The Entrepreneur Emotion: 25 Points to Consider
How Are You Feeling?
“No one will tell you this, but it’s perfectly normal to move forward afraid. We’re told that this moment of inspiration will hit us and we’ll feel this sense of jubilation but fear is a natural response to the unknown. ”
I woke up today feeling a little discouraged, well, more like unmotivated. While attempting to change my mood, I begin to embrace it. Why? Well, because it is a natural emotion to have. See, our lives are extremely complicated; and, at times, our emotions oscillate. As an entrepreneur, we tend to overly burden ourselves with being goals driven but not necessarily outcome-based. Let me explain, for many of us, we don’t know too many entrepreneurs or new business owners to gain a clear understanding of the emotional investment associated with starting a business. Therefore, we relate success in business with the most obvious sense of accomplishment from a societal perspective, and that is money, property, assets, and so on. On days that it seems that we are not on target with obtaining these physical means, we begin to feel a little deflated. However, we need to take into account the impact of our business. If the outcome is misaligned, the physical results are often delayed or stalled.
Equally, when understanding the impact, the mission and vision of the organization serve as reinforcement, resulting in a return on the emotional investment that we assumed was depleting. As I begin to reflect on some of the things I learned along the way, the weight of dejection was lifted. So, I thought it would be a good idea to share a few entrepreneurship pointers with others.
There are 5 different types of entrepreneurs:
The Transition Entrepreneur- This is the entrepreneur who works for other employers while attempting to step out on their own. Though skilled to be successful, they lack the confidence and/or security needed to fully transition. They typically have their business for many years and have a “start and stop” mentality.
The Novice- The one who is new to the field, overly zealous, naïve to an extent. May come across as an opportunist.
The Seasoned Leader- The one who truly understands the game and willing to share only with those they deem as sincere and/or genuine. Because of past experiences, can be an elitist or cliquish.
The Multiple Streams of Incomer- The one who has several irons in the fire, may have been an entrepreneur for many years but hasn’t seen any true success because they don’t follow through or commit to one project long enough. Typically, they know everyone but lacks the ability to empower their connections.
The Anomalist- This is the entrepreneur who can be a Novice or Seasoned Leader, but has a balanced perspective, strategic agility, and the ability to pull from various experiences. Often, they are misunderstood by a unique ability to adapt fluently and effortlessly. Probably, they are the most trustworthy.
No matter how successful I was professionally, being the chief decision-maker is scary as all get out.
The longer it took me to see LIAP as a legitimate business, the longer it took for others to respect it as such.
Intimidation and discouragement are not synonymous but will arise from time to time. Don’t ignore your feelings, identify with the source of angst.
Be prepared for disappointment. However, don’t let it consume you!
Glean from eve-ry-thing! Many people provide jewels when their venting and/or frustrated. Remember, bread crumbs have the same ingredients as the loaf.
Never lose sight of the purpose and vision.
Have an elevator speech make it conversational and authentic.
We are all in sales; yes, every day we are selling ourselves. Find a method that works best for you.
Your friends and family are not your customers and employers. Though you would welcome their support and some truly do, you will learn to have an appreciation for them being ‘just’ your friends and family. At times, they will become your retreat when needing to getaway.
Find your work-life balance and be sure to include those people and things you value within it.
Articulate your needs and clarify the support you need.
Allow your leadership team and/or board to build organically. Don’t be pressured to move quickly.
Imitation is NOT a form of flattery for a newly started business. You will take it as an insult but you will learn that it is part of the process.
Have and use a Non-Disclosure and/or Non-Compete Agreement when discussing matters of your business.
Always allow people to be people.
Connect with like-minded individuals and establish a culture of transparency and authenticity.
Get a mentor but don’t be so eager to have one that you are exploited or seem desperate.
Implicit Bias is within us all, be expected to address your own and confront others.
Disagreements can birth some of the most beautiful relationships.
Sexual advancement will happen and/or some may misinterpret your intentions. Be sure to articulate your boundaries and intent.
Never compromise your integrity or moral ethics.
You will contemplate giving up several times, don’t.
Don’t be afraid to stretch yourself. No limits, no boundaries.
Breathe.
J. Dwayne Garnett, BSRT, MHA, QP
Chief Executive Officer
Love Is A Parable
Available for Empowerment Speaking Engagements, Consultations, Uncovering Sessions, and Instruction.
Find out more about J at by clicking HERE!
#loveisparable #entrepreneur #smallbusiness #empowerment #love #DEI