April is National Stress Awareness Month and it happens that today’s conversation falls on International Moment of Laughter Day, which couldn’t be more perfect given the times. As Benjamin Franklin said, “Trouble knocked at the door, but, hearing laughter, hurried away.”
I have two takeaways for you on this day: 1) you are not your business and 2) a stoic mindset can make the difference in how you emerge from this crisis.
Successful entrepreneurs are familiar with the struggle of living on the sharp edge between success and failure. They also separate the success or failure of their business from that of their personal life.
If you are having a hard time thinking this way right now, I understand. You've invested a lot in your business; it's your baby. But it is not you. What you leave in your wake--how you show up in the world--that's you. Your business is a vehicle for this, true, but it is a legal entity that exists for you and your customers. Frankly, it doesn't exist for your employees, it is not a public works project, so release yourself from that pressure right now.
So often I hear business owners refer to their employees as family. This sentiment, while probably coming from a good place, puts unnecessary strain on the entrepreneur. Your family is your family. Your coworkers are your community. You can love your employees but not the same way you love your family.
This brings me to the second takeaway, developing the stoic mindset of the entrepreneur. So much about this outbreak is outside of our control. For many of us, this is one hell of a mess. Accepting that is a great first step to get through it. An important next step can be posed as a question: what are you going to do about it? With the gritty determination of an entrepreneur, resolve yourself to overcome the obstacles in front of you. Work hard. Keep trying. Ask for help. Never quit.
How you come through this crucible depends on your mindset and what actions you take today. For additional great resources, check out my video page or a few of my latest articles.
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