Being a small business owner is really hard
I’ve come across so many articles and discussions in various groups about entrepreneurs and the commonality of conditions like depression and anxiety. I never understood why. I thought, hey, they’re living their dreams. They’re making a living out of their true passions. Why wouldn’t that be pure joy? In December 2015 I dipped my toes into the world of a creative entrepreneur by starting a blog and an Etsy shop a few months later. A little over a year into this small business venture of mine, I totally get it. I won’t sit here and tell you that I’m clinically depressed or have been diagnosed with anxiety but I finally get it. Being a small business owner is really hard.
Being an entrepreneur means engaging in a constant battle with your self-esteem. There are so many expectations flying around in your head and when they’re not met it is a huge blow to your confidence. There are so many inspirational quotes out there urging you to not compare yourself to others but let’s be real, it’s kind of impossible not to. It’s easy to get stuck in a negative rut.
I’m constantly advising against comparison and cheering for taking pride in the little wins but I slip up every once in a while. When I do, it’s the worst feeling. I had one of these breakdowns recently and thankfully my support system was there. Sometimes we are incredibly hard on ourselves and focus on the wrong things. It’s difficult to see it from any other perspective. That’s where your support system comes in. I’m not suggesting that you go out and surround yourself with people who tell you you’re the best ever all the time even if it’s not true. I’m talking about genuine people who care about you and who have confidence in you. People who can pull you out of that negative rut and wake you up from the nightmare.
We need people around who believe in us for the times we don’t believe in ourselves. Confused on where to start building your support system?
Here are 4 places to look for support when you need it most:
- Family: Parents, grandparents, and siblings have been cheering you on since you entered this world and will be here when you decide to go down your small biz life.
- Significant other: This is the person you often entrust everything with. They know your wins, your failures and they know how to lift you up.
- Friends: You besties will be the ones to support you and help promote you because they love you! Give them a call when you’re feeling low.
- Your Tribe: I have met some incredible boss ladies through Instagram who are a special kind of support system. They know what you’re going through and you can help each other!
Over time we should learn to build our own confidence so that times of doubt happen less often or are less detrimental. Finding your support system now will help you get to that point!
