Take a Break from Looking at the Forest
Let’s say you took the first step to actually realizing your dream. You quit your job to become an entrepreneur, but it’s not going well, financially. The most common advice you would get is, “Be patient. It will work out.” And then this dream you’re trying to achieve actually metamorphosizes into a nightmare. Too much stress. Things are not working out. Nobody is buying what you’re selling. All you want to scream, “Help!”
But nobody hears you.
The thing is, maybe you need to take a step back to reframe the whole situation. Maybe you’re currently looking at this idea as the million-dollar-idea that’s supposed to make you rich superquickly. What if you redefined it though? Called it “My First Failure”? Or maybe title it “At least I tried”.
When children take their first step, their parents do not expect them to run. They will fall. Yet a photograph or video usually commemorates the event. I remember a time when I was really frustrated about something. It took me a while to realize the source of my frustration; my focus was all wrong. I was focused on results. I wanted results and I wanted them fast. The moment, I stopped focusing on the results (i.e. stopped looking at the forest), I was able to enjoy the individual trees for what they are and what they provided.
And maybe that’s the way you need to look at it occasionally. Of course, the big picture is important. If a project keeps on draining you towards bankruptcy, you would need to ‘look at the big picture’ and re-strategize or close it down and start something else. But when you’re done looking at the big picture, appreciate the individual trees. Learn from every interaction you have with the customer, or with the supplier. When it comes to business and entrepreneurship, I’ve learned it isn’t really about the products and the services one is selling as much as it is about the relationships one makes with their suppliers and customers (and maybe even competitors). So as long as you’re building on the relationships side, businesses that are financially struggling are not entirely a loss.
Though sometimes they are.
That’s it for today.
A Heart's Echoes 
November 30, 2013 at 9:17 pm
I remember one of my design profez told me u need to teach ur self the skill to be in the middle of a hurricane n camely pick out what to u need without getting caught up n it!
Easier said thn done… Even wat ur saying bout stop looking at the forest…
Do u think its a gift or skill tht people have or practice to get it?
December 2, 2013 at 5:56 pm
Very true! Sometimes we have to open our minds to different aspecta of what could happen or not! In terms of business I think I would never go onto business cause of that fear.