If you’ve been putting too much pressure on yourself to figure everything out before you start, it’s time to stop.
No more wanting everything to be perfect.
No more expectation to have everything nailed the first time you try it.
No more comparing yourself, your revenue and your success to those around you.
I realised a while back that I had such a big expectation on myself and my business that I often forgot to give it the space and encouragement it needed to grow and develop. I had this crazy idea that business would be easier than it was, even though people told me it was tough.
It reminded me of when my kids were little and how I’d had an expectation of what parenting would be like.
I sensed it would be tough but kept thinking it would be more like the Huggies commercial and show-reels of life I’d see online.
I was wrong.
However parenting has allowed me to gain a new perspective on how to nurture and develop a child, an idea and a business.
Let me explain…
- Each business and idea will have it’s own personality and strengths that need to be nurtured and developed. Don’t fight this. Accept that what’s right for you and your business won’t be the same as everyone else. Sure, take advice and ask for support, but at the end of the day you have to do what feels right to you.
- Although you may have big dreams for your business and vision, don’t forget to spend time and energy implementing the fundamentals. Those simple first steps may seem tedious at first, but before you know it you’ll start to get traction and be heading for the stairs in no time.
- Remember to celebrate the small wins and milestones. It’s great to keep aiming higher but it’s so important to acknowledge how far you’ve come and all that you’ve achieved to date. Looking back you’ll forget what each stage was like, so be sure to give yourself a high five along the way.
- Mistakes don’t mean you’ve failed, they mean you’re willing to learn. It’s OK if you start down one path and realise it’s not the right path for you. Give yourself permission to reassess and pivot as required until you find what works well for you.
- Stay engaged and keep the lines of communication open. It’s not always easy but be sure to keep on top of what’s happening in your business life and those around you. Stay accessible and open within your community. Seek feedback as required and pitch in with ideas and insights along the way.
There is no perfect way to raise a child or a business but I believe these steps will help keep you on track.
Watching your business baby stumble can be tough, but having faith in the final outcome and knowing that it’s all part of growing up makes those stumbles almost enjoyable.
Love, nurture and invest in your business, and give it the support and respect it deserves. You’ll be waving it off to high-school before you know it and looking forward to sitting back and enjoying the ease that comes as it grows into the dependable, high-energy and successful business you always dreamed of.
