Every entrepreneur needs an inner circle so that their journey will feel less challenging. The entrepreneurial journey is indeed lonely, and we should admit that. As like-minded people meet with the same passion and drive, it can make the journey so much easier and better.
Build a network outside of your circle
Not all people in your life are going to be supportive of what you do, and that is okay. Finding people who are in the same phase will be the right person to walk with on this journey.
Finding like-minded individuals
People who share the same challenges and experiences are more likely to form long-term relationships. Since they share similar experiences, it is easier to be more empathetic. So, who are these people? These individuals are not necessarily part of your close personal network, such as friends and family. Instead, building an inner circle of supportive individuals outside of your immediate circle can help prevent strain on personal relationships and provide a fresh perspective and understanding.
Examples of these individuals could be:
- Fellow entrepreneurs
- Online community members
- Industry peers
How does it benefit you?
- Getting more honest feedbacks
- Able to expand to new networks
- Gain valuable insights from diverse expertise
- Reduce conflicts, unlike closer personal relationships
Where can you find them?
You can build networks by attending networking events or joining online communities. Look for individuals with similar interests and goals, as connecting with them can provide valuable support and mutual benefits.
Using coping mechanism to handle feelings of isolation and frustration
Your inner circle is not going to be available all the time. Just like you, other individuals also have things going on and may get busy with their own matters. Therefore, finding coping mechanisms during times of challenge is helpful so that you will be resilient enough on this journey.
Find what makes you feel alive
Think of certain hobbies or activities that you find exciting and that make life feel more meaningful. These activities help alleviate struggles and boost mood during low times.
Have a healthy lifestyle
Get enough rest at night and eat healthily. Incorporate healthy routines like eating one meal of veggies a day and doing a short, brisk walk in the evening or morning. This will help freshen the mind, increase energy levels, and alleviate stress.
Make small achievements daily
Setting smaller and more achievable goals can make us feel more motivated and keep us going. Very simple tasks, such as reading a chapter of a book, cooking a simple meal, or working out for 10 minutes, are easy to achieve. Before that, think of the big goal you want to achieve, and then break it into these smaller goals.
Write down your thoughts
When you’re feeling frustrated or confused, writing down your thoughts can help clarify your situation. By putting your feelings into words, you can clearly gain insight into why you’re experiencing them and find ways to address the underlying issues. This process of self-reflection through writing can be a powerful tool for understanding and improving your circumstances.
Conclusions
Building a strong inner circle and healthy coping mechanisms is crucial for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who can provide support and honest feedback. Additionally, cultivate resilience by engaging in activities to make the journey much more vibrant and healthy. Remember, the entrepreneurial journey doesn’t have to be lonely; with the right support and self-care, you can overcome obstacles and achieve your goals, even in tough times.
