Starting a new business venture is thrilling, terrifying, and, at times, full of doubt and uncertainty. It just comes with the territory. Being an entrepreneur requires being adaptive and moving through high highs and some low lows. So how can we ride the waves of being an entrepreneur and not only keep our sanity, but thrive?
Being an entrepreneur is not just about what you do, it is about how you show up. “How are you doing?” is a normal part of our vernacular. But the more important question is “How are you being?”
When we tap into our human selves – all of the thoughts, feelings, actions, behaviors, experiences – we can show up more fully in our business and in our life. Here are five ways to do just that.
1. Get to Know Your Strengths and Let Them Shine
It’s easy to focus on what we lack or what went wrong, especially when we are still establishing our credibility. But what is possible when we focus on why our unique selves are called to the work we do.
Are you creative? Intuitive? Compassionate? Able to see the big picture? Excited about details? Self-aware? Funny? How do these strengths support you in being an effective entrepreneur?
2. Identify the Inner Critic Voices in Your Head and When They Come Up
As humans, we are hardwired for survival and to look for threats. But sometimes our lizard brain doesn’t serve us well in the modern world. What does your critical mind say to you? Look for the “shoulds”, “can’ts”, “not enoughs” in your thought patterns. Note when and in what contexts they start to arise.
3. Know that the Critical Voices are Not the 100% Truth of Who You Are
When we can start to separate the core of who we are from the thoughts in our minds, we lessen the power that the voices have over ourselves. Give the voices a silly character or name. See what happens when you try this fun exercise!
4. Carve Out Time for “Being”
What we pay attention to grows. If we focus on cultivating the being part of ourselves, the more we can grow that part of ourselves so that we aren’t just about to-do lists and getting things done.
Consider what this means to you. Does it look like being in nature? Going to yoga? Meditating? Laughing with friends? Cooking a nourishing meal? Listening to soulful music? What makes your heart sing?
5. Be Kind to Yourself and Reset
Know that setbacks will happen. We have to keep building the habit of “being.” Experiment and see what serves you best. When a practice or way of being or doing something is no longer serving you, it’s time to reset.
Start Small and Be Compassionate
All of these things require a curious, compassionate approach. If you’re having trouble cultivating that mindset, start small. Ask yourself how you can be more compassionate to yourself today.
The more we give ourselves compassion, space for experimentation, and permission to use our intuition, the more we are able to step into our power as an entrepreneur.
Rachel Lipton
Rachel Lipton, MPP, CPCC, ACC is a Co-Active Certified Coach with a decade of experience consulting with organizations to significantly elevate their leadership development and organizational effectiveness strategies. She supports executives, emerging leaders, and teams to thrive in today’s workplace and understands what individuals and organizations need to function effectively on the human level. Drawn toward intersectional disciplines with broad applications, Rachel has a BA from UC Berkeley with dual degrees in Political Science and Mass Communications and a Masters in Public Policy from USC.
Follow Me: