Journal entry: #888 Dear Entrepreneur (a note to self)

Dear Me, (the #Entrepreneur );?

Well, aren't you a cheeky dream-chaser? What a glorious, self-torturing path you've chosen. And by glorious, I mean, filled with late nights, more coffee than is recommended by any reputable health organization, and a consistent companion of that old friend, anxiety. That's right, I'm talking to you, dear self, the one who dared to say: "corporate job? Nah. I'll be an entrepreneur instead."

Your audacity, I must say, is awe-inspiring, even to yourself. When people see your bright eyes and the incessant flow of ideas from your hyperactive mind, they might mistake you for an alien species. But we both know that beneath that sparkle is a hardened warrior, armed with a laptop and a business plan, ready to vanquish market competitors and seize opportunities that arise out of nowhere.

Remember those times when you had to explain to family and friends that, no, your job isn't "just sitting on the computer all day," and yes, it is a real job. And when they've asked about your pay, you've had to explain the concept of 'equity' and 'investment.' Ah, the joys of entrepreneurship! It's like living in an alternative universe where traditional career ladders are replaced by rollercoasters.

And, oh, the rollercoaster of raising capital! It's like being on a reality show where you're the contestant trying to impress judges with a polished pitch. It's the ultimate speed-dating event where you're in love, but you need to convince others to fall in love, too - with your business idea, that is. The highs of the 'Yes, we believe in you,' and the lows of 'No, not at this time' are dizzying but, each 'no' gets you closer to a 'yes,' and so you persist.

But let's not forget the exquisite delight of wearing multiple hats. One moment, you're the CEO pitching to investors; the next, you're the IT department trying to fix the printer. Other roles include HR manager, social media expert, customer service representative, the marketing team, and, of course, the office barista. Who knew entrepreneurship would make you so versatile?

Despite these challenges, there's an unmistakable beauty in this journey. It's like jumping off a cliff and building the plane on the way down. There's the thrill of creating something from scratch, something that's yours, something that might make a difference. It's the adrenaline rush of not knowing whether you'll be crashing or soaring, but going for it anyway.

And you know what? You've shown you can do it. You've demonstrated courage and tenacity that even you didn't know you possessed. You've stuck to your vision, mission, and plans even when the world around you seemed intent on shaking your resolve.

So, here's to you, dear self. Here's to the sleepless nights, the hard work, the resilience, and the sheer grit. You've shown up, day after day, and put your all into this crazy adventure called entrepreneurship. Sure, it's messy, chaotic, and often a downright comedy of errors. But it's your mess, your chaos, and your comedy. And that's what makes it perfect.

Remember, you're playing the long game. It's okay if the journey feels slow, and it's fine if you hit a few (or many) bumps. Keep on keeping on, and trust that you're making progress, even if you can't always see it. The most important thing is that you're brave enough to be on this journey at all.

Just remember, even on the toughest days, to show yourself a little love. After all, not everyone is daring enough to do what you're doing. You've taken the road less traveled and are crafting your own path, even if it seems like you're hacking through a dense jungle with a rather blunt machete.

Each failure is not a step back but a step forward. A misstep is just a fun dance move in the cha-cha of life, my friend. You might even say, you're the embodiment of the phrase, 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger,' and let's be honest, you're developing muscles you didn't even know existed.

While you’re busy charting unknown territories, do find time to relish the small victories - the new customer who loves your product, the employee who's grateful for the opportunity, the problem you finally cracked after weeks of brainstorming. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your business be. Success, they say, is a sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out, and it looks like you're on the right track.

Oh, and let's not forget your newfound appreciation for tax laws, labor laws, and every possible regulation that you never thought you'd need to understand. Navigating these is like mastering a new language, only it's a language that could result in penalties if you misuse a comma. But look at you now, speaking 'legalese' like a pro!

Yes, the road you've chosen is not easy. It's strewn with challenges that often seem insurmountable. But let me tell you a secret: the most beautiful views come after the hardest climbs. And with every challenge you face and overcome, you're climbing higher and higher.

So here's to you, my dear entrepreneurial self, for being brave, for being resilient, and for being tenacious. You're living proof that passion, hard work, and a dash of insanity can lead to incredible things. Keep forging ahead, keep #learning , and keep #innovating .

So, raise your cup of quadruple-shot espresso, my daring one, and toast yourself. You're an entrepreneur. You're a dreamer. You're a doer. And you're doing a darn good job. Even on the days you feel you aren't, remember: you're still here, still fighting, still moving forward. That's what matters.

Breathe, laugh, and keep on keeping on.

Your biggest fan,

Me?