Showing Up For the Lessons: Turning Tough Times Into Catalysts for Positive Change

Being an entrepreneur is an invitation for the universe to shine a big spotlight on all the things we haven’t dealt with. These things typically show up as problems: anxiety, fear, less success than we desire, depleted bank accounts, etc. The good news is, each of these “problems” is in fact an opportunity to examine what you’re doing – and what needs to change.

I call this “showing up for the lessons” – and it’s one thing, I’m proud to say, I’ve done perfectly in my business. My most recent experience with this was around the time I gave birth to my daughter and I reevaluated the frumpy sweater my company had become. To do that, though, I had to reevaluate myself. Had I become a frumpy sweater?

During the 12 years I’ve owned my company, I’ve learned that whenever something in my business just doesn’t feel right, I need to look inside myself for the reason behind it. More often than not, it boils down to my own issues, fears, or limiting beliefs coming to the surface.

My solution may sound crazy: trust yourself when it comes to your business.

If something doesn’t feel right, take some time to figure out what needs to change. If you need to take a few days off, take a few days off. Do whatever you need to do, even if it flies in the face of what you think you “should” be doing… even if it goes against traditional business logic or strategy.

When you trust yourself, you operate at a higher level.

During your lifetime, you will continuously evolve. Because your business is a reflection of you, your business will evolve, too. So it only makes sense that lessons will come along to aid in each step of that evolution. When they do, pay attention. Trust yourself. And do whatever you need to do to show up for the lessons, ready to learn.

One effective way to develop that trusting relationship with yourself, and nurture that positive evolution, is to hire a coach or mentor. Coaches and mentors not only hold you accountable, but they also see possibilities for you and your business that you may not be able to see just yet. They can lend their perspectives when the spotlight illuminates a new lesson in your life and your business.

Whether you like it or not, as an entrepreneur, lessons are always going to enter your life in one form or another. The absolute best thing you can do for yourself is to show up for them. Not only will you move more quickly through each “tough time,” but you’ll also find that you’re happier, more fulfilled and living a juicier life.