The month of January 2012 was a whirlwind. I’m talking blur. I’m still somewhat stunned that it is February 3rd. As Kenny Chesney croons, “Don’t Blink!” Seriously, I look at my children and another month of their lives has passed. I see that my son has had a growth spurt and is getting closer to being chin height and his pants no longer reach his shoes. And my little baby girl is no longer a baby but a full fledged almost 5 year old who is now talking about best friends and what she does at school. I used to laugh when folks would say, “Enjoy it, it goes by so fast.” Many always eager to give advice. “It gets easier. You’ll learn as you go. You do the best you can.”

Well, you know what? I now completely understand what they’ve tried to tell me. I get it – only because I lived through it, so far.

As I thought about the above, I realized that what has helped me get through these almost 8 years of parenting was my resilience and positivity. There is no giving up when you have children. Once that child is here, you are all in – forever. At least that’s what I think about parenting. And since kids don’t come with manuals — it is a learn as you go, trial and error kind of role which I must say can be stressful, when all you want to do is your best to raise great kids. It takes time to teach them to learn to eat on their own and walk on their own and how to talk and behave. It is all learning for both sides. Especially when you have your first. Yes, it is so much easier with the second child. 🙂

Sure, you learn how to give baths and make their lunches, and set their clothes out – things that can be done repeatedly, almost on autopilot, along with the drives to school or sports. But when you’re child is complaining of extreme head pains over a few weeks and you go to the doctor and they recommend a CT Scan — that’s not something you can plan for or even go the the Parent Handbook to learn about. You hope and pray and call upon resilience. You’re scared but you get through it, because that is what parents do. You figure it out while you’re in the middle of it. (Yes, this really happened to me and my son last month and was a trying situation for this mommy. He’s fine now.)

Business is like parenting. It gets easier with each business you own or try. Yes, I made that jump from parenting to business. Stay with me dear reader, I promise there is a point.

So many times new and old entrepreneurs jump into an endeavor excited, a little nervous and raring to go. It may be a first business, it may be a third. This new business may entail learning a new trade or new tools. There’s learning, its fun, a little challenging and you feel good. Then BAM – your mindset hits a speed bump or your reality gets tested. Maybe sales are slow, or lead generation isn’t coming in easily or your advertising budget is being spent and there is no return yet. But you keep going because  you’ve just gotten started and you’re in learning mode and you know good is right around the corner. Now it is a few months later and you’ve learned more and maybe are taking some action. You’re still not seeing the results you thought you’d have worry starts to set in or you start to get discouraged.

Someone comes along and tells you. “Enjoy the journey, enjoy the learning process. You’re on your way. Never give up.”

You’re thinking to yourself, “Another year of this? I’m not sure I can handle that financially or emotionally, this is hard and the results aren’t coming that I expected. My spouse is cranky and I’m about done.”

The problem with “Never giving up” is that most people don’t have the support system they need to stay positive and resilient. They don’t have a place to get the support they need to get through the daily ups and downs of business. My suggestion is that everyone needs to find such a place. there are Facebook Groups and Forums and Business Groups. Just like parenting, which has moms and dads groups and churches who have support groups. Our industry has support groups too.

I am in a few great groups that keep me going and I have an accountability partner. And yes, I hire coaches to help me move faster through the challenge areas. I have rough days but I can tell you I do not think about giving up because I’ve learned better. I am having way too much fun in my business and helping other people that a bad day just means a good one is coming up next. And I know I have someone to call or email with for a pick me up.

Well, just like parenting, giving up is not an option (99% of the time) if you want to achieve success. Now, success isn’t for everyone and it is a choice. We choose to be parents, we choose to be business owners. I’ve been online 2.5 years. The first year was pretty much all learning. The second year was when wins started coming. And this third year I plan on making even bigger breakthroughs.

I’ve made it over the hump of wanting to give up because of 4 things:

1) Positive Mental Attitude – I’ve always been a glass is half full kind of girl

2) A good group of supportive friends

3) My coaches who keep me accountable and on track

Most importantly,

4) My students.

I know I help changes lives. And I know this because you tell me your stories.

Just like when my children learn something new, have a win and come running home to tell me about it I love hearing from my students on their wins and successes. “When you can help others get more of what they want, you’ll get more of what you want.” A very smart man said that.

My children keep me positive. After all, the lifestyle of freedom and flexibility to be with them when I want is my why. I see their successes and I know that my successes allow me to be able to witness their successes first hand.

The point: A new business like parenting is not easy and many of us start not knowing what we’re doing. And with parenting we can’t give up as too much is at stake in the life of another. I’d like you to think about that fact that with a business, giving up is not an option either as your dreams are at stake. And that’s not blowing smoke or being trite. Just like with parenting, we learn grow and shift as we learn. I’ve had many businesses and switched gears and made shifts to make things better but I’ve never given up being an entrepreneur.

What keeps you positive? What keeps you going? Am I completely off my rocker and you disagree? I’d really love to hear from you. Drop me a note and don’t forget to share this post as you never know when a share can help someone else.

All the best,