Ever feel like you’ve started a race and now you realize it is turning into more of a marathon? Are you pushing for success, but wondering if you’re headed in the right direction? Having thoughts of giving up?
Setting out on the entrepreneurial journey is a thrilling YET challenging experience, especially for those, like us, who have recently said goodbye to their 9-5 jobs. This transition comes with a mix of excitement and apprehension, especially when juggling the demands of family life along the way.
Whether you’re venturing into the world of entrepreneurship on your own, or as a couple or partnership, it’s crucial to take time to recognize and celebrate your wins along this path less traveled. It might seem like a small and simple act, but I believe it’s one of the most significant aspects of the entrepreneurial journey.
Everyone has their eyes on the big goal, the grand finale. But this is a journey. Without taking a moment to reflect on our achievements along the way, it’s easy to lose sight of our progress and resilience. Without taking the time to do this, you will struggle to maintain the strength needed to endure the hardships of this journey. As with anything else I have and will share with you, I know this because I have learned the hard way.
Practical Steps to Refuel Your Passion
1.Celebrate Small Wins:
In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of monumental success. I am definitely guilty of this. Especially, when I scroll on social media and see others’ major success stories. What I am seeing now though, is that every major success story started with many small victories. These are victories that might not seem “post worthy”, but it’s the small victories that lay the foundation for significant achievements. Celebrate that first organic sale, closing that first client, mastering a new skill, or simply overcoming a challenging day. Each small win is a testament to your resilience and progress. Ask yourself, how can I start celebrating my small wins? Do this daily!
- Reflect on Larger Areas of Growth:
Sometimes reflecting on the bigger areas of growth is more challenging. Make sure you are taking time to reflect on your personal and professional growth. Celebrate the skills you’ve acquired, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the person you’re becoming in the process. Even celebrate the lessons you’ve learned by making mistakes. This is so hard for me because once I have made a mistake, I want to move past it and lock it away somewhere, so I won’t feel that embarrassment, regret, or frustration. But, in these icky circumstances, we usually learn and grow the most. Take time at the end of each week, month and year to actually write down your areas of growth, lessons learned and big accomplishments you’ve made…even (and especially) the ones that weren’t originally on your “list.”
- Maintain Work-Life Balance:
Balancing entrepreneurship with family life is no small feat by any means. Over the past year, I’ve certainly found myself at fault for the imbalance between the time dedicated to my business and the time spent with my family. Amidst the chaos, it’s crucial to carve out time for yourself and your loved ones. And it is SO important to celebrate these moments too! Celebrate the moments when you successfully strike a balance, whether it’s taking time to attend a school play or taking a guilt-free break. These moments contribute to a healthier, more sustainable entrepreneurial journey. How can you start celebrating wins in your personal life?
- Build a SupportSystem:
Entrepreneurship can be a lonely road, but it doesn’t have to be. Surround yourself with a supportive network of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges you face. Celebrate the relationships you build within your entrepreneurial community, as these connections are invaluable for sharing experiences, gaining insights, and finding motivation. I have a small group of friends that I met in the Rainmakers Mastermind and I chat with them every day. I can honestly say, if it wasn’t for them, I don’t know how I would have kept going through some of the difficulties I’ve faced in this FBA process. Though I believe God placed them in my path, I also took the responsibility of actively seeking them out. Don’t try to do this alone.
- Celebrate as a Family:
My husband, Robert, has taken the role of sole financial provider for our family while I build this business. We have decided to not pay ourselves out anything this year, putting all profit back into the business. Although Robert has been a part of our product designs and innovations, most days, he has no idea what I am really doing on the business side. But he is playing his role, making sure we are taken care of in other areas while I pour myself into this brand.
It’s also pretty cool to see my Dad getting behind my business, even though he doesn’t really get what I’m up to. He’s not big on computers, so he has had Mom help him buy at least ten of my Steering Wheel Trays through Amazon. Then, he’s been going around giving them out to his friends, trying to spread the word.
Even if your family doesn’t know exactly what you are doing, they love you and are part of your journey. Involve your loved ones in celebrating your wins, no matter how big or small. Recognize the sacrifices they make and the role they play in your success. Sharing your wins with your family and letting them know you are grateful for the part they are playing will strengthen family bonds and reinforce the importance of your journey together.
Celebration Ideas:
- Reflective Journaling: Regularly review and acknowledge your progress and accomplishments. Take time to write what you are grateful for along the journey.
- Small Treat or Ritual: Create a simple, personalized ritual for celebrating your wins. Treat yourself to your favorite snack or establish a routine like taking a walk to clear your mind.
- Milestone Map: Create a visual representation of the entrepreneurial journey with a milestone map. Each small win becomes a marked point on the map, showcasing progress. Celebrate by taking a moment to admire the map and reflect on the distance covered.
- Gratitude Dinner:Host a small dinner with close friends and family who have been a part of your journey so far. Share your wins with them and express your gratitude for their support.
Final Thoughts
Besides aiming for money goals, launching products, and dominating the market, the real heart of your success is going to be enjoying the ride. Each small win, area of growth, balanced time, helpful connection, and family celebration shows how rich the journey is. So, as you go on, take the time to enjoy these moments because, in the end, it’s not just about hitting the goal but appreciating the whole amazing journey!
