Starting Your Own Business against Emotional Challenges

Starting your own business could be the most regarding experience of you life. However, there are many challenges you need to get ready for both financially, and more importantly, emotionally, before you embark on your journey. For many of us, it is a road of no return as we give up our high-paying careers in pursuit of the American dream. I will discuss the emotional impact starting a business will have on you and your family in this article. A separate article will address the financial impact in greater detail.
#1: Dealing with your ego
Face it, even with all the stress and pressure, you like being important as a VP, or Director, or Manager. People depended on you, and that made you feel good about yourself. You were invited to cocktail parties and sports games. Well, say goodbye to those days because when you first start a business, chances are your phone will not be ringing so much as before, if it rings at all, and the only fires you will be putting out are your own!
The key here is to focus on your plan, which you should have already, and remind yourself everyday the reasons you quit your last job to begin with. Put things into perspective and take time to connect with people on a regular basis, both socially and professionally. Develop a new routine for yourself. Exercise regularly to keep active. Visualize your life 2 years from now.
#2: Combating solitude
If you, like many of us, started your business with no or minimum staff, loneliness could be your greatest enemy. No more water cooler gossips and office politics, the stuff that made office life interesting.
Here it is important again to keep connected with the outside world. Make new friends in your new business venture. Good targets are your vendors and your customers. Get to know people at a more personal level. The same rules in an office setting don't necessarily apply anymore. You can afford to be non-political and not have to worry about the consequences!
#3: Keeping up a positive attitude
Unless you are starting a business in the same field, with the same customers, vendors and other contacts as your last job, chances are you will need to make new contacts, develop new relationships, and find new business. At times this could be challenging. Keeping up a positive attitude could be difficult.
Remember this is absolutely normal. Acknowledge your feelings. Be honest to yourself. Talk to a therapist if you can afford one. Go to local small business meetings and gatherings. Meet fellow new business owners who share the same challenges as you do. Read success stories. If you are having a particularly bad day, take some time to have a walk. Go to the gym. You'll be amazed at how much better you feel afterwards.
#4: Separating work and play
Just because you are your own boss doesn't mean you can take 3 days of a week off. That is if you want your business to succeed. You can spend more time with your family, but you also need to devote time and energy to your business for it to flourish. In fact, you might need to work twice as hard as before the first couple of years to get things going.
If you work out of your house, make sure to designate a room for work only. Go to work as if you are working for someone else at a set time every day. Take lunch breaks at the same time. This will give a sense of normalcy to your new routine. Try not to allow people to interrupt you during work time. Don't get me wrong, you can still set aside time for your son's soccer practice. But do setup you own schedule between work and play and stick to it.
#5: Developing new relationships with your partner and friends
Starting a new business is a challenging time in your life. At times you might feel stressed or down. While it is important to get support from your partner and friends, it is also important to not let your challenges overwhelm your relationships.
If you are married or have a partner, chances are they are already feeling the stress or anxiety associated with your new life. It is important to work through these challenges with an open and honest attitude. Get couple counseling if possible. Spend time doing fun things is also important. Your relationship cannot be all about your problems.
The same holds true for friendships. It is not OK to just bitch about your problems every time you get together with your friends. Remember, hanging out with friends is a great way to distract yourself from your problems. Do not abuse the goodwill friends and family offer you.
For those of you starting a new business, this is an exciting time in your life! Enjoy the journey as much as the rewards. Be patient. Persevere! You are tougher than you think. Oh, and, good luck!
Jackie Or is the owner of The Promotion Factory, Inc. Her company provides custom logoed corporate apparel, embroidered shirts , and custom baseball hats at wholesale price points. The Promotion Factory also provides overseas custom apparel and custom hats outsourced manufacturing services.


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