Like a good entrepreneur, I’ve been spending time working ‘on’ my business, not just ‘in’ my business over the last few weeks, watching webinars, reading books, mindmapping different business models, attending business retreats…and generally overwhelming my brain with other people’s advice, opinions and approaches.
I actually started to feel confused, anxious and inadequate. Despite my opening line, I don’t really identify as an entrepreneur, or even as a business woman. Ways to make money don’t excite me like ways to make a difference to people. But I still need to make a living!
The anxiety came with the hype and stories of how other coaches were ‘smashing it in their business’, ‘creating 7 figure income businesses’, ‘making money while they slept’. I’m told ‘don’t play small’, ‘set Hairy Audacious Goals’. All very high energy, push and based on a fear of missing out and what I ‘should’ be doing. My introverted brain became over-stimulated and drained (all to do with the difference in how introvert and extrovert brains respond to dopamine, but more on that another day).
Hmmm. Time to step away from the madness and in true introvert style go within to discover what’s right for me.
I’m not looking for a massive, over-engineered business to generate millions of pounds for me. I want:
To be able to make a difference by helping people let go of their self-doubt and shame, and embrace their natural selves.
Enough income to pay the bills, feel comfortable and secure and have occasional nice treats for me and the family.
To have space and freedom to choose what I do, and where to place my attention – guilt free, each day (not to have every waking moment filled with commitments, obligations or ‘things to do’).
Success for me is not about the money, the status, the symbols; it’s simply knowing with every inch of my being that I am enough, and I bring myself to the world, comfortable and happy in my own skin.
I’m a quiet, introverted entrepreneur, and I choose a gentler path to deeper fulfilment – and I have everything I need already to walk it. I’m no longer going to allow the hype to impact on me and my choices. As Eleanor Roosevelt wisely said:
“No-one can make you feel inferior without your consent” .
If you’re a fellow introverted entrepreneur or leader, I’d love to hear from you – drop me an email at [email protected]?
