Brené Brown says it best, “If you aren’t in the arena getting your ass kicked on occasion, I’m not interested in your feedback.” The entrepreneurial journey is a rollercoaster – exhilarating highs and soul-crushing lows. One day you’re exceeding your expectations, the next, that big vision seems miles away. Sales might be booming, then suddenly plummet. Welcome to the Valley of Disappointment, a place every entrepreneur visits. Anyone who’s ever created something impactful has been there.
The positive? This valley isn’t the end of the road, it’s a temporary detour on your way back to the top. Here’s what I’ve learned from my own experiences in the valley:
Be Relentless in the Pursuit of your Goals and Dreams
Success takes relentless pursuit. I once read that successful entrepreneurs average 10 failed businesses. But instead of blindly throwing yourself at the wall, focus on consistent action and building habits that feed into your goals. Daily “reps” – reading a book on sales, spending 2 hours on cold outreach – may feel small, but they compound over time, moving you closer to your goals.
Keep Going, Even When You Feel Like What You’re Doing is Useless
Discouragement? Feeling silly posting to social platforms? Yeah… I’ve been there. It feels like you’re pouring your heart out to the void. But here’s what’s true: you’re not alone. Keep showing up, keep doing the work. Growth is rarely linear, it’s a slow burn. Be willing to do the work on your business, especially when it feels like no one is watching.
Learn from the Masters, But Forge Your Own Path
Books on business strategy are gold – a shortcut to wisdom gained through experience. But let’s not forget, experience is our ultimate teacher (ie. in the arena getting your ass kicked). Sometimes, you just need to jump in and learn as you go. There’s a time to follow the rules, but there’s also a time to break them and carve your own path. And when you believe in what your doing above all else, it feels so good to go against the system.
So after experiencing a few valleys of my own my life and career, I can assure you that The Valley of Disappointment is a badge of honor, a sign you’re taking risks and pushing boundaries. Everyone who’s ever built something great has been there.
The Valley of Disappointment: Every Entrepreneur’s Rite of Passage
