Women in Entrepreneurship: Embrace the Construction

Hello LinkedIn friends! I am thrilled to have you here as we embark on a journey to say "yes" to ourselves and our dreams. For those of you who have been waiting for the right opportunity to become a stronger, better version of yourself, now is your time. Welcome to the Upgrade Series. for 21-days, we will be sharing articles, posts and insights to help you ignite your goals!

Overcoming Challenges

We are living in challenging times. These pressures can make us feel cynical and doubtful about the future. However, I am here to interrupt that narrative. Despite the pain and loss we see around us, it is crucial that we live our truth and show up for ourselves in ways we never have before. Not only are your children and family members looking at you, but society as a whole is watching. We have two choices: sit on the sidelines or become part of the solution in our own lives.

A Drastically Different Life

Today, I want to talk about how to have a drastically different life. The first step is to be willing to look at the numbers and assess where you are currently. You have to be willing to look at both the good and bad numbers (think business outcomes and personal goal outcomes). This month is all about upgrading, and it starts with being honest about where you are.

The Three Phases of Construction: Demolition, Reconstruction, and Scaffolding

In the journey of construction, whether it’s a building or your personal growth, there are three critical phases: demolition, reconstruction, and scaffolding. Each phase takes time and is essential for the overall transformation. Demolition?is the first phase, where the old, outdated structures are torn down. This can be a messy and chaotic period, filled with rubble and debris, but it is necessary to clear the way for new beginnings. Next comes reconstruction, where the foundation is laid, and new structures begin to take shape. This phase requires careful planning and execution, as it sets the stage for the final outcome. Lastly, scaffolding?provides the support needed to build upwards and outwards. It represents the temporary frameworks that hold everything in place as the new structure is solidified. Each of these phases is crucial and takes time, patience, and perseverance to complete, ultimately leading to a beautifully refurbished and stronger version of what once was.

Embracing the Mess

When you drive by a building being refurbished, it never looks beautiful in the beginning. The first thing you see is demolition. Things look messy, and it seems like chaos. Can you put "I'm in a demolition, I'm having a demolition moment" in your notes? This is when things don't look pretty, things look messy, and it seems like everything is all over the place. You might drive by this building and think, "Wow, that looks like a big mess with rubble everywhere." People might even start doing graffiti and throwing things in there because they don't understand that there is a plan and a process for what looks like rubble to become a completely refurbished building.

No matter how you feel about the areas in your life that need to be refurbished, look at it like you are just under construction. Tell yourself, "I am just under construction." In my book, Tomorrow Can't Wait, I talk about living in a season where I was trying to balance so much that I didn't understand how to make sense of it all. You know how people give you phrases and quotes to say, like "Stand in the mirror and say everything's going to be all right," but everything around you is crumbling? Without an actual plan in place, it's just a word and dream.

Similarly, entrepreneurship is a challenging journey that mirrors these phases of construction. Demolition in entrepreneurship involves breaking down old habits, outdated business models, and unproductive practices. This phase can be disheartening and chaotic, as it requires letting go of what no longer serves your vision. Reconstruction is the phase where you build a solid foundation for your business. This involves strategic planning, developing new processes, and creating a robust business model. It’s a time-consuming and meticulous phase, but it’s essential for long-term success. Finally, scaffolding in entrepreneurship represents the support systems you put in place—mentorship, networking, and continuous learning. These temporary frameworks provide the stability needed as you scale your business and reach new heights. Each phase in entrepreneurship, like in construction, demands time, effort, and resilience, but the end result is a thriving, resilient business ready to stand the test of time.

Recognizing Stagnation

Now, I cannot do this post without talking about what to do when you recognize that you aren't actually making progress. As entrepreneurs, we are all at different places and spaces. I have discussed this in a prior podcast, specifically those moments when you know without a shadow of a doubt that you should be further than where you are. Unfortunately, when we are working in our business, we often put on a face that we have it all together, but there are times when we feel completely tired.

If you have ever been in a place of stagnation, you are not alone. Symptoms of stagnation include procrastinating on daily tasks like calling prospects, closing new deals, writing proposals, and landing new clients. Instead, you might find yourself waiting to get out of bed or scrolling through unrelated social posts that keep your attention at bay but do nothing to move you forward.

Questions to Overcome Stagnation

When you feel like you are in stagnation, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Hidden Thoughts: If I had to be honest from my gut, what are the hidden thoughts I don't want to admit? Is there a part of my operations or process that I no longer like to do?
2. Delegation: Do I lack trust with delegation? As entrepreneurs, we often think we can do everything on our own, but this leads to suffering in terms of sleep and stress. Ask yourself if there are tasks you can delegate to someone else.
3. Sabbatical: Do you need to take a sabbatical? Sometimes we compare our results to others without recognizing that we are on our own unique entrepreneurial journey. Taking an intentional break can help you regain your energy and focus.
4. Celebrating Wins: Am I really celebrating what has gone well in my business? Jot down three wonderful things you are appreciative of in your business. Did you implement a new strategy, lock in a new client, or land a new grant? Celebrate these wins.

Conclusion

So, embrace your growth moment, your season, and your journey. This is your time to shine. Join me for our special Upgrade-a-thon happening July 1st-21st, 2024.

Dr. Allana Da Graca

Tolgispark.com