“At the rate Noah is going he’s going to wind up in prison.”
Those were the words coming out of my 7th grade social studies teacher’s mouth at a parent teacher conference.
The worst part was, I wasn’t even a bad student. I had terrible ADHD which made it almost impossible to focus. But those words had a major impact on my entrepreneurial journey.
My entrepreneurial journey began with these harsh words that made me feel stupid, insecure, insignificant, written off.
It made it even harder to be present and participate in class.
Table of Contents
Entrepreneurial Motivation
Over time, those words put a major chip on my shoulder. They made me want to prove I wasn’t stupid, not someone to be written off.
So I started a company. Then another. Then another and many more. But while those words helped motivate my entrepreneurial drive… They made my entire identity my “success”.
My entire self worth became based on how my businesses were doing. It was terrible for my mental health and continues to be.
I talk to so many entrepreneurs who have had similar experiences on their entrepreneurial journeys.
It’s like you have a tool or tactic that has worked so well for you in the past but due to different circumstances it is no longer useful. Yet you have a hard time letting go or dropping it.
As an entrepreneur, I find myself in this situation now. I know it no longer serves me, yet I am still trapped in this loop.
Entrepreneurial Growth
This year I’m focusing on letting go as part of my entrepreneurial growth. I’m learning to forgive myself and others.
Ultimately I’m learning how to step back and not take everything so personally. The entrepreneurial drive that once propelled me forward is the same force that now keeps me chained to outcomes I can’t always control.
Entrepreneurial success became my shield against those early judgments, but what happens when business has ups and downs? My worth as an entrepreneur shouldn’t fluctuate with my company’s performance, yet I’ve conditioned myself to measure my value this way for so long.
Conclusion
Has anyone else had success with this aspect of their entrepreneurial journey?
How have you separated your self-worth from your entrepreneurial achievements?
What strategies have helped you forgive past hurts and move forward with a healthier entrepreneurial mindset?
I’d love to hear from other entrepreneurs who’ve broken.
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