Myths Deconstructed: It Will All Work Out if I Just Power Through

Sep 9 / Siri Chand Khalsa MD

Myth 2: I can power through any challenge

In the busyness of bringing a concept to life, it's easy to get caught up in daily tasks, constantly moving from one idea to another and from one issue to another. We often wear our busy schedules as badges of honor, equating non-stop action with progress. That is a skill we learned in training. But here's a counter-intuitive truth I've learned: some of the most valuable time you'll spend as an entrepreneur is when you're not 'doing' anything at all. I'm talking about the power of reflection – those quiet moments when you step back from the whirlwind of activity and think. Reflection isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. And to be honest, at times, I HATE not doing anything. This one was hard to unlearn.

I don’t think reflection alone is enough. We humans are social creatures, and entrepreneurship, contrary to the myth of the lone wolf founder, can be powerfully supported in community. The people you place around yourself can be the difference between success and failure, between giving up and pushing through. I remember the turning point in my journey – it wasn't a brilliant strategy or a lucky break, but rather a conversation with a fellow entrepreneur who had been through similar struggles. That conversation provided practical advice and the emotional support I deeply needed.

And then I could have more faith in the process. And seeing them believe in me was priceless. And imagine even more moments of pause with others. These people understand your challenges, celebrate your wins (no matter how small), and give you a place to pause. They're your sounding board, reality check, and sometimes, a lifeline. Building a connection with community takes effort—it means being vulnerable, asking for help, and being willing to serve others, too. The key isn't to suppress these emotions but to understand and embrace them. This is where emotional intelligence comes into play. It's about recognizing your emotional states and how they impact your decision-making. It's about reading the room in a negotiation, empathizing with a client's concerns, and inspiring and motivating others when times are tough.

Developing this skill isn't easy – it requires self-reflection, humility, and practice. But the pearls of insight, when they come, are priceless.

Emotionally intelligent entrepreneurs are better equipped to handle the stress of uncertainty, build strong relationships with clients and their networks, and create a positive culture around a concept. They can balance optimism with realism and passion with practicality.

Remember, some of the most successful business leaders aren't just sharp thinkers but also intuitive, empathetic, and self-aware. So, don't neglect your emotional development as you build your business. It might just be the most important investment you make.

Join us in the Vishuddha Embodied Living Community to explore support and resources for your unique journey as a visionary innovator.

Warmly,
Siri Chand
Founder | Vishuddha.com

Set Aside time to explore this more

Tips to explore more:

Schedule a weekly 30-minute date with yourself to “do nothing.” It may feel impossible at first, but over time, it will feel more natural, and you may notice that other areas of love flow more evenly.

Join an entrepreneurial meetup group or online community and actively participate in an event geared toward less intellectual activity, like a mindfulness class.