BY: Jasmine Ball
It’s said that the fastest way from point A to point B is a straight shot. However, when looking at the road to success in entrepreneurship this is far from the case. Difficulty is inevitable. The typical entrepreneurial journey is filled with lots of highs and lows, turns and a roller coaster of emotions (sometimes all in the same day).
Use these tips to STAND when it gets difficult or you’ve hit rock bottom in your entrepreneurial journey.
S – SELF ASSESS Take a moment to self reflect to approach the set back with as much logic as possible. Recount what led to the challenge you’re faced with at this time. Was there something you could’ve done differently? Could this have been avoided if you communicated better expectations with the customer? Is there a certain policy you should’ve implemented in your terms? Would things be better if you continued taking revenue-generating actions instead of taking time off when you landed a big sale? Take a self assessment so you can self correct and get your head back in the game during a difficult moment.
T – TALK IT OUT Confide in a colleague, mentor, therapist or loved one. Tell them what you’re experiencing and how it makes you feel. You may find that you’re not alone or that the problem isn’t as big as it feels. Sometimes all it takes is getting an outside perspective to help you not only feel better, but also get a fresh take on possible options that might help you overcome the adversity.
A – ASK FOR HELP Although entrepreneurship is a personal development journey, it’s a path we don’t have to walk alone. When faced with a difficult moment in your journey (or really any day for that matter), it’s always a good idea to lean on your community and ask for help. If you are burnt out with too many things on your plate, is there something you can hand off to someone else to help you get your time back? Make a list of things other people can help you with whether that’s outsourcing more to your team, hiring a laundry service, having someone make a run to the post office for you, or ordering meals or groceries for pick up so that’s one less thing to do.
N – NICELY SAY “NO” Sometimes we’re faced with difficulty because we said yes when we should’ve said no. Did you take on a project that was outside of your wheelhouse because you needed the money? Did you allow someone in your space you normally wouldn’t entertain? Did you overextend yourself in some other way? The next time you have to make a decision that doesn’t feel like full body YES, respectfully decline by saying no. For example, you can say no by replying, “I don’t have the capacity to help you at the moment.”
D – DECIDE TO DIG DEEP I’m sure we’ve all heard these words at some point… to dig deep, roll up your sleeves, and get to it. Well, no matter what you’re faced with, you will always have the power of decision. Remember, it’s not over! You could be one decision away from turning your whole day around or hitting your goals within the next 30 or 60 days. Make a decision to commit, dig deep, and focus. Decide that in fact you ARE going to do that thing. You will be THAT chick (or that guy). You ARE ready. You DO deserve it. You CAN have it all. You WILL do what you can…. wherever you are… with what you have within reach.
Because there will be barriers, we have to be prepared with the right mindset to overcome them and make things happen — in spite of! I am rooting for you and hope you will believe that it IS achievable and that you CAN find a way. x
Jasmine Ball is a wife, mom, award-winning journalist, and founder of BTM Writing Services. Throughout her career, she’s been helping companies all over the world get confidence over their content and grow their businesses. With God at the center, Jasmine’s life mission is to use her gift to connect people to resources that will help them live more informed, inspired, and overall better lives
