5 Insights for Entrepreneurial Success

Being a successful entrepreneur comes with its share of ups and downs. There are times everything is on your side and working with you, while other days it can feel as if the whole world is against you.  Far too often we hear of all the positives: freedom, money, make your schedule, be your own boss and so on. Indeed, these are many of the great perks of entrepreneurship. But at the same time, people need to be realistic, and know that the good times are going to come with lots of down times, too. 

Setbacks are the true test of a small business.  Anyone can ride the wave during the good times.  For those who can hang tight and stay strong when the going gets tough, you’re going to come back even stronger. 

Growing up I faced many tough times. I suffered with Cushing Disease which caused a brain tumor and face deformity. I was the victim of school bullying. At times I was depressed, sitting alone in my room asking “why me?” I thought my life would never get any better, but somewhere along the way something started happening: I discovered an inner strength and fed upon it until I started to pull myself up into a much better life. I didn’t feel sorry for myself or hang on to any feelings of resentment. I focused all of that energy that I had been directing towards my problems and turned them into a passion that I have never let go of since.

Here are some of the things I’ve learned along the way, and they can help you see more good times than bad times in your own business.

Listen to people who know

As an entrepreneur, you may feel as if you’re in this thing all by yourself sometimes, but you’re really not. Listen to people who have succeeded. Learn from those who have already gone through the trials and errors that you face now and can help you leapfrog ahead and avoid the pitfalls they have already conquered. You can learn tips and strategies that you may have never otherwise thought of.  Whether it’s a coach, mentor or anyone who has experienced success in your field, learn all you can from people who have already been there and succeeded.

Don’t listen to negativity

When I started growing my business and appeared on Million Dollar Listing, I was shocked how many unfriendly people and naysayers were coming at me from so many different directions. The only person you need to worry about is you. Listening to negativity can be instant quicksand that will suck your dreams right out from under you. 

Learn from and embrace failure

Every one of history’s great successes has had to tackle failure at one time or another. They learned from the experience and went on to a level of success that was even bigger than they had originally hoped for. Learn to reevaluate your situation and adapt when something goes wrong and you can bounce back even stronger. Business is not an Olympic event. You’re not out of the running for the gold after one setback. 

Go Big and be bold

If you’re going to invest all of your time, money and energy into your passion, be it your business or some other calling, you either go at it one-hundred percent or you don’t do it at all. There’s no being halfway committed.  Don’t short-change your dreams by holding back.  Be that once in a lifetime person that you know is already inside you.

Keep fighting for your dreams

No matter where you currently are in terms of success, keep pushing forward. If times are tough, look ahead to the sun coming up over the horizon. It’s not how good you are, but how good you want to be that counts. It’s an awesome feeling when you find your true calling and develop your skills to go on to be the best you can be. If you’re already where you want to be, there is always more you can achieve. One saying I love is, “I didn’t come this far only to come this far.”  How about you? 

The takeaway

Entrepreneurship is one of the wildest rides one can take. Being smart and an industry expert is important, but your attitude and how you stay on track and motivated when the going gets tough is very important, too. Be realistic and know there are going to be some bad days, but no matter what comes your way, stay strong and keep fighting the good fight.  The more down times you get through, the more victories you’ll experience and your confidence will go through the roof.