I am sure you have heard the phrase before, “being comfortable with the uncomfortable”. I know a good amount of people that have started their own business and have read a lot of the articles out there about starting your own business. Generally, entrepreneurs fall into two categories; planners and seat of the pants type of people.
I am the latter, I planned everything to the nth degree. Here is the thing about starting your own business….no matter how much planning you do, things will go off the rails quick! This is one of the reasons 8 out of 10 entrepreneurs fail or quit within 18 months of opening their venture (according to Bloomberg). This is a shockingly scary statistic.
Science shows us that when people are put in uncomfortable situations, they look to escape, and often as quickly as possible. Think about the last time you were in a situation that you didn’t like. My guess is you might not have dug in and seen the situation through. Most times we don’t. Most of us look to “cut bait” and get out. A dash back towards safety.
The thing about being a business owner is there are more uncomfortable situations than not. For most of us, it’s the first time we have opened and operated a business. Just like most things you do for the first time, there will be situations you have never experienced before. A lot of them. Most take them in stride to begin but after a while, it begins to become overwhelming. This is where the proverbial fork in the rode is. Do you make a U-turn and head back to a comfortable place, or do you keep forging ahead?
I wish I could tell you to “keep going, things will get better”. Fact is, they might, and hopefully will. The first 18 months are filled with unique challenges that once conquered will lead to growth down the road. Statistics also show us that if a business survives the first 18 months, their chances of long-term success increase exponentially. But everyone has their limit. These challenges will affect your family, relationships, and life in general. We all have our limits and odds are you will get pushed close to yours.
So why would anyone do this? My dad says, and I often remind myself, “if it was easy, everyone would do it”. Most have heard that statement before, but really sit and think about it. Most people don’t want to be uncomfortable. The thing with being uncomfortable is it often is the feeling before personal growth. You will learn how to figure out the situation you are in. Personal growth often leads to success. Most people don’t fall into success, they must strive for it.
Everyone must make their own decisions and I have my days where I am tired of feeling uncomfortable. You’ll have your days too. But remember the ultimate goal of personal growth and success. It is almost impossible to achieve those without first being uncomfortable.
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