Everyone has a story. For those who venture into the world of entrepreneurship, the narrative often involves a blend of resilience, creativity, and the ongoing struggle to make dreams a reality. But what if I told you that sometimes your 12-year-old self could be the one running your business decisions? It might sound absurd, but let me take you through my journey. You might discover that just like me, parts of your childhood self continue to influence your decisions and choices in ways you’d never expect. Identifying this could be a key step in your journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Making Unconventional Decisions

Back in 2020 during the pandemic, I decided to move to Mexico with my son. His school was on Zoom and he was isolated from his friends, so I thought, “let’s just do it.” It turned out to be a fantastic decision, with us ending up in a beachfront condo, and my son’s school going in-person. The experience reminded me of the importance of taking risks and stepping outside of your comfort zone. As nurses, we’re used to working within strict protocols and systems, but as entrepreneurs, we’re often faced with unpredictable scenarios that require us to be adaptable and flexible.

A Peek into the Past

While this move was a great adventure, it served as a reminder of how much my 12-year-old self still influences my life. I was petrified to tell my parents about the move, fearing their possible objections. Thus, I avoided telling them until it was time to leave, reminding me of how my younger self often handled challenges. This revelation was a powerful reminder that even as adults, we carry with us aspects of our past selves. These old fears and anxieties can surface in unexpected ways, often influencing our decisions and behaviors in the present.

Reliving Childhood Fears

What happened to me at 12 years old? I switched schools and didn’t adjust well. I frequently found myself in the nurse’s office with a stomach ache to avoid contact with others. I felt awkward and alienated during recess, and that feeling of not fitting in shaped my mindset. I decided to become self-reliant to avoid the constant feeling of wanting to belong. This experience had a profound impact on me. It’s a narrative that many nurses can relate to – the experience of feeling like an outsider, of having to navigate unfamiliar territory, and the resulting determination to rely only on ourselves.

The Impact on Business

This mindset has led me to make mistakes in my business out of the fear instilled in me as a young girl. I’ve found it hard to ask for help or to depend on others. This fear of rejection has often sabotaged my business projects and collaborations. It’s like running a marathon with a backpack full of rocks. The weight of these past fears and anxieties can slow us down, making the path to success more challenging than it needs to be. But by acknowledging these fears, we can start to lighten the load and make the journey easier.

Addressing the Issue

Every business involves an ongoing journey of self-discovery. Most business problems are personal problems, a fact that became evident when I realized that my project failures weren’t business failures, but rather a manifestation of my 12-year-old self’s insecurities. This realization was like turning on a light in a dark room. Suddenly, I could see the real source of the issues I was facing in my business. And with that understanding, I could start to address the real problem – my own internal struggles and fears.

Removing Personal Obstacles

Starting a business is a journey from point A to point B. However, the obstacles you encounter are often ones you place in your path, reflections of your own insecurities and fears. Addressing these personal hurdles can be challenging and time-consuming, but it’s necessary for entrepreneurial success. It’s not enough to simply know the path – we must also clear the way. Just as we might clean a wound before applying a bandage, we must confront and deal with our personal fears and insecurities before we can truly progress on our entrepreneurial journey.

The Road to Success

I urge all nurses aspiring to start their own businesses not to get discouraged when faced with obstacles. Instead, try to understand your resistance to it, your fear of it. No one is perfect, but if you want to be successful, you have to be aware of yourself and take steps to address the issues. It’s a process of constant learning and self-improvement. With each obstacle we overcome, we grow stronger and more capable. And with each challenge we face, we gain the opportunity to learn more about ourselves and our capabilities.

Personal Growth in Business

Whether it involves reassuring your 12-year-old self, forgiving someone who wronged you, or letting go of things that don’t serve you, you must face the challenges head-on. Business will expose your deepest, darkest issues. Still, it also offers a platform for growth and self-improvement. The journey might not always be easy, but it will always be worth it. Each challenge you face and each obstacle you overcome is another step towards becoming the entrepreneur – and the person – you aspire to be.

Starting a business isn’t easy. It demands work, resilience, and personal growth. But for those willing to face their fears and overcome personal obstacles, the rewards are immense. At NursePreneurs, we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way on your entrepreneurial journey. Embrace the challenges, learn from your past, and create the future you desire. The journey might be challenging, but the destination will be well worth the effort.