The amazing thing about entrepreneurs is that they believe in themselves. Even if they have doubts, something keeps them going through thick and thin. Some people might call us crazy. Some days we call ourselves crazy. But in the end, we feel crazy like foxes. We have freedom, power, say-so over our own destinies, opportunity and cleaning skills (because we often wear all the hats in our offices). I watched “Miracle on 34th Street” tonight with my mom, and a line from the movie struck me as something entrepreneurs could use as their personal mottos.
“Faith is believing in something before it happens.”
As I complete my preparations for the long trip ahead of me, I’ve found myself feeling amazed at the gall of me believing in this opportunity. What makes me think I can do this and get away with it? Well, doesn’t every entrepreneur think the exact same thing at one time or another? I believe in it just because I do. Or maybe because I can’t NOT believe that this trip will make a huge difference in my life.
When I began my company (It will be eight years ago this April!), I couldn’t NOT believe I could do it. My motivation then was my kids. I was a single mom, and I had to believe there was a way to BOTH stay home for them and have a career. Little did I know how important the freedom of it all would become for me. That is probably my greatest motivation now. And that’s what my trip to Florida, Texas and Arizona is all about. My life has changed so much in the last year, and it’s my time to spread my wings, reach out to the world, and see where it leads me.
I want to put my hand on the shoulder of every other entrepreneur out there, the ones I know personally and the ones I’ve never met, and tell them to keep having faith. If we don’t have the right to keep ourselves free, do we have anything? It’s definitely a lot of hard work to keep the faith through all the challenges an entrepreneur faces. It’s often easier NOT to believe. But we have to. Not just for ourselves, but for all the other entrepreneurs out there who really want this. We have to show them that it CAN be done.
That’s what I want this trip to do for you, whoever you are. Just keep thinking, “It CAN be done.”” Even better, keep thinking, “I can do this.
Medallion around my neck, designed by a very special artist friend in Seattle: “I am not afraid. I was born to do this. St. Joan of Arc.” It shows a woman warrior carrying a shield and spear.
I’m hitting the road Monday night. I hope you’ll come with me via this blog. Maybe something I see or someone I meet will help you find the courage (or craziness) to become an entrepreneur. Of if you already are an entrepreneur, maybe it will help you believe you CAN do it, even on days when you are afraid.
