Entrepreneurship – For entrepreneurs in any industry, the inner strength and resolve to bounce back from failure is absolutely vital. After nine years of managing my own business and getting a second business off the ground, I have learnt the hard way that success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes incredible perseverance, dedication and courage to overcome setbacks again and again, holding on to the belief that you will make your unique vision a reality.
The life of an entrepreneur is all-encompassing. From afar, starting your own business appears high-powered and glamorous – but the reality can be very gruelling. Budding entrepreneurs need to be prepared for the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship, harnessing inner strength and resilience to overcome the tough challenges that await.
While there is much hype about start-ups in today’s business community, there is very little conversation around the fallout and consequences of failure upon a person’s health and wellbeing. We need to start talking about the personal struggles and challenges that come with being an entrepreneur.
The entrepreneur’s survival kit
Drawing from my own experiences overcoming adversity as a mumpreneur and business manager of nine years, here are my 4 tips for resilience and success in business:
4 tips for resilience and success in business
1. Be realistic
Be prepared for the rollercoaster ride. Becoming an entrepreneur is not for the faint-hearted, and there is no guarantee that you will succeed. Be realistic and pragmatic – but don’t let these qualities deter you from your dreams or diminish your self-belief. In the words of Richard Branson: “In the early days of business, everything you do is about surviving – something that takes great resilience to achieve.”
2. Nurture yourself
Prioritise looking after yourself before you try to look after others – including your business. Many entrepreneurs live and breathe their business, all the while neglecting their own health and wellbeing. Put strategies in place to help you nurture your mental and physical wellness. Take time out for yoga, meditation, a massage or a nature walk.
3. Find a mentor for your entrepreneurship journey
When you get your idea off the ground, how do you go from being a founder to a manager, leader and people-engager? Having strong mentorship and a trusted adviser is a key to achieving this transition. Many entrepreneurs are so keen to own their idea that they want to work in isolation. It’s important to remember that there is someone in the entrepreneurial community who has been there before you and faced similar struggles. Don’t be afraid to reach out and find the mentorship you need to be resilient and overcome obstacles.
4. Surround yourself with positive people
Every entrepreneur needs someone to talk to and have fun with, so schedule plenty of time with friends and family. At the same time, ensure that you surround yourself with dedicated colleagues, partners and investors. A strong support network is fundamental to maintaining a positive outlook and having a laugh, even when times are hard. It can be tough to carry the weight of so much responsibility – but with the right mindset, self-care and external support, you can bounce back from challenging situations and achieve your dreams.
Read the full article in The CEO Magazine.