PRACTICAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP: 10 STRATEGIES FOR TAKING ACTION, MASTERING TIME, AND BUILDING CONFIDENCE
If you’re ready to level up your business, stop playing small, and tap into your full potential as an entrepreneur, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into the transformative power of taking action, mastering your time, and cultivating unwavering confidence.
I understand the highs and lows of this journey more than most. I've felt the thrill of helping a wholesale pharmaceutical company rapidly scale in the early days of my career and the satisfaction of seeing my natural skincare company expand to international markets. I've felt the sting of various financial hardships throughout my journey and the pride of rebounding to become a successful real estate investor. I've known the tension of trying to grow a business while seeking balance in my personal life.
But the path to success, to scaling a business or a high-profile career, isn't about bypassing these challenges. It's about meeting them head-on and using them as fuel to push yourself even further. The good news is, I struggled through all of this stuff so you don’t have to. Instead, I’m here to help guide you through the complexities of entrepreneurship. You can learn from my experiences, my losses, and my wins, and I hope they help streamline your path to success!
So today, let’s navigate the journey of setting your dreams in motion and conquering the fear that stands in your path. After all, there's no reward without risk, and it's the daring actions we take that shape our destiny. Ready to step into your entrepreneurial power? Let's do this together!
THE POWER OF TAKING BOLD ACTION
WHAT IS “BOLD ACTION” ANYWAY?
Action is the lifeblood of entrepreneurship. Without taking action, your business can’t grow. So what do I mean by “bold action”? It's the kind of action that takes you out of your comfort zone. It pushes you to try things you may not feel quite ready for, and it’s all about acting confidently (even if you don’t feel that way inside.) Bold action is what takes you from wishing you could have your dream business to actually making that happen.
HOW ONE ENTREPRENEUR TOOK BOLD ACTION (AND WATCHED IT PAY OFF, BIG TIME!)
One of my favorite examples of entrepreneurial audacity comes from a client of mine who dreamed of turning her side hustle into her full-time business. This was no easy feat considering she was juggling her dream with a demanding day job. Yet, she took the bold action of dedicating her limited free time to nurture the business.
She worked early mornings, late nights, and every spare moment in between. It was tough, yes, but she remained committed. Today, her side hustle has evolved into a thriving business that not only brings in multi six figures annually but also provides her with the time and freedom to travel.
Now I’m not telling you to work at a break-neck, hustle pace forever. But what I am saying is that it may be required in the beginning to propel you to where you want to be (so that you don’t have to work that hard all the time!).
SEIZE THE MOMENT AND START TAKING BOLD ACTION: YOUR ACTION STEPS
It's your turn now… it’s time to make some moves and take some bold action! Before you read on, remember this: bold action is the bridge between intent and accomplishment. Cross it, and you're well on your way to making your dreams a reality!
HERE ARE SOME ACTION STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO GET THE BALL ROLLING:
Identifying Goals and Vision Setting: Clearly define your vision and the specific actions required to bring it to life. Break down your goals into manageable steps and establish a timeline for execution.
Embracing Discomfort and Calculated Risks: Step out of your comfort zone and embrace the uncertainty that comes with it. This could mean starting that business you've always dreamed of, investing in a new venture, or even quitting your day job to focus on your passion.
Finding Support and Accountability in Your Journey: Surround yourself with a network of like-minded individuals who can provide support and hold you accountable. Whether it's joining entrepreneurial communities, seeking mentorship, or finding an accountability partner, having a support system will help you stay motivated and focused on taking consistent action.
MASTERING TIME: POWER UP YOUR PRODUCTIVITY
WHAT IS TIME MASTERY?
I’m not a huge fan of the phrase “time management,” because it implies that it’s an ongoing task that you have to constantly work to manage and can never accomplish. Mastery, on the other hand, shows you that it is something you can accomplish. The key is not to work harder but to work smarter, and that starts with mastering your time. Once you understand how to do this, things will click into place.
MEET A PRODUCTIVITY CHAMPION
One story that particularly resonates with me involves a co-founder client who managed to grow her business from $500K to $1M. She was always under immense pressure, juggling business operations with family commitments. However, she recognized the significance of time mastery early on and implemented a few key strategies. She started to delegate tasks, outsource non-core activities, and prioritize ruthlessly. As a result, her productivity soared, her business flourished, and she found more time to spend with her husband and family.
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR SCHEDULE AND PRODUCTIVITY: YOUR ACTION STEPS
Managing your time effectively is a non-negotiable aspect of successful entrepreneurship. Sure, it’s not the most exciting topic, but it’s the cornerstone on which everything else is built. It's about strategizing, prioritizing, and maximizing each moment.
Here are some practical steps to enhance your productivity and master your time:
Intentionally Planning and Prioritizing: Start each day with a clear plan that aligns with your goals. Prioritize tasks based on their significance and deadlines, ensuring you're focusing on the activities that propel your business forward.
Pro Tip: Decide what’s urgent and what’s important by organizing your tasks into the Eisenhower Matrix. It helps you prioritize tasks and make efficient use of your time by categorizing activities into four quadrants based on their urgency and importance. The four categories are:
Urgent and Important: Tasks in this category are both time-sensitive and significant. They require immediate attention and contribute directly to your goals and priorities. It is crucial to address these tasks promptly to avoid negative consequences or missed opportunities.
