In the middle of the storm
In the midst of life’s storms I find myself navigating the challenges of being a solo entrepreneur. It’s a journey I’ve willingly embraced, a perfect storm of my own making. Today I want to share my experiences and reflections on this transformative path.
Way back
After graduating with a law degree I decided I wanted to change my career path and get into investment banking. I always used to think bankers have way more fun than lawyers! My intuition was right; the journey was demanding yet filled with enjoyment, friendships and memories.
At the time I envisioned myself continuing that journey for many more years, however, in all our lives things change and we must learn to adapt to those changes.
Rebirthing Through Loss
Three years ago I made the courageous decision to step away from my banking job, embarking on a profound journey of rebirth following the devastating loss of my husband to cancer.
Determined to forge a path aligned with the depths of my heart, I actively sought a connection that resonated with the very essence of my being. The yearning for a heartful connection arose from a place of deep awakeness, eagerly embracing the mysteries of the unknown.
It was a conscious choice to live authentically from within, as I sensed a compelling need to do so. This period marked a fundamental shift in my perspective on life. The poignant loss of someone so dear to me magnified the importance of living purposefully.
Before quitting my job I had a constant nagging in my head, questioning my decision with thoughts like, “What are you doing, girl? You worked so hard, and now you’re letting it all go!”.
I’ve learned to tune out that inner critic. The doubtful chatter in my mind is still there but I no longer allow it to dictate my choices.
Founding Mindset Kitchen
And here I am.
From this transformative journey emerged Mindset Kitchen. This venture is a testament to following one’s heart. An hour long episode may not seem like much, but a lot of hard work goes into this. Whilst it may appear seamless, it is far from. I continue to grow and learn during every episode.
And so, I want to talk about this here.
Navigating Doubt and Uncertainty
Yesterday brought a wave of self-doubt, that in turn clouded my vision. The dreams I held seemed too grand, overshadowed by the challenges of an already crowded industry. Tempting thoughts of returning to a ‘9-5 job’, where everything seemed easier, ran through my mind.
And it probably was easier!
I recently listened to Mel Robins podcast, where she shares various messages that are so relatable to me. She said self-doubt will always be there, you just got to push through it.
Other message that resonated with me was: “believe yourself one day at a time”. Believe yourself today, and don’t worry about other days.
Recalling these messages in moments of doubt brings me strength.
Surviving Failures and Challenges
While I can’t provide a roadmap for overcoming unsuccessful start-ups or starting anew, I can share insights on persisting and training the mind to grow stronger.
I always say, you have chosen it, so let’s keep going!
It all begins with self-awareness.
The Power of Self-Awareness
I do talk about this a lot during my episodes, when you in doubt, embrace self-awareness.
Acknowledging the lows, I delve into the positives, appreciating and expressing gratitude for the freedom to shape my schedule, spend time with my son, and maintain a healthier lifestyle. I remind myself I have chosen this, so let’s work on everything that is coming out to surface.
I want to add another powerful snippet from Mel Robins podcast that resonates with me: Thank yourself. Be thankful for being here, for doing this, for being you.
Because nobody knows what you are going through, only you. Do not forget that.
The True Meaning of Success
For me, success isn’t solely about the destination; it’s a celebration of the journey and the person I am becoming. It’s a reminder to appreciate choices, confront doubts, and acknowledge fears as opportunities for personal growth.
Embarking on this transformative journey holds the promise of sculpting the remarkable individual you are destined to become, paving the way for a future brimming with endless possibilities.
This voyage is not merely a passage of time; it is an exploration that will carry you to new horizons, rewarding you with a wealth of knowledge and an abundance of creativity.
As you traverse this path, you will undoubtedly evolve into a version of yourself that is not only different but improved.
Reflecting on my brief tenure as a solo entrepreneur, I have encountered an array of extraordinary individuals who have graciously eased the challenges of my journey. Their unwavering support and encouragement have proven to be invaluable.
Thus, it is crucial to intentionally surround yourself with the right companions and friends, for they will serve as beacons of strength during the more demanding stretches of this intricate expedition.
Embracing the Harsh Reality
Entrepreneurship is not for everyone. The path is laden with more failures, mistakes and set backs than successes.
How we perceive these failures is crucial; do they inspire growth or lead to our downfall?
It’s not all shiny and beautiful; the journey is tougher than one might imagine.
You must be prepared to put in the hard work, every thought must be followed by an action.
When I’m feeling uncertain or going through a tough time, talking to the people around me and sharing my thoughts with anyone who may read this really helps.
Writing down how I feel is like making a lasting mark, like carving something into stone. It’s a way for me to say, “Hey, this is Dajana, and this is what I’m dealing with right now.” It’s more than just expressing myself; it helps me become more aware of what’s going on inside.
By putting it out there, I can face and deal with my doubts, so the next time they come up, I know how to handle them even better and what works for me. It’s like a way of saying, “I’ve been through this before, and here’s what helps.”
Sharing these thoughts is like opening up a conversation, not just with myself but with others, bridging the gap between what’s going on in my head and what others might understand. It’s not just about getting things off my chest; it’s a way to strengthen myself and have a reference point for dealing with challenges in the future.
