I absolutely believe entrepreneurs need to be willing to do these three things.
Yep, over and over.
And it’s OK!
In fact, by definition entrepreneurship involves taking risks.
There is no way around it.
You might fail. You might waste time, energy and money. You may feel like you look silly.
It’s all part of the game.
Now, the risks can be calculated and smart. We’re not talking about throwing all caution to the wind.
But the truth is, the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward.
As an example, I hold intense 3-day live events every year and I have taken MAJOR risks every time.
Why would I keep doing that?
Because the rewards are so great. Because the experience helps me stretch myself in tremendous ways. Because going out of my comfort zone is the only way I grow.
There will be times things don’t work out, that you fail, that you don’t hit your goals.
It’s alright because it’s how you learn and refine for the future.
As for looking dumb, it sounds worse than it is.
I’m sure I look dumb to some people. Oh well.
You will have things that publicly don’t work out. You’ll be rejected. People will tell you “No.” They’ll consider you a “marketer.”
This might make you feel dumb.
That’s how it FEELS, right?
Know this: I want you to realize that everyone who is successful—and I do mean everyone—has felt this and goes through it.
They don’t die, their skin gets thicker, and they learn a ton from it.
So don’t fear it.
When things go a different way than I planned, this is my mantra:
A setback is just a setup for a comeback. I have way too many people to help to stop now.
Let that be your mantra.
Christine:
Since we’re all in this entrepreneurial game to grow! How’s that really possible if we’re not periodically stretched?
And as far as looking dumb goes. You know the old saying: Better to miss a few weeds, than an entire lawn left un mowed!
Just because we can’t control what others may temporarily think of us! Is no excuse not to what we have the ability to do!
Nice thoughts! thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much Mark! Glad you stopped by!
I agree with Mark. You have to be willing to stick your neck out there in order to progress. Constantly being scared wont help in the long run. You have to take that leap of faith sometimes.
Christine, I love your mantra. Copied that down. Think I need to start pinning all these great quotes from you and Stacey up on a wall.
Great message. Let’s keep moving forward, and upward!
Christine, great article. This is one of the many stumbling blocks I had when I first started. Now though, I realize that I’m growing when I’m taking risks and actually doing things in my business. It’s also one of the many stumbling blocks that my clients face as well and why they stagnant and are unhappy. Helping them become one of the 2% of successful entrepreneurs and business owners out there is so rewarding that I’m happy I stepped up and out and risked looking dumb – because while I may have felt that back then, it certainly isn’t the case today!
Thanks for reinforcing this extremely important action step we need to always remember to do!