The Nonlinear Path to Entrepreneurship

Today is one of my client’s last day of her 9-to-5 before becoming a full-time entrepreneur (cue the applause and pop the champagne)! 🥂

She doesn’t know this yet but I have literally been gleeful and thinking about her last week of work all week.

Because let’s be honest, it takes something to quit a day job and be willing to go after your dreams.

Courage, bravery, chutzpah to name a few…

It’s not easy to bet on ourselves in life, but when we do, there is so much available on the other side of that fear and resistance.

One of my favorite explanations of resistance is presented by Steven Pressfield in The War of Art, where he defines resistance as another word for fear. He shares that the greater the resistance, the greater the opportunity on the other side of that resistance, and the only way around resistance is through it.

I have supported countless clients in transitioning into entrepreneurship over the years. Everyone’s journey there looks different.

I like to say there are two types of individuals who are willing to bet on themselves. Whenever I work with a client on this journey, I always like to help them distinguish their type.

When we gain a sense of clarity about who we are, we are more empowered to take action. There’s no straight path to entrepreneurship…

I like to say there are two types of go-getters in the world, bridge burners and bridge builders.

Bridge burners are the ones who see something they want for themselves on the other side of the bridge and leap across the bridge burning it up after themselves, so they have to make it work.

Bridge builders are the ones who see something they want for themselves on the other side of the bridge, and slowly lay the planks as they safely and smoothly walk across the bridge.

If you’re the former, fully committing might look as simple as choosing to do so, with the help of a coach, your community, or on your own.

If you’re a bridge builder like myself, then there are probably some metrics you will want to identify that would have you feel fully supported and safe in order to fully commit.

Which one are you? (BTW there’s no wrong answer here, and one is not better than the other.)

Both have strengths, and both have weaknesses.

If you are a Bridge Builder here are some points to consider:

Plans are great, but don’t fall into the trap of being a perpetual ‘planner’ and not a perpetual ‘doer’.

You place a high value on relationships and people. Use your bridge building skills to enlist help, supporters, encouragers to help you reach your goal.

Find an accountability partner (or a coach) to help you maximize your analytical side with strategic steps to move forward.

Consider ways you can partner with a bridge burner to balance your strengths and weaknesses.

If you are Bridge Burner here are some points to consider:

Your path to living the life you want might look a little messier than the path of a bridge builder. Knowing this might be helpful at the outset.

Your actionable personality is a strength. Make sure you take time to set forth a plan of how and when you’ll take the steps you need.

How can you be considerate of the needs of your loved ones as you take steps to meet your goals? Make sure to discuss your plans with them as you go.

Do you know any good bridge builders you can partner with to balance your strengths and weaknesses?

Regardless of whether you are mostly a bridge builder or burner. Knowing will help you make allowances to meet your goals, and live the life you want more courageously.

ARE YOU READY TO TRULY CREATE YOUR PURPOSE-DRIVEN BUSINESS ON YOUR OWN TERMS?

Inquire about our UNBOUNDED Mastermind & Group Coaching Program.

Get ready to think bigger, dissolve limiting beliefs, & welcome an upgraded mindset to become the architect of your non-negotiable dreams.  Eliminate once and for all the hustle-and-grind mentality & step into a higher consciousness that magnetizes clients and opportunities to you.  Join our community of heart-centered CEOs and expand your high-vibe network with aligned partnerships, business collaborations and lifelong friends.

Catherine is a Master Certified Coach and bestselling author of Belonging: Overcome Your Inner Critic and Reclaim Your Joy.