“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
– Vincent Van Gogh
I’m often impatient and overwhelmed.
Just when you complete a list of tasks or achieve something, more tasks show up and the goal post gets moved.
And that’s frustrating because you’re so focused on getting to the end and being done that you forget to enjoy the journey.
Hi, My name is Ailsa & I’m an Impatient Entrepreneur
I was lucky enough to attend a private college prep school in the valley (actually where I first met my husband), but I did not have dreams of attending an Ivy League school.
My school was great at preparing you for college, but it didn’t prepare you for entrepreneurship. I didn’t think I’d one day become an entrepreneur, or that it was really even an option.
I feel like this is important to share because you hear so many stories where someone “just knew what they were meant to do,” or how they’d “rise and grind” working 70+ hours a week in their parent’s garage and suddenly “made it big” one day.
But what you don’t see is the day-to-day struggle. Or the toll it can take on you emotionally, physically and on your relationships.
Importance of Mental Health
Getting through each day was tough for a long time.
I’d get home and would feel so overwhelmed and depressed – I simply had too much on my plate.
Sitting down with a grilled cheese sandwich (my favorite comfort food to this day), I’d talk to my mom who’d remind me to, “break it up into small pieces.”
The first step is always: eat the sandwich
This way, you’re already starting with a sense of accomplishment, and as you work through each step, eventually it doesn’t feel so overwhelming.
How We Applied This to Our Programs
I now apply this mindset to running our business.
Nothing is “too big” if you break it up into small, manageable pieces.
When a business owner says they feel overwhelmed by technology, and the idea of updating their website, or marketing their business is too much, I feel for them.
I get what it’s like to feel overwhelmed and frustrated.
To push yourself beyond the breaking point, and still feel like you’re not getting the results you’d hoped.
But, I know now that if we break it up into small steps, we can make a positive impact.
AND, we can make life a whole lot easier because we’ll simplify things and make technology do the hard, time intensive work.
Impatient Entrepreneur – Guide to Enjoying the Journey
Our tips to help measure progress:
Make sure you have optics on your business (it’s hard to know where you want to go if you haven’t established where you are now)
Set quarterly goals for yourself & post them somewhere you’ll see them each day
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, focus on fewer things (for example, what’s 1 thing you need to get done this week?)
Remind yourself to take time & enjoy the journey!
What I hope you take away from this post is to be patient with yourself.
You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be, and you’re doing a great job.
When I now look back at what I’ve accomplished so far as a young, female business owner, I’m proud of myself.
I now recognize that I did reach my many goal posts. I’d just been moving them before taking the time to celebrate the accomplishment.
Graduating from Goldman Sachs 10k Small Businesses, Buying our first home & getting married in the backyard of our new house.
I know it’s not just me who does this. This is a trend I see with many fellow business owners.
We become so focused on something that we forget to celebrate the wins. We work hard, but maybe not as smart as we could.
OR that it’s okay to MVP (minimum viable product) tasks, and get something done rather than obsessing over it being “perfect.”
You miss out on a lot while chasing perfection.
Setting Reasonable Expectations for Yourself
I’m still anxiously impatient.
But I’m enjoying the journey so much more.
Every day doesn’t have to be a push day.
Some days are meant to be spent walking by the lake, enjoying a hobby, or spending time with a loved one.
We’ve changed our business to support a more balanced lifestyle, and it’s become our goal to help our clients do the same.
What’s Your First Step, Fellow Impatient Entrepreneur?
So, with your grilled cheese in hand (or your favorite comfort food), what’s a big overwhelming thing you want to break down into small pieces?
If it’s getting online, or learning how to update & market your website, let’s chat.
We’ll break it up into small, actionable steps and tackle it together!
