Before taking the dive into starting RopeSouls, Dustin and I spent a lot of time talking it through, discussing the pros and cons, and how hard it might be. Before we launched I spent several sleepless nights mulling over many questions and these three major fears:
1. All the unknowns and What ifs .....
Starting a business is like walking into the unknown with a blindfold on. There are so many unanswered questions with no way of knowing what's ahead. I am also the queen of "What if's''; my head was full of negative thoughts and what if questions day and night. "What if people hate the sandals, what if it's too much work, what if we can't figure out how to make the sandals, what if we can't build a good enough website..". the list went on and on. What if's are the language of anxiety.
2. Vulnerability and putting myself out there
Starting a business is the ultimate test of vulnerability, and I'm feeling the pressure.. Being a natural introvert, I never thought in a million years I would join the ranks of entrepreneurs. I knew starting a business was risky, but I had never considered the biggest risk of all, emotional risk. You invest 100% of yourself into the business and by doing so completely put yourself out there for the whole world to see. It's a feeling of total exposure, one that I was not used to or prepared for.
3. Fear of Failure
According to the SBA, over 50% of businesses fail in the first 3 years, and to be honest, I am terrified of failure. With a start-up, the founders are the business, so if the business fails, I fail. At least that is how I felt.
There will always be excuses and fears trying to prevent you from following your dreams. I have made it a goal in my life to not let these fears hold me back. If you are passionate about your goals and your desires are good, I truly believe nothing can stand in your way. I am passionate about Rope Sandals and I'm confident that wanting to help impoverished orphans in Ethiopia is a good thing worth pursuing. So, no matter what lies ahead or what we have to do to make it happen, we will advance confidently, trusting in the words of Thorough...
1. All the unknowns and What ifs .....
Starting a business is like walking into the unknown with a blindfold on. There are so many unanswered questions with no way of knowing what's ahead. I am also the queen of "What if's''; my head was full of negative thoughts and what if questions day and night. "What if people hate the sandals, what if it's too much work, what if we can't figure out how to make the sandals, what if we can't build a good enough website..". the list went on and on. What if's are the language of anxiety.
2. Vulnerability and putting myself out there
Starting a business is the ultimate test of vulnerability, and I'm feeling the pressure.. Being a natural introvert, I never thought in a million years I would join the ranks of entrepreneurs. I knew starting a business was risky, but I had never considered the biggest risk of all, emotional risk. You invest 100% of yourself into the business and by doing so completely put yourself out there for the whole world to see. It's a feeling of total exposure, one that I was not used to or prepared for.
3. Fear of Failure
According to the SBA, over 50% of businesses fail in the first 3 years, and to be honest, I am terrified of failure. With a start-up, the founders are the business, so if the business fails, I fail. At least that is how I felt.
There will always be excuses and fears trying to prevent you from following your dreams. I have made it a goal in my life to not let these fears hold me back. If you are passionate about your goals and your desires are good, I truly believe nothing can stand in your way. I am passionate about Rope Sandals and I'm confident that wanting to help impoverished orphans in Ethiopia is a good thing worth pursuing. So, no matter what lies ahead or what we have to do to make it happen, we will advance confidently, trusting in the words of Thorough...
What fears do you have in life? How do you overcome them?
I totally love this post! We all have fears, but I love the quote that says,"I would rather have tried and failed, than not to have tried at all". I was thinking those same thoughts when we started Country A'Peel. Knew that I would never be happy if I didn't try. Never ever have I regretted it. I have friends I see that I met through that endeavor. Plus it taught me alot about myself. Wishing you all the success in the world!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Mom
I always remeber the saying. "Its better to have tried and failed then to have failed to try. Failure is sometimes the best teacher. Don't worry be happy.
ReplyDeleteI guess I should have read moms comment first. Doh. Anyway.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of those comments above..... wink, wink? Wonder if we are all related. I like the saying "Great minds think alike"!! You both are doing an amazing job!!!!!
ReplyDelete