How to Eat Shit & Be OK
Being a startup founder is no easy feat – it’s one of the most difficult tasks you can take on. When we choose this path, however, prepare to have our share of knockbacks, failures, and embarrassments along the way; because in order to succeed, we must be prepared to ‘eat shit and be ok’. It's not going to taste great – trust me – but if you manage to become desensitized and learn how to turn setbacks into success, then nothing will stand in your way. In this blog post, I'm going to give insight into how best to handle rejections and failure as an entrepreneur - preparing so that when things don't work out it won't feel as crushingly difficult.
Accept Failure as Part of the Process - Don't take every "No" personally and accept that it's part of the journey
Being a startup founder certainly isn't easy - it means putting yourself out there, facing potential rejection, and mastering the art of resilience. However, it's important to view each 'No' or setback as part of your journey, and not take them personally. Rather than letting each "No" slow you down or stop you from trying again, consider it progress and reframe failure as learning experiences that will prepare you for success. Successful startups are built on dedication and learning from our misses, so accept setbacks as part of the process, and don't forget to celebrate each step toward your dream goal.
Find a Support Network - Lean on friends, family, and other entrepreneurs to get through the tough times
As a startup founder, finding support to lean on during difficult times can be the difference between success and failure. Cultivating a network of understanding friends, family, and other entrepreneurs – who have no doubt been in your shoes at some point – is key for any startup really worth its salt. This network serves as a line of defense against moments of self-doubt that too often come with taking the entrepreneurial path. And if you’re feeling discouraged, there’s always someone from my crew to pick up your spirits so that you continue pursuing the greater vision.
Reframe Your Perspective - Recognize that failure can be a learning experience and that nothing is permanent
As a startup founder, it's no secret that you may face some tough times. But don't let setbacks tell you who you are or what you can do! Success is not final, and failure is far from fatal - instead, why not reframe your perspective and view each hiccup as an opportunity to learn and grow? Even if something didn't go as planned this time around, there's potential for improvement in the future. So rather than get stuck in a spiral of negative thinking, try to step back, refocus your energy on what's ahead – and remember nothing’s forever!
Celebrate Small Wins - Even the smallest successes are worth celebrating and can keep you motivated
Starting a business is no easy feat, and it often comes with many ups and downs along the way. As a founder, it's important to celebrate even the smallest of successes – every step you make toward achieving your goals counts. Looking back on your minor wins can give you that extra boost of motivation when things seem bleak or like they're not progressing quickly enough. So don’t forget to take a moment and appreciate the effort that you have made; each victory is worth its weight in gold!
Practice Pausing and Doing Nothing - Make sure to take care of yourself in order to stay healthy and energized
Between the long hours, heavy workload, and bouts of rejection, it can take its toll on even the most motivated individual. To stay healthy and energized amid such demands, it's essential to practice self-care or at least some downtime. Whether this is scheduling regular breaks to meditate, treating yourself to favorite meals or activities, or engaging in conversations with friends or mentors to brainstorm and vent - the key takeaway is that you need to make sure that your own well-being doesn't get pushed onto the back burner.
Put It All In Perspective - Remember that it's all part of the process, and don't give up because failure isn't permanent
Rejection is never an easy pill to swallow, and the fear of failure can be a daunting thought when starting out as a founder. But it's important to remember that "failure" is only temporary. It might seem like one setback has ruined your chance at success forever, but no door is ever shut for good - every challenge is there simply to force you to find creative solutions and come out stronger in the end. So if you're feeling intimidated by rejection or stymied by a seemingly impenetrable wall, take a step back, reframe your approach, and keep moving forward - you never know what amazing opportunities might be just around the corner!
Being a startup founder is a challenging yet rewarding journey. So if you're feeling overwhelmed and wondering if this is something you can handle, know that success often comes after failure. While it's easy to give up after a few rejections, remember that failure is part of the growth process, and don't be too hard on yourself. Take some time to recognize small wins, seek out support from friends and family, reframe your perspective, and practice self-care. At the end of the day, put it all in perspective – will it really matter in 10 years or do you need to let go of this challenge?
I'd love to hear what strategies work best for keeping founders motivated during difficult times - so please share what works for you!