Entrepreneurial Anxiety: Finding Ways to Cope and Persevere

Lessons from an Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship has always been something I contemplated pursuing for myself. I first considered it full time in 2008 after undergoing a layoff, but my plans were derailed due to the recession. That brings me to the present. While undergoing huge job changes, I’ve decided to pursue the idea of entrepreneurship full-time again.

The two words that best describe this experience thus far are: excitement and anxiety. The amount of emotions I experience in a day relative to this entrepreneurial journey is exhausting, to say the least. Throughout the day I think about how many clients I need to survive, how awesome it will be to employ others, being my own boss- how dope is that (in my boyfriend’s voice)! So what’s going to keep me inspired? What will keep my anxiety at bay? How will I stay energized in order to take my business to the next level? How will I succeed? These are the questions I ask myself every day as I embark on this new journey. And while I don’t have the answers to all these questions just yet, here are a few tips I’m employing to keep me sane:

1) I’m surrounding myself around other entrepreneurs to help fuel my energy, drive, and keep me motivated. Thanks Bruce Marable for that advice!

2) I remind myself of this quote so eloquently stated by Joyce Meyers, "There will always be opposition when pressing towards a goal. There will always be an opportunity to park and go no further or turn around and give up. All you need to win in life is more determination than anyone else you know."

3) Leaning and fully trusting in God to guide my steps! As a woman of faith I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! (Philippians 4:13).

Those are the steps/principles I’m applying to keep me focused and sane to start this journey. Entrepreneurs, friends, colleagues, follow me on this journey of change and growth! I’m creating these weekly articles to encourage, inspire, learn and grow during this exciting time.