Mom Invented

I often get asked something like "Sometimes it seems like things are just too difficult or a sudden hurdle seems insurmountable; what do you do?" And I always want to say, you can overcome anything.

First, recognize that this is not unusual -- you are not alone.

As an entrepreneur you have entered an elite category of people who have decided to create a business from scratch. This is a BIG DEAL -- you are creating something that could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars out of nothing more than a dream backed by action. You have experiences and challenges unique to those who have undertaken this challenge. In the end, you may not succeed or you may succeed greatly. Either way, I am reminded of this quote:

"Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt

Second, be kind to yourself.

It is easy to be overly critical but this is counter-productive. Given the extraordinary challenge you have undertaken, recognize this to be part of what will make success taste all the sweeter.

Third, take action.

Here are a few tips:

• Create some distance. If you are too immersed in your own "soup" it becomes difficult to see clearly. Step away, even for a few hours where you think nothing of your business. Some people find it helpful to just step outdoors. Others get benefit by communing with their spiritual guides be they religious or just by immersing themselves in a great piece of literature or spending an hour at the museum.
• Get rest. If you are exhausted it gets difficult to recover. While it takes weeks to "catch up" on your rest, you can sharpen your mind by getting a single night of sound sleep.
• Talk to other entrepreneurs. You may be able to receive sympathy from friends and family but to find someone who truly understands your struggles, you need to speak with another entrepreneur -- they will UNDERSTAND and relate to your situation. Find a current or past entrepreneur in your community who you can confide in and speak with them. Most entrepreneurs remember dark times -- challenges ranging from legal issues, cash flow, marketing problems, and staffing to bigger picture questions such as company direction and goals -- in their own experience and are glad to act as a sounding board.
• Read business publications. there are a number of terrific resources ranging from free websites such as www.jimcollins.com , www.tannedfeet.com, and www.entrepreneur.com to magazines and newspapers on the newsstand such as Fortune Small Business, Entrepreneur magazine, INC. magazine, and the local Business Times. And, don't overlook the usefulness in reading books addressing your situation at the bookstore. You will be reminded of how many people have wrestled with and overcome the same challenges you are facing.
• Take a few minutes to write down your successes. From the time you started your project, you likely have achieved many things. However, most entrepreneurs tend to focus ahead, not behind. This is a time where it is helpful to acknowledge everything you have accomplished. Sit down and just write all the things you have done from the day you began. Recognize that some things that seem insignificant to you now, were critical at the time you achieved them, e.g. wrote your business plan, incorporation of your business, development of your first prototype, your first sale, your first small retailer, etc. When you look, uncritically, at all you have achieved you may have a renewed sense of confidence and recognize that this is just another obstacle you can and will overcome.
• Be willing to stop. If you have hit a juncture in the road and there is no option except to stop, be willing to do this. You must separate yourself from your business enough to not associate a business failure as a personal flaw.

Photo by Erin Hooper

Tagged as: Business Advice, business hurdles, business obstacles, overcoming obstacles