Commitment to Ambiguity

Being an entrepreneur is not an easy path to follow. It is probably more appropriate to say "Being an entrepreneur is not an easy path to clear." The world is full of entrepreneurs who have created their own businesses. I doubt there are any two who have following the exact same path to success.

There are many reasons that entrepreneurship is difficult. I find the ambiguity the most difficult. I am certain that I could find a job rather easily if I was in the market to work at an office somewhere. However, I am not certain who my next client will be or which of my many marketing and networking activities will get me that client. Why do I continue to follow this path I have cleared?

Commitment. I am committed to the vision I had for my business when I started it in 2007. My vision was/is to help small business owners to manage their businesses by providing many administrative support services that will help them save time and money. Also, I am committed to creating such a successful business that I have enough work to hire contractors who also want to have a flexible family-friendly schedule. 

Jonathan Aberman wrote an article for The Huffington Post Blog about the commitment level of entrepreneurs from the perspective of an investor. In talking about the truths of entrepreneurship, he states:

The first is that entrepreneurship, particularly, startup entrepreneurship is a 24/7 job. It is not something that should be done lightly or without passion. Successful entrepreneurs make their startup business their number one priority. This happens because of some of the key behavioral aspects of entrepreneurial behavior: passion for the entrepreneurial journey, optimism and a belief that an entrepreneur's own efforts can change the surrounding world in a material way. 

In my opinion, the only way to stay committed to an organization (even if it is your brainchild), is by maintaining that passion and optimism. It may be difficult to do that when you aren't bringing in an income or when your business has strayed from your original goals.

When my business struggles, what do I do to remain committed?

• I remind myself that things will work out, even if I do not know how I will get from here to point Z. If I am committed to making things work, they will.   
• I brainstorm ways to reach my goal. Then I decide on which ideas are best at the moment and do them!
• I do something everyday to bring me toward success - try not to slack off.
• Follow-up, Follow-up, Follow-up!
• Show gratitude that I have to opportunity to have my own business.

What do you do to remain committed to your business?