Dealing with the unexpected highs and lows of entrepreneurship—and caring for people.

by | Aug 10, 2016 | Entrepreneurship, Fierce Excerpts, Fierce Strategy + Creative, From the CEO

*Image provided by Jago Illustrations. Check out his amazing work here: https://jago-silver.squarespace.com/ 

When the going gets rough.
There have been times in my three entrepreneurial adventures over the past 15 years where things have not gone as planned. When you are a business owner, an employer, and a business partner, people will disappoint you, people’s actions will shock you and break your heart, and sometimes—things just don’t go the way you thought they would. How you react in these moments is what matters above everything else. It defines and shapes the future of your brand—and it defines and shapes you as a person.

Five strategies to help you move through adversity from Inc. Magazine.
I came across a great little article from Inc. this week and I loved the insight it provided. It gave five strategies to help you move through adversity. I have listed all five here with a brief excerpt of the copy.

Practice Perspective
Impermanence is certain. Both the good and the bad are fleeting. To define ourselves by a negative moment in time robs us of our ability to be appreciative of the past, and hopeful for the future.

Practice Gratitude
Especially for entrepreneurs, who live life a bit more passionately than others, we’re a target for both more of the good and the bad. When we approach our journeys from a place of gratitude, the difficulties become more manageable.

Practice Strategic Patience
When we’re in the middle of hardship, we must keep focused on the light at the end of the tunnel, and remember that every inch forward counts. It doesn’t matter how slowly we move forward, as long as we keep moving.

Practice Forgiveness
Mark Twain says it best: “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.”  Such truth.

We have the power to choose how they will define us, and how they will impact our overall journey. Do you want to look back and realize that you empowered a past event or person to rob you of happiness and joy? We don’t forgive others for their benefit. We forgive others for ourselves. (See previous post on kindness: http://brandfiercely1.wpengine.com/fierce-excerpts-you-cant-regret-being-kind/)

Practice Self Renewal
Your commitment to self-renewal is not selfish. It is self-preservation, and is essential in recovering the strength you need to move through your challenges.

Finding joy and purpose in all situations, good or bad, is our daily goal with Fierce. As Gandhi so wisely said, “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” Stay strong, care deeply for people, live fiercely today, and remember—tomorrow is a new day.

Read the entire article here.

We invite you to Brand Fiercely with us. Reach out at sayhello@hellofierce.com today.