Each time I share, it’s like adding another piece to the puzzle, showing to myself more than anybody that I can face uncertainty and come out stronger on the other side.
Empowering Self-Reflection
Amidst the challenges, remind yourself of your choices and the “why” behind your journey. Embrace self-doubt as a catalyst for growth, acknowledging the difficulty as a testament to the journey’s worth.
In the quiet contemplation of my doubts yesterday, I find myself extending gratitude towards them today. Surprisingly, these moments of uncertainty have become triggers for self-reflection, offering me a deeper understanding of my own essence.
It’s a comforting realisation that such days are an inherent part of entrepreneur’s journey, yet within every doubt lies the potential for constructive action.
Recognising this, I took my initial stride by expressing my thoughts in this blog. It serves as a testament to the power we hold in transforming doubts into proactive steps, shaping a narrative that transcends moments of uncertainty into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
Gratitude and Self-Appreciation
Pause to recognise your greatness and express gratitude for achievements and challenges alike. This self-affirmation rejuvenates your spirit and adds a spring to your step, grounding you in the purpose of your journey.
Harnessing Inner Power and close connections
Embarking on this entrepreneurial journey demands self-awareness. Recognise the power within, for it links everything to your thoughts. Share your truth, unleashing the power not just within yourself but in those who join your journey.
As I felt doubtful and had this lingering sense of unease, I decided to confide in a close friend. Strangely, he not only acknowledged the depth of my self-examination but also skilfully pinpointed the origins of my emotions.
His innate curiosity prompted thoughtful inquiries that encouraged me to delve deeper into my thoughts. It was as if, for a moment, I stepped out of the shadows that clouded my mind. While solutions may not have materialised instantly, the simple act of conversing with someone who genuinely comprehends proved to be immensely uplifting.
This experience reinforced the profound truth that sometimes, in the solace of understanding ears, the weight on our shoulders lightens, offering a sense of relief and clarity.
EDIT: On the day of publishing this blog, I had the pleasure of attending a networking event tailored for solo women entrepreneurs. The luncheon became a delightful symphony of flavours as I savoured not only the delicious food but also engaged in even more delectable conversations with the remarkable women surrounding me. In the midst of laughter and shared stories of entrepreneurial challenges, an instant camaraderie blossomed.
We connected on a deeper level, understanding the unique challenges that come with being a solo entrepreneur. As we navigated through difficulties, we found solace in each other’s company, transforming challenges into shared triumphs.
I extended a heartfelt invitation to my newfound connections, urging them to reach out during tough times or whenever they needed a supportive ear.
Surprisingly, I found myself embracing a person I had just met, yet the connection felt like a reunion of kindred spirits. These moments, away from the humdrum of laptops and the monotony of solo work, illuminated the amazing and formidable strength within us.
Stepping out of the comfort zone proved to be a golden ticket, leading to not only personal growth but also the discovery of genuine friendships and meaningful conversations that left an enduring smile etched on my face.
Gratitude welled up within me as I reflected on the decision to attend this lunch, acknowledging the profound impact it had on my sense of self and the beautiful connections forged that day.
A below picture from today’s lunch. I was the first to show up, I guess better to be early than late! 😉
Embracing Womanhood in Entrepreneurship
As a woman entrepreneur, we must acknowledge the multitude of roles we play outside our ventures. Juggling various responsibilities, including the monthly dance of hormones, is no small feat. Amidst it all, remember to feel grateful and be proud of yourself.
No such thing as failure
In the world of entrepreneurship, setbacks are not roadblocks but rather stepping stones towards success.
If your endeavours unfold differently than envisioned, resist the urge to succumb to disappointment.
Embrace the opportunity to delve deeper, extracting valuable lessons from the experience. That’s why writing down your wins as well as setbacks every day/week/month allows you to reflect and remember that it was not just one big failure, it was full of priceless experiences.
Treat mistakes as treasures, for they hold the key to refining your approach in the next venture.
Recognise that every misstep is a lesson, a guidepost on the path to success. Channel your newfound wisdom and use it as fuel for your next endeavour, allowing it to inspire not only your own journey but also those around you.
Don’t shy away from sharing your experiences, as the entrepreneurial landscape is dotted with daily failures, but it’s within these apparent defeats that you discover the seeds of success.
Unsuccessful ventures are, in reality, laden with triumphs – connections forged, friendships made, skills acquired, passions uncovered, and, above all, your audacity to take risks.
Remember, there is no such thing as failure; each attempt is a progression, an evolution, and a testament to your resilience. With every venture, you accumulate skills and knowledge, ensuring that your future endeavors will be marked not by setbacks, but by the relentless pursuit of success.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving narrative of entrepreneurship, take one step at a time.
Develop the conviction that this journey is what you want it to be. Low days will come, but the power within you, when harnessed, can navigate you through.
As you embark or continue on this path, get to know yourself deeply, embrace your authenticity, celebrate the power within you, and be prepared for the harsh realities that make the journey uniquely challenging and rewarding.
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