Is It The Breakdown Before the Breakthrough?

Is It The Breakdown Before the Breakthrough?

As an entrepreneur, part of the challenge is getting out of your comfort zone-and dealing with the fears that come up. For most of us starting a business is challenging, yet breakthroughs happen when we step out of our own way. Perhaps a new client will come at just the right time, or more money, or another “win” that puts us right on track. However in the meantime, the struggles that come with starting a business and maintaining a sense of normalcy can make it tough. You’re not only dealing with real life challenges (like how to pay the bills), but also the emotional side and fear of the unknown.

If you started out like most of us, owning your own business is a dream of yours, but it’s also like being a visitor in a foreign country. It’s awkward at times, you don’t always know the right thing to do (or say), and it’s easy to get lost. Yet it feels amazing to make progress and forge ahead. If you’re willing to keep going, one day you’ll realize you’re more comfortable in this role as a business owner. Plus, you’ll feel happier, confident, and ready to conquer the world!

How Do You Get From Here… to There?

It would be nice to skip all the messy parts in between starting a business and finding stability, but most of us don’t get that luxury. Time and again, it’s those business owners who make the commitment and stick with it who experience the breakthroughs. What most of us don’t witness (except in our own lives) are the in-between stages. When you’re somewhere between success and failure, this is the best time for personal growth and overcoming fears.

One step forward, two steps backward.

Most people don’t just whip out a great business, set it into motion, and then sit back and relax, drinking margaritas. It takes a lot of work, and at times setbacks are more common than stepping-stones. However, it’s good to remember that things do get easier, as long as you keep moving forward. The rewards are waiting, but you have to work through the hard days and uncertainty.

Change can be scary, but don’t let that stop you.

As human beings we crave order and routine over chaos and the unknown. Anything that is different from the norm is automatically going to be a scary. It’s good to remember, though, that we CAN work through fears. Particularly, when we start to make progress, become busier, and make more revenue, our “inner self” or “ego” wants to put on the brakes and may even convince us that this is best option. Essentially something inside us says STOP. This is where many of us call it quits.

The breakdown before the breakthrough makes success even sweeter.

Don’t let the ego and the inner self keep you small. Once you’re been out of your comfort zone long enough, it gets easier to stay there. There is commonly a “breakdown” before a “breakthrough” as the challenges come to a crescendo. These include any struggles, big or small, that test your limits such as: clients stop coming and you’re desperate for money, your computer breaks down, you get sick and aren’t sure if you can keep up. In any case, you have a big decision to make in this stage.

A leap of faith is required.

Almost all entrepreneurs at one point or another want to give up and call it quits. And many DO give up. But just like with anything there are many rewards on the other side. Imagine things like: seeing your business vision come to a fruition; living the reality of your dreams; attaining financial stability and a consistent, predictable income. These things are all possible if you stick with it for the long haul.

No matter where you are in your journey, always celebrate your “wins” and what you’ve overcome so far. Remember too that breakthroughs happen when we least expect it. Being grateful and focusing on successes will bring more of the same-so stay positive and enjoy the ride into the great unknown.