Achieving your goals will come with some ups and downs.
We’ve all been there. You know the feeling of setting your mind to something, usually thinking of the positives not the negatives. We skip to the good part, and don’t always plan for the worst case scenario. Staying optimistic can be a good mindset to have when embarking on a new adventure, but it’s also important to stay motivated when things go awry, because they will.
When it comes to starting a small business, it’s all about trial and error. Figuring things out as you go and staying persistent when the wind starts to pick up. As an entrepreneur you have to be the captain of your own ship, and navigate those choppy waters of the business world. To reach your goals you can’t give up when you get thrown of course. You have to stand back up and take the reins to reach your destination.
Did you know that achieving goals is not as common as we think it is? Studies show that 90% of people do not follow through with their dreams. This overwhelming number signifies that reaching your goals is a huge accomplishment, and it’s important to think about all the avenues of your dream before starting. Feeling confident in yourself and being mindful of the potential downpours can help you stay on the path to success.
“Reaching a goal is something we all want to do; it’s a way to measure that something you want to happen, actually does. What if your goal is not achievable because of obstacles you did not anticipate? But sometimes, the obstacle is you. Knowing the difference is very important. Both have been a part of my life.” says Alan Siege, CEO and host of The Pitch Show.
Even when the waters get choppy, it’s important to keep going. Starting a small business is not going to be all sunshine and rainbows, all of the time. There will be times when things are out of your control, and the worst-case scenario happens, but if you really want to be successful, you have to keep chugging along no matter what.
One of the best ways to stay mindful of your goals is to be organized and have a clear plan of action. When things go wrong, where will you turn? What resources do you have to help fix the issue? Having a quick answer to these questions will help you from feeling overwhelmed and keep you on track to making progress on your business. If things are unorganized, confusion on all fronts will happen and chaos will ensue. When chaos ensues, it’s easier for you to feel like giving up is the easier option. You have to fight those intrusive thoughts to navigate uncharted waters.
“Recognizing that the goal is not attainable because of requirements to reach it, is realistic, and important to accept; why bang your head against an immovable wall? Conversely, roadblocks that you create – undervaluing yourself or your abilities, are often not accurate and should be challenged. Again, think back to how your goals all started. What pushed you to get to where you are now? That goal was part of your dream, your vision for your business. Although difficult, don’t let your head turn it into a nightmare,” says Siege.
It’s also important to think about why you came up with this goal in the first place. There was something that sparked in your mind and your heart to take on this new journey, so don’t forget that part of yourself. Believing in your entrepreneurial skills and your ability to make a difference will help keep you motivated when lightning strikes.
You are also not alone on your journey. Finding an effective team to help get the job done, and relying on a support system can help you man the ship. Having people around you to lend a helping hand and keep you motivated is as important as staying true to yourself. Being a small business owner means surrounding yourself with hardworking people who share your vision and passion.
Practicing mindfulness, staying organized and taking in a support system is the best way to navigate the choppy waters of the business industry. You can reach your goals, but you have to put the work in and stay motivated no matter what gets thrown your way. When the waves get tough, remind yourself why you started this all in the first place.
Photo by Thomas Jarrand