with you in the end.

Recognize that your family only want what is best for you:

Have a chat with them, explain your ideas and goals in a calm manner and let them know that failure, to you, is not an option and you hope they will support you throughout.If you have a loving family, this should make things easier and also establish to them that you are the child they hoped for, with high-flying aspirations and drive. If they aren't so loving, I highly doubt you give much thought to their concerns and their issues lie with themselves (e.g. jealousy).

This on is tricky:

but for me I've been blessed by having my business partner as my life partner. We both understand what we're going through, and when we have little successes along the way, she's the first person to fully understand and to share those celebratory moments with. We know what we're working towards together. It's likely you are not in the same position as I am, but the same rules for friends and family apply here. A partner worth your while will understand your goals and probably be a very goal-oriented person themselves who will support you. These people are a rare gift so don't be feeling glum that you haven't yet made their acquaintance.

Uncertainty is a gift in disguise:

Realizing that as long as you are constantly evolving, learning and putting in the hard work - it will pay off, perhaps not always in the way you expected but that's why you need to be open to change.

If there's one thing that's certain in business, it's uncertainty - Stephan Covey

Make time for exercise and take naps:

Not going to the club or the movies or even the gym is OK. But you absolutely cannot go on without moving your body and oppositely giving it some rest. Take a long walk/jog/run once a day at a minimum, maybe even two or three shorter walks to break up your working day. I personally love to rollerblade, I go for 20 minute skates around the neighborhood and come back invigorated and pumped for my next task. With all the stress you encounter as an entrepreneur, this is a sure-fire way to get some endorphins swimming around your body. Don't ignore your physical self. That means when you are tired you better listen and take a nap. I've made the mistake way too many times of pouring another coffee and attacking tasks in a sloppy and mistake-ridden manner. Just rest when your body says no.

If you were reading this and hoping to hear why missing that Saturday night out with your friends in favour of going over your marketing strategy again blows - you are not yet in the entrepreneurial spirit. Make sure you are chasing a dream that resonates with you on every level and then come back here.

The most important factors necessary to rise above your entrepreneurial obstacles is to have absolute faith and vision of your future and absolute motivation and inspiration to not give up. All else will conspire to work around your positive energy in a constructive way. Myself and my partner try visualization techniques to keep us on track and meditate every day to achieve a sense of calm when things are a little hectic.

I wish you all luck on your quests, comrades.;)