Where Success Lies

As entrepreneurs, we soak in the adrenaline rush of the new. We move forward because we believe anything is possible. And it’s that hope against hope that often proves that, in fact, more actually is possible than others may believe.

But there’s another side to this entrepreneurial drive. More often than not, we face a head-on reality that we just cannot ignore: life doesn’t usually work out the way we want it to. What do we do with this frustrating truth? We can either accept it and live accordingly, or dig our heels in and push back.

There are a few reasons why our initial gut reaction is to grip our plans even tighter and not relinquish control:

1. Society tells us Entrepreneurs are supposed to be brave and self-reliant
2. We watch other leaders and (at least on the surface) it seems like they have it together
3. People have invested in us and are watching (employees, friends and family)

These are the conditions that, if gone unchecked, lead to a long and frustrating journey. The unfair cycle of beliefs implies that we all should have it figured out. How much shame and discouragement can an entrepreneur endure?

The Psychological Price of Entrepreneurship is a recent article from Inc Magazine that paints a picture of the tumultuous experience leaders of small businesses can have when things get out of balance.

I recently heard someone comment that no one is actually still following their Plan A in life–more likely than not, they’re trying out Plan F, G or H. A lot of circumstances in life are out of our control, and most anxiety we experience surrounds our discomfort with and resistance of that fact.

Identifying lies we may be believing won’t bring forth any lasting change unless we take time for honest examination. Our definition of success must be rooted in a deeper identity that is not so fragile that it will collapse under the light weight of an unexpected criticism, or even the heavier weight of something like bankruptcy. What is your definition of success? Has it been determined by others or by you?