In my coaching practice, I run into a lot of entrepreneurial spirits.
As people are talking through what they want to do with their life and career, the conversation often takes a familiar turn, and I know what’s coming —
“What I really want is to do my own thing!”
It’s an exciting revelation. Charting your own course and becoming your own boss is the ultimate freedom, and who doesn’t want that?
Well, as it turns out, lots of folks…
Most people like the idea of starting a business, but when it comes down to it, there’s a lot that holds them back.
In particular, they often run up against a doozy that stops them in their tracks … and it might not be what you think.
Sure, the money, resources, and logistics can be a challenge, but an even bigger hurdle tends to be something even closer to home.
If you’re considering venturing into business for yourself, your #1 obstacle is likely to be YOU.
Are YOU, in reality, someone who can own your own business? Is “business owner” an identity you’re ready to take on?
I was talking to a client recently who was kind of a big deal at her job. She’d carved out a successful career and was confident that she had what it takes to go out on her own — until she wasn’t.
As she began to take action, she started to freak out. “What if I don’t know what I’m doing?”
She started having an identity crisis. “What if I’m not cut out for this?”
So I had to get real with her. “The truth is, you don’t know what you’re doing — yet. But you’re learning. You’re planning. And you’re gathering the resources and support you need to set yourself up for success.”
Rather than let an identity crisis knock you off track, it’s best to embrace change as you grow.
Because in business, you’re going to keep growing, evolving, learning and taking on new identities along the way:
– One-on-one service provider to company boss with a team
– Startup founder to established entrepreneur
– Six-figure consultant to seven- or eight- figure mover and shaker
– Best kept secret to PR darling
There are so many different ways your identity will be challenged and shaped through the experience of business ownership. You have to be willing to embrace change and growth.
This might sound easier said than done, but it’s entirely possible. I see it all the time.
The best way I’ve found to adapt smoothly is to look closely at the reality of where you are now and where you want to go.
Think of it as a Venn diagram —
Circle A) What’s true now?
Circle B) What do I need to succeed?
Overlapping area: What do these two answers have in common?
That’s where the sweet spot is — the new identity you’re able to take on at any given time.
It’s from that sweet spot that you’ll be ready to take on anything!