For entrepreneurs or solo-preneurs it takes real courage to dig deep into pain, confronting the emotional pain which is the real need to want to change.
The challenge first is uncovering it.
We often never start with the pain and that's the problem, it's what's holding us back.
When we talk about goals, business owners and entrepreneurs often talk of increasing income, adding revenue streams and so on.
But for many of us, these goals aren't very meaningful in the context of our every day working lives.
Our true motivations run much deeper than a “increasing income” or “adding revenue streams” for example.
That’s the surface level stuff we think we want.
Sure, these types of goals might inspire you to show up for a while until the going gets tough and life starts whooping us and beating us down.
But for most entrepreneurs, how much do they really matter?
How easy are they to give up on?
On the other hand… you know what’s way more motivating and purposeful?
John needing to earn more money so he could take care of his kids better seemed like the only choice.
It wasn’t just a “increase income” business goal — it was his burning passion.
So discovering why you really want to change gives you resolve, determination, motivation and the will to succeed.
Change really does happen when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change.
It's just the issue for many is that we never actually get to the root of what’s bothering us.
We don’t face our pain because it’s uncomfortable.
As a result, we’re much more likely to stay the same.
Find your pain… to activate your passion.
Sometimes, pain will be obvious: business and personal bills, procrastinating, burn-out, health issues.
This kind of pain is easy to identify. It’s right there in front of you, beating you down.
Other times, pain can be more subtle: when we try to hide it, ignore it get into denial.
These pain points slowly but surely build up over time, acquiring more negative energy and influence.
The resulting secondary pains manifest as:
- Work-life in-balance.
- Anxiety or panic attacks.
- Mental health issues.
- Low self worth, self-image and confidence.
- Feeling alone or isolated.
- These examples all suggest there’s trouble below the surface.
Pain is discouraging you and holding you back. It's time do truly acknowledge it, activate the commitment and passion to move beyond it.
If you're now ready to access the source of this emotional discomfort, you can use it to achieve serious change.
Dominik