The only reason a business fails is because the owner gives up. They encounter barriers, roadblocks or difficult circumstances and instead of finding a way over, around or through them, they stop. You may not like this reality, but it’s true.
In my interview series, The Money Impact: 11 Conscious Entrepreneurs Tell You the Truth about Money, Success and Making a Difference, a common theme through out all of the interviews is that each speaker never gave up. They created their vision and they stuck to it. They were committed to making their vision a reality. When unfortunate circumstances came up, they found a way to go over, around, through or under them. They used challenges as opportunities to change, adapt and grow. They are successful because they did not stop.
I believe that owning your own business and becoming an entrepreneur is the best self development course (right next to parenting) on the planet. All of our fears, insecurities and issues come right up in our face. Once we see them, we must make the choice to stop or to keep moving forward. Let’s look at 3 of the most common “reasons” why people stop in their journey.
Not enough money. The truth is that the money for what you want to do, be or have is already present. It is often in investments, retirement saving, possessions that can be sold, “rewards” we regularly give ourselves, a part time job that can be acquired as a business loan, talents or gifts you are not currently using, or in the bank account of relatives or friends who would be willing to support you in your dream.
The real issue is not the lack of money, the real issue is the fear and discomfort obtaining the money (pulling out of investments, selling possessions, changing our spending habits, asking people for help, getting another job, embracing our gifts, charging higher prices for our services) creates. It’s easier to stay stuck than to do what you need to do to get the money for what you want to do be or have.
My spouse or partner won’t let me. This one always surprises me. Being trained in family therapy, I know that healthy relationships require mutual respect and support. Partners who love and respect each other support the dreams and aspirations of the other person. They want the other to succeed, stand in their brilliance and be happy. That usually requires sacrifice, redistribution of tasks, on-going negotiations and a lot of good communication. If your partner or spouse won’t support you in living your purpose and being happy by agreeing to spend the money, watch the kids, be emotionally available or help with the household chores, then it is time to examine the health of your relationship and question why you are choosing to create a relationship with someone who isn’t invested in your happiness.
I don’t have enough time or I have too much going on right now. Time is a lot like money. There is plenty of time to do what we want to do. Unfortunately most healers are caretakers and spend a lot of their time taking care of others and doing things they “should” do. Finding the time usually means learning to say “no” and delegating tasks that others can do. The real issue is not time, it is the fear and discomfort of saying no, letting go of responsibility (and control) and risking disappointing others.
We all have stopping points. I know I do and while I can easily see them in others, I don’t always see them in myself. That’s why I surround myself with people who are more than willing to point out when I am stopping myself or limiting my growth. So what’s your stopping point?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this article. Please share your comments.
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Melanie Yost has been called a “miracle worker”. She has the ability to take negative situations and create lasting positive results. A therapist for 20 years and now a business development coach, she has successfully worked with individuals to transform their lives, their situations, and most importantly, their outcomes. When people are looking for an opportunity to create a 180 degree turn in their finances, beliefs, business and lives, they seek Melanie’s acute wisdom and compassionate touch. To learn more about Melanie and the products and services she offers, go to www.awakenyourentrepreneur.com.
