The Hardest Task of Growing a Business – It Isn’t What You May Expect
February 3rd, 2010
The hard work of being an entrepreneur isn’t building a list, developing a website, becoming adept at sales, or any of the other day to day tasks involved in running a business.
The true challenge is dealing with the inner issues that get triggered as you step into the new identity required to lead a thriving 6- and 7-figure service-based business. This is not a playground for sissies, I’ll tell you. The name-calling, the back-stabbing, the insults – and that’s just from our own Inner Critic!
I’ve said for years that your business will only grow as fast and as far as you do. And I sincerely believe that. It’s just one of those things that’s easier said than done.
I recently went through a serious business-related melt down, in plain view of some people whose opinion I value highly. I’ll spare you (and me) the gory details – but it was not pretty. I haven’t totally come out the other side yet, but I already know that one of the powerful learnings is that the only lack is the belief in lack, and how easy it is (at least for me) to get sucked into that false reality time and again.
Which leads into the other learning (more of a re-learning, really) – you can’t successfully navigate the tumultuous rapids of business growth (and the personal growth that accompanies it) alone.
You have to intentionally put yourself in the company of mentors and colleagues who support you and your dream wholeheartedly, even when you get lost in the ‘uglies.’
You also have to be willing to recognize that the Inner Critic’s sole reason for being is to keep you right where you are (which it perceives as a familiar, therefore safe, place). And it (the Critic) is amazingly skillful when it comes to making you think your doubts, fears, and insecurities are the truth.
They aren’t, they’re just signposts on the road to financial and spiritual freedom.
I recited a mantra of sorts to get me through those recent rough days, and I’ll share it with you in case it comes in handy someday.
God* is good.
So am I.
All is well.
Thank you.
I wish I could say the unpleasant interlude I just went through will be my last as I continue to grow my business, but I doubt it.
You May Not Be Perfect, But You ARE Great
Much as I’d like to, I will never claim to be perfect. Perfection isn’t one of the perks of being human, as near as I can tell. But what is a perk, and one that will serve us both well as we stroll, strut and stumble down the path of entrepreneurship, is the ability to learn how to forgive our imperfections and start anew.
It may not be easy, but it’s how you’ll have the courage to step into your greatness and do what you were put here to do, with grace and ease.
*Spirit, Source, the Universe, Life – whatever word fills you with joy
Entry Filed under: Articles
9 Comments Add your own
1. Jenna Avery | February 3rd, 2010 at 6:56 pm
Thanks for your courage in sharing the truth about the behind the scenes struggles. Warmly, Jenna
2. High Priestess Harriet | February 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Helen, I really appreciate you opening to share the good, bad and the ugly. I know for myself that those breakdowns are our links/passageways to breakthroughs. Then dusting off our egos and feelings, getting grounded in the lesson and moving on, simply because we’re stronger, wiser and perhaps even more determined, will propel us further. Stay in faith and humor!
3. Lizzie | February 4th, 2010 at 3:15 am
Helen, Thanks for sharing that you get the ‘wobbles’! It makes me feel better to know that its not just me!
4. Julie Gabrielli | February 4th, 2010 at 5:41 am
Helen- — this is priceless! I wholeheartedly agree that inner growth leads to outer success. I’ve been playing with a great process from “Busting Loose from the Money Game.” It’s 6 simple steps to reclaim power from those false stories of lack and limitation. Great stuff!
cheers,
Julie
5. Laura Dessauer | February 4th, 2010 at 6:43 am
Nice to know those we look up to for inspiration are going through the same process. It helps us all to grow when others share their vulnerabilities and imperfect learning experiences, thank you! Can’t wait to connect in person next week
6. giulietta | February 4th, 2010 at 7:32 am
Hi Helen,
Thanks! I just realized that the actual population of our world is way more than 6.7 billion. It’s more like 25 billion when you factor in all the multiple inner critics we each have shouting all sorts of horrid things at ourselves and each other, both visibly and invisibly.
We all know perfection is a myth, yet wherever you go people promote it. Parents, schools, employers. Wish this silliness would stop. It’s not good for anyone or the world!
You are doing great …
Giulietta, Inspirational Rebel
7. Dawn Menard | February 5th, 2010 at 12:09 am
awh Helen - sorry to hear of any kind of meldown …but may I say that this is one reason YOU are so successful - your transparency, and being truly yourself. Thanks
One thing I am learning is that the fear in doing something is NOTHING to having to live with the turmoil of my spirit in not taking that scary step.
See you next week.
big hug, Dawn
http://www.jumpbreakthrough.com
8. Helen Graves | February 7th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Thanks for your words of support.
I gave some thought as to whether it was appropriate to “bare my soul” but I believe the honesty of sharing what’s real is more encouraging than putting up a false front of perfection.
And Dawn, I totally agree about the fear being less important than the damage done to our spirit when we hold back.
-Helen
9. Miriam Ortiz y Pino | February 8th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Helen,
Thank you for sharing, I am finding that I experience mini-meltdowns too. Thank goodness they don’t last as long as they used to and you are one of the people I have to thank for that. I hope the Universe is done with the painful part of conspiring in your favor for awhile.
Miriam
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