Entrepreneurship can be an exhilarating adventure, but it can also be daunting, especially when it comes to labeling yourself as an entrepreneur. As someone who spent 20 years working for someone else, I really felt the struggle to identify as an Entrepreneur once I jumped out on my own. It wasn’t until I coached myself out of it that I began to thrive as an “Entrepreneur” and my business quickly followed suit.
Entrepreneurs Are Born, Not Made🚫
Society drills into us that entrepreneurs are born, not made. Well, sure. Some people may have a natural inclination towards entrepreneurship. It could come from a parent or just a natural entrepreneurial spirit they’re born with. But really, the amount this belief (read: belief…opinion…not a FACT) held me back is staggering. Really people, it’s inaccurate to say that this trait is exclusively innate. The truth is, entrepreneurship is a skill that can be learned, developed, and refined through practice and experience.
Again, some entrepreneurs may have a certain personality type that makes them more likely to succeed in business, but that doesn’t mean that others can’t develop the same traits and achieve similar success. With hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn, anyone can become a successful entrepreneur.
You’re Only An Entrepreneur If You Make Tons Of Money And Have A Staff 🚫
Another idea I was holding on to (for no reason at all) was that I thought I needed a certain level of success to earn the title of “entrepreneur.” I believed I had to achieve a certain level of financial success, or have a certain number of employees to qualify. Then I did reach a financial goal for my business after the first year, then repeated it the second year and was still telling myself the same thing 🤦♀️.
The truth is, anyone who starts and runs a business is an entrepreneur, regardless of their level of success.
You’re Not An Entrepreneur…You’re An Imposter 🚫
Another reason I struggled to call myself an entrepreneur was imposter syndrome. I didn’t think I was good enough or knowledgeable enough to deserve the title. But I soon realized that entrepreneurship is a learning process.
You don’t have to know everything from the beginning.
You learn as you go, and you become better with every experience.
🤯
How I Created My Own Definition Of Entrepreneur
So, how did I overcome my struggles with calling myself an entrepreneur?
I started by recognizing my accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem.
I celebrated every sale, every customer, and every challenge I overcame.
More importantly…I also surrounded myself with other entrepreneurs, who encouraged and supported me.
But even more importantly, I realized that the only thing holding me back from calling myself an entrepreneur was myself.
Once I let go of my self-doubt and fear of failure, I was able to embrace the title and all that comes with it…that’s when I really started to see my business succeed more effortlessly.
But How About You?
If you’re struggling to call yourself an entrepreneur, don’t let it hold you back. Please. There are people out there you can help, support, and inspire through your business and if you never try, you’ll never know.
Recognize your accomplishments, surround yourself with supportive people, and let go of your self-doubt. Remember that entrepreneurship is a journey, and you don’t have to have it all figured out from the beginning.
If you need help overcoming your struggles with entrepreneurship, let’s work together. Contact me today to see how we can help you achieve your goals and embrace the title of entrepreneur.
Until then…
Additional Resources For Your Entrepreneurial Journey
- Sign up for 33 days of positive affirmations designed to support your entrepreneurial mindset and identity, free!
- Learn about Entrepreneur Coaching and how it can be your secret to success.
- Read about Self-Love & The Entrepreneur: What does it mean, why is it important, and how it can make you more successful!