The Lies We Tell Ourselves: Embracing Entrepreneurial Truths
When do the little white lies we tell ourselves, like "Fake it til you make it," become growth roadblocks for our businesses?
The excuses go on and on. This is when those little lies start causing big problems, holding back growth and leaving owners feeling completely burnt out. Instead of seeing the potential for progress all around them, some entrepreneurs try to do everything themselves or get blinded by dollar signs. It's a slippery slope, and before they know it, these harmful falsehoods have taken root and are wreaking havoc on their businesses.
It's About Time
But hey, it's not all doom and gloom! These brave business owners need a little nudge in the right direction. When I chat with them about their beliefs, I often ask a simple question: If I gave them $1000 to invest, would they go for a stock offering a modest 5x return or one promising a whopping 50x return? The answer is usually clear.
Time is a business owner's most precious commodity. Savvy entrepreneurs know that delegating tasks or outsourcing allows them to make the most of their time and focus on the things that will make their businesses thrive.
So, the next time you catch yourself feeding into one of these little falsehoods, take a moment to pause and reassess. Are you truly making the most effective decisions for yourself and your business? Are you investing your time and energy where it truly matters?
Invest Wisely
Let's remember that we're all susceptible to the occasional self-deception. It's just a part of being human, especially in the wild world of entrepreneurship. Here's the good news - by paying attention to what our business needs, we can unlock a world of possibilities for growth and success. Just remember, the choices made today shape the trajectory of tomorrow. Choose wisely and invest strategically.
Here's to breaking free from the lies we tell ourselves and stepping boldly into a future filled with success. You've got this!
Have you ever told yourself a fib? Maybe it's a harmless white lie that builds confidence like, "Fake it till you make it." Perhaps it's a half-truth designed to help drive revenue like, "This client won't be that bad." (Spoiler alert – they're usually much worse.) But what happens when these innocent fibs start holding us back?
Soledad O'Brien once said, "Being an entrepreneur is a mindset. You have to see things as opportunities all the time." And she's absolutely right! But let's face it. Sometimes, our relentless entrepreneurial spirit can lead us down a tricky path. When do these little self-deceptions start becoming big roadblocks to our success?
The Dark Side
Having worked closely with many small business owners, I've seen firsthand the dark side of these sneaky falsehoods. I've chatted with entrepreneurs who firmly believed they:
Could handle their [bookkeeping/social media/HR/fill in the blank] because outsourcing was too pricey.
Believed it was totally normal to work seven days a week.
Couldn't possibly hire anyone because they didn't have time to train them.
Were convinced they couldn't expand their team because clients only wanted to work with them.