When we started YouAre, we made it a priority to be as transparent as possible about this process. We want to give people an inside look at what it takes to launch a new business, the highs, lows and everything in between.
Most of my life has been defined by limiting beliefs about what we could accomplish. Crippling self-doubt and insecurities defined many of my choices. My upbringing was different in that I was not surrounded by typical educational or business structures for support, but rather trial-by-fire environments that brought on learning by doing.
Something curious along the way happened, experience allowed me to overcome most of my fear and anxiety. Where once had been paralyzing stage fright, now was quiet confidence speaking to groups. Personal insecurities that ravaged my brain in my early days faded away. Most importantly, a poverty mentality leading to doubt about my ability to provide slowly changed as my career became more successful.
That all changed last week.
In conjunction with getting sick and being completely physically wiped out, an absolutely crushing sense of dread and anxiety washed over me for several days. Certainly we knew this would be a new challenge with fears and uncertainties, but this was to a level not ever felt before.
The interesting thing is that it is almost impossible to pinpoint where it is coming from. We have an awesome team, amazing partners, plenty of experience and everything we need to be successful. Yet the anxiety persists.
If you're attempting to do something that has you crippled with fear or anxiety, please reach out and say hello. We'd be happy to discuss what you're going through. If you've been there in the past but have moved beyond it, drop a comment below and let us know what helped you work through the uncertainty.
There you go. That's the transparent truth of what we're dealing with today!
This resonates with me in a very real way. I have spent many years of my life settling for a paycheck instead of pursuing my passions and purpose. It's a big ugly world out there and just about all of society frowns upon self discovery and effort outside of what they are programming your life to look like.
When it gets dark for me, I focus on the why, not the how. If it were easy, everyone would be a successful and independent business owner. It's not easy, but it is worth it.
Having lived through some pretty dark moments myself, I now move forward with faith, knowing that somehow, it will be ok, just keep moving forward.