Important but Not Urgent: Tasks in this category are significant and contribute to your long-term goals, but they don't require immediate attention. These tasks involve planning, strategizing, skill development, and proactive actions that can prevent issues in the future. It’s important to dedicate time and focus to these tasks to ensure progress and growth, but they don’t have a strict deadline associated with them.
Urgent but Not Important: Tasks in this category are time-sensitive but may not contribute significantly to your long-term goals or priorities. They often involve distractions, interruptions, or requests from others (looking at you, email and social media!). You need to assess whether these tasks can be delegated, minimized, or eliminated to free up time for more important activities.
Not Urgent and Not Important: Tasks in this category have little or no value in relation to your goals or overall priorities. They are time-wasting activities, distractions, or trivial matters that can hinder your productivity and progress. Avoid or limit these tasks as much as possible to focus on tasks that actually move the needle forward.
Eliminating Distractions to Enhance Productivity: Create an environment that helps you focus. Turn off unnecessary notifications, establish 'deep work' periods during your day, and set boundaries with potential interruptions. If you work from home and can see areas of your house that might distract you (i.e. that pile of dirty dishes in the sink), turn your desk to face a wall so you can stay focused on business when it’s time to work. (Trust me, those dishes will still be there waiting for you when you’re done!) Your work time is valuable; protect it fiercely.
Utilizing Technology and Productivity Tools: We live in a world of constant innovation, so take advantage of it! Use project management tools, time-tracking apps, and even AI to streamline your workflow, save time, and increase efficiency. Embracing the power of technology (when used ethically in the case of AI) will help you become a master of your time.
CULTIVATING UNWAVERING CONFIDENCE: BELIEVE IN YOUR BRILLIANCE
WHY HAVING CONFIDENCE IS KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS AS AN ENTREPRENEUR
Believing in your brilliance is not about becoming arrogant or disregarding others' input; it's about acknowledging your worth, honoring your abilities, and stepping forward with an unshakeable belief in your potential. Confidence is a vital ingredient in the recipe for entrepreneurial success.
If you are new to the game and don’t yet feel confidence, here’s my advice—fake it till you make it. Seriously! When you talk about your business, when you make decisions, step into your CEO mindset. Once you get started doing this, it will get easier every time.
EXAMPLES OF ENTREPRENEURS WHO RADIATE CONFIDENCE
Let’s look at Sara Blakely, the self-made billionaire and the founder of Spanx. Sara began her journey with just $5000 in her pocket, a bold idea, and a hefty dose of confidence. She faced countless rejections, but her faith in herself and her idea remained unyielding. Her confidence not only paved her way towards success but also inspired many others to chase their dreams.
Another great example is Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks. Schultz didn't come from a wealthy background and had to overcome many challenges on his journey to success. Despite this, he believed in his vision of creating a coffee culture in the US, similar to what he experienced during his travels in Italy. Schultz faced a lot of resistance initially, but his unwavering confidence in his vision led him to create one of the world's most recognized and successful brands (as I’m sure you already know based on that latte in your hand).
STEP INTO YOUR CEO CONFIDENCE
Confidence begins within you. Recognize that you have something truly valuable to offer the world, and let that shine through in everything you do. Remember, each victory, no matter how small, is a testament to your abilities. Each step you take is a celebration of your determination and perseverance.
When you radiate confidence, you inspire those around you, creating a ripple effect of positivity and success.
Here are some action steps to help you step into this confidence:
Celebrating Your Wins: Acknowledge your achievements, big and small, and let them fuel your confidence. Keep a gratitude journal to reflect on your progress and remind yourself of your past successes often, especially when you feel like giving up.
Challenging Self-limiting Beliefs: Pay attention to where that negative self-talk pops up and identify the limiting beliefs that hold you back. Replace them with positive affirmations and empowering thoughts that reinforce your capabilities and strengths.
Surrounding Yourself With Positive Influences: Connect with individuals who inspire, uplift, and encourage you. As Jim Rohn famously said, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." That’s why it’s important to fill your life with other people who will encourage you and inspire you on this entrepreneurial journey. And if you’re reading this, I’m in your corner, too! Let’s connect on instagram!
Embracing Continuous Learning: Invest in your personal and professional development. Attend workshops, seminars, or online courses to expand your knowledge and skills. This will boost your confidence and expand your skill set.
CONCLUSION: YOU HAVE THE KEYS TO SUCCEED!
As you navigate the path of entrepreneurship, remember this: entrepreneurship is all about taking bold action, mastering time, cultivating unwavering confidence, and conquering fear. It's about believing in your unique abilities, your inherent worth, and the value you bring to the world.
You have what it takes to create an impactful business and a life you love. It starts with acknowledging and embracing your entrepreneurial power and never losing sight of your vision.
Here's to your journey of turning dreams into realities, turning setbacks into comebacks, and stepping into your full entrepreneurial potential. I know you have the courage it takes to start, the conviction it requires to keep going, and the confidence you need to rise above the challenges.
Be bold, be confident, and believe in your brilliance. After all, the world needs what you've got, and it's time to let it shine! So, let's rise together and take on the world of entrepreneurship. Are you ready? Let's do this!