I’ve always been intrigued by the minds of entrepreneurs. It takes a lot of guts, perseverance, skill, and a shit ton of failure (lessons) to be an entrepreneur. I’ve often wondered what makes other entrepreneurs tick? What’s their biggest driving force or their internal inspiration? What makes them different from “everyone else?”
Let’s face it, those questions are way too deep for a blog post.
But this next question, ooooohhhh this question, it reveals a different type of depth. It’s the root of the phrase, “shoulda, coulda, woulda” for some. For others, this question brings out a sense of hope and optimism, that they maybe once lacked.
I tapped into my network and asked over 60 people from 3 different continents, 5 different countries, and 29 different states to answer this one question:
If you could give your younger self ONE piece of advice, what would it be?
And with all transparency, honesty, and for some- no filter… they answered.
Here are my top 10 favorite answers:
Step into your power and recognize your own personal strength, beauty, and self-worth. Do this and nothing can stop you. -Sophie Jaffe, The Philosophie
Don’t let other peoples perceptions, ideas, suggestions, or comments, effect what you truly want to do with your life… Remember – “Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind” -Nate Buchan, World Nate
Do not quit. Whatever you do, do not quit. You will face hardship. I’m not going to lie to you. It’s not going to be easy. It’s not going to be fair. But you survive. Oh boy, do you survive. And it gets better. But you can’t give up. You can’t quit. You must carry on, and choose growth and freedom. –Kara Whaley, Business Strategist
Don’t doubt yourself -Norma Jean Belenky, Norma Jean Loves
It’s okay that you don’t know where you want to be in the next 5-10 years. Everything will change, whether you like it or not. You most likely will lose some or even most of your “friends” and keep a few. Life is what you make it. – Nicole Allard, Cobat Virtual
Your wildest ideas, could change the world. Do not fear failure, only fear inaction. Life is too short to wonder “what if?” Some people will understand your vision immediately, and others will never understand. You must show them. Above all, show yourself. You WILL fail, and you must accept that- but never accept failure for anything less than learning. -Jesse Alton, Alton Tech
Think big because anything is possible! The only restrictions in life are the ones I put on myself. –Kristen Nolan, Metabolism & Fitness Coach
Focus on what is truly important in life. No one lays on their deathbed and wishes they had worked more. Give your employer 100%, but don’t sacrifice the rest of your life for it. Love hose who will love you back. -Paul Critchley, New England Lean Consulting
Get the hell out of your own way otherwise you’ll spend entirely too much time making excuses for why you can’t do things instead of finding a way to make it happen. Stephanie Patterson, SR Photo Studio
Seek INTEGRITY with anything you do. By integrity, I’m referring to improving your behavior patterns when no one else is watching. All political, economical and religious influences aside, the only justification you need for your current actions is whether the outcome will be one step forward or two steps backward from your personal and/or professional goals. This will allow you to remain humble and objective, devote 100 percent of your undivided attention towards work/life priorities, and view obstacles as opportunities when they arise. Eric Burratty, Eric Burratty Fitness
And if I ever had to give myself one piece of advice it would be “Don’t lead with your head or your heart, trust the gut. Your intuition won’t misguide you.”
What would you tell your younger self? Share them with me in the comments below!
Need more positivity in your life? Check out my book, “Mind Love: Bite-Sized Thought Nuggets to Fuel Your Life” for inspiration!
To Your Success,
Lauren
