One of the hardest things about becoming an entrepreneur is stepping outside your comfort zone. Let’s face it, striking out on your own and starting a company is a brave thing to do. It exposes you to an array of new experiences and challenges, and it requires you to develop a whole range of different skills. If you’re gearing up go it alone, here are a few tips that should help you to stay positive along the way.
Try to embrace uncertainty
There’s no getting around the fact that you’ll face uncertainty when you establish a business, and it’s only by embracing this idea rather than running away from it that you’ll be able to achieve your goals. In a recent blog post, internationally renowned entrepreneur Chris Niarchos noted that if you want to make your mark in business, you have to be prepared to test yourself against the unknown. He quoted theoretical physicist and philosopher Albert Einstein, who said: “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” According to Chris, this is a powerful mantra in business and it encapsulates the idea that in order to do something worthwhile, you have to be prepared to overcome potential difficulties along the way.
Get into the habit of trying new things
Overcoming fear of the unknown may not be easy, but there are things you can do to help. For example, get into the habit of trying new things – however small and insignificant they may seem. From testing your skills at new hobbies, to travelling to different places, to taking on new responsibilities at work, mixing things up and exposing yourself to a variety of different experiences can mean you become more comfortable with accepting new challenges. Gradually habituating yourself to the slight discomfort associated with trying new things can help you work up the courage to face more important tests.
Always keep the rewards in mind
When you step outside your comfort zone in business, always have a firm focus on the reason you’re doing it. Whether it’s to enjoy professional recognition or status, financial security, a more rewarding career or something else, keeping your motivation in mind should help to give you the determination and drive that you need. There are bound to be difficult and uncomfortable periods when you’re starting out as an entrepreneur – and having a clear objective in mind can make the difference between giving up and reaching your goal.
