Being an entrepreneur is a big stretch, we all know that when we're in it. There are many times in your business when you doubt. There are multiple learning curves, and the learning and stretching beyond your comfort zone often causes discomfort. That's natural.
But sometimes you wonder if the discomfort is just because you are getting out of your comfort zone or because you are getting on the wrong track.
Great question!! How do you know?
Here are a few questions that can help you find the answer:
1. Listen to your heart: what is your heart telling you?
We live in a culture where we know what we are supposed to do, what we should do, and often act based on this. You will find it revealing to stop and tune in into your heart, to ask yourself this question and to listen.
Remember this quote:
One sees clearly only with the heart. What is essential is invisible to the eye - Antoine de Saint Exupéry
2. Explore.
We also tend to do things on autopilot. Take a moment to ponder these questions and to create a new sense of awareness and a deeper understanding of your current situation.
- What's important about doing this?
- Is this taking you in the direction you want?
- What about it makes you uncomfortable?
- What would it look like if you remove what makes you uncomfortable?
- What would be a stretch AND make you feel better?
3. Imagine you have done it and you're on the other side (somehow, you found the way and you did it). Look back at today: was it worth it? What did this help you step into?
The elapse of time is often a great judge. By imagining yourself a few years down the road, you will be able to look at your current situation from a different perspective, with a healthy distance and detachment.
4. Be honest with yourself: What can you learn about you and this discomfort?
Paying attention to what is causing the discomfort is a great source of learning and growth, and reveals a lot about who you are, what you believe in, and what you accept in your life. Being really honest with yourself will open up new possibilities for growth, or for changing direction if the path is not the right one for you. It will also help you be in charge again and take responsibility for your choices.
When you answer these questions, you will be in a better position to know if you are just growing and going through the natural discomfort, or if you are plainly on the wrong path.
Going through this process will help you figure out what is important to you in the first place, and it will help you adjust HOW you are doing it, and stop it if it's getting you side tracked.
Whether you keep at it or stop it, you'll know it's for a good reason, not because you are afraid or because you get discouraged or because you've let your inner critics take over ("I'm not good at this", "it will never work", "who am I to..." etc.)
One of the great advantages of being boss in your own business is that you can change direction anytime you feel the need for it. There really is no reason to keep doing something that is not going in the direction you want. It only takes awareness to discern what that direction is, and it takes willingness to change direction and course correct.
Maria Arredondo is a Business Renewal Coach (CPCC, MBA). She speaks on finding your own path, authentic marketing, purpose + values + profit business, freedom, money and joyful living. She coaches freedom-seeking women on a mission who want to change direction in their business and pivot toward greater freedom, profit and joy. For more information about her work and programs, visit www.pivotmundi.com.