There’s a unique excitement in realizing your dreams, transforming thoughts into a flourishing enterprise, capitalizing on opportunities that disrupt the norm, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others or in the world at large. The journey as an entrepreneur is truly one of a kind, filled with thrills and rewards, yet it can also be quite frightening at times.
Though many see entrepreneurship as just a career path, it’s often viewed as a calling. It has to be, considering the data. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that around 20% of new businesses encounter failures in their initial two years, 45% within the first five years, and 65% during the first decade. Generally, projections suggest that small enterprises require two to three years to achieve profitability and seven to ten years to attain genuine success.
Who would willingly take on such daunting figures or welcome that level of unpredictability? Those who feel “called” to entrepreneurship exhibit a distinctive energy, a mindset geared toward success, and a passion that surpasses typical reasoning.
Navigating the Entrepreneurial Roller Coaster
As the daughter of an entrepreneur, the partner of an entrepreneur, and an entrepreneur myself, I have dedicated my entire corporate career to serving fellow entrepreneurs. I’ve faced and overcome numerous hurdles and challenges in establishing and managing a business. At the same time, I have celebrated remarkable victories, achievements, and unexpected successes. While the entrepreneurial ride is undoubtedly challenging, it also offers one of the most rewarding and exhilarating experiences imaginable. It requires steadfast courage, tenacious perseverance, and a profound belief in oneself, all of which can truly test even the strongest spirits.
A key piece of wisdom I’ve gained along my entrepreneurial journey is: “Become comfortable with discomfort.” It’s unavoidable. You will encounter moments that rock your foundation and extend you beyond your comfort zone. Embrace discomfort as a trigger for progress. When you find yourself feeling uneasy, acknowledge it with joy; something extraordinary is just around the corner!
So here’s to the visionaries and pioneers, the tireless, the bold, and particularly the ones who embrace discomfort. The future is yours!
