I’ve been reading about entrepreneurs having admitted to myself that I am one (in addition to artist). One thing I’ve noted is how important it is to push past your Limits! It seems I’m not the only one that has reservations about certain aspects of business. Most entrepreneurs have reservations about some aspect or other…some people don’t feel comfortable with sales, others the accounting/numbers game of it, others raising the necessary capital, others believing in your product. Sales is my forte, the rest can put me in fear mode. When I’m in fear mode, I know I’m not doing myself any favors yet struggle to “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” as a book title suggested years ago.
Mark and I are currently on vacation in Puerta Vallarta. It’s the first time for both of us to visit this lush, tropical paradise. We decided to have F-U-N in the form of adventures in addition to just lounging at the pool. Our adventurous excursions have included snorkeling, ATV rides, zip lines and mountain bike riding literally up the mountain. Admittedly, I was a bit hesitant about embarking on a few of these excursions anticipating fear rather than relaxing into the JOY of doing it. Thankfully though I choose to push past my LIMITS! In doing so, I could learn to relax and enJOY the ride…literally…I was able to turn to the left on one of the zip lines and see the Ocean as the guides suggested before pushing me off the platform. I even flipped around and touched the water on the last zip line (of 12)! On the Mountain Bike trip, I pushed past fear again by riding over the cobblestones, learning to attack the hills by spinning the wheels in slow gear and getting off the bike and walking on the steep parts. The best part of all was the reward at the top of the bike ride…we had stopped at a cantina in the midst of a jungle paradise…waterfalls and a pool of cool clear water, butterflies fluttering their beautiful wings and the most colorful flora and fauna (banana trees with bananas on them!). Our guide asked if we wanted to jump in the pool of cool, clear water. After the hard workout up the hill, sweat pouring off my brow, I watched her do it and decided I could too…took off my socks and shoes, bike helmet, glasses, watch and bracelet…got in position and whoosh…I jumped into the freezing cold water and felt exhilarated!
I realize that I can take the same approach to my fears of my business. I’m just going to jump in, let the cold water surprise me and then swim out laughing about the experience!