“Be True to Yourself”

There’s a timeless old saying, which we all have heard, and there’s a reason why. When you absolutely believe that your vision is right for you and the business you want to create is important, you are being true to yourself. Being able to express your vision to people is an important factor in launching your business. It’s also a crucial element in seeing it continue on as a success. Staying positive and upbeat about your vision will draw people in and keep your business popular.

But there’s a catch and a challenge to being true to yourself. Your parents, neighbors, school instructors and even counselors may not be so optimistic. There will always be naysayers and critics. Expect to confront people who question your abilities as a young entrepreneur. Unfortunately, this is more likely to happen to you as a female than if you were a male, especially if you are still in high school or college.

Negativism happens frequently to highly educated women who start and grow businesses in both non-traditional industries and industries known for being male-dominated. Keep your attitude positive and ignore the naysayers who insist you cannot accomplish your vision or that it’s impossible. These people are not going to be your customers. Do not let their criticism discourage you into quitting. You need to keep a positive attitude, otherwise, those classmates who make fun of your ideas will drag you down.

Words to Live By

You cannot soar with the eagles when you stay on the ground with the chickens and the turkeys. Eagles fly above all the others. Turkeys and chickens wander around the barnyard, unable to ever get past their fenced-in lives.  Your winning attitude will have you recognizing the changes as opportunities to grow, and will keep you on your path to a successful business.

Eleanor Roosevelt had this to say about being true to yourself:  “Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you’ll be criticized anyway. You will be damned if you do and damned if you don’t.”  Do the very best that is in you. Let change grow you and live your life according to your highest values and aspirations.