Staying Positive When Uncertainty Rules Your Life
Since the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve had the joy of experiencing all the feels that come with the uncertainty and lack of routine of an entrepreneur’s life. I’ve frequented more coffee shops than I did in my university years and have even developed a tendency to critique them down to the spatial area between the chair and the table (for lady-like leg crossing, of course) and the comfort of the chair. I’ve come to love being my own boss and making my own schedule, working from the comfort of my home or a café if I wish. But much like any entrepreneurial venture, it’s not always all what it’s cracked up to be.You really need to teach yourself to find contentment and strength in uncertainty; “trusting and surrendering” as my Mom would say – and it’s not always easy. Dreaming and waking up in fear became the norm for me; wondering what opportunities were going to come my way that day, how I would accomplish my massive to-do list by a given date and how I would sustain myself financially. It can be easy to get trapped in a negative thought train and give too much of your energy to the “what if’s”, “buts” and the fear of failure.It takes great practice to sweep yourself out of this routine to get back on track, to remember why you started on this path to begin with, to focus on the positive and the long-term goal. I find it’s always the most random distractions in my day that help me do this: an inspiring video, a positive testimonial or affirmation from a client or friend, or simply getting lost in the beauty of life. When you realize how unpredictable our lives are and how incredibly awesome they can be, it can really bring you back to your roots and initial motive.But of course, those little sporadic bursts of inspiration are random for a reason. So when you're feeling stuck, you can refer to these tips to stay positive and prevent uncertainty from running your life.
3 Simple Ways To Stay Positive
1. Give thanks – It’s natural for your mind to wander to the negative side every once in a while, but it’s important to bounce out of this as soon as possible. I like to think of things I’m grateful for and focus on what I do have instead of what I don’t. It can be the smallest things, such as the warm sun grazing your skin, a quenching glass of water or the vibrancy of a blooming flower. Become curious and amazed by nature. Just do it. It will blow your mind. It will also help you realize how incredible this universe really is and how fortunate we are to live where we do. Little practices like this will help you realize how fortunate you are already and how much more there is to come.
2. Embrace the unknown – Though one of the most liberating parts of being an entrepreneur is not having a stagnant routine, it can also be one of the scariest. Even with a mile-long to-do list, you may never know what your day is going to look like or what new opportunities might come your way. Everyday comes as a surprise – and that’s the beauty of it all.
3. Feel the losses and celebrate the wins – There are going to be days when you’re totally rocking it that affirms everything you’re doing and there are going to be days when you stare at your computer screen, dead panned, wondering what the hell you’re doing and if you should just scrap it all. This is a natural part of the motions. Not everything is going to work out the way you envisioned it and that’s okay. I’ve learned to remind myself that certain opportunities weren't right for me and that a better one is on its way. Be hopeful and keep at it. Things are happening somewhere else when you don't even know it!What about you? What are your best tips for battling uncertainty?