6 Steps to Overcoming “Firsts”

Posted by admin on September 16, 2009

Being an entrepreneur is just a big, fat pile of “firsts”! Sometimes you think they will never end – especially in the beginning years.  It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed with the unending litany of new and uncomfortable tasks; business plans, sales, accounting, bookkeeping, websites, creating products, packaging services, renting space, social networking…the list goes on and on.

All we want to do is practice our craft, yet in order to get people into our practice and do just that, we are forced to do all of this other “stuff” to get there.  Hmmm, does it sound like I’m speaking from experience? Let me share with you what I’ve learned about pushing forward when all you want to do is pull back…

Here are 6 steps you can take today to get you through your “Why the &%$# am I doing this!” moments:

1. Big Picture: Revisit your vision.  Remember why you decided to start your business in the first place, and focus on the results you are working to realize. Look at the big picture.  Also, connect with something bigger than yourself and the knowing that you will be ok.  This too shall pass. (…and it will pass faster after you do it!)
2. Cry it Out: Sometimes you just need to curl up in a ball and cry “Why! Why! Why!”  Then you wipe away your chocolate-tinged tears and get back to work!  It’s your life and it’s your business.  Allow yourself time to express your frustrations in the way that works for you, and then move on.
3. Take a Step Back: Avoid leaping to drastic conclusions like assuming that just because you haven’t had any new clients this month, that your practice will fail.  Challenge any limiting beliefs and do a reality check on what’s really true about this situation and review what makes you so brilliant!
4. Get “Quality” Support: Imagine having someone who can either do the work you hate and are avoiding, or someone who has a formula for doing what you struggle with?  Your struggle is someone else’s talent – find them and ask them to help you. Find someone who specializes in the type of support you are looking for. In today’s entrepreneurial world the resources are abundant – VA’s, coaches, home study programs, books etc.  Plan, interview and do your homework so that you are working with the resource that will serve your needs the best.
5. Get Over It!  Yup, that pretty much sums it up.  Step up to the plate, take responsibility for the choice you made to go into business for yourself.  You are stronger, more talented, gifted and brilliant than you give yourself credit for.  Only by stretching and doing the uncomfortable will you be able to know how strong you really are.  Flex those business muscles!
6. Take Action: It’s imperative to take the steps you need to move forward in creating the business and life you want to have.  YOU WILL NOT GROW YOUR BUSINESS HIDING IN YOUR OFFICE, BEHIND YOUR COMPUTER OR BURRIED IN YOUR 100TH SPIRITUAL GROWTH COURSE!  You know what needs to be done to grow your business – and if you don’t – ask someone who does!

Remember, when it comes to firsts, after you’ve done it once, you’ve overcome not knowing how to do it, and it’s not a first anymore!  Add one more thing to your list of things you know how to do.

You went into business for yourself to serve the world in a way that only you can.  You have all that it takes to live your dream!

Kimberly Martin is a Certified Executive Coach and Principal of Martin Business Leadership, which creates custom business relationship strategies for health and wellness providers. They’ll help you grow your business, bring in new clients, solidify existing relationships and have enjoyable, authentic, effortless selling interactions! Visit www.MartinBusinessLeadership.com

To enjoy more writings from Kimberly’s writings and the other Overcomers, Inc. authors CLICK HERE for our free E-Book “Overcoming Adversity With Grace”.

Technorati Tags: adversity, how to overcome adversity, Overcomers