Sacrificing For A Dream

Tuesday morning was difficult for me; I was feeling a little down until someone lifted me up…

Whenever I see successful entrepreneurs, seemingly living the good life, I can’t help but to wonder what it took for them to get to where they are now.  What sacrifices did they make while waiting for their businesses to grow?  How many times did they hear “no” before getting their big break?  Did they ever quit and throw in the towel?  What is the story behind the story? 

It is funny when people say things like “you are so lucky because you work for yourself and can do whatever you want.” 

I think to myself – no, actually I am blessed to be able to do as I please but I also have to do many things that I rather not do If I want to get ahead and make my business a success.

Entrepreneurs work hard.  While, you can’t beat reaping the fruits of your labor, many of us make tremendous sacrifices to see our visions come to life. 

Like a woman I know who once owned a small store and on many days, she only made enough to pay the bridge toll to get back home at night and to buy her two children happy meals for dinner. 

And all the women entrepreneurs out there, who are struggling right now, trying to survive but are holding on for that day when everything will change.   

Continue to work smart, and beat down every door you come to.  Do not give up the fight, if you believe then you can do it.  If you do not believe, then no one else will.  

 Every day when you wake up, if no one is there to encourage you, then encourage yourself.  Don’t faint, you are almost there.

Comments

[N. Reams]

This message could not have been sent at a better time. Thanks for the encouragement!

[Cheryl]

Thank you Annena, for the uplifting words. I find that it's easier to establish rapport with fellow entrepreneurs when I'm real about where I am in my business. In fact, in these times, I get a little suspicious of people who say they're doing stellar. I'm also maybe a tinsy bit jealous, too, but I'd rather keep it authentic than succumb to hype & pretense. On the other hand, people want to do business with someone who has demonstrated success, so how do you finesse that line?
I'd be curious to know how your other readers handle this...
Thanks again.

[Annena Aikins]

Nicole - I'm glad that this message encouraged you, that was my goal!

[Annena Aikins]

Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for the comment. I wrote this post because it was on my heart. I think people are affraid to talk about the hard times, which is o.k. However, I think that we all need to know that we are not alone. If I know that yesterday you went through what I am going through right now, then I am encouraged to hang in there and keep on going. I don't think I try to finesse any line, I just do the best that I can (being me) with my God given gifts and talents and let my work speak for itself and at the end of the day, that is usually what matters the most.