Beware of passion projects

The art of business is harnessing the 3-way power of self-confidence, skill and applied wisdom to deliver?business concepts that succeed. But what can we do if our power gets out of balance??

When we first meet entrepreneurs entering our accelerators, we ask them to share their goals and ambitions. The two extremes we see are, on the one end, those who struggle to see abundance and growth, and on the other end, those who are wildly over-confident, sometimes even to the point of delusion. In between are the leaders who?harness the essential enthusiasm?for business.

One of the risks we may face is?over-investment. Not just from a financial perspective, but from a personal, energetic one too.

Over-investing financially is fairly obvious – if we bet too much on a risky project and it fails, we lose money.??

Personal over-investment is similar. It’s putting too much of one’s personal energy, ego and ‘self’ into a project and going overboard with passion for it. When our sense of self-worth is connected to the result – when we are so passionate about something that we lose our sense of balance and perspective.??

Being over-invested is like having a ‘crush’ or a lover. We are so?blinded by our emotions?that our mind doesn’t function as it should. Our intelligence and wisdom is diminished and we fail to see, or to acknowledge the dangers.?

The wise leader’s lesson is to recognise the difference between healthy enthusiasm, and an unbalanced ‘passion project’. And moderate our behaviour to avoid these traps.?

Speaking from experience, the 4 reminders that I use are:?

• Gather information and learn?when you are?over-excited by something. Recognise the feelings of extreme emotion, perhaps tinged with grandeur or extreme connection with a sense of personal success or failure.??
• Work with a team?of people?who?are strong enough to correct you when things are off balance.?
• Take action to?moderate?extreme emotional highs?by exercising and avoiding stimulants such as coffee, especially when adrenaline is kicking in.?
• Ask yourself?– if this project failed, would you?proceed?or not, then act accordingly.?

Powerful leadership comes from self-awareness, and the ongoing quest to keep yourself on track! Let me know if this resonates with you, share with a friend and invite them to?sign up?to get insights like this every Monday.?

Have a fabulous week ahead.

#FearlessLeaders #BusinessGrowth #PassionProject

LAST WEEK'S FEEDBACK on "When smaller means better" ...

Each week I receive heartwarming emails in response to my weekly greeting. Your words also serve to inspire others along their journey of transformation. If this helped you too, I'd love to hear - simply reply to this email. As always, let me know if you'd prefer to remain anonymous. Here is a snapshot:

"Hi Catherine,

Once again spot on advice, as this is the aim of most of the Entrepreneurs that I have met. To be the biggest in their market space as soon as possible.

My advice is rather be the best and not bite off more than you can chew. Start small and grow your happy customer base through referrals, while making sure that you always address any customer concerns immediately, to their satisfaction.

While you are growing your small but successful business maintain a high standard of customer excellence and employ people who have, or will develop, the same attitude as you. This will ensure that you retain your existing customer base while adding more satisfied customers, who perceive real value in your offer." - Mike

-?"Hi Catherine! It's so lovely to finally see the face behind these inspirational weekly?emails. I'm one of the applicants who was in attendance?for the TEP16. This particular newsletter hits home for me because I've always thought like this, that I am the leader of the niche market I operate in (Candles). See with my business?it's not like any candle business out there, my intention?has always?been about healing, I am a psychology graduate who now heals people through candles, my niche market is spiritual and religious people, its a market that I've been serving for the past 4 years and I'm now known as the go to candle guy. I'm writing this email to simply acknowledge what you're saying and pointing out that my business is living proof of that. Thank you and have a very blessed week ahead.?Let There Be Light," - Makatu

- "I?get it Cathy, and am revisiting my marketing plan on the back of your weekly tip.?Thank you??" - Mems

- "I think WOW" - Mfikiseni

Thank you for reading my #weeklygreeting. Each Monday I write a blog with inspiration and tips for business and life.?To join my network please 'Follow' me, or hop on and take a look at my past articles here.

About?Catherine Wijnberg

Catherine Wijnberg is a powerful advocate for change, for entrepreneurs, for Africa and the planet.

She is the Director and Founder of Fetola, a leading provider of world-class entrepreneurial support programmes for African entrepreneurs, building businesses that last through scalable solutions that deliver social, environmental and economic impact.