Great point.

I'm at a stage with my business that I planned 3 years back at this point. This is my "success". Funny thing about success is that, if you're a true entrepreneur, you never quite feel successful. 3 years ago, my idea of success was making a sustainable and generous living for myself from my business. Now I am. But, what now? Success to me, now, is only defined by the business itself being self-sustaining. I want it to be more about me putting the hours in and making a living. I want the business to be able to go on with or without me while still throwing back a nice residual. I'll get there. But once I do, I'm sure my definition will change again.

That's one of my thoughts about success. The next is this fear topic you mentioned. I never was afraid, but now I am. Imagine this: you always dream of having that great, prospering business. After a long struggle, you do, but in the process, you realize you gave up a lot of other things. This is happening to me and it's a huge reality check. The struggle NOW is - where do I go from here? Do I give up one kind of success for another? Do I plow on and forget about other ambitions I once had?

I think the most important thing you can do to avoid having your fears come true is to plan for success. Plan for good balance, plan for the changes that will take place, etc. Then - and this is most important - ask yourself if that's really what you want - not just monetarily, but on a personal level.

A lot of entrepreneurs use success as a redemption factor - they couldn't play sports, they couldn't get the girl, so they will rule in business and it will feel great. But the ones that are truly happy don't use their start-ups to redeem themselves, but rather to supplement an already healthy lifestyle. Remember that, and you have nothing to be afraid of.
Anthony | 09.25.06 - 11:27 pm